WO2000023813A1

WO2000023813A1 - Improvements in and relating to emitters

Info

Publication number: WO2000023813A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/024315
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony David Marshall
Original assignee: Sea Marshall Rescue Systems, Ltd. (Usa); Sea Marshall Rescue Systems, Ltd.
Priority date: 1998-10-19
Filing date: 1999-10-19
Publication date: 2000-04-27
Also published as: AU6519899A

Abstract

Emitters for covertly locating an item or a person that has in some way become separated from an expected location are provided. The emitter of the present invention may comprise a power source, a non-visible radiation emitter, a radiowave radiation emitter, a radiowave radiation receiver, and a visible light radiation emitter. By emitting a radiowave signal, the emitter provides a beacon to a searching party to locate a misplaced item or person. Once in the general location of the item or person, the searching party can visually locate the item or person through the visible light radiation emitter, or locate the person using night vision goggles, or using another non-visible light receiver, using the non-visible light radiation emitter. To remotely activate any of the non-visible light, radiowave, and visible light radiation emitters, the radiowave radiation receiver can be used.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO EMITTERS

Background of the Invention

This invention concerns improvements in and relating to emitters, particularly, but not exclusively, to emitters for covertly indicating their position to a remote viewer or location.

In many cases it is desirable to locate an item or person who has in some way become separated from their expected location or whose location is unknown. For instance, it is desirable to be able to locate a person separated from a sea going vessel when that vessel sinks or the person is swept overboard. Other applications may include detecting a person lost in a remote location on land and/or locating a piece of equipment for which remote detection is desirable. In some situations it is usually desirable for the means by which the item's or person's location is indicated to aid detection in anyway and through any form of indication it can. The present invention relates to providing an emitter which is highly portable, reliable and suitable for continuous use (without interfering with every day activities) and which assists in such locating, preferably through the use of specific detection systems. For instance, in standard Search and Rescue (SAR) operations at night the use of night vision goggles (NVG) is utilized to detect survivors. The present invention assists NVG and the luminescent gain they give, particularly through providing the most effective and compatible wavelengths for detection infra-red (IR) emissions.

There is a need, especially in hostile land or sea military situations to be covert and hence not to the unaided eye. The present invention seeks to provide position indication in such cases which is selective.

The present invention also relates to providing an emitter which offers non-visual light and/or a choice of both visual and non-visual covert tracking and locating capability, together with the potential for radio tracking or position indication or any combination thereof.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide an emitter comprising a power source, non- visible radiation emitting means and one or more of radiowave radiation emitting means, radiowave radiation receiving means and visible light radiation emitting means . Preferably the non-visible light radiation emitting means are infra-red emitting means. Ultraviolet emitting means may additionally or alternatively be provided.

Preferably the emitter includes a casing. The casing may be buoyant and waterproof. The power source may be provided in the casing. Control means may be provided in the casing. User operable controls for the control means may be provided on the casing. Preferably the infra-red emitting means includes one or more infra-red emitters mounted on a casing. Alternatively or additionally, one or more infra-red emitters may be incorporated into or mounted on a structure extending from the casing. The extending structure may be rigid or flexible. The extending structure may be an antenna.

The visible light radiation emitting means may include one or more visible light emitters mounted on a casing. Preferably the visible light radiation emitting means are incorporated into or mounted on an antenna. Visible light radiation emitting means may be, alternatively or additionally to the non-visible light radiation emitting means, provided in this form. The radiowave radiation emitting and/or receiving means may be mounted within a casing. Radiowave radiation emitting or receiving means may alternatively or additionally be provided in this way. The antenna may be mounted on the casing. The antenna may be hidden within straps or garments.

The emitter may be provided as a discrete item or may be incorporated into or onto a further item. The emitter may be mounted on or in or be provided integrally with another item, such as a life jacket. The other item may be an item of clothing, such as a survival suit, waterproof suit, wet suit, dry suit, diving suit, coat, waterproof coat, harness, military clothing or equipment or flying clothing or equipment. The item may be a buoyant item or buoyancy aid, such as a life jacket, life raft, lifeboat, floatation aid or life belt. Items may include objects and equipment, such as vehicles, vessels, stores, landing areas, targets. Any item of apparatus for night recovery and/or marking and/or recognition may be provided with an emitter according to the invention.

The power source is preferably a DC source. The source may be a battery. One or more batteries may be provided. The batteries may be of the alkaline and/or lithium type.

