Abstract: A method and apparatus in a smoke detector for comparing an analog signal voltage to a digital alarm threshold and for converting a digital sensitivity value to an analog test voltage. The analog signal voltage is converted to a digital value by: a) charging a capacitor at a first linear rate directly proportional to the analog signal voltage, for a predetermined time period; b) discharging the capacitor at a second predetermined linear rate to a predetermined threshold; c) counting during the discharging of the capacitor to establish a digital count representing the signal voltage; and, d) comparing the digital count to a an alarm threshold stored in the detector prior to its installation. The digital sensitivity value is converted to the analog test voltage by: charging the capacitor from the first predetermined voltage, at a predetermined rate, for a time period based on the sensitivity and a calibrated conversion factor. This charges the capacitor to an analog voltage representing the sensitivity.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for detecting glass breaking from an impact. Low frequencies are detected that are characteristics of the glass flexing from the impact, and high frequencies are detected that are characteristic of a) the sound of the impact and b) the glass breaking. An alarm signal is issued when the low and high frequencies occur in a predetermined sequence, and have appropriate durations, that are characteristic of glass breaking events. More specifically, the alarm sounds only when low frequencies are detected not before the high frequencies are first detected but within a predetermined time period after the first detection of the high frequencies.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for detecting glass breaking from an impact. Low frequencies are detected that are characteristics of the glass flexing from the impact, and high frequencies are detected that are characteristic of a) the sound of the impact and b) the glass breaking. An alarm signal is issued when the low and high frequencies occur in a predetermined sequence, and have appropriate durations, that are characteristic of glass breaking events. More specifically, the alarm signal is issued only when the detected low frequencies last for a minimum duration on a sliding scale related to their magnitude. Weaker signals must last longer.

Abstract: In a glass break detector, noise is removed by averaging the signal before it is analyzed for the characteristics that typically accompany glass breaking events. Low frequency signals, associated with glass flexing before it shatters, are isolated from repetitive or symmetrical noise in the same frequency range to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the detector, improving sensitivity to valid glass breaking events and reducing false alarms.

Abstract: A dual channel intrusion detection system comprising first and second radiation sensors. Each sensor has a pair of elements viewing adjacent zones of the protected area, the zones being slightly offset from each other in the direction of expected intruder movement. Sequence detection is provided for producing an intruder-present signal in response to simultaneous actuation of one element of each sensor when preceded by actuation of the other element of one of the sensors. Additional immunity from false triggering is obtainable if this sequence must be followed by actuation of the other element of the second sensor.

Abstract: An intrusion detection device which has an optically extended field of view substantially greater than 180 degrees is disclosed. The intrusion detection device includes a radiation sensor and an optical system for concentrating radiation onto the sensor from each of a plurality of discrete fields of view extending over a predetermined arc greater than 180 degrees. A lens system has a plurality of segments each with its own field of view. Reflectors within the field of view of each of a plurality of the lens segments are oriented to gather radiation from a predetermined field of view outside the field of view of the lens system and to reflect the gathered radiation onto the associated lens segment to be concentrated onto the sensor.

Abstract: A dual-tech intruder detection system includes a pair of intruder-detecting subsystems, each functioning to detect intrusion by a technology different from the other, and apparatus for activating an alarm in response to both subsystems detecting intrusion within a predetermined time interval. A supervisory circuit serves to detect a malfunction in one of the subsystems. Default apparatus, responsive to the output of the supervisory circuit, causes the alarm activating apparatus to activate an alarm in response to the still functioning subsystem's detection of intrusion.

Abstract: A shielded two-wire cable used to transmit signals from one or more remote receivers to a central signal processing unit in an energy-responsive system is simultaneously used to transmit from the signal processing unit to the receivers (a) a signal proportional to the system noise level, (b) a pulsating signal when the system noise exceeds a level indicative of a desired margin of safety, and/or (c) a steady-state signal when an alarm signal is generated by the signal processing unit.