GB2517415A

GB2517415A - Light-emitting devices and methods

Info

Publication number: GB2517415A
Application number: GB1314505.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Kerr
Original assignee: SECURITY PROT SERVICES Ltd
Current assignee: SECURITY PROTECTION SERVICES LIMITED
Priority date: 2013-08-13
Filing date: 2013-08-13
Publication date: 2015-02-25
Also published as: GB201314505D0

Abstract

A light-emitting device 100 for interacting or interfering with devices and/or persons comprises at least one light source 110 together with at least one optical element 120. The light source 110 is configured to emit at least one directable beam of light 50 (e.g, a laser), via the optical element 120, to a target area 200 at an operative distance 220. The device 100 may be configures to direct the beam 50 to provide a defined scanning pattern at a desired operative distance.

Description

Light-emitting devices and methods

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of light-emitting devices and methods of interaction with optical devices and/or persons. In particular, the invention relates to light-emitting devices and methods for interference with image sensors, such as those comprised with optical devices (e.g. camera, video devices, etc.), and/or persons.

In some examples, the device may be portable and/or handheld in use.

Background

Personal privacy and safety matters continue to be of significant importance. With the improved performance and the increase in use of optical devices such as cameras and videos, matters of privacy are increasing difficult to guard against. This is particularly true of key persons, celebrities, athletes, etc., where freelance operators, sometimes referred to as paparazzi, are financially driven to obtain images of such persons, often in private moments. Similarly, there has an increase in the desire for light-emitting devices that can be used in a non-harmful manner to deter against persons of malintent.

Significant innovation and technological development has occurred in recent years in relation to devices that address the above issues. In particular, light-emitting devices, such as lasers, have been developed that can be used to impede the ability of an image sensor or person (e.g. when directed at the eyes). However, such devices thus far have significant limitations.

This background serves only to set a scene to allow a skilled reader to better appreciate the following description. Therefore, none of the above discussion should necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that that discussion is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.

Summary

The invention relates to light-emitting devices and methods, particularly for use in interacting or interfering with devices, such as optical devices, and/or persons. In some examples, the invention relates to light-emitting devices and methods for interference with image sensors, such as those comprised with optical devices (e.g. camera, video devices, etc.). The device may be handheld in use.

Such a device may allow for a user to maintain matters of privacy, for example, against freelance paparazzi. Also, such a device may be operated in a non-harmful manner to deter against persons or groups of malintent.

The device may be considered to be handheld in use, or at least portable (e.g. man portable). The light-emitting device may comprise at least one light source together with at least one optical element. The light source may be configured to emit at least one directable beam of light, via the optical element, to a target area (e.g. a defined target area) at an operative distance. The device may be configured to direct the beam so as to provide a defined scanning pattern (e.g. scanning across the target area) at that desired operative distance. The scanning pattern may be scanned to within to the boundaries of the target area.

The device may be configured to direct the beam so as to provide a defined scanning pattern at a plurality of desired operative distances. The device may be configured to allow for the target area to be the same or similar at different operative distances. In other words, the device may be configured such that, at dissimilar operative distances, the target area may remain the same of similar.

The device may be configured so as to provide the same, or similar, scanning patterns at different operative distances. In similar words, the device may be configured to provide the same scanning pattern at multiple operative distances.

The operative distances may be in the range of 10 meters to 5,000 meters from the device. The operative distances may be in the region of 100 meters to 2,000 meters from the device, for example, 100 metres to 500 metres. The operative distances may be discrete operative distances (e.g. every 10 metres, every 50 metres, every 100 metres, etc.).

The operative distances may be non-discrete. In other similar words, the device may be configured so as to provide a continuous range of operative distances between, for example, 100 metres and 2,000 metres (e.g. 100 to 500 metres).

