Algorithms for cosmic flash recognition

The main aim of the "π of the Sky" project is all night monitoring of a large sky area in search for GRB optical counterparts. Contrary to the most of existing experiments, "π of the Sky" does not rely on satellite GRB triggers only, but independently detects optical flashes in the sky and later seeks an association with a satellite alert. This approach requires an efficient self-triggering system, capable of reducing the rate of flash candidates to an amount suitable for a human-eye analysis. This paper covers main aspects of our flash recognition algorithms, briefly describing main false event types that are encountered as well as cuts designed to eliminate them. Physical results based on the data gathered by the "π of the Sky" apparatus prototype during it's first year of operation are presented.