Infrared intrusion detector

An improved infrared intrusion detector is provided which conveniently and expeditiously monitors two fields of view by use of a single sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the improved intrusion detector monitors fields of views which are substantially orthogonal in a nonobvious manner. It is nonobvious in that an aperture is provided in a housing which permits radiation from a second field of view to enter the housing. Internal optical elements are provided to direct this incident radiation from the second field of view onto a sensor used for the first field of view. The internal optical elements are protected from the environment and do not give advance warning that a second field of view is monitored. Generally, the second field of view is below the intrusion detector to detect unauthorized activity in a dead zone below the detector.

What is claimed is:

1. In an infrared intrusion detection device having a first field of view including a first optical path having a fresnel lens array disposed in front of an infrared radiation sensor to direct incident radiation directly onto the sensor, the improvement comprising:

a housing encompassing a portion of the first optical path, said portion including the lens array and the sensor;

said housing having a first and a second aperture, with said first aperture disposed to provide the first field of view and the second aperture disposed to provide a second field of view at least about ninety degrees to the first field of view, said aperture permitting incident infrared radiation received from said second field of view to enter said housing along a second optical path; and

an optical element disposed in said housing along said second optical path, said optical element directing said incident infrared radiation received from said second field of view to said sensor.

2. An infrared intrusion detector of the type having a first fresnel lens array directing incident infrared radiation along a first optical path from a first field of view to an infrared radiation sensor, comprising:

a housing incorporating the first fresnel lens array and the infrared radiation sensor, said housing having a first and a second aperture with said first aperture disposed to provide the first field of view and the second aperture disposed to permit incident infrared radiation from a second optical path to enter said housing, said second optical path included in a second field of view at least about ninety degrees to the first field of view; and

an optical element, disposed within said housing and along said second optical path, oriented to direct said incident infrared radiation received through said aperture from said second field of view to said infrared radiation sensor.

3. The infrared intrusion detector of claim 2 wherein said optical element directs said incident infrared radiation directly onto said infrared radiation sensor.

4. The infrared intrusion detector of claim 2 wherein said optical element comprises a reflective assembly.

5. The infrared intrusion detector of claim 2 and further comprising:

a second fresnel lens array disposed in said second field of view over said aperture.

6. A radiation detector, comprising:

a sensor having a detecting surface and a first field of view perpendicular to said detecting surface;

a housing with a first and a second aperture, said first aperture disposed to permit radiation substantially along said first field of view to directly illuminate said sensor; and

an optical element disposed within said housing for receiving radiation through said second aperture from a second field of view and directing said received radiation from said second aperture to illuminate said sensor.

7. The radiation detector of claim 6 wherein said second field of view is disposed substantially ninety degrees relative to said first field of view.

8. The radiation detector of claim 6 wherein said second field of view is disposed at least ninety degrees relative to said first field of view.

9. The radiation detector of claim 6 wherein said second field of view is disposed greater than ninety degrees relative to said first field of view.

10. A radiation detector, comprising:

a sensor having a detecting surface and a first field of view perpendicular to said detecting surface;

a housing having an aperture disposed for permitting radiation substantially along said first field of view to directly illuminate said sensor; and

an optical element disposed within said housing for receiving radiation from a second field of view at least about ninety degrees relative to said first field of view and directing said received radiation from said second field of view to illuminate said sensor.

11. The radiation detector of claim 10 wherein said second field of view is disposed greater than ninety degrees relative to said first field of view.