In some examples, the device may be configured to allow a user to select a desired operative distance (e.g. manually select 100 metres, or 200 metres, etc). Additionally, or alternatively, the device may be configured to compute a distance to desired operative distance, and operate accordingly (e.g. using range finding capabilities, for example, using back scatter).

The device may be configured to provide a target area, perpendicular to the incidence of the beam, of in the region of between 1 square metre and 10 square metres. In some examples, the target area may be in the region of between 2 square metres and 4 square metres (e.g. a square area of 2 metres by 2 metres). In some examples, the device may be configured with a fixed target area. In other examples however, the device may be configured to allow the target area to be varied. (e.g. depending on particular application). In those examples, the device may nevertheless be configured to allow for a selected target area to be the same or similar at different operative distances. In other words, the device may be configured such that, at dissimilar operative distances, a selected target area may remain the same or similar.

The device may be configured to provide a continuous scanning pattern (e.g. a continuous scanning pattern within the target area). In other similar words, the device may be configured to direct the beam so as to follow a defined continuous, and is some cases unbroken, scanning pattern across the target area at the desired operative distance.

The device may be configured such that the scanning pattern is defined by directing the beam along a series of curved, or arcuate, pattern segments. In other similar words, the device may be configured such that a beam spot, provided by incidence of beam at a surface at the target area, is transited along a series of curved, or arcuate, pattern segments.

The scanning pattern (e.g. the cumulative of the pattern segments) may be considered to be oscillatory, or serpentine in nature. The scanning pattern may be considered to be spiral in nature.

The device may be configured to provide a continuous beam of light. The device may be configured to provide a pulsed beam of light. It will be appreciated that a pulsed beam of light may still, in some examples, be considered to provide a continuous scanning pattern.

In some examples, the device is configured such that the beam provides a first pass across the target area, so as it be incident upon some of a surface at the target area.

The device may then be configured such that the beam provides a second (or returning) pass across the target area, so as to be incident upon some of a surface at the target area, wherein the second pass is different or substantially different from the first pass. In other words, the first pass and the second, or returning pass, may illuminate different areas of a surface at the target area. The device may be configured to provide a plurality of passes, where at least two or more passes are different. In some examples, all passes are different within a particular number of passes (e.g. 10, 20 or 30 passes, etc.).

The device may be configured so that the cross-section (e.g. the diameter) of the beam at the target area is greater than 5 mm. The device may be configured so that the cross-section (e.g. the diameter) of the beam at the target area is between 5 mm and 10 mm. In some examples, the device may be configured so that the cross-section (e.g. the diameter) of the beam at the target area is greater than or around, 7.5 mm. In some examples, the device may be configured such that, when at the target area, the beam cross-section is greater than that of the pupil of an eye of a person, when at that area.

The device may be configured such that the speed of deviation (e.g. angular deviation) of a beam transiting along the scanning pattern at the target area is sufficient to avoid damage, or lasting damage, to a person's vision. In other words, the device may be configured such that the speed of deviation of a beam following the scanning pattern is sufficiently quick that, should it be incident with a person (e.g. a person's eye), the energy deposition would not be sufficient to permanently injure that person.

The device may be configured such that one or both of the speed of deviation of a beam transiting along a scanning pattern at a target area, and the passes of the scanning pattern, may be sufficient to induce persistence of vision of a person at the target area.

The speed of deviation of the beam at different desired target areas/operative distances may be the same. Of course, in such cases, any angular deviation and speed of angular deviation of the beam at the device may be reduced the further the desired operative distance is from the device.

The device may be configured to emit spatially coherent light. The light source of the device may comprise one or more lasers, configured to emit spatially coherent light.

The device may be configured to emit light with a wavelength of between 380 nm and 750 nm (e.g. visible light). In particular, the device may be configured to emit light with a wavelength of between 450 nm and 590 nm, or more specifically of between 495 nm and 570 nm (e.g. visible green).

