Login| Sign Up| Help| Contact|

Patent Searching and Data


Title:
DUAL-MIRROR TWO-FINGERED LOOKDOWN OPTICAL DETECTOR ASSEMBLY
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2003/069570
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
A two-zone lookdown optical detector (10) providing increased false alarm immunity and a high sensitivity to intrusion events for a given input beam cross-section area. A reflector assembly (12) within the invention is adapted for use with a dual-element detector (18). A first (24) and second detector element (26) within the dual-element pyroelectric detector are coupled in opposing polarity to be substantially unresponsive to optical energy received in common by the detectors. The reflector assembly (12) is configured with at least two focal points that each simultaneously direct light from each of the detection zones (44, 46) onto separate detector elements. The dual-focal point reflector assembly increases the amount of optical energy registered by each element of the detector for a given beam cross-section being received, such as through a housing aperture (48) or transmissive window. The increase in registered optical energy may be up to double that of a conventional single focal point reflector assembly.

Inventors:
MCKENNEY DAVID I
Application Number:
PCT/US2003/004556
Publication Date:
August 21, 2003
Filing Date:
February 12, 2003
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
HONEYWELL INT INC (US)
International Classes:
G08B13/191; G08B13/193; (IPC1-7): G08B/
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
O'banion, John P. (Suite 1550 400 Capitol Mal, Sacramento CA, US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for detecting optical energy changes within either of first or second nonoverlapping intrusion detection zones, comprising: a reflector assembly; said reflector assembly having a first reflective surface configured to focus on a first detection area associated with said first detection zone; said reflector assembly having a second reflective surface configured to focus on a second detection area associated with said second detection zone; and means for generating an intrusion signal in response to optical energy differentially registered on said first and second detection areas.
2. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for generating an intrusion signal is responsive to optical energy differences between said first and said second detection areas, while being substantially unresponsive to optical energy simultaneously received on said first and said second detection areas.
3. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said reflector assembly is configured to focus optical energy from both first and second reflective surfaces upon either the first or second optical detection area in response to optical energy received within either said first or said second nonoverlapping intrusion detection zone.
4. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for generating an intrusion signal comprises: a first optical detector; a second optical detector positioned proximal to and coupled in opposing polarity to said first optical detector; an amplifying circuit for amplifying the difference signal between said first and said second optical detector; and a threshold circuit for generating an intrusion signal in response to an excursion of said difference signal crossing a intrusion threshold.
5. An apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein said threshold circuit comprises a upper threshold comparator and a lower threshold comparator for generating an intrusion alert signal when said difference signal crosses either comparator.
6. An apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein said first and said second optical detector are packaged in a single integrated circuit.
7. An apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein the centers of said first and said second optical detectors are positioned within one half inch of one another.
8. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said reflector surfaces comprises curved reflective surfaces.
9. An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said curving reflecting surfaces have a spherical curvature.
10. An apparatus for detecting optical energy changes within either of two intrusion detection zones, comprising: an optical detector; said optical detector having a first detection element and a second detection element proximal one another and coupled with opposing polarity ; and a reflector assembly ; said reflector assembly having a plurality of reflector surfaces; said reflector surfaces having separate focal points that are positioned to simultaneously direct optical energy being received from each of said intrusion detection zones onto a corresponding one of said detection elements.
11. An apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein said reflector surfaces are configured to simultaneously direct optical energy to the respective said first and said second detection elements to increase the amount of optical energy registration from said first or said second intrusion detection zone.
12. An apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein said reflector surfaces are positioned above said optical detection elements to reflect optical energy from said intrusion detection zones down into said optical detector.
13. An apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein each of said reflector surfaces comprises a curved reflective surface.
14. An apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said curved reflective surface follows a spherical curvature.
15. An apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein said reflector assembly comprises two of said reflector surfaces which are each configured for collecting optical energy over a given arc corresponding to one of said two zones.
16. An apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein said reflector assembly is configured to direct said optical energy from a first intrusion detection zone which does not overlap a second intrusion detection zone.
17. An apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein each of said reflector surfaces comprises a curved reflective surface.
18. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein said curving reflecting surface has a spherical curvature for directing optical energy.
19. An apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein said first and second detection elements are in close proximity to one another.
20. An apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein said first and said second detection elements comprise pyroelectric detectors.
21. An apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the centers of said first and second detection elements are separated by approximately one half inch or less.
22. An apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein said first and said second detection elements within said optical detector are integrated within a single electronic device package.
23. An apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein said opposing polarity coupling of said detection elements is configured for responding to differences arising in optical energy received from said two zones, while being largely unresponsive to optical energy changes received in common on both of said zones.
