WO2017189136A1

WO2017189136A1 - Scanning illuminator and optical incapacitation method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2017189136A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/024224
Authority: WO
Inventors: Loren P. Hoboy; Alexander J. YARMIE Jr.
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-04-29
Filing date: 2017-03-27
Publication date: 2017-11-02
Anticipated expiration: 2018-10-29
Also published as: JP2019515233A

Abstract

The present invention is an apparatus for optical disruption or illuminating a target area or space by sweeping a beam of electromagnetic radiation in a scanning motion across the desired target area to be illuminated or target to be optically disrupted. The apparatus has an assembly containing one or more electromagnetic radiation beam output apertures and houses; one or more illumination beam source engines; one or more beam scan engines that sweeps the beam across the target area in a scanning motion; one or more light beam shaping optical trains for shaping, collimating and transmitting an electromagnetic radiation beam pattern at a distance; an electronic control circuit regulating the power, current and/or voltage output to the one or more illumination beam source engines; a thermal management system for controlling temperature; and a power source.

Description

TITLE

SCANNING ILLUMINATOR AND OPTICAL INCAPACITATION METHOD AND

APPARATUS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is an international application claiming priority to U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 62/329,390 filed 29 April 2016

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR

DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[0003] Not applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A

COMPACT DISC

[0004] Not applicable

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for illuminance and luminous emittance luminescence light for illumination as well as for ocular disruption or interruption and visual incapacitation utilizing a modulated light source and scanning light beam.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for illuminating a target area or space by sweeping a beam of electromagnetic radiation in a scanning motion across one or more target areas, target spaces or target surfaces to be illuminated, thereby appearing to illuminate the target areas or surfaces with continuous light, as perceived by a human, animal, or detection equipment. The apparatus may also be utilized for illuminating one or more animal and/or human targets causing discomfort glare, disability glare, dazzling glare and scotomatic glare/flash-blindness/photostress incapacitation and/or disorienting and imbalance. The apparatus comprises an assembly having one or more electromagnetic radiation beam output apertures and houses one or more illumination beam source engines for generating an electromagnetic radiation beam(s); one or more beam scan engines for delivering a beam pattern that fully illuminates a target area by sweeping the beam across the target area in a scanning motion; one or more beam scan engines; one or more light beam shaping optical trains for shaping, collimating and transmitting the electromagnetic radiation beam generating a light beam pattern at a distance from the assembly; an electronic control circuit connected to the one or more illumination beam source engines for regulating or modulating the power, current and/or voltage output to the one or more illumination beam source engines; a thermal management system for maintaining the temperature of, and cooling, the one or more illumination beam source engines, the one or more beam scan engines and the electronic control circuit; and a power source connected to the electronic circuit or removably secured within the assembly.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a method of utilizing the apparatus for causing discomfort glare, disability glare, dazzling glare and scotomatic glare/flash- blindness/photostress incapacitation and/or disorienting and imbalance in a human or animal target. The method includes the steps of directing the apparatus at a target and activating the apparatus thereby illuminating the target.

[0008] All disclosures herein may apply to one or both illumination and optical disruption methods and apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Optical Incapacitation and Illumination

[0009] The apparatus herein disclosed and described provides an optical apparatus for providing discomfort glare, disability glare, dazzling glare and scotomatic glare/flash blindness/photostress incapacitation when targeted at one or more animal and/or human targets. In one aspect of the invention the apparatus comprises an assembly having a head portion, one or more light windows, and one or more optical systems for collimating and transmitting light to said target(s); one or more luminescence light generating sources providing the light in a spectral range of about 200nm to about 900nm secured within the assembly; a recycling optical system to recycle stray light, focus, collimate and project the light and the stray light at the targets; an electronic circuit connected to the one or more light generating sources and secured within the assembly, wherein the electronic circuit regulates and modulates the power, current or voltage output to the one or more light generating sources; a thermal management system interfacing with the one or more luminescence light generating sources and the electronic circuit to regulate the temperature of the luminescence light generating sources and the electronic circuit; and a power source connected to the electronic circuit and/or removably secured within the assembly. It will generally find optical incapacitation applications at a range greater than 4 meters to a target(s).

[0010] In a first embodiment, the luminescence generating light source is a photoluminescence, electroluminescent, cathodoluminescent, thermoluminescence or a combination of these luminescence generating light sources. The luminescent generating light source may be a phosphor light emitting diode (LED), a laser pumped LED, a nanowire led, laser-phosphor hybrid, a super luminescent light emitting diode (SLED), a nanotube, nano crystals, doped wave guide, quantum dots, scintillators, laser luminescent hybrid or a laser diode excited light source or any combination of these light sources. The light source may also be a white laser or combinations of colored lasers. The one or more luminescence light generating sources may provide light in a spectral range of about 440nm to about 600nm for human targets and in the spectral range of about 200nm to about 900nm for animal targets. Further the one or more luminescence light generating sources may: provide a peak spectral output at about 490mm to -540mm; deliver a constant beam of light or a flashing beam of light; deliver a flashing beam of light with a flash frequency in the range of about lHz to about 40Hz and a flash duration in the range of about .0005 seconds to about 1 second duration; produce a flash frequency that is randomized; produce light at greater than about 2,000Lux to about 10,000Lux at the one or more animal and/or human targets; be provided in an array; have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of about 70 to about 100; and provide greater than 3000 hours of luminous emittance at 80% or greater of the original luminous emittance.

[0011] In a second embodiment, the animal or human targets are impaired by glare obfuscation or flash blindness, where day-time Optical Disruption requires approximately 10-12 times more illuminance than night-time employment.

[0012] In a third embodiment, the recycling optical system increases the luminescence emission's spectral output to produce increased light output intensity. [0013] In a fourth embodiment, the one or more optical systems for collimating and transmitting light may contain an condensing, PCX, DCX, aspheric or Fresnel lens to collimate and focus light emission within an angle of about 0.25 degrees to about 180 degrees full angle. The one or more optical systems for collimating and transmitting light may provide a beam of light less than about 36 square millimeters. A beam of light exiting the Scan Engine (FIG. 3 (4)) can be passed through an Optical Beam Shaping Optic (FIG. 3 (5) comprising a linear Fresnel lens to shape the beam to illuminate an area or target a group for Optical Disruption.