The device may be configured to emit a first directable beam of light to a target area of a first wavelength, and a second beam of light to that target area of a second wavelength. The beams of light may be directed to target area simultaneously, or at different times. The first wavelength may be of a first colour (e.g. red), and the second wavelength may be of a different colour (e.g. green).

The device may be configured to alter the wavelength of the beam of light from time to time. The device may be configured to permit a user to alter the wavelength of the beam of light.

The optical element may comprise one or more controllable mirrors, one or more dispersive elements, such as prisms, or polarization beam deflectors, or the like. The device may comprise one or more processors, and memory, configured in a known manner, in communication with the optical element in order to provide the defined scanning pattern (e.g. scanning across the target area) at a desired operative distance.

The optical element may additionally comprise one or more lenses, configured to modify the beam of light when leaving the device.

The device may comprise one or more power sources, such a battery packs (e.g. rechargeable batteries). The device may be configured to connection to an external power source.

The device may be configured to be shaped as a handheld, or shoulder mounted, firearm. For example, the device may be configured to be shaped as small arms. The device may comprise a sight, such as an optical sight mounted with the device, for ease of use. The device may be configured to allow for calibration of the sight with the scanning pattern/target area.

The device may be suitable for use on a vessel, such a passenger ship, cargo vessel, etc. According to another aspect, there is provided a light-emitting device, such as handheld device comprising at least one light source together with at least one optical element, where the light source is configured to emit at least one directable beam of light, via the optical element, to a defined target area at an operative distance. The device may be configured to direct the beam so as to provide a defined scanning pattern, scanning across the target area, at that desired operative distance.

According to another aspect, there is a handheld radiation-emitting device, comprising at least one radiation source and a controllable-output element, the radiation source configured to emit at least one controllable beam of radiation (e.g. spatially coherent radiation) via the output to a target area at an operative distance.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is a method of interacting or interfering with optical devices and/or persons.

The method may comprise directing at least one directable beam of light (e.g. via an optical element) to a defined target area at an operative distance. The method may comprise directing the beam so as to provide a defined scanning pattern (e.g. scanning across the target area) at that desired operative distance.

The method may comprise directing the beam so as to provide a defined scanning pattern at a plurality of desired operative distances. The method may comprise directing the beam such that, at dissimilar operative distances, the target area may remain the same of similar.

A target area, perpendicular to the incidence of the beam, may be in the region of between 1 square-metre and 10 square metres. In some examples, the target area may be in the region of between 2 square-metres and 4 square-metres (e.g. 2 metres by 2 metres). In some examples, the method comprises adjusting the size of the target area (e.g. depending on particular application.

The method may comprise directing the beam at an image sensor (e.g. camera or video). The method may comprise directing the beam at a person or group.

According to a further aspect, there is provided computer program, such as computer program product (e.g. computer-readable medium), configured to provide any of the above methods.

The invention includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. As will be appreciated, features associated with particular recited embodiments relating to apparatus, may be equally appropriate as features of embodiments relating specifically to methods, and vice versa.

It will also be appreciated that one or more embodiments/aspects may be useful for interacting or interfering with devices, such as optical devices, and/or persons.

The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

Brief Description of the Figures

A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 shows an example of a light-emitting device; Figure 2 show an example of simplified representation of an alternative light-emitting device according to a described embodiment, together with a target area at an operative distance; Figure 3a shows an example of a portion of a scanning pattern at a target area, as shown in Figure 2, and Figure 3b shows an representation of a beam spot at that target area; Figures 4a and 4b show further passes of a scanning pattern from Figure 3a; Figures 6a and 6b show a target area at different operative distances from the device; and Figures 7a and 7b show further examples of target area at particular operative distances.

Description of Specific Embodiments

In order to obviate the ability with which freelance operators, sometimes referred to as paparazzi, are able to capture images of people, light-emitting devices 10 have been developed, which are intended to be directed toward the camera or video of paparazzi to prevent commercially valuable images being obtained. Similar such devices 10 are also used as non-lethal dazzler-type devices, which can be directed towards persons of malintent in order to temporarily impair that person's vision and so deter them from advancement or further disturbance.