24. An apparatus for detecting optical energy changes within a first and second nonoverlapping intrusion detection zones, comprising: an optical detector; said optical detector comprising a first and second detection element which are coupled in opposing phases to cancel commonmode signals ; and a reflector assembly ; said reflector assembly comprising a first and second reflective surface which provides distinct focal points that are positioned to simultaneously direct optical energy from said zones onto said first detection element and said second detection element so as to increase the amount of optical energy which may be registered.
25. An apparatus as recited in claim 24, wherein said reflector assembly is positioned in relation to said optical detector for providing lookdown detection within said first and said second nonoverlapping intrusion detection zones.
26. An apparatus as recited in claim 24, wherein said reflective surface is a curved reflecting surface.
27. An apparatus as recited in claim 26, wherein said curved reflecting surface has a generally spherical curvature for directing optical energy.
28. An apparatus as recited in claim 24, wherein said first and second detection elements are in close proximity to one another.
29. An apparatus as recited in claim 28, wherein the centers of said first and second detection elements are separated by approximately one half inch or less.
30. An apparatus as recited in claim 28, wherein said first and second detection elements within said optical detector are integrated within a single electronic device.
31. An apparatus as recited in claim 24, wherein said detection elements comprise pyroelectric detectors.
32. An apparatus as recited in claim 24, wherein said optical detector comprises a dualelement pyroelectric detector.
33. An apparatus as recited in claim 24, wherein said first and said second detection elements are configured for being substantially unresponsive to optical energy changes simultaneously received by said first and said second detection elements.
34. An apparatus as recited in claim 24, wherein said apparatus is configured for generating an output signal in response to differential zone discrimination without the necessity of utilizing two separate optical detectors.
35. An apparatus as recited in claim 24, further comprising: a housing for retaining said optical detector and said reflector assembly ; and an optically transmissive region in said housing configured for allowing optical energy to pass from said first and said second nonoverlapping intrusion detection zones to said reflector assembly which directs said optical energy to said first and said second detection elements, respectively.
36. In an optical reflector assembly for use with a dualelement optical detection device which registers changes in optical energy being received from two separate detection zones, the improvement comprising: incorporating multiple reflective regions within said optical reflector which focus optical energy from each of the separate nonoverlapping detection zones onto respective first and second detection elements to increase the registration of optical energy from said zones.
37. An improved optical reflector assembly as recited in claim 36, wherein said reflector surface has a generally spherical curvature for directing optical energy.
38. An improved optical reflector assembly as recited in claim 36, wherein said first and said second detection elements are connected in opposing phase with one another wherein commonmode signals are substantially rejected.
39. An improved optical reflector assembly as recited in claim 36, wherein said first and second detection elements are integrated within a single electronic device package.
40. An improved optical reflector assembly as recited in claim 36, wherein said first and said second detection elements comprise a dualelement pyroelectric detector.
41. An improved optical reflector assembly as recited in claim 36, wherein said multiple reflective regions are configured to receive optical energy from two separate nonoverlapping zones through an optically transmissive aperture within a housing for said optical reflector assembly.
42. An optical reflector configured for the direction of light toward the detection elements of a dualelement detector as received from two separate detection zones, comprising: at least two curving reflective regions of a reflector assembly, having separate focal points, that are adapted to simultaneously direct optical energy from said separate detection zones to each of said detection elements to increase the registration of optical energy.
43. An optical reflector as recited in claim 42, wherein curving reflecting regions are configured for simultaneously directing optical energy from said at least two curving reflective regions to the respective detector elements to increase the amount of optical energy registered for a given detection beam crosssectional area.
44. An optical reflector as recited in claim 42, wherein each of said reflective regions comprises a curved reflecting surface.
45. An optical reflector as recited in claim 44, wherein said curved reflecting surface comprises a spherical curvature.
46. A method of performing lookdown intrusion detection within two separate intrusion detection zones, comprising: receiving optical energy from a first detection zone and a nonoverlapping second detection zone on a reflector assembly having a first and second reflector ; focusing optical energy, received from said first detection zone upon said first and said second reflector, toward a first detection element within a dualelement optical detector; focusing optical energy, received from said second detection zone upon said first and said second reflector, toward a second detection element within said dual element optical detector; and registering the differential signal generated by said first element and said second element of said dualelement optical detector and conditioning the resultant signal as an output which is indicative of the presence, or absence, of an intruder within one of said detection zones.
47. A method as recited in claim 46: wherein said first element and said second element of said dualelement optical detector are connected in opposite polarity ; and wherein said differential signal is generated in response to the differences in optical energy focused on said first and said second detector elements.
48. A method as recited in claim 46, wherein said output is a binary output indicating that either an intruder has been detected, or has not been detected.
49. A method as recited in claim 46, wherein said received optical energy is focused according to a spherical reflection profile.
50. A method as recited in claim 46, wherein said first detection zone does not overlap said second detection zone.
Description:
DUAL-MIRROR TWO-FINGERED LOOKDOWN OPTICAL DETECTOR ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention pertains generally to optical motion detectors used in alarm systems, and more particularly to a high sensitivity optical detector assembly with two separate detection zones below the detector.

