Patent ID: 7476862

Claim:
A method for detecting a heat source proximate a marine vessel, comprising the steps of: monitoring a first field of view in a first direction from a first sensing device; providing a first signal when a heat source is within said first field of view; monitoring a second field of view in a second direction from a second sensing device; providing a second signal when a heat source is within said second field of view; receiving said first and second signals; and determining the presence or absence of a heat source within a detection zone as a function of both of said first and second signals, said first sensing device comprising a first sensor and a second sensor, said second sensor being disposed closer to a centerline of said marine vessel than said first sensor, said second sensing device comprising a third sensor and a fourth sensor, said third sensor being disposed closer to said centerline of said marine vessel than said fourth sensor, said first, second, third, and fourth sensors being each configured to provide an individual signal representing the detection of said heat source within its individual field of view; providing an alarm signal in response of receipt of individual signals from at least one of said first, second, third, and fourth sensors; and refraining from providing said alarm signal in response to receipt of individual signals from only said second and third sensors.