As is shown in Figure 1, such devices 10 are configured to emit a beam 5 of light, generally spatially-coherent light (e.g. from a laser). While the beam 5 may be initially collimated at the device 10, the device 10 is generally configured such that the beam 5 is sufficiently divergent to provide a solid angle (or cone) so as to provide a so-called "wall" of light at a particular operative distance 7 (e.g. the distance from the device 10 at which a camera or person is positioned). The use of the wall" of light ensures that a sufficient portion a person, or optical device (e.g. camera) at the operative distance is within the beam 5.

For the beam 5 to travel further, and to ensure that the light remains of sufficient intensity and energy density at that operative distance 7, the power of the device must be increased. This can be problematic because the energy requirements of the device can increase significantly, particularly when the device 10 is intended to be used at operative distances of over 100 meters (e.g. over 500 metres, or even over 1,000 meters), meaning that the devices 10 become cumbersome, or non-portable. When using such high energy devices 10 and beams, the higher-energy can also cause problems in circumstances where the beam of light remains on a target area and is incident on that area for some time, whether that be at that operative distance, or closer. This again causes problems and safety risks.

Consider now Figure 2, which shows a simplified representation of an alternative example of a light-emitting device 100. Here, again the device 100 is configured for use in interacting or interfering with devices such as optical devices, and/or persons.

Here, device 100 can be considered to be handheld in use, or at least portable (e.g. man portable). In some examples, and the device 100 may be configured to be shaped as a handheld, or shoulder mounted, firearm simply for ease of use. For example, the device 100 may comprise a sight, trigger, etc. or the like, for ease of use, as will be appreciated.

In Figure 2, the light-emitting device 100 comprises at least one light source 110 together with at least one optical element 120. The light source 110 is configured to emit at least one directable beam of light 50, via the optical element 120, to a target area (e.g. a defined target area) at an operative distance, as will be described. In this example, the light source 110 is provided by a laser. The optical element 120 may be provided by or at least comprise, a number of alternative elements, such as controllable mirror, one or more dispersive elements, such as prisms, polarisation beam deflector, or the like, which can be used to control and direct the beam of light accordingly, as will be appreciated. Such elements are well known in the art. The device may be configured to emit a substantially collimated beam. In some examples, the optical element 120 and/or the sight source may also comprise one or more lenses, configured to assist in providing such a collimated beam from the device 100.

Here, the device 100 is configured to emit spatially-coherent light with a wavelength of between 380 nm and 750 nm (e.g. visible light). More particularly, the device 100 may be configured to emit light with a wavelength of between 450 nm and 590 nm, or more specifically of between 495 nm and 570 nm (e.g. visible green). Green light may be particularly useful is causing disturbance to a person's vision, without causing harm.

The device 100 further comprises a dedicated controller 130, which comprises a processor 130a and memory 130b configured in a known manner. The controller 130 may be provided by application specific integrated circuit; field programmable gate array, or the like. Here, the controller 130 is in communication with a user interface 140, which comprises a plurality of manually operable inputs. The controller 130 is specifically configured to control the light source 110 and the optical element 120, responsive to a user input at the interface 140. Here, the device 100 further comprises a power source 150, which in this example is provided by a rechargeable battery.

Unlike the device 10 of Figure 1, the device 100 of Figure 2 is specifically configured to direct a beam of light 50 so as to provide a defined scanning pattern 210 (as will be explained) across a target area 200, at a desired operative distance 220.

Figure 3a shows a portion of a defined scanning pattern 210 (e.g. scanning across the target area 200) at a desired operative distance 220.