[0014] In a fifth embodiment, the thermal management system may be a convection or conduction system or may be a forced air cooling, a passive heat sink cooling, heat pipes, a Peltier cooling system, or an electrostatic fluid acceleration cooling.

[0015] In a sixth embodiment, the power source may be a direct current power source or alternating current power source. The power source may be a battery, a capacitator, a super- capacitator, a fuel cell, and hybrid thereof.

[0016] In a seventh embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a flash control means that modulates the flash frequency of the luminescence generating light sources at about IHz to about 40Hz.

[0017] In an eighth embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a filter that reduces or eliminates UV and violet light emission.

[0018] In a ninth embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a photo cell that determines the amount of ambient light, a range finder that determines the distance to the target and a control circuit that regulates the illuminance delivered to the target.

[0019] In a second aspect of the present invention a method for causing discomfort glare, disability glare, dazzling glare and scotomatic glare/flash blindness/photostress incapacitation, when illuminating one or more animal and/or human targets is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: directing an optical apparatus described in the first aspect of the invention and further elaborated in the first through ninth embodiment above and activating the optical apparatus to illuminate the one or more animal and/or human targets. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Optical Incapacitation Background

[0020] Apparatus for optical incapacitation have been reported under consideration for battle field use going back to 1915. The Canal Defense Light (CDL), a tank mounted 9.5KW carbon arc lamp capable of a constant beam and flashing strobe, was built during WWII, but seldom or never deployed in battle. Major drawbacks were the large size of the equipment, carbon rod consumption, fuel consumption and power plant required for deployment in the field. From the information and studies available at the time, little consideration was probably given to potential eye damage of enemy combatants.

[0021] United States military studied high intensity laser and incoherent light to flash blind in the 1960 and 1970s. One such apparatus used a 50,0001m-sec flash lamp. Again, in the early 1990s development of visual incapacitation occurred using xenon flashtubes to produce an intense light flash, driven by capacitors, and sufficiently strong to cause temporary blindness (e.g. Minovich, U. S. patent 5,072,342). These apparatus s would have been bulky, required time to recharge and for the flash tube to be sufficiently cooled between flashes before re-firing.

[0022] In the late 1990s laser apparatus s were developed to create temporary visual impairment, hesitation, delay, distraction, and reductions in combat and functional effectiveness through claims of glare, flash blindness, and psychological impact (e.g. German, U. S. patent 5,685,636). Green laser dazzlers entered the battlefield with reported eye safety issues. Lasers deliver coherent light in a single wave length narrow range. Eyes are ill adapted to handle laser, coherent, without risk of eye damage. On the other hand, lasers are energy efficient and require less power and smaller batteries.

[0023] In the mid-2000s development occurred with hand held xenon short arc lamps for illumination, warning and flash blindness visual suppression (e.g. Eisenberg, U. S. patent 7,497,586). While reducing the risk of eye damage, when compared to lasers, short arcs are energy inefficient generating only 5% light requiring large and heavy power supplies for portable applications. Handheld short arc lamps sufficiently bright to cause flash blindness cannot be dimmed generally beyond 50% to provide full turndown control for safe near distance effect and far distance efficacy. Apparatus based on short-arc lamp technology prove bulky, heavy and have short battery life and limited flash blinding capability beyond 30 feet. Because they use short arc lamps they have limited bulb life and performance falls off quickly with use as the light output deteriorates over the first 500 hours. Another technology at this time consisted of an array of flashing colored LED (e.g. Rublsov, U. S. patent 7, 180,426). This design was also bulky and heavy, and while it made the target queasy and partially disoriented at short distances, it did not have sufficient power to deprive the target of full visual sight loss and the intensity to flash blind for periods over 10 seconds. Video clips indicated that the disorientation range was less than 30 feet. The disorientation effect was only for the period of illumination probably due to limited intensity. In addition, recovery after exposure of any partial rhodopsin bleaching was fairly quick and would not have effectively incapacitated a target effectively for most take down applications.

[0024] Recent developments in the field, Hoboy, U. S. provisional patent application serial no. 62/328705, includes a fixed single beam, portable apparatus that: can disorient and visually incapacitates (flash-blinds) at standoff distances greater than 15 feet; is more energy efficient than prior technologies reducing the power required for operation, reducing battery weight and size (compact); and delivers the light intensity for extended lamp life.

[0025] There is a further need to deliver sufficient illuminance and luminous emittance to the multiple targets (aggressors) and have the ability to have greater illuminance coverage area of an incapacitating beam when entering into closed spaces (rooms) to achieve the maximum ocular disability or flash-blindness of those within the area or space and doing so with low energy consumption.

[0026] The forgoing examples of related art and limitation related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not imply any limitations on the invention described and claimed herein. Various limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the specification below and the accompanying drawings.

Illumination Background

[0027] In general, current illumination apparatus s are designed to illuminate a given target, area or field of view (herein "frame of view") with a constant beam of light (including UV, visible, and near, mid and far IR applications), or electromagnetic radiation emissions. This has been achieved by the amount of light/electromagnetic radiation generated at the source being projected or delivered to the target field of view at the required intensity or illuminance (luminous flux, or lumens per square centimeter for visible light). Furthermore, much of the light generated by current light sources is not fully directed to the area to be illuminated and light is wasted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 : is a block schematic of one arrangement of the elements of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with beam shaping optical trains on each side of the sweeping deflection engine.

[0029] FIG. 2: is a block schematic of a second arrangement of the elements of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with beam shaping optics between the Illumination Beam Source Enhine and the Beam Scan Engine sweeping light on to a target area.

[0030] FIG. 3 : is a block schematic of third arrangement of the elements of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with beam shaping optics following the Scan Engine where the Illumination Bean Source beam is sufficiently condensed for the Scan Engine reflector.

