Abstract: A passive infrared detection system includes a reflective optical system comprising a focusing element (e.g. an elliptical or parabolic reflector) having an apparent focal length dependent upon the displacement of incident rays from the optical axis of such element, and a plurality of planar reflectors arranged at different angles with respect to such optical axis to provide the detection system with a plurality of different zones of detection, each having a different maximum detection range associated with it. According to the invention, the planar reflectors are arranged with respect to the focusing element so that each planar reflector cooperates with a different portion of the focusing element to project onto an IR detector located at the focus of such focusing element a relatively constant size image of a given target located at the maximum detection range associated with that planar reflector.

Abstract: A passive infrared detection system embodies a new three-element, single-channel, pyroelectric detector. For a given amount of motion by a target in a region under surveillance, the detector provides more complex signature information than conventional two-element detectors, thereby allowing the target to be more readily distinguished from spurious environmental or background sources. Owing to the geometry of the detector electrodes, the false-alarming effects produced by spurious stimuli common to all detector elements are reduced. The detector is particularly adapted for use in infrared detection systems of the type which use pulse-counting techniques to distinguish targets of interest from non-targets.

Abstract: An intruder detection system is provided with circuitry for reducing the risk of false alarms from spurious sources. Such circuitry comprises a pulse generator for producing current pulses of predetermined pulsewidth and amplitude each time the output of an intrusion detecting element exceeds or falls belows a preset threshold level, an integrating circuit for integrating the output of the pulse generator, threshold sensing means for activating an alarm when the integrator output exceeds a preset level, and a timing circuit for establishing a predetermined time interval and for discharging the integrating circuit in the event the integrator output fails to exceed such preset level within such predetermined time interval. According to a preferred embodiment, means are provided for resetting the time interval each time the detector output exceeds or falls below the selected threshold level.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dual technology intruder detection system which features a modular optical system by which the field of protection of one subsystem can be changed relative to the field of view of the other by merely altering the orientation of one optical module relative to another. Such modular optical system includes a multifaceted reflector having two sets of planar reflective facets. Depending on the orientation of such multifaceted reflector relative to a separate spherical reflector, two different fields of view are provided, whereby false alarm-producing can be avoided.

Abstract: A folded modular optical system adapted for use, for example, in a passive infrared intruder detection device for directing radiation from a plurality of discrete fields of view onto a radiation-sensitive detector comprises an elongated rectangularly-shaped spherical reflector and a multifaceted reflective element. The latter comprises a plurality of elongated, generally parallel, planar reflectors which serve to direct radiation onto different portions of the spherical reflector. To minimize the effects of spherical aberration, the planar reflectors are arranged so that the portions of the spherical reflector which they irradiate are substantially perpendicular to the longer dimension of the rectangularly-shaped spherical reflector. Preferably, each of the planar reflectors is canted relative to the others so that its field of view is substantially co-planar with those of the other planar reflectors.

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: Disclosed herein is a multiple field-of-view optical system which is adapted for use in electromagnetic radiation-responsive systems, e.g. in passive infrared intruder detection systems. The optical system features an array of optical wedges which are arranged and constructed to intercept radiation propagating toward an optical axis from a plurality of discrete fields of view and refract such radiation in a direction parallel to such axis. A reflective focusing element, preferably parabolic in shape and positioned on said axis, intercepts the radiation refracted by the wedge array and redirects it toward the reflector's focal point. According to a preferred embodiment, the reflective element and wedge array are mounted for relative movement to alter the direction of the various fields of view.

Abstract: An infrared radiation intruder detection system is disclosed which employs a unique pyroelectric detector array. The array comprises a pyroelectric plastic film having electrodes arranged on opposing surfaces to define a plurality of heat-sensitive capacitors connected in parallel. According to a preferred embodiment, the film of selected detector elements is poled to a polarity opposite that of the other elements to cause internal cancellation of signals due to events which affect an even number of detectors simultaneously.

Abstract: A single terminal detection system of the beam variety is provided with polarizing filters to sense "near-field" problems. One filter polarizes radiation reflected back to the transceiver component and a second filter, positioned within the transceiver, polarizes radiation before it is incident upon one of two radiation detectors. Circuitry, operatively coupled to the detectors, actuates an alarm in the event either an alarm condition or a near-field problem exists.

Abstract: An optical assembly comprising a spherically shaped optical module. A flexure member cooperates with a portion of a supporting housing to support the module for rotation in two mutually perpendicular planes. The assembly is particularly useful in photoelectric beam systems commonly known as "electric eyes".

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.

Abstract: A switch incorporated in a photoelectric intruder detection system provides a simple means for testing the system for a predetermined margin of safety from false alarm producing sources. Upon actuation of the switch, the sensitivity of the system is reduced by a predetermined factor, such factor representing a predesired margin of safety from false alarms. During installation of the system, the switch is actuated to reduce system sensitivity. Upon positioning the system components to provide a desired catch capability, the switch is deactuated, thereby increasing the system sensitivity to a level which provides a margin of safety equal to or greater than the amount of gain reduction effected by the switch.