In this example, the device 100 is configured to project a beam of light 50 to provide a scanning pattern across a target area 200, that area being perpendicular to the incidence of the beam 50, and in the region of between 1 square-metre and 10 square metres. In some examples, the target area 200 may be in the region of between 2 square-metres and 4 square-metres (e.g. 2 metres by 2 metres).

Here, the device 100 is configured to provide a continuous scanning pattern 210 (e.g. a continuous scanning pattern 210 within the target area 200). In other similar words, the device 100 is configured to direct the beam 50 so as to follow a defined continuous, unbroken, scanning pattern 210 across the target area 200 at the desired operative distance 220.

In this example, the device 200 is specifically configured such that the scanning pattern 210 is defined by directing the beam 50 along a series of curved, or arcuate, pattern segments 210a, 210b, 210c, etc. In other similar words, the device 100 can be configured such that a beam spot 55, provided by incidence of the beam 50 at a surface at the target area 200, is transited along a series of curved, or arcuate, pattern segments 210a, 210b, 210c, etc., (e.g. particularly at the points of inflection or directional change). Using a pattern having curved, or arcuate, pattern segments avoids the unwanted increase in energy deposition at particular localised regions when the direction of the beam is redirected or deviated so as to travel in an alternative direction.

In the example shown in Figure 3a, the scanning pattern 210 (e.g. the cumulative of the pattern segments 210a, 210b, 210c, etc.) may be considered to be oscillatory, or serpentine in nature.

In this example, the device 100 is configured to provide a continuous beam of light 50.

However, of course, the device 100 may equally be configured to provide a pulsed beam of light 50, or the like. It will be appreciated that a pulsed beam of light 50 may still be considered to provide a continuous scanning pattern 210, even where there are minor breaks in the continuity of the pattern.

Here, the device 100 is configured so that the cross-section (e.g. the diameter) of the beam 50 (e.g. the beam waist) at the target area is greater than 5 mm, and in particular between 5mm and 10 mm. Figure 3b shows an exploded view of a section of Figure 3b, in which a beam spot 55 generated by incidence of the directed beam 50 is represented. Here, the cross-section, d, is shown together with the direction of travel, and rate of change of direction, v, along the scanning pattern 210.

In some examples, the device 100 is specifically configured so that the cross-section (e.g. the diameter, or beam waist) of the beam 50 at the target area 200 is greater than or around, 7.5 mm. In doing so, the device 100 can be configured such that, when at the target area 200, the beam cross-section is greater than that of a person's pupil at that area. Thus the risk to a person at that area is mitigated as the beam will not completely enter the eye and potentially cause harm. Nevertheless, light from the beam will still be observable to that person.

The cross-section or beam waist of the beam 50 may be configured at the device 100.

For example, the device may be configured such that a collimated beam of 5 mm or greater (e.g. 7.5 mm or greater) is emitted from the device 100. In other examples, the beam cross-section may be configured to be at least 7.5 mm at the nearest operable distance to the device 100, thus ensuring all operable distances have a beam cross-section or beam waist greater than, for example, 7.5 mm.

The device 100 is configured such that the speed of deviation (e.g. angular deviation) of a beam 50 transiting along the scanning pattern 210 at the target area 200 is sufficient to avoid damage, or lasting damage, to a person's vision. In other words, the device 100 may be configured such that the speed of deviation (shown as v in Figure 3b) of the beam 50 following the scanning pattern is sufficiently quick that, should it be incident with a person (e.g. a person's eye), the energy deposition would not be sufficient to permanently injure that person. It may nevertheless still be sufficient to induce persistence of vision when at the target area 200.

Further, it has been identified that the use of a scanning pattern, rather than fixed beam, has the ability to induce nausea in the person observing the pattern (or at least when observing the beam as it repetitively passes their eyes while travelling in the pattern).

It will readily be appreciate that, in some cases, the speed of the beam will be dictated by the power, and energy density, provided by the light source 110.

In some examples, the device 100 is configured such that the beam 50 provides a first pass across the target area 200, so as it be incident upon some of a surface at the target area 200, and then a second returning pass back across the target area 200.