[0031] FIG. 4: illustrates examples of area or surface illumination patterns that may be projected.

[0032] FIG. 5-6: illustrate examples of 360-degree area or surface illumination patterns that may be projected.

[0033] FIG. 7: illustrates the electrical current output that may be used within the light engine.

[0034] FIG. 8-9: illustrates examples of more 360-degree area or surface illumination patterns that may be projected.

[0035] FIG.10: illustrates the elements of one embodiment of the apparatus for illumination or optical disruption as diagrammed in Figure 1.

[0036] FIG. 11 : illustrates a light beam point source and single axis galvo mirror beam scan engine.

[0037] FIG. 12 illustrates a light beam point source sweeping deflection engine with two mirrors.

[0038] FIG. 13 : illustrates one of many possible collimated incoherent light beam source optical layouts using recycled light in conjunction with the sweeping deflection engine. [0039] FIG. 14: Scanner Driver oscillation timer circuit.

[0040] FIG. 15: another of many possible collimated incoherent light beam source optical layouts using recycled light in conjunction with the beam scan engine.

[0041] FIG. 16: Is a depicting a concept of operations of a device of the present invention, providing Ocular Disruption, showing possible optical continuum of force ranges of a handheld device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. It will be apparent to those with skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments including descriptions of design, optic trains and assembly configurations herein after and will apply to both illumination application and ocular disruption applications except as to design beam intensity for each respective application when considering safety prospective. Various modifications to the described embodiments will be apparent to those with skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention in both the fields of illumination and ocular disruption are generally interchangeable and are not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments shown and described, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features herein disclosed. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and circuits may not have been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0043] Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein have the same meaning as are commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, patent applications and publications referred to throughout the disclosure herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event that there is a plurality of definitions for a term herein, those in this section prevail.

[0044] The term "intensity" as used herein is illuminance or luminous emittance (LUX- lumens per meter squared) delivered to the target that is a measure of the intensity, as perceived by the human eye, of light that hits a surface, target area or target. [0045] The terms "frame", "target area" or "field of view" as used herein is the area, surface or object to be illuminated by the apparatus or method herein described.

[0046] The term "target" as used herein may be a human or animal subjected to the beam of the apparatus or method described herein.

[0047] The term "incapacitation" as used herein is refers to the variety of effects that result when a target is illuminated by the apparatus and methods of the present invention including discomfort glare, disability glare, dazzling glare and scotomatic glare, flash-blindness and/or photostress with minimal or no optical damage to the target.

[0048] The term "RLT" (Recycling Light Technology) as herein used refers to such technologies as taught in U.S. patent 7,976,204, U.S. patent 8,388, 190, U.S. patent 8,979,308, U.S. patent application 20140078730, U.S. provisional patent application 62/232602 and others set forth herein to increase brightness and uniformity of the projected light beam at a target.

[0049] The term "light" as herein used refers to any electromagnetic radiation beam whether in the wavelengths of human vision or not.

[0050] The term "sweeping" as used herein is the scanning or projecting of a narrow beam of light across a portion of the surface or target to be illuminated.

[0051] An embodiment of this apparatus for illumination may consist of the elements which are generally shown in FIG. 1. One embodiment of the key elements and sub-assemblies of the apparatus is shown in FIG. 10.

[0052] The power supply and driver FIG. 1(1) may be assembled using a LuxDrive BuckBlock DC Driver-Dimmable (0-lOV)- 1400mA Current regulated (LEDdynamics, Inc., Randolph, VT), powered by eight 26650 LiFeP04 A123 Systems (Livonia, MI) batteries in series delivering between 26 and 16 volts. The batteries may be removable for recharging. A power switch may be employed between the battery and the Buckblock DC Driver, and DC-DC converters operating off the positive lead.

[0053] The illumination beam source engine in FIG. 1 (2) may consist of an Enzotech CNB- Rl 44mm diameter x 30mm copper pin heat sink (Enzotech, Chino, CA), with a Taoyuan Hsien, Taiwan EFB0405VHD 5v DC Brushless Motor cooling fan (Delta Electronics Inc., Taipei Taiwan), upon which is thermally connected and secures a XHP-35 High Intensity Light Emitting Diode (Cree Inc., Durham, NC). Voltage to the cooling fan is regulated by a TSRN 1- 2450 DC-DC 5 volt Converter (TRACO Power North America, Inc., San Jose, CA).

[0054] The beam shaping optics A in FIG.1 (3) may consist of a Large RLT Collar 70mm, a hemispherical light recycling retroreflector (RLT) with an aperture of 26.5mm by 25.5mm, oriented with the direction of the LED, through which the light beam passes perpendicular to the LED phosphor surface centered along of the Z-axis of the LED and positioned such that the RLT's focal point is centered on the X and Y axis of the LED phosphor light emitting surface (MeadowStar Enterprises LTD, East Meadow, NY). The RLT recycles stray or off angle light back to the LED such that the forward project light is increased approximately 1.7 times. The light rays passing through the RLT aperture then pass through condenser lenses FIG. 10 (5), a 50.0mm Dia. x 50.0mm FL, VIS 0° Coated, Piano-Convex Lens #48-244 glass lens (Edmund Optics Harrington, NJ) may be secured immediately to the RLT at its aperture, follow by the same lens facing the opposite direction (see FIG.10 (5)) at .01mm gap or less, such that the light beam is concentrated to approximately a point of light at a distance of 110mm from the LED face, the beams initial origin point.