2. Description of the Background Art Motion sensing intrusion alarm systems often employ optical detectors for registering radiation energy received from a detection area (e. g. , zone). The optical detectors used are often capable of registering receipt of radiation within portions of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum that can extend from shallow ultraviolet past the visible light spectrum and into the infrared region. One such detector is a pyroelectric detector, which is a detector designed for registering radiation energy within the infrared spectrum. However, pyroelectric detectors can be slow, and typically have a frequency response ranging from approximately 0.05 Hz to 5 Hz.

The output of a pyroelectric detector is typically a steady DC voltage when no incident infrared energy impinges on the detector, and low-noise amplifiers which provide gains ranging from approximately 3,000 to 10,000 are often required.

A number of security applications exit where the conventional detection field geometry of an optical detector is not suitable to the application. In one such application, it is desirable to provide a detection field beneath the motion sensor, often referred to as lookdown detection, so that intruders approaching from beneath the unit, or sliding along a wall, are readily detected. Detectors without a lookdown capability typically need to be utilized in pairs, referred to as"doubling up", wherein each sensor monitors the area under the opposing sensor. Since"doubling up" doubles the cost of physical equipment, wiring, and equipment setup costs it is not a popular approach.

Current lookdown detectors are generally configured with a sensor, such as a pyroelectric detector, which receives light that arrives through an optically transmission region in the housing and is directed onto the sensor from a conventional or Fresnel mirror. These lookdown sensors are subject to a number of

drawbacks, including cost and packaging considerations for the mirror assembly, lack of sensitivity, and a lack of false alarm immunity. Detector devices may provide one or more zones of protection, with some having multiple lookdown zones. For example, a detector with two lookdown zones is often referred to as a two-fingered lookdown detector. However, false alarm immunity is still often problematic.

Accordingly, a need exists for a two-fingered lookdown detector that does not require the use of separate motion detectors and which has a high degree of immunity to false alarms. The present invention satisfies those needs, as well as others, and overcomes deficiencies in previously developed solutions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a dual-mirror two-fingered lookdown detector for use in motion detector applications in which high false alarm immunity is desired. The present invention detects optical energy changes within either of two quasi-parallel zones and is particularly well-suited for use as a lookdown detector on motion detector systems that are subject to registering optical energy received from the detection zones within beams having a restricted cross-sectional area, such as by a beam size whose surrounding housing is configured with a narrow aperture, or similar optically transmissive region, through which the optical energy is received.

The present invention provides increased false alarm immunity, wherein fewer spurious false alarms are generated in response to common mode signals, such as ambient light changes, power-line transients, or physical impacts which may occur as a result of debris or insects striking the sensor element within the detector. The increased common-mode rejection of the present two-fingered lookdown is provided by connecting the sensors for each of the two zones in opposing polarity so that common mode signals from the devices are substantially cancelled out.