This is exemplified in Figure 4a.

Of course, the device 100 can be configured such that when the beam provides a second (or returning) pass across the target area 200, the second pass may be different or substantially different from the first pass. In other words, the first pass and the second, or returning pass, may illuminate different areas of a surface at the target area 200. This returning pass is exemplified in Figure 4b. Configuring the device 100 in such a manner can permit a significant target area to be potentially illuminated.

In some examples, the device is configured to provide a plurality of passes, where at least two or more passes are different. In some examples, all passes are different within a particular number of passes (e.g. 10, 20 or 30 passes, etc.).

Of course, while in Figure 3 and 4, a serpentine scanning pattern has been exemplified, which is provided by a series of curved, or arcuate, pattern segments 210a, 210b, 210c, it will be appreciated that alternative scanning patterns may be provided which also can be provided from curved segments. An example is shown in Figure 5, which shows a first pass of a spiral pattern 310. Again, a returning pass (e.g. extending outwardly at the target area) may overlap or not with the first pass, as will be appreciated. Further patterns may also be used, including those without curved sections.

Figure 6a and 6b shows the device 100 in use in which the device 100 is configured to direct the beam 50 so as to provide a defined scanning pattern 210, 310 (e.g. as exemplified in Figure 3, 4 or 5) at a first desired operative distance 220a, as well as a second desired operative distance 220b, respectively. By way of an example, the first operative distance 220a may be 100 meters from the device 100, while the second operative distance may be 300 meters from the device 100.

As is represented in Figures Ga and 6b, the device 100 is specifically configured such that the target area 200 can be the same or similar at the two different operative distances 220a, 22Db. In other words, the device 100 is configured such that, at dissimilar operative distances 220a, 220b, the target area 200 may remain the same or similar. Here also, the device 100 is configured so as to provide the same, or similar, scanning pattern 210, 310 at those different operative distances 220a, 22Db. Put differently, the device 100 is configured to provide the same scanning pattern 210, 230 at multiple operative distances.

In use, when a user identifies an imaging device (e.g. camera) that they wish to prevent commercially valuable images being obtained, or a person or group of malintent that they wish to deter them from advancement or further disturbance, they can power the device of Figure 2 in order to emit a beam of non-lethal light in an appropriate direction and provide a scanning pattern at a particular operative distance. This pattern can be used to disrupt image sensors and/or disturb a person's vision. A user is able to select, via the user interface 140, a particular operative distance of the device 100 (for example 100 metres). This provides a scanning pattern at a target area of 100 metres from the device 100.

Because the device 100 emits a directed scanning beam 50 of a particular cross-section and a particular scanning speed, the power of the beam 50 can be increased compared with those devices shown in Figure 1, while not having an significant adverse effect on power consumption, portability, or risk to persons, and so the range of the device 100 can be significantly increased as a consequence When a user selects, via the user interface 140, a different operative range of the device 100 (for example 1,000 metres), the optical element 120 is then configured to modify the angular deviation, and the speed of that angular deviation, of the beam 50 at the device 100 in order to provide a particular defined scanning pattern 210, 310 at a new target area 200 of similar or the same size, but at a new operative distance 22Db.

In such a way, the same beneficial effects of the device are achieved without the need to significantly increase the power at further distances.

Of course, in some examples, and as is highlighted in Figure 7a and 7b, a user may have control over the size of the target area 200. This may also be selected, via the user interface 140, depending on application. Figures 7a shows a first target area 200a at an operative distance, while Figure 7b shows an alternative, user-selected target area 20Db, at the same operative distance. In each case, the scanning pattern 210, 310 may scan across the target area 200a, 20Db (e.g. to the boundaries of the target areas) in a similar manner.