[0055] The beam scan engine, may consist of a galvanometer based optical scanner 6240H (galvanometer scanner, Cambridge Technology, Bedford, MA) and electrically interconnected Optical Scanning Driver 671 (scanner galvanometer controller, Cambridge Technology, Bedford, MA),) per the manufacturer's mounting and electrical instruction, and may be further electrically interconnected to a battery through the power switch in FIG 10 (2) , wherein a 25mm enhanced rhodium coated galvo mirror of the scanner is positioned at the condensing lens beam focal point. The 6240H may be mounted so that it is thermally connected to a heat sink within the housing which is cooled by the fan. The scanner driver oscillation is controlled by a TLC555 timer circuit (Texas Instruments Inc., Dallas, Texas) as shown in FIG. 14, connector pins 1 and 3 may be connected to corresponding pins on the 671 Driver to sweep the beam based on the scanner driver control voltage. Control voltage to the scanner driver is regulated by a TSRN 1- 2490 6.5 volt DC-DC Converter (TRACO Power North America, Inc., San Jose, CA) at 26- degree scanner mirror sweep angle.

[0056] The exit beam shaping optics FIG.10 (7) may consist of 2- 50mm FL linear Fresnel lens, each is 60mm tall by 90mm wide positioned at 50mm from the galvo mirror FIG.10 (6), such that the linear Fresnel lenses are perpendicular to a 75-degree and 105-degree line off the Z-

Axis (centerline of the LED) see FIG. 10 (7) that are affixed in the housing.

[0057] All subassemblies may be assembled into a housing with the Fresnel lens, a light exit aperture, which has a LED and electronics cooling fan air intake and discharge ports.

[0058] To operate this embodiment of the apparatus, point the exit optic towards the target areas and or target surfaces to be illuminated and engage the power switch.

[0059] An embodiment of an apparatus for optical disruption may consist of using the basic assembly of the above described illuminator, substituting more powerful illumination beam source engine, a matched retroreflector, larger power supply components as follows: the illumination beam source engine FIG. 1 (2) may consist of a CNB-Rl 44mm diameter x 30 mm copper pin heat sink (Enzotech, Chino, CA), with a 9WL0412P3J001 40mmx40mmx28mm

12VDC fan (Sanyo Denki America, Inc. Torrance, CA) upon which is thermally connected and secures a CBT-140-WCS-L16-UA122 light emitting diode (Luminus, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA).

Voltage to the cooling fan may be delivered by a TEN 8-2412 12 volt output DC/DC converter

(TRACO Power North America, Inc., San Jose, CA).

[0060] The beam shaping optics A FIG. l (3) may consist of a Large RLT Collar 70mm, a hemispherical light recycling retroreflector (RLT) with an aperture of 26.5mm by 25.5mm (MeadowStar Enterprises LTD, East Meadow, NY) oriented with the direction of the LED.

[0061] The power supply and driver FIG. 1(1) may be assembled using two (2) LT3743 fixed frequency synchronous step-down DC/DC controllers (Linear Technology, Milpitas, CA), in series controlled by a TLC555 timer circuit controlling a flashing beam of light adjustable at 20Hz with a 50% duty cycle delivering 40 Amps (Texas Instruments Inc., Dallas, Texas). The LED and electronics are powered by eight 26650 LiFeP04 Batteries (A123 Systems, Livonia, MI) in series delivering between 26 and 16 volts. The batteries are removable for recharging. A power switch is employed between the battery and the DC/DC driver, and DC-DC converters operating off the positive lead.

[0062] A momentary switch, trigger may be added to energize the power to the TLC555 circuit to drive the LED.

[0063] To operate this apparatus, aim the exit optic at the one or more target areas and/or surfaces to be optically disrupted and engage the momentary switch. [0064] The illumination apparatus of the present invention delivers by sweeps or scans a narrow beam of light, line of light or other geometric shape projected across the target "frame of view" at a sweep rate (scanning rate) such that the brain perceives the entire frame of view as lit up rather than the just the line or geometric shape actually delivered to the target. This method has the unexpected effect of reducing the amount of power required by the beam scan engine to generate, or illuminate, the frame of view produced by the sweeping beam, line, or geometric pattern and provides uniformity to the observed brightness projected on the surface.

[0065] The beam collimation of the illumination beam will dictate different optical configurations to achieve the illumination of the frame by the present apparatus and methods. FIGs. 1-3 shows block diagrams of typical assembly combinations, but other suitable optics recycling and collimation configurations may be used and are taught in the following table of patents.

Table 1 : List of U.S. patents and patent applications containing light recycling and collimation configurations to brighten directional light.

SOURCES

,631,989 DUAL PARABOLOID REFLECTOR AND DUAL ELLIPSOID

REFLECTOR SYSTEMS WITH OPTIMIZED MAGNIFICATION

,618, 158 ILLUMINATION SYSTEM USING FILAMENT LAMPS

,452,086 LIGHT PIPE BASED PROJECTION ENGINE

,357,550 LED ILLUMINATION ENGINE USING A REFLECTOR

,232,228 LIGHT RECOVERY FOR PROJECTION DISPLAYS

,213,947 MULTIPLE OUTPUT ILLUMINATION USING REFLECTORS, 172,290 LIGHT PIPE BASED PROJECTION ENGINE

, 151,874 LENSED TAPERED OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE

,926,435 LED ILLUMINATION ENGINE USING A REFLECTOR

,898,353 LENSED TAPERED OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE

,856,727 COUPLING OF LIGHT FROM A NON-CIRCULAR LIGHT SOURCE,854,864 LIGHT PIPE LIGHT SOURCE WITH FLUX CONDENSING LIGHT

PIPE

,836,576 POLARIZATION RECOVERY SYSTEM USING LIGHT PIPES,829,412 LENSED TAPERED OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE

,672,740 CONDENSING AND COLLECTING OPTICAL SYSTEM USING

PARABOLIC REFLECTORS OR A CORRESPONDING ELLIP S OID/H YPERB OLOID PAIR OF REFLECTORS

,619,820 LIGHT CONDENSING AND COLLECTING SYSTEMS USING

LENSED LIGHT PIPES

,565,235 FOLDING AN ARC INTO ITSELF TO INCREASE THE BRIGHTNESS

OF AN ARC LAMP

,385,371 OPTICAL SYSTEM INCLUDING COUPLING FOR TRANSMITTING

LIGHT BETWEEN A SINGLE FIBER LIGHT GUIDE AND MULTIPLE SINGLE FIBER LIGHT GUIDES

,312, 144 OPTICAL SYSTEM HAVING RETRO-REFLECTORS

,231, 199 COLLECTING AND CONDENSING OPTICAL SYSTEM USING

CASCADED PARABOLIC REFLECTORS 6,227,682 COUPLING OF LIGHT FROM A SMALL LIGHT SOURCE FOR PROJECTION SYSTEMS USING PARABOLIC REFLECTORS