The two-zone detector of the invention may be utilized in a number of applications, such as to create a lookdown style detector having separate non- overlapping optical detection zones that may be utilized in applications that could otherwise require the use of multiple motion detectors. The two-zone optical detector assembly of the invention comprises a reflector assembly having first and second reflecting regions having two separate, distinct, focal points which focus

optical radiation from two separate zones onto elements within a dual-element optical detector. The dual-element optical detector is preferably integrated within a single electronic device package, such as a TO-5 package or similar, which facilitates matching of the electrical characteristics of each detector. The elements within the dual-element detector are connected in opposing polarity so that common mode optical energy is substantially cancelled out to increase false alarm immunity.

It should be appreciated that the reflector may comprise multiple reflective surfaces which collectively are separately aligned in relation with the detector elements, such that optical energy is simultaneously directed from both detection zones onto each of the detector elements. Aligning the two focal points in relation to each of the dual detector elements increases the amount of reflected energy being received at each detector element, up to double that which would be received for a conventional single focus reflective assembly. The increased signal levels being received improve the sensitivity of lookdown detection. Alternatively, the invention may utilize separate single-element optical detectors instead of a dual detector unit, although the configuration may result in a lowered common mode rejection ratio and/or increasing cost.

The surface of the reflector assembly is preferably implemented as a mirrored surface for reflecting optical radiation, such as from within the visible and infrared spectrum. Preferably, the reflecting surfaces comprise curved surface reflectors; however, Fresnel reflectors may be alternatively utilized that are substantially optically equivalent without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Optical energy received from an object within either of the two detection zones is focused by both mirror portions onto a single detection element within the dual- element detector. It will be appreciated that additional optical signal power, such as up to double the amount, is therefore made available at the optical detector to increase intrusion sensitivity. Optical signal concentration is particularly beneficial when the detector system is subject to the limitation of a narrow optically transmissive region through which the optical energy must be received from each of the detection zones.

In a preferred embodiment, the dual-element detector is exemplified as a dual-element pyroelectric detector, however, other forms of detection sensing may

be provided to sense changes in the visible, near-infrared, and infrared spectral regions for detecting physical objects, especially humans, within two detection zones.

Positioned in relation to the dual-element detector are a pair of reflectors which simultaneously focus beams of received optical energy from both zones onto each of the detector elements. The reflectors may comprise curving reflector elements, or Fresnel segments, to direct the optical energy from the intrusion detection zone to the dual-element detector. Although a number of forms of reflectors may be utilized, spherically curved mirrors are described in the preferred embodiment as the natural spherical aberration blurs the image to aid in spreading the area covered within each detection zone more than occurs with the use of a parabolic reflector. In addition, spherical reflectors are less expensive to manufacture while they provide increased tolerance to misalignment.

The elements within the dual element detector are connected in opposing phases (polarities), positive and negative, wherein the receipt of equal levels of optical energy from the detection zones (common mode optical energy) is canceled out (nulled) so that the output is substantially unresponsive to common mode signals which are"non-indicative"of intrusion. These common mode signals, therefore, are substantially ignored as a result of the differential sensing within the present invention, which increases detector false alarm immunity. The output amplitude from the detector increases as the difference between the optical signal received at each opposing-polarity detector element increases. An alarm condition may then be discerned by comparing the output from the detector with one or more threshold limits so that a binary signal may be generated in response to the respective presence, or absence, of an intruder. It will be appreciated, however, that the output signal may be generated by the present invention in a number of forms, such as analog, digital serial interface, digital parallel interface, over a bus, and so forth without departing from the present invention.

The direction of intruder motion may also be discerned within the present invention by observing the polarity of the signal at the threshold condition. The direction may be utilized for correlating signals from multiple detectors, wherein the overall system sensitivity and false alarm immunity may be improved.

By way of example and not of limitation, the two-zone detector may be

configured with a dual-element pyroelectric detector over which a pair of spherical reflectors are positioned to direct optical energy from a beam region, detection zone, associated with the subtended arc of each reflector onto the pyroelectric detection elements. The resultant two-finger lookdown detector provides enhanced sensitivity to movement across the two zones while reducing false alarms triggered by common mode optical radiation and common events.