The power source may be provided together with an inverter or power converter. The power source may be converted to give between 20 and 400V, more preferably between 70 and 220V. The power source may be converted to give a frequency of between 20Hz and 2750Hz and more preferably of between 70Hz and 2500Hz, particularly where an electroluminescence light emitter is provided together with the infra-red emitter. Preferably a single power source is used for the infra-red radiation emitting means and/or the radio wave emitting means and/or the visible light emitting means. A common power source for all three emitter types is preferred. Preferably the power source is replaceable and/or rechargeable. The power source may be controlled by control means. The control means may complete or break the electrical circuit. The control means may close the electrical circuit to give infra- red radiation emission and/or radio wave emission and/or light emission.

The control means may include a manually operated on and/or off and/or on and off switch. The control means may include an automatic on control. The automatic on control may be activated where predetermined conditions are met. The predetermined conditions may be or include immersion of the emitter or a part thereof in water, for instance for a predetermined period. The predetermined period may be greater than 5 seconds, greater than 10 seconds or even greater than 20 seconds.

The control means may be activated or deactivated by reception of a remote signal, preferably by a radio signal or infra-red emission. The signal may have a coded sequence, for instance for security reasons.

The infra-red emitter may be combined with a receiver which permits remote activation of the IR and/or radio emitting and/or visible light emitting means. This is intended to provide a means of marking persons, objects, areas to be visible to NVG, or other such systems when needed, but invisible to the naked eye at all times. The receiving means may replace one or more emitting means within the casing.

Preferably, the emitter includes control means which control the form of the signals emitted, such as the infra-red radiation signal emitted from the emitter. The control means may include means for the signal coding. The signals, including the infra-red radiation signal may be constant or pulsed. The signals, including the infra-red radiation signal may be coded by modulation. The signal modulation may be amplitude modulation, delta modulation, dual modulation, frequency modulation, frequency-shift transmission, phase modulation, pulse amplitude modulation, pulse code modulation or pulse width modulation. The infra-red radiated signal may be coded by varied wavelength or colour filter. The control means may include selection means for continuous and/or intermittent infra-red radiation emission and/or radio wave emission and/or light emission. The control means may include radio wave frequency selection means and/or infra-red wavelength selection means.

The infra-red radiation may have a wavelength of between 250nm and lOOOnm and more preferably of between 400 and 900nm. The angle of radiated IR light may be narrow or wide but typically around 120 degrees wide .

Preferably the radiowave radiation may have at a frequency of between 20MHz and lOOOMHz and more preferably between 240MHz and 250MHz. The radio wave emitter means may transmit at 121.5MHz and/or 243MHz. One or more further emission frequencies may be provided. The radio wave emitting means may include a radio frequency transmitter. The radio frequency transmitter may provide between 2mW and 250mW into an antenna and more preferably between 20mW and 150mW.

The emitter may include radiowave radiation emitting and/or receiving means, and may for instance, include an antenna. The antenna may be combined with and/or act as an electroluminescent light (EL) . The antenna may have one or more common electrodes with the electroluminescent light. The electroluminescent light may provide the non-visible light emitter, but is preferably the visible light emitter.

The antenna is preferably flexible and may be in the form of a loop or attached to a person. A rigid or semi-rigid antenna may be provided. The antenna may have a telescopic structure.

The antenna for the radiowave emitter and light radiation emitter may be provided within a cover. The cover may comprise a length or loop of material. The cover may be incorporated in, mounted on, or attached to an item, such as a life jacket.

The radiowave receiving means may include a radio frequency receiver. The radio wave receiver may be provided with an antenna. The antenna may be common with the radiowave transmitter. The antenna may be flexible and/or in loop form and/or semi rigid form and/or telescopic form and/or a fixed antenna.

The radio wave receiver may receive on frequencies between lOMhz and lOOOMhz.

Preferably the visible light radiation emitting means includes or consists of an electroluminescent light. The electroluminescent light may comprise a first electrode and a second electrode, the first and second electrodes being separated by dielectric material. Preferably the dielectric material incorporates electroluminescent material, such as electroluminescent particles.

One or more of the electrodes may contribute to the antenna of the radiowave radiation emitting means .

This application incorporates by reference the full details of Great Britain Patent Application No. 9805856.3, filed 20 March 1998, entitled "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO EMITTERS," particularly with regard to electroluminescent lights and radiowave emitters and antenna therefor.

