Wide-angle infra-red detection apparatus
First Claim
1. Infra-red detection apparatus comprising an infra-red sensor array mounted in a housing, a focusing reflector system constructed and arranged in the housing to focus infra-red radiation received from a first range of distances onto the array, and a focusing refractor constructed and arranged in the housing to focus infra-red radiation from a second range of distances onto the array, the second distance range encompassing distances shorter than the first distance range, wherein the sensor array comprises at least three sensing elements or groups of sensing elements, which elements or groups are spaced apart transversely with respect to a lens axis of the focusing refractor, and wherein the focusing reflector system includes a multiple reflector having at least three reflector surfaces each oriented to direct incoming radiation to a different transverse position on the sensor array.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A passive infra-red detection apparatus is described, which comprises an infrared sensor array (16) mounted in a housing (10), and a focusing reflector system (20, 22) and focusing refractor (14) which focus infra-red radiation from different distance ranges onto the sensor array (16). The sensor array (16) comprises at least three sensing elements or groups of elements (16A, 16B, 16C) spaced apart transversely with respect to the lens axis of the focusing refractor (14). Thus in combination with a multiple reflector (20, 22) having at least three reflector surfaces and/or a multiple focusing refractor (14), the sensor array receives several different views spaced apart transversely thereby providing a wider viewing angle than the prior art construction. Thus, the present detector is more suited to use with a closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance system.
42 Citations
18 Claims
- 1. Infra-red detection apparatus comprising an infra-red sensor array mounted in a housing, a focusing reflector system constructed and arranged in the housing to focus infra-red radiation received from a first range of distances onto the array, and a focusing refractor constructed and arranged in the housing to focus infra-red radiation from a second range of distances onto the array, the second distance range encompassing distances shorter than the first distance range, wherein the sensor array comprises at least three sensing elements or groups of sensing elements, which elements or groups are spaced apart transversely with respect to a lens axis of the focusing refractor, and wherein the focusing reflector system includes a multiple reflector having at least three reflector surfaces each oriented to direct incoming radiation to a different transverse position on the sensor array.
Specification