In one embodiment an apparatus for detecting optical energy changes within either of first or second non-overlapping intrusion detection zones according to the invention comprises a reflector assembly having a first reflective surface configured to focus on a first detection area associated with the first detection zone and a second reflective surface configured to focus on a second detection area associated with the second detection zone, and means for generating an intrusion signal in response to optical energy differentially registered on said first and second detection areas.

According to one aspect of the invention, the means for generating an intrusion signal is responsive to optical energy differences between said first and said second detection areas, while being substantially unresponsive to optical energy simultaneously received on said first and said second detection areas. According to another aspect of the invention, the means for generating an intrusion signal comprises a first optical detector, a second optical detector positioned proximal to and coupled in opposing polarity to said first optical detector, an amplifying circuit for amplifying the difference signal between said first and said second optical detector, and a threshold circuit for generating an intrusion signal in response to an excursion of said difference signal crossing a intrusion threshold.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for detecting optical energy changes within either of two intrusion detection zones according to the present invention comprises an optical detector having a first detection element and a second detection element proximal one another and coupled with opposing polarity, and a reflector assembly having a plurality of reflector surfaces where the reflector surfaces have separate focal points that are positioned to simultaneously direct optical energy being received from each of said intrusion detection zones onto a corresponding one of said detection elements.

In another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for detecting optical energy changes within a first and second non-overlapping intrusion detection zones according to the present invention comprises an optical detector having a first and second detection element which are coupled in opposing phases to cancel common- mode signals, and a reflector assembly having a first and second reflective surface which provides distinct focal points that are positioned to simultaneously direct optical energy from said zones onto said first detection element and said second detection element so as to increase the amount of optical energy which may be registered.

A still further aspect of the invention is an optical reflector assembly for use with a dual-element optical detection device which registers changes in optical energy being received from two separate detection zones that incorporates multiple reflective regions within said optical reflector which focus optical energy from each of the separate non-overlapping detection zones onto respective first and second detection elements to increase the registration of optical energy from said zones.

A still further aspect of the invention is an optical reflector configured for the direction of light toward the detection elements of a dual-element detector as received from two separate detection zone that comprises at least two curving reflective regions of a reflector assembly, having separate focal points, that are adapted to simultaneously direct optical energy from said separate detection zones to each of said detection elements to increase the registration of optical energy.

A further aspect of the invention is a method of performing look-down intrusion detection within two separate intrusion detection zones, comprising receiving optical energy from a first detection zone and a non-overlapping second detection zone on a reflector assembly having a first and second reflector, focusing optical energy, received from said first detection zone upon said first and said second reflector, toward a first detection element within a dual-element optical detector, focusing optical energy, received from said second detection zone upon said first and said second reflector, toward a second detection element within said dual-element optical detector, and registering the differential signal generated by said first element and said second element of said dual-element optical detector and conditioning the resultant signal as an output which is indicative of the presence, or absence, of an

intruder within one of said detection zones.

An object of the invention is to provide a two-zone optical detector capable of differential zone discrimination without the necessity of utilizing two separate motion detectors.

Another object of the invention is to provide two zones of detection having enhanced signal strength in relation to a given cross-sectional area for each of the two beams of optical energy being received.

Another object of the invention is to reduce the cost of detecting motion in two separate zones.

Another object of the invention is to reduce the cost of detecting motion in two non-overlapping zones.

Another object of the invention is to provide a two-zone detector that may utilized separately or integrated within additional detector assemblies within a motion detection system.

Another object of the invention is to provide a two-zone detector wherein precise alignment between reflector and detector is not necessary.

Another object of the invention is to provide zone detection with high immunity to common mode signals and events such as ambient optical variations, power fluctuations, and impacts.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only : FIG. 1 is a front view of an optical detector over which a pair of curving reflectors are positioned according to an embodiment of the present invention to direct optical energy from each of two detection zones.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a spherically curved reflector according to an aspect of the present invention, shown with spherical radius and focal point.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of lookdown angle with optical energy being reflected by a reflector assembly onto a detector according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of off-angle detection to the left of center according to an aspect of the present invention showing radiation being reflected from both reflector segments onto a single detection area.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of off-angle detection to the right of center according to an aspect of the present invention showing radiation being reflected from both reflector segments onto a single detection area.