[0066] In various embodiments, the illumination source engine may consist of luminescence generating light source such as photoluminescence, electroluminescent, cathodoluminescent, thermoluminescence or a combination of these luminescence generating light sources. And the luminescent generating light source may be a phosphor light emitting diode (LED), a nanowire led, laser-phosphor hybrid, a superluminescent light emitting diode (SLED), a nanotube, nanocrystals, doped wave guide, quantum dots, scintillators, laser luminescent hybrid or a laser diode excited light source or any combination of said light sources. The light source may also be a UV, blue, IR, white laser, or combinations of colored lasers depending on application and illumination or optical disruption design requirements.

[0067] The apparatus also includes beam scan engines having one or more light scanning projection apparatus that may include a galvanometer based optical scanner, galvo motor mirrors, a micro-display, a spatial light modulator, a micro-scanner, a micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS) scanner, a scanning mirror, a beam deflector, optical beam-steering, an osculating mirror, a rotating polygon mirror motor, a vibrating mirror, a vibrating optical fiber, light pipes, nano-positioners, micro-opto-electromechanical system (MOEMS), acousto- optic modulators, light deflection cubes, piezo scanner engines or other similar apparatus s. In one embodiment, the light beam scan engine sweeps light across the illuminated target area or targeted space at a rate greater than 50Hz.

[0068] The apparatus also includes an electronic control circuit that modulates the power, current and/or voltage of the illumination beam source driver, synchronizing its frequency with the scan "sweep" speed using circuitry applied amplitude modulation (AM) and pulse width modulation (PWM). The electronic control circuit may regulate the illumination source at a pulse rate of 40Hz or greater, at a pulse rate less than 40Hz for flashing beam of light applications or at a pulse comprising a series of pulses at a frequency of 100Hz or greater.

[0069] Design parameters for ocular disruption disclosed in U.S. provisional patent application 62/328,705 and in its subsequent patent application are hereby incorporated for design guidance Ocular Disruption

[0070] "Ocular disruption or interruption and/or visual incapacitation" is a range of optical effects including discomfort glare, disability glare, dazzling glare and scotomatic glare. Discomfort glare causes annoyance. Disability glare is physiological glare that impairs vision. Dazzling glare produces squinting, annoyance, aversion, and visual disability at high retinal illuminance levels. Scotomatic glare, photostress or temporary flash blindness is visual disability and after images due to excessive bleaching of macular photo pigment. For more information the reader is referred to Glare's Causes, Consequences, and Clinical Challenges After a Century of Ophthalmic study, Martin A. Mainster and Patricia L Turner January 2, 2012.

[0071] This technology will impact all three ocular systems, photopic, mesopic and scotopic, eliminating the targets ability to temporarily see. At the highest illuminance levels, the target experiences a partial or full "white-out" by rhodopsin bleaching, depending upon the beam's intensity and initial ambient light. The optimal optics light pattern projected by the apparatus can fully obscure peripheral vision as well as macular vision.

[0072] Other effects can include loss of parallel relation between the optical axes of the eyes caused by faulty action of the extrinsic muscles, and the loss of biological equilibrium. These result in Dizziness or Vertigo manifesting as lightheaded, floating, spinning or rocking sensation, and Imbalance and loss of Spatial Orientation manifesting as unsteadiness (disequilibrium), loss of balance, stumbling, staggering, teetering and difficulty walking straight and turning a corner or may fall when standing up. The target may also experience temporary clumsiness, loss of fine or gross motor skills and have other difficulty with coordination. Effects will vary across the cross section of human population based on genetics, age, vision and other factors.

[0073] This invention also provides a method and optical apparatus for optical incapacitation of a target in a target area or space by sweeping a beam of electromagnetic radiation in a scanning motion across the target providing discomfort glare, disability glare, dazzling glare, scotomatic glare, flash-blindness, and /or photostress optical incapacitation. The method and apparatus of the present invention has optical/visual incapacitation applications that may be practiced pursuant to U.S. provisional patent application 62/328,705 filed 28 April 2016. [0074] The optical disruption methods and apparatus s of the present invention may include an optical system to recycle stray light, focus, collimate and project the light as a brighter light source and create glare (glare obfuscated also known as day blindness), photostress (which may result in distracting the target) and/or flash-blindness (a temporary deprivation of sight) effects at a distance.

[0075] The optical disruption apparatus of the present invention may have a luminescence source that is photolumine scent, electroluminescent, cathodoluminescent, thermoluminescent or hybrid of these light sources. More particularly, the luminescent source may be comprised of one or a combination of a phosphor light emitting diode (LED), a laser pumped LED, a nanowire led, laser-phosphor hybrid, a super luminescent light emitting diode (SLED), a nanotube, nano crystals, doped wave guide, quantum dots, scintillators, laser diode excited light source, laser luminescent hybrid comprising one or a laser source such as UV, Blue, IR, or white laser or laser diode.

[0076] The light produced may be in the spectral range of 400nm to 900nm and more particularly in the range of about 440nm to about 650nm for human targets and in the range of about 200nm to about 900nm for animal targets. The peak spectral output may be centered at about 555nm for humans to deliver the greatest apparent brightness and optical suppression effect. Selection of spectral output for maximum effect on animals may be determined and utilized as desired. In a preferred embodiment, the UV and violet spectral output below 440nm may be minimized or eliminated to reduce the risk of thermal eye damage. The luminescence light source may further have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 70 to 100.