In some example, the operative distances of the device 100 may be user selected (e.g. based on a user input at the user interface 140). In some examples, the operative distances may be considered to be discrete operative distances (e.g. varying for every metres, every 50 metres, every 100 metres, etc.). Of course, in some examples, the device 100 may operate on a more analogue manner, in which a variable input allows a user to sweepingly modify the operative distance. In other words, the operative distances may be non-discrete such that the device 100 is configured so as to provide a continuous range of operative distances between, for example, 100 metres and 2,000 metres (e.g. between 100 to 500 metres).

While in some examples, the device 100 is configured to allow a user to select a desired operative distance (e.g. manually select 100 metres, or 200 metres, etc), additionally or alternatively, the device 100 can be configured to compute a distance to desired target (i.e. compute the operative distance), and so operate accordingly. This may be achieved using range-finding capabilities, for example, using back scatter from the emitted beam 50. A skilled reader will readily be able to implement such embodiments.

As will be appreciated in the above example, filters or the like may be used by persons in order to attempt to block light emitted from the device 100 reaching a camera or their eyes. For example, green filters may be employed in an attempt to mitigate any propagation of light from the device 100.

In such cases, the device 100 can configured to emit a first directable beam of light to a target area of a first wavelength, and a second beam of light to the target area of a second wavelength. In some cases, these beams can be directed to target area simultaneously.

However, in other examples, the device 100 is specifically configured with two or more light source (e.g. two or more lasers), each specifically configured to emit different wavelengths of light at different times. The first wavelength may be of a first colour (e.g. red), and the second wavelength may be of a different colour (e.g. green). In some cases, the device is configured to alter the wavelength of the beam of light emitted from the device from time to time (e.g. periodically). In some examples, the device is configured to permit a user, via the user interface 140, to alter the wavelength of the beam of light if filtering is suspected.

While in the above example, visible light is described, it will be appreciated that light beyond the visible spectrum may also be used. Light of such wavelengths has been known to affect image sensors, without necessarily being observable.

The applicant discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A light-emitting device for use in interacting or interfering with devices and/or persons, the light-emitting device comprising at least one light source together with at least one optical element, the light source being configured to emit at least one directable beam of light, via the optical element, to a target area at an operative distance.
2. The light-emitting device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to direct the beam so as to provide a defined scanning pattern at that desired operative distance.
3. The light-emitting device of claim 2, wherein the scanning pattern is scanned to within to the boundaries of the target area.
4. The light emitting device of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the light-emitting device is configured such that the target area is the same or similar at different operative Co distances.
5. The light emitting device of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the light-emitting device is configured so as to provide the same, or similar, scanning patterns at different operative distances.
6. The light emitting device of claim 5, wherein the operative distances are in the range of 10 meters to 5,000 meters from the device, such as in the region of 100 meters to 2,000 meters from the device, for example, 100 metres to 500 metres.
7. The light emitting device of any of claims 5 or 6, wherein the operative distances are non-discrete or the device is configured so as to provide a continuous range of operative distances.
8. The light emitting device according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the device is configured to allow a user to select a desired operative distance; and/or the device is configured to compute a distance to desired operative distance and operate accordingly.
9. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured to provide a target area, perpendicular to the incidence of the beam, of in the region of between 1 square metre and 10 square metres, such as between 2 square metres and 4 square metres, e.g. a square area of 2 metres by 2 metres.
10. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is handheld in use or portable.
11. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is 0 configured to allow the target area to be varied. Co
12. The light emitting device according to claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the device is configured to provide a continuous scanning pattern.
13. The light emitting device according to claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the device is configured such that the scanning pattern is defined by directing the beam along a series of curved, or arcuate, pattern segments.
14. The light emitting device according to claim 13, wherein the scanning pattern is oscillatory or serpentine or spiral.
15. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured to provide a continuous beam of light or a pulsed beam of light.
16. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured such that the beam provides a first pass across the target area, so as to be incident upon some of a surface at the target area and optionally the device is configured such that the beam provides a second (or returning) pass across the target area, so as to be incident upon some of a surface at the target area, wherein the second pass is different or substantially different from the first pass.
17. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured so that the cross-section or diameter of the beam at the target area is greater than 5mm, such as greater than or around, 7.5 mm, e.g. between 5mm and 10mm.
18. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured such that the speed of deviation of a beam transiting along the scanning pattern at the target area is sufficient to avoid damage, or lasting damage, to a persons vision. Co r
19. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured such that one or both of the speed of deviation of a beam transiting along a scanning pattern at a target area, and the passes of the scanning pattern, are sufficient to induce persistence of vision of a person at the target area.
20. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the speed of deviation of the beam at different desired target areas/operative distances is the same.
21. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured to emit spatially coherent light.
22. The light emitting device according to claim 21, wherein the light source of the device comprises one or more lasers, configured to emit spatially coherent light.
23. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured to emit light with a wavelength of between 380 nm and 750 nm (e.g. visible light), such as between 450 nit and 590 nm, e.g. between 495 nm and 570 nm (e.g. visible green).
24. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured to emit a first directable beam of light to a target area of a first wavelength, and a second beam of light to that target area of a second wavelength.
25. The light emitting device according to claim 24, wherein the beams of light are directed to target area simultaneously, or at different times.

