Patent US 5,774,569

A Single optical element that also provides the structural support between optical elements, the alignment stability between optical elements, the weatherized window (environmental enclosure), and minimizes, or eliminates, central obscuration for a distortion free, wide field of view (a panoramic .+-.80.degree.) optical surveillance system is disclosed. Simultaneously, the logic for a learn mode eliminates the need for programming "the location of detection zones" in the data processing system e.g. for a traffic surveillance and control systems, during or after installation of the system or for the off-line data processing. The synergism of these features enables complete real-time, e.g. within seconds after learn mode adaptation, traffic analysis and reporting of an entire multi-lane, omni-directional, non-orthogonal, traffic intersection, traffic circle or roadway from a single video surveillance system with no or minimal, programming knowledge on the part of the system installer or operator.