[0077] The light source of the apparatus may deliver a constant beam of light or a flashing beam of light having sufficient illuminance to affect the target. Luminescence of greater than 7000 Lux is generally required to maximize optical suppression resulting in flash-blindness, optical disruption, distraction and incapacitation in a target. Glare incapacitation illuminance at a human target generally requires greater than about 2000Lux and less than about lOOOOLux to maximize glare effect. Flash frequencies in the range of lHz to 40Hz with flash duration in the range of about .0005 second to about 1 second duration for human targets may be selected to avoid thermal and retinal eye damage within the desired target distance at a given illuminance (Lux) level. These flash frequencies and durations may be consistent or random. The light emission of the apparatus may be a pinpoint of light of less than 36 square millimeters or an array of light emitting sources within the beam area.

[0078] For Ocular Disruption, the selection of the luminescent light source, driven by the design compactness and the lumens emitted per square millimeter to approximate a point source of light and selection weighed by the energy efficiency of light generated per square millimeter and uniformity of visible spectral output above 440nm.

Table 2: Preferred Ocular Disruption Design Illuminance for Effect

[0079] One skilled in the art of ocular disruption will be aware of the eye safety inter related design parameter considerations, and more specifically beam exposure time, wave length, and radiant power delivered to the target must be factored into any apparatus design . It is suggested that targets not be exposed to more than 200,000Lux with a wave length greater than 420nm for a finite exposure period below the eye safety threshold.

[0080] The FIG. 14 "continuum of force" graphic represents a concept of operational (CONOPS) performance of a handheld optical suppression (incapacitation/photostress/flash blindness) apparatus of this invention.

[0081] The apparatus of the present invention includes an illumination beam source engine that produces incoherent or coherent electromagnetic spectrum radiation, or light, in the range of O. lnm to 100,000nm, particularly from 200nm to 3000nm and more particularly light in a wavelength that is visible to humans and animals or may be detectable with observation or measurement equipment (such as IR night vision equipment). The light from the illumination beam source engines may be shaped into a projected pattern (such as a line, ellipsoid, circle, rectangle and/or other geometric shape). [0082] The illumination beam source may be a phosphor light emitting diode (LED), a nanowire LED, a laser-phosphor hybrid, a super-luminescent light emitting diode (SLED), a nanotube, one or more quantum dots or a laser excited light source or hybrids thereof. And the luminescent generating light source may be a phosphor light emitting diode (LED), a nanowire led, laser-phosphor hybrid, a superluminescent light emitting diode (SLED), a nanotube, nanocrystals, doped wave guide, quantum dots, scintillators, laser luminescent hybrid or a laser diode excited light source or any combination of said light sources. The light source may also be a UV, Blue, IR, white laser, or combinations of colored lasers depending on application and illumination or optical disruption design requirements.

[0083] Alternatively, the illumination beam source may be an incandescent source including arc lamps, plasma lamps, incandescent lamps, a High- Intensity Discharge lamp (HID), a halogen lamp or hybrids thereof. Further, the illumination may have a color rendering index (CRI) in the range of 2000K to 6000K. In addition, multiple color luminescences may be utilized including phosphors that may be combined within the illumination beam source engine at different intensities and with different wavelength outputs to provide the desired color rendition and intensity.

[0084] The apparatus may be powered with a series of lithium-ion batteries or independent power supply. The apparatus can also be operated as a handheld searchlight or flashlight. In this embodiment the flash is randomized between 8Hz and 35Hz and as duty cycle equal and less than the maximum rating of the selected light source.

[0085] The preferred light beam modulation is set at a frequency range from lHz to 40Hz for Optical Disruption. In one preferred Optical Disruption embodiment the flash rate is set of 8- 20Hz for human targets and Flash duration is set between about .0005 seconds and 1 second. The preferred flash duration is 0.01 to 0.05 seconds. These rates are adjusted to deliver a light output to be less than the upper threshold of safe thermal eye exposure levels delivered to the target as a function of exposure time (Seconds) and exposure illuminance (Lux). Those practiced in the art of optical incapacitation can refer to the underlying studies upon which the "Guidelines on Limits of Exposure to Broad-Band Incoherent Radiation" study are based and other eye safety studies and which can be used as a guidelines for determining the maximum allowable exposure to intense incoherent light to avoid photoretinitis. [0086] For Optical Disruption apparatus of this method and designed for longer throw or ranges to the target, the possiblity of an individual being exposed to the beam at an illuminance higher than that which is advisable for avoiding eye damage, and speciticall eye thermal damges, will make it advisable to use range finder to determine the distance to a target within the target field of view and modulate the beam illuminence and exposure time downwards to fall below the eye safety threshold.

[0087] The optical disruption apparatus may also include a flash duty cycle selected to limit the energy input and matched to the waste heat dissipation system to maintain the light source's junction temperature or luminescent source below the thermal design failure limit, while momentarily over powering the light source so as to increase the light output above steady state maximum continuous output design specifications and maximum power input and resulting light output.

[0088] The optical disruption apparatus may further include a photo cell that determines the ambient light, a range finder to determine the target distance and a control circuit using the inputs to regulate the illuminance delivered to the target so that it is below the eye safety threshold.

[0089] The optical train of the present apparatus may include a compact light emission source with high luminous emittance and light recycling to capture stray light redirecting it back onto the light emitter boosting the light projection forward output or shifting the luminescence emission's spectral output to produce a longer wavelength light output. The optical train may also include a PCX, DCX, condensing, aspheric, compound or Fresnel lens to collimate and focus the light. A collimating reflector may also be mounted in the optical train.

[0090] The optical disruption apparatus may also include a thermal management system comprising convection or conduction systems. The system may utilize forced air cooling, passive heat sink cooling, heat pipes, Peltier cooling, or electrostatic fluid acceleration cooling.

[0091] The power source for operating the optical disruption apparatus may be one of direct current power or alternating current power and may be a battery, capacitator, super-capacitator, fuel cell, and/or a hybrid thereof.

[0092] Applications include flashlights, search lights, flood lights, light bulbs, entertainment lighting, area lighting, accent lighting, automotive lighting, crime scene illumination, construction site illumination, warehouse, office and parking lighting, emergency lighting, optical disruption and incapacitation.

