Abstract: A space safety apparatus monitoring a volume of space encompassing a field of view (FOV) for detecting an intrusion including a gas or vapor, and includes a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) having mirror elements in a mirror array for reflecting infra-red (IR) energy beam collected from the FOV and an IR energy detector for detecting the IR energy reflected by the MEMS array and converting the IR energy to an output signal. A processor adjusts an angle of an element of the MEMS mirror array by varying a control signal, or by switching from one to another focusing element. The method includes detection in a volume of space by positioning a MEMS mirror array to reflect IR signal with respect to active elements of an IR detector; and collecting IR energy from an ith portion of the FOV.

Abstract: Apparatus for passive infrared sensing of an intruder that discriminates between signals corresponding to a human target and much larger signals may include first and second IR sensors, at least a first amplifier having a first voltage operating range. The first amplifier may be connected to the first IR sensor and the apparatus may further include at least a second amplifier having a second voltage operating range. The second amplifier may also be connected to the first IR sensor and the apparatus may further include a comparator for comparing the respective outputs of the first and second amplifiers to predetermined values.

Abstract: Apparatus for remotely changing the sensitivity of a sensor in a security system which includes at least a first sensor having at least first and second outputs corresponding respectively to first and second sensitivity settings, and programmable apparatus cooperating with the first and second outputs of the first sensor. The programmable apparatus is programmable to operatively connect one of the first and second outputs. The apparatus also includes a transmitter coupled to the sensor for transmitting the output of the sensor to an associated security system alarm panel. The invention also includes the method for remotely changing the sensitivity of a sensor in a security system which includes providing at least a first sensor having at least first and second outputs corresponding respectively to first and second sensitivity settings, providing a programmable apparatus for operatively connecting one of the first and second outputs of the first sensor.

Abstract: A dual technology glass breakage detector for a security system that detects the breaking of glass in a window or door without generating false alarms caused by similar types of sounds. The dual technology glass breakage detector includes an acoustic sensor/audio processor for detecting a sound of breaking glass within a premises protected by the security system, and also a second impact sensor mounted on the glass window or door to verify that there was a physical/mechanical impact to the glass window or door before the security system annunciates an alarm signal.

Abstract: A MEMS based overhead garage door intrusion sensor for a security system, such as a residential/home security system, for detecting an intrusion through an overhead garage door. In one embodiment, a MEMS sensor accelerometer is mounted with a sensitive axis of the MEMS device, along which the MEMS device measures acceleration/gravity, pointing vertically downward towards the earth when the overhead garage door is closed, such that the MEMS sensor measures a 1 g acceleration/gravity force, and when the overhead garage door is open, the sensitive axis of the MEMS device points horizontally with respect to the earth, such that the MEMS sensor measures a 0 g acceleration/gravity force, such that the output of the MEMS sensor, indicating either a 1 g or a 0 g measured acceleration/gravity force, indicates whether the overhead garage door is respectively closed or open. Alternatively, the MEMS sensor can be a MEMS switch.

Abstract: A wireless security device, such as a door or window motion sensor, that can be mounted almost entirely within a recess of a door, window or frame, with only the antenna mounted on the surface of the door or window jamb. The wireless security device has a housing suitable for being embedded within a structure such as a door, window or frame. In the housing are a security sensor circuit adapted to generate an alarm signal when activated, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter connected to the security sensor circuit for transmitting an RF signal when the alarm signal is generated, and a power source (such as a battery, piezoelectric element, solar cell or fuel cell) for supplying operating power to the security sensor circuit and the RF transmitter. A substantially flat surface mountable strip is located in proximity to the housing and is suitable for being mounted outside (i.e. along the surface of the structure).

Abstract: A security system is disclosed for a protected space such as a residential or commercial premises that transmits a wireless RF video transmission to a wireless RF portable video monitor/display accessible to a homeowner/person prior to the person entering the security system protected premises. The portable video monitor can be mounted on the dashboard of the person's automobile to display the status of the security system and possibly video images provided by security system video cameras when the automobile is within range of the RF transmission, which can be a short range RF transmission, typically within visible range of the premises. This enables the person to review the status of the security system and video images before entering the premises to determine if it is safe to enter.

Abstract: A method of operating a control panel in a security system that includes a door entry security device in a housing suitable for mounting within a recess of a doorjamb or door of a premises. The control panel is programmed to register a system arm/disarm device and a door closure device, both with the same identification number, such that the control panel recognizes that identification number to be associated with a door entry security device. In the even that the control panel receives, while in an armed state, an alarm signal from a security device in the security system and then receives a system disarm message, then the control panel determines if the system disarm message was received from a system arm/disarm device that has been registered as a door entry security device.

Abstract: A filter for eliminating the effects of fluorescent lights on microwave transceivers uses a digital comb filter to eliminate signals at the AC power line frequency and its harmonics. A preferred embodiment has an A/D converter or sampler for sampling and digitizing an output signal from a microwave transceiver. The digitized signal is processed by a processor which implements the digital comb filter by performing a recursion equation. The inventive filter may also have a selector for selecting the sampling frequency. By selecting a desired sampling frequency, the filter may be easily adapted to filter out a different AC power line frequency. Thus, the inventive filter is easily adaptable for use in different countries having different AC power line frequencies.