0
26. The light emitting device according to preceding claim 24 or 25, wherein the first CO wavelength is of a first colour (e.g. red), and the second wavelength is of a different r colour (e.g. green).
27. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured to alter the wavelength of the beam of light from time to time; and/or the device is configured to permit a user to alter the wavelength of the beam of light.
28. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the optical element comprises one or more controllable mirrors, one or more dispersive elements, such as prisms, one or more lenses configured to modify the beam of light when leaving the device and/or polarization beam deflectors and the device comprises one or more processors, and memory, in communication with the optical element in order to provide the defined scanning pattern at a desired operative distance.
29. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises one or more power sources, such a battery packs.
30. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprise a sight.
31. The light emitting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured for use on a vessel, passenger ship or cargo vessel.
32. A light-emitting device comprising at least one light source together with at least one optical element, where the light source is configured to emit at least one directable beam of light, via the optical element, to a defined target area at an operative 0 distance, the device being configured to direct the beam so as to provide a defined CO scanning pattern, scanning across the target area, at that desired operative distance. r
33. A handheld radiation-emitting device, comprising at least one radiation source and a controllable-output element, the radiation source configured to emit at least one controllable beam of radiation via the output to a target area at an operative distance.
34. A method of interacting or interfering with optical devices and/or persons, the method comprising directing at least one directable beam of light to a defined target area at an operative distance.
35. The method of claim 34 comprising directing the beam so as to provide a defined scanning pattern at that desired operative distance.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the method comprises directing the beam so as to provide a defined scanning pattern at a plurality of desired operative distances and/or directing the beam such that, at dissimilar operative distances, the target area remains the same of similar.
37. The method of claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the operative distances are in the range of 10 meters to 5,000 meters from the device, such as 100 meters to 2,000 meters from the device, for example, 100 metres to 500 metres.
38. The method of any of claims 35 to 37, wherein the operative distances are discrete operative distances.
39. The method of any of claims 34 to 38, wherein a target area, perpendicular to the incidence of the beam, is in the region of between 1 square-metre and 10 square metres, such as between 2 square-metres and 4 square-metres, e.g. 2 metres by 2 0 metres. Co r. .
40. The method of any of claims 34 to 39, wherein the method comprises adjusting the size of the target area.
41. The method of any of claims 34 to 40, wherein the method comprises directing the beam at an image sensor and/or at a person or group.
42. A computer program, such as computer program product (e.g. computer-readable medium), configured to provide the method of any of claims 34 to 41.
43. A light emitting device substantially as shown in the drawings and described with reference thereto.