[0093] The present invention takes advantage of the brain's ability to perceived apparent brightness, filling in missing gaps in an image and the memory persistence of the retina for an image. This effect is believed to be characterized by the Broca-Sulzer effect and the Talbot- Plateau effect, involved in how human brain perceives brightness. The Broca-Sulzer effect is a phenomenon in which light is perceived several times brighter to the eye than it actually is when exposed to a flash of light. The Talbot-Plateau effect is a principle where human eyes repeatedly see flashes and sense the average brightness of repeating light. The phenomenon of this illumination method may also be based on Persistence of Vision effect which refers to the optical illusion whereby multiple discrete images blend into a single image in the human mind, like that of a film reel of discrete slides being played for the audience which sees a continuous image without gaps.

[0094] This method also works to deliver as an IR intensifier for IR for IR viewers, such as night vision goggles, and for UV/phosphor viewing applications.

Eye Safety

[0095] It is well known to those practiced in the art and medical communities that too much light, specifically UV, violet, blue light entering the eye for an extended time duration can cause thermal and other types of eye damage. The present invention significantly reduces the amount of light entering the eye, yet the apparent brightness appears to the viewer as being of high intensity, and thus can significantly reduce the potential for eye damage.

Electronics

[0096] The illumination beam source engine can further be used to reduce energy consumption for a given illumination level as perceived by the observer and duty cycle for energy and thermal management by controlling pulse width modulation during the on duty current flow as well as in the time of the dwell. For example, when using an LED, in the light beam source engine, those practiced in the art can use a programmable IC to pulse the LED at 60Hz and select a pulse rate within the pulse of 100Hz or greater to meet thermal and electronic demand design criterion for illumination.

[0097] As one practiced in the art is aware, the nature of the illumination source will dictate different optical configurations for beam shaping and to recycle light and project a desired geometric illumination pattern for the beam sweep of this illumination invention, such as generating a line/rectangle of light from various light or electromagnetic radiation sources. Various methods can be used to achieve optimal brightness and performance from the light source and trailing optics train, which may include light recycling to increase brightness and efficiency and beam. Depending on the beam geometry of the collimated light from the light recycling optic, one skilled in the art may generate a line or other geometric beam shape using a line generating lens FIG.s 10-11, lens FIG.s. 12-13 as well as other optical configurations.

[0098] Noted that, cylindrical or aspherical lens are disclosed in the figures, this is not intended to depict a specific optical train or lens orientation to achieve the desire scanning light beam or the scanning point of light output. Those practiced in the art will understand the optics necessary to create the desired light beam shapes or points of light and will adapt the optics train design to optimize beam intensity based on the light source and system parameters.

[0099] A key benefit advantage of this invention is that less power is required to provide the desired or "perceived" illumination at the target. For portable illumination apparatus s, batteries can be smaller and lighter for the same apparent amount of light delivered to a target. For large lighting applications such as stadium light or searchlights, significant power savings will result.

[00100] Other advantages include: delivery of light where it is needed with minimal stray light in areas that are not to be intentionally illuminated; light can be directed in 1-axis, 2-axes (FIG. 4) or 3-dimensionally and can be directed in 360-degrees (FIG. 5); The beam scan engine can be programed or configures to illuminate two or more X and Y axes non-contiguous target areas using the same apparatus, thereby saving energy; an assembly can be designed for long range or short range applications; illumination artifacts often found with other light sources can be eliminated by using LEDs, a short arc lamp, and/or laser speckle by blending the imperfections; less energy to achieve the same glare and flash blindness results as compared to an apparatus that illuminates an entire target area simultaneously; reduced battery power package size for the same optical incapacitation range; and an electronically steerable beam; the ability to divert the illumination to side view; adjustable power; the ability to change color for fog using multi colored LEDs and RLT light recycle optical components; and target eye safety is improved due to lower light energy exposure times.

Claims

CLAIMS claimed is:

An apparatus for illuminating one or more target areas or target surfaces by sweeping one or more beams of electromagnetic radiation in a scanning motion across said one or more target areas or target surfaces, such that said one or more target areas or target surfaces illuminated by said beam of electromagnetic radiation appears to illuminate said one or more target areas or target surfaces with continuous light, as perceived by a human, animal, or detection equipment comprising:

a) an assembly having a head portion and one or more electromagnetic radiation beam output apertures wherein said aperture has one or more light windows; b) one or more illumination beam source engines, generating said one or more beams of electromagnetic radiation at about 2,000Lux to 120,000Lux at a spectral light range of about 200nm to about 900nm or about 400nm to about 750nm secured within said assembly;

c) one or more beam scan engines secured within said assembly and able to receive said one or more beams of electromagnetic radiation from said one or more illumination beam source engines and delivering said one or more beams of electromagnetic radiation in a pattern that does not fully illuminate said one or more target areas or target surfaces simultaneously and wherein said one or more beams of electromagnetic radiation is swept across said one or more target areas or target surfaces to be illuminated in a scanning motion;

d) one or more light beam shaping optical trains secured within said assembly and able to receive one or more beams of electromagnetic radiation from said one or more illumination beam source engines, wherein said one or more light beam shaping optical trains is utilized for shaping, collimating and transmitting said one or more beams of electromagnetic radiation to and/or from, said one or more beam scan engines generating a light beam pattern for projection at a distance from said assembly;

e) an electronic control circuit connected to said one or more illumination beam source engines and said one or more beam scan engines, wherein said electronic control circuit regulates or modulates the power, current and/or voltage output to said one or more illumination beam source engines and said one or more illumination beam source engines;

f) a thermal management system interfacing with said one or more illumination beam source engines, said one or more beam scan engines and said electronic circuit wherein said thermal management system controls the temperature of, and cooling of, said one or more illumination beam source engines, said one or more beam scan engines and said electronic circuits; and

g) a power source connected to said electronic circuit, within, or removably secured within said assembly.