The emitter is preferably capable of attachment, for instanced by Velcro or other means, to other objects.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide an item incorporating and/or provided with an emitter according to the first aspect of the invention. The item may be an item of clothing, such as a survival suit, waterproof suit, wet suit, dry suit, diving suit, a coat, a waterproof coat or harness, military wear or flying suit. The item may be a buoyancy item or aid such as a life jacket, life raft, lifeboat, floatation aid or life belt. Objects and equipment such as vehicles, vessels, stores, landing areas, targets or any item of apparatus for night recovery and/or marking and/or recognition may be provided with an emitter according to the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the invention incorporating radio, electroluminescent light (EL) and infra-red light emitters;

Figure 2 illustrates the device of Figure 1 deployed around the neck of a wearer;

Figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention deployed in a pocket and around the neck of a wearer;

Figure 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention illustrating an alternative infra-red emitter position;

Figure 5 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 4 deployed in the pocket of and around the neck of a wearer; Figure 6 illustrates a still further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a detailed view of a potential infra-red emitter suited for deployment in the position illustrated in Figure 4; and

Figure 8a and 8b illustrate basic circuits for controlling a device according to the present invention.

In a wide variety of situations, but particularly in search and rescue applications, it is desirable for a person to be able to indicate their position to remote locations. In the case of a search and rescue scenario, this enables the searchers to detect and locate the person and to provide rescue means at the relevant location to save that person. To indicate their location it is necessary for the person to have some form of emitter in their possession. In the case of a person who becomes separated from the vessel on which they are travelling, for instance by being washed overboard, in the case of a person who becomes separated from the vessel because that vessel sinks and in the case where the person or persons are present in a life raft or life boat, it is desirable for the emitter to be readily portable. It is not practical for normal forms of emitter, such as radios, to be provided and/or conveyed to the location of the person or item in emergency situations.

In Search and Rescue operations night vision goggles (NVG) are often utilized to aid vision in low light conditions, i.e. nighttime. The NVG provides a high luminescent gain that greatly assists searches at night providing visible images not capable of being seen by the naked eye. The NGV is highly responsive and sensitive to infra-red spectrum of light.

There is also a need, especially in hostile military situations to be covert as far as possible, but potentially visible to selected viewers. This may for example take the form of being visible only to night vision goggle (NVG) operators and not to the unaided eye. The present invention provides a series of systems suitable for assisting in the locating of items or personnel or locations, particularly in low light conditions and/or with the option of giving such indications whilst maintaining a generally covert appearance.

The present invention, in one embodiment, is illustrated in Figure 1 which shows an emitter casing (2) with a loop (4) attached. The casing is also provided with an infra-red emitter (6) . The casing (2) houses a power source and control circuitry for the emitters which form part of the system. The loop (4) comprises an electroluminescent light and radio antenna. A flexible, water proof cover, is provided around the outside of the light and antenna, which may form the structure to support an infra-red emitter.

The infra-red emitter (6) is also controlled and powered by the circuitry provided within the casing (2) . User operable controls (8) allow the emission modes to be selected by the operator. Thus the system may be set to give infra-red light emission only, visible light emission only, radio emission only or a combination of any two or three of those forms of emission. Emission can be controlled by the operator through on/off button (10) or any combination of controls 8 and 10.

The system can be provided with a selector for allowing the system to be armed, but not activated, during normal use. An arm device would become activated, for instance, upon immersion in water or upon occurrence of another scenario consistent with an emergency situation or calling for location indication. Due to its high detectability by certain systems, such as NVG, the inclusion of an infra-red emitter within the system substantially enhances the detectability of the system, particularly during low light conditions. It is desirable that the IR emitter be powered so as to radiate a desirable spectrum, but to avoid "flaring" or other impairment of night vision systems, such as that caused by strobe lights.

As well as providing for straightforward infra-red emission, the use of control electronics and/or careful design of the emitter form allow for a wide variety of infra-red emission types and forms to be achieved. The covert infra-red emissions may, for instance, be filtered by colour or coded by pulse to import information to the viewer.

Whilst the device of the present application is suited for use in distress applications, a wide variety of other applications can successfully employ it.

Non distress applications may be to identify persons, vehicles and objects by the carriage of or attaching to the portable self powered emitter as a covert marker. For example, the identifying of security personnel and VIP's from others at night. The marking of supplies and objects for night recovery by air, land or sea. By use of several emitters a pattern may be made to land helicopters for instance, invisible to the naked eye. Controlled activation mode by remote transmission can allow for location of supplies at night by search aircraft or vehicles. To assist in long range locating of the emitter, the circuit also incorporates a radio frequency transmitter. This may employ one or both of the electrodes of an electroluminescent light as its antenna to emit a homing signal.

Under typical operating conditions the transmitter provides between 25mW and 125mW into the antenna. The transmitter can readily be provided so as to emit one or more distinctive frequencies, VHF and/or UHF, for instance the international distress and homing frequency of 121.5/243MHz or any suitable frequency within 10-lOOOMHz band. By providing a loop antenna 360° tracking is provided.