FIG. 6 is a diagram in plan view of the two detection zones (positive and negative) according to an aspect of the present invention and shown with interspersed"no signal"areas within which intrusion detection is not provided.

FIG. 7 is a ray-tracing diagram of radiation from the detection field being reflected onto the dual detection areas within the dual-element detector according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a ray-tracing diagram of radiation from the right-side detection zone within the detection field that is reflected onto the dual detection areas within the dual-element detector according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a ray-tracing diagram of radiation from the left-side detection zone within the detection field that is reflected onto the dual detection areas within the dual-element detector according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a schematic of the two-zone detector according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a conditioning circuit block and an amplification circuit block.

FIG. 1 OB is a schematic of the two-zone detector of FIG. 10A, showing a threshold detection circuit block and a drive circuit block.

FIG. 11 is a schematic of a dual-element pyroelectric detection circuit according to an aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 11. It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and

as to details of the parts, and that the method may vary as to the specific steps and sequence, without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 depicts a two-zone detector embodiment 10 having a reflector assembly 12 with reflector regions 14,16, that direct radiation being received from two intrusion detection zones onto a dual-element detector 18, having a window 20 with center 22 and a pair of detector elements 24,26. Reflector assembly 12 directs radiation from each of the zones along reflection directions 28,30, toward respective detector elements 24,26. Reflector assembly 12 is adapted with reflector regions 14,16, to provide separate focal points which are positioned in relation to detector elements 24,26, onto which optical energy from each of the detection zones is simultaneously reflected by each of the reflector regions 14,16.

The use of the distinct focal points, positioned in relation to the detectors, increase the amount of optical energy being registered by the detectors for a given sized beam cross-section which reaches reflector assembly 12 from the two detection zones. It will be appreciated that the two-zone detector 10 is typically integrated within a housing having apertures, or optically transmissive windows, through which beams of optical energy, having a given cross sectional area, are directed toward the reflector assembly 12.

Restrictions often apply to the size of the apertures/windows within the housing for providing lookdown detection. This limitation is addressed within the present invention by increasing the registered signal strength for a given sized aperture, or transmissive window, through which the optical energy is gathered. The two elements within the detector are positioned in close proximity to one another, preferably with their respective centers being separated by less than one half inch.

Preferably, the optical detector 16 comprises an inexpensive dual-element pyroelectric detector device, such as manufactured by Perkin-Elmer or Nippon wherein multiple detectors are not required.

FIG. 2 depicts a reflector region 16 preferably configured as a conventional spherical mirror. The curve of mirror 16 is shown following a radius 32 of sphere 34.

Radiation, such as infrared, visible, or ultraviolet, which travels along a substantially parallel path 36 to reflector 16, and is reflected to a focal point 38 at a focal distance 40 of reflector region 16.

FIG. 3 illustrates the two-zone lookdown detector sensing an area 42 beneath the detector. It will be appreciated that the curvature of the reflector and its position in relation to the detector determine the depth of the zones within which detection occurs. Furthermore, the zone angle may be altered by modifying the angle of mirror assembly 12.

FIG. 4 depicts off-angle detection to the left of center within a zone 44. It can be seen from the diagram that radiation is directed from each of the reflectors within reflector assembly 12, to one of the elements within the dual-element detector 18.

FIG. 5 illustrates a similar off-center detection to the right of center within a zone 46.

The combination of the mirrors and a differentially sensing set of detectors substantially increase the sensitivity and false alarm immunity. These benefits arise because the differential component is enhanced by the two mirrors which double up the energy impinging on a single detector element. In addition, the differential detector nulls out common mode events and signals, so that the signal generated by the opposing-polarity combination of detectors comprises only the difference signals of interest.

FIG. 6 shows two zones 44,46, within which detection is focused, and adjacent no-signal areas (NS) in which detection sensitivity is attenuated. The width of an aperture 48 through which the radiation is received is shown in the figure. The width of the aperture through which the optical energy from the detection zones is received is determined by the size of an aperture, or other form of transmissive path, through which a beam of optical energy from each of the detection zones reaches reflector assembly 12, for redirection toward detector 18. It will be appreciated that the use of mirrors 14,16, having separate focal points, allows for the concentration of more radiation onto the detector element for a transmissive path of a given cross- sectional area.