The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said one or more target areas for illumination are the eyes of one or more animals or one or more human wherein said illumination causes discomfort glare, disability glare, dazzling glare and scotomatic glare/flash-blindness/photostress incapacitation and/or disorienting and imbalance. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said luminescence generating source engine further comprises one or more luminescence light generating sources selected from the group consisting of a phosphor light emitting diode (LED), a laser pumped LED, a nanowire led, a laser-phosphor hybrid, a superluminescent light emitting diode (SLED), a nanotube, nano crystals, a doped wave guide, a laser-quantum dot hybrid, scintillators and a laser luminescent hybrid.

The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said luminescence generating light source is a photoluminescence, electroluminescent, cathodoluminescent, thermoluminescence or a combination of said luminescence generating light sources.

The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said one or more beam scan engines comprises one or more of a galvanometer based optical scanner, one or more galvo motor mirrors, a micro-display, a spatial light modulator, a micro-scanner, a micro- electrical mechanical system (MEMS) scanner, a scanning mirror, a beam deflector, optical beam- steering, an osculating mirror, a rotating polygon mirror motor, a vibrating mirror, a vibrating optical fiber, one or more light pipes, one or more nano- positioners, a micro-opto-electromechanical system (MOEMS), one or more acousto- optic modulators, one or more light deflection cubes, and one or more piezo scanner engines projection a beam angle of about 0.25 degrees to about 360-degrees in one or more axes.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said one or more illumination beam source engines electromagnetic radiation beam source consists of one or more of a short arc lamp, plasma lamp and HID lamp.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a recycling optical system retroreflector, wherein said recycling optical system retroreflector increases said electromagnetic radiation output intensity.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said one or more light beam optical trains for collimating and transmitting light contain one or more PCX, DCX, condensing, aspheric, compound, or Fresnel lens to collimate and focus light emission in conjunction with said one or more beam scan.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said one or more illumination beam source engines are provided in an array.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said thermal management system is a convection or conduction system.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said thermal management system is a forced air cooling, a passive heat sink cooling, heat pipes, a Peltier cooling system, or an electrostatic fluid acceleration cooling.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said power source is a direct current power source or alternating current power source.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said power source is a battery, a capacitator, a super-capacitator, a fuel cell, or a hybrid thereof.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said one or more illumination beam source engines has a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of about 70 to about 100.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said one or more illumination beam source engines is a white laser, a combination of colored lasers or combination thereof.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said one or more illumination beam source engines contain one or more retroreflector light recycling optics.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said one or more illumination beam source engines contain one or more IR or UV light source.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said one or more target areas or target surfaces are two or more non-contiguous target areas or target surfaces illuminated by said apparatus.

19. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a flash control means, wherein said electronic control circuit modulates the flash frequency of said one or more illumination beam source engines at about IHz to about 40Hz.

20. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said one or more luminescence light source engines produce light not greater than about 200,000Lux at said one or more animal and/or said one or more human targets.

21. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a filter in line with said electromagnetic radiation beams produced from said one or more beam scan engines to reduce or eliminate UV and violet light emission.

22. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said one or more illumination beam source engines provide a peak spectral output at about 490mm to about 540mm.

23. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said one or more illumination beam source engines produce light at greater than about 7000Lux at said one or more animal and/or one or more human targets.

24. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said one or more illumination beam source engines deliver a flashing beam of light, wherein said flashing beam of light has a flash frequency in the range of about IHz to about 40Hz and a flash duration in the range of about .0005 seconds to about 1 second duration.

25. The apparatus according to claim, wherein said flashing beam of light duration is randomized.

26. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a photo cell and/or a range finder and/or a second control circuit, wherein said photo cell determines the amount of ambient light, wherein said range finder determines the distance to said one or more target areas and/or said one or more target surfaces and wherein said second control circuit regulates said electromagnetic radiation delivered to said one or more target areas and/or said one or more target surfaces.

27. A method for illuminating or optically disrupting one or more target areas and/or target surfaces by sweeping a beam of electromagnetic radiation in a scanning motion across said one or more target areas and/or target surfaces to be illuminated, thereby appearing to illuminate the one or more target areas and/or one or more target surfaces with continuous light, as perceived by a human, animal, or detection equipment comprising the steps of:

a) directing an apparatus at said one or more target areas and/or target surfaces, wherein said apparatus comprises an assembly having a head portion and one or more electromagnetic radiation beam output apertures wherein said aperture has one or more light windows; one or more illumination beam source engines, generating said one or more beams of electromagnetic radiation at about 2,000Lux to 120,000Lux at a spectral light range of about 200nm to about 900nm secured within said assembly; one or more beam scan engines secured within said assembly and able to receive said one or more beams of electromagnetic radiation from said one or more illumination beam source engines and delivering said one or more beams of electromagnetic radiation in a pattern that does not fully illuminate said one or more target areas or target surfaces simultaneously and wherein said one or more beams of electromagnetic radiation is swept across said one or more target areas or target surfaces to be illuminated in a scanning motion; one or more light beam shaping optical trains secured within said assembly and able to receive one or more beams of electromagnetic radiation from said one or more illumination beam source engines, wherein said one or more light beam shaping optical trains is utilized for shaping, collimating and transmitting said one or more beams of electromagnetic radiation to and/or from, said one or more beam scan engines generating a light beam pattern for projection at a distance from said assembly; an electronic control circuit connected to said one or more illumination beam source engines and said one or more beam scan engines, wherein said electronic control circuit regulating or modulating the power, current and/or voltage output to said one or more illumination beam source engines and said one or more illumination beam source engines; a thermal management system interfacing with said one or more illumination beam source engines, said one or more beam scan engines and said electronic circuit wherein said thermal management system controls the temperature of, and cooling of, said one or more illumination beam source engines, said one or more beam scan engines and said electronic circuits; and a power source connected to said electronic circuit, within, or removably secured within said assembly; and

activating said apparatus thereby providing energy to said one or more illumination beam source engines to illuminate said one or more target areas and/or target surfaces.