FIG. 7 through FIG. 9 depict rays of radiation traced from the detection zones being reflected by reflectors 14,16, onto the elements of the dual-element detector 18. FIG. 7 illustrates the receipt of radiation from both detection areas. It will be appreciated that optical energy is about equally distributed in FIG. 7 across the two detectors, which would result in a low amplitude detector output. For example changes in ambient lighting directed toward the detector would not create a

substantial response by the detector, while changes in optical energy to one side of the detector which are not matched in the other side will result in substantial signal levels being generated. FIG. 8 depicts receipt of radiation from the left zone, and FIG. 9 depicts receipt of the radiation from the right zone. Changes in received optical energy in these views are shown to be reflected from dual mirrors and directed at a single detector element, thereby increasing sensitivity and false alarm immunity.

It will be appreciated that the configuration of the two reflectors in relation to the dual-element detector provide for increasing the signal strength within the left and right detection zone while attenuating the signal strength received from areas outside of the two detection zones. The output of the dual, opposing phase, elements within the detector is typically the sum of the opposing phases, wherein common mode signals substantially cancel one another.

FIG. 10A and FIG. 1 OB exemplify a circuit 50a, 50b, for processing the output signal of a dual-element detector upon which optical energy from the two-fingered lookdown is directed by a reflector assembly having at least two focal points. The circuit depicted is an analog circuit, however, it should be appreciated that the zone detection signals may be processed in a number of alternative ways to determine the presence, or absence, of an intruder within the two detection zones. By way of example, signal processing of the dual-element detector may be implemented using other arrangements of analog circuits, digital signal processing circuits, microprocessor devices, and so forth, without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

The circuit 50a, 50b for the two-zone detector is depicted with four circuit blocks comprising the detector and conditioning circuit block 52, amplifier circuit block 54, threshold comparator circuit block 56, and drive circuit block 58. FIG. 10A illustrates detector and conditioning circuit block 52 and amplifier circuit block 54. A dual-element pyroelectric detector 60 is shown as a circuit block having an output stage 62, depicted as a FET, whose gate voltage is supplied by two parallel- connected sense elements 64,66 of opposing polarities. A number of dual-element pyroelectric detectors are available, such as those manufactured in TO-5 packages having a transparent window through which the radiation is received for detection.

Detector element 60 is biased with a DC voltage through resistor 68 and capacitor 70, and the output signal is conditioned with capacitor 72 and resistors 74,76, 78.

The signal from detector element 60 from conditioning circuit block 52 is then amplified within an amplifier circuit block 54 having a first low-frequency gain stage comprising low frequency op-amp 80 with feedback provided through resistor 82 and capacitor 84. Output of op-amp 80 is AC-coupled through capacitor 86 to a second low-frequency gain stage 90 which superimposes the detector signal on a DC bias voltage, such as a value equal to one-half of the supply voltage. The DC gain is determined by resistance 88 in relation to feedback resistor 92, and high frequency attenuation is provided by bypass capacitor 94 within the feedback path. It will be appreciated that second stage amplifier 90, amplifies the detector signal in relation to a center voltage, which may be derived from a resistive divider comprising resistors 96,98, as shown, or by utilizing other conventional methods, such as voltage reference sources. The difference signal generated by pyroelectric detector 60 is a positive or negative going signal excursion depending on which of the elements within the dual-element detector is receiving the majority of the optical energy. The present embodiment may be implemented with a quad op-amp, such as an LM324.

Capacitor 100 is a bypass capacitor to aid in filtering power supply ripple for the quad op-amp.

FIG. 1 OB illustrates the second half of the detector signal processing circuit 50b having a threshold comparator within circuit block 56, that is coupled to output circuit block 58. Signals are received within threshold comparator block 56 after amplification, and are filtered in response to series resistor 102 retained in parallel with capacitor 110. Threshold comparator 56 is configured as a window comparator having an upper and lower bound. Op-amp 112 is configured to detect an excursion of the signal beyond an upper threshold, while op-amp 114 is configured for detecting signal excursions which drop below a lower threshold.

The reference voltages for use in threshold comparison are derived from a resistive divider network comprising resistors 104,106, 108, connected between power and ground. When the signal level is between the two thresholds, then both op-amps which are implemented as comparators, are driven to a positive output which is blocked by diodes 116,118. If the upper threshold is exceeded, then op-

amp 112 swings to a negative output and sinks the positive transistor bias voltage divided between resistors 120,122. As a result, current flows through the emitter- base junction of transistor 124 of output circuit 58, activating the transistor allowing collector current to flow through the coil of an associated relay 126, or a similar output load. Similarly, if the signal input drops below the lower threshold, op-amp 114 swings to a negative output thereby activating output circuit 58. The engagement of contacts within relay 126, within the present embodiment, signals to equipment, such as an attached alarm system, that an intruder is present. Diode 128 is a protection diode which protects drive transistor 124 from the back EMF of the relay coil that arises when deactivating the relay.

It will be appreciated that relays are shown by way of example and not of limitation, and that a number of different output stages may be utilized within the present invention without departing from the teaching herein. For example, solid state relays, FETS, IGFETs, optoisolators, radio-frequency transmitter units, communication circuits, digital control circuits (which may incorporate microcontrollers, microprocessors, digital signal processing circuits) and so forth may be employed individually or in combinations. Furthermore, it should be generally appreciated that the exemplified circuit for implementing two-zone detection is provided by way of example, and that numerous alternative circuits may be configured by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates an equivalent circuit 130 for a dual-element pyroelectric detection circuit. It will be appreciated that utilizing an integrated dual-element detector, instead of discrete elements, can provide improved nulling of common mode optical energy, as a result of the typically more accurate matching of characteristics of the two elements.

The pyroelectric sensor crystals 132,134 are shown connected in parallel with opposite polarities. Sensor crystals 132,134, depicted as polarized capacitors having neutral center elements, are typically implemented with Lithium Tantalate crystals. When infrared light penetrates the filter and is absorbed by the Lithium Tantalate, the"capacitor"charges until the radiation is removed. By modifying crystal polarity top to bottom while connecting them in parallel, a"push-pull"effect is created. The crystals then control the behavior of a FET (Field Effect Transistor)

which provides the output signal. By way of example, at least two such dual-element pyroelectric sensors are produced at the time of this writing, one by Perkin-Elmer@ as P/N LHI-978, and another by Nippon Electric@ as P/N CSI-5.

A gate resistor 136 biases the gate of FET 138 while an EMI suppression capacitor 140 is connected from the FET source input to ground. It should be recognized that utilizing a pair of discrete detector elements requires spacing of the detector in close proximity, such as with centers separated by less than approximately one half inch. Furthermore, the use of a pair of discrete detector elements is less preferred due to problems with matching of characteristics, alignment and positioning issues, in addition to an increased cost factor.

The lookdown detector according to the invention provides a number of benefits over conventional detectors, and can be economically manufactured. An embodiment of the system was depicted with a pair of mirrors and a dual-element pyroelectric detector coupled to a detection circuit. It should be appreciated that the invention may be practiced with a number of reflector, sensor, and circuit variations without departing from the teachings of the present invention. By way of example, various forms of optical sensors or detectors may be coupled with opposing outputs for sensing changes in the optical energy being received from the detection zone while nulling common mode optical energy. Furthermore, evaluation of signals from the two-zone lookdown detector may be provided according to an alternative analog circuit, or be processed digitally after conversion to a digital signal stream received by digital circuits and/or microprocessors for determining intrusion conditions.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean"one and only one"unless explicitly so stated, but rather"one or more."All structural, chemical, and functional

equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U. S. C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase"means for." Table 1 Preferred values for circuit elements Reference No. Description Value 60 pyroelectric detector 68,70 resistor 390 Q 70,72 capacitor 100 pF 76 resistor 47 K# 78 resistor 1 KQ 80,90, 112,114 quad op-amp LM324 82 resistor 680 K# 84,94, capacitor 86 capacitor 100 p F 88 resistor 17. 4 gaz 92 resistor 1 MQ 96,98, 106 resistor 100 100 capacitor 0. 1, uF 102,120, 122 resistor 104,108 resistor 200 K# 110 capacitor 1000 pF 116,118, 128 signal diode 1N914 124 PNP transistor 2N3906 126 relay