Using a conventional PP3 battery as the power source, it is possible to provide an emitter having light emitting properties in flashing mode for approximately 24 hours and in constant mode for over 6 hours, as well as radio transmission of between 12 and 24 hours. Such a system operates successfully at between -10°C and +55°C. Use of other battery power source for extended operation is envisaged for land or sea use.

The functions and complexity of the control unit for the device can be varied significantly. The control circuit may provide an on and off control for the emitter. The control may also incorporate automatic activation should the unit be submersed in water for a predetermined period, for instance 20 to 30 seconds, as well as or instead of the manual control.

The control means may also include an indicator showing whether the power source is functional or not and/or mode selection for the infrared radiation source and/or frequency selection for the RF transmitter. Control includes an on/off position which will only allow low power transmission or in armed condition the unit may operate automatically by immersion in water for 15 - 20 seconds or manually by pressing button. Control of IR only transmitter off is achieved by repeated pressing of button. Transmitter on is indicated by light emitting diode.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, is suited for wearing around the neck of the user, both during ordinary activities, and during the distress or other deployed application. Deployment in this form is illustrated in Figure 2. The infra-red emitter (6) is mounted on the casing (2) such that it points or emits towards the wearers upper back or, as is this case here, chest and head. In this way, the infra-red emitter should remain visible even if the wearer (10) is immersed in water or the like.

The length of the infra-red radiation emitting aerial portion can be varied as desired. Additionally due to its flexible nature it can be bent or coiled during use and/or during storage.

A device according to the present invention can be provided on the person and/or in proximity thereto in a wide variety of ways. As illustrated in Figure 2 the device can be worn by the user (10) integrally provided as a loop about the neck of the user (10) or on the front of a life jacket (not shown) . The casing containing the power source and other components, in such cases, is provided on the front of the life jacket.

As illustrated in Figure 3, for instance, the casing (6) can be accommodated in a pocket (12) on the wearer (10) (or in a life jacket), with the antenna (14) draped around the neck of the wearer. Fastening the retain the antenna in this position may be provided.

As an alternative to locating the infra-red emitter on the casing, as illustrated in Figure 4, the infra-red emitter (16) can be positioned at the end of the antenna portion (14) . The system is armed ready for use by switch (18) . The power supply can be accessed through cover (20) .

Again, this system facilitates deployment of the entire system around the neck of the wearer (10), see Figure 5, and also allows the overall combination of antenna (14) and emitter (16) to be incorporated into garments, on to life jackets or the like. Locating the infra-red emitter (16) on the flexible antenna (14), with that antenna (14) positioned on a suitable portion of the wearer, item or the like, ensures maximum visibility for the infra-red emissions.

Figure 6 shows a self contained unit for local or remote activation with inbuilt radio receiver to activate or control infra-red emissions in a package easily transported and affixed to objects.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figure 6, the casing (2) is provided with an infra-red emitter (6), arming switch (18), control switch (10) and battery access cover (20) in a manner consistent with that previously described for other embodiments. The antenna (22) in this system, however, is formed by a semi-rigid or telescopic system. The unit is a receiver controlled activated system. An infra-red emitter suited to incorporation into the end of an antenna, as per Figure 4, is illustrated in Figure 7. The emitter (30) consists of connections (32) for providing the power, lens (34) for promoting 120° spread of the light and a strand (36) which cooperated with the end of the antenna (not shown) in waterproof manner. Attachment is effected through screwthread (38) . The emissions may have a peak wavelength of 880nm for particularly effective visibility.

Figure 8a illustrates a basic circuit for an infra-red emitter. The circuit includes a DC power supply (100), resistor (102), one or more LEDs (104) and one or more micro chip control array (106) . Figure 8b illustrates a block schematic of the portable emitter including battery DC supply (200) , control circuitry (202), infra-red emitter (204), electroluminescent light driver (206) , radio emitter (208) and combined radio antenna and electroluminescent fibre (210) .

As well as incorporation in designs for wearing, such as worn as a cord around the neck of the user (mariners, aviators, or remote travellers) , the system can also be provided as an integral component of a life raft, mounted on a lifeboat, or in a wide variety of other applications.

The construction of the emitter and its manner of operation make it resistant to impact, vibration or shock, and also enable it to function in water for extended periods. It is also suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres, such as those in which there is a risk of explosion.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A position indicating emitter, comprising: a power source; a non-visible light emitter that is coupled to said power source; and a radio emitter that is coupled to said power source.

2. The position indicating emitter of claim

1, further comprising a radio receiver that is coupled to said power source.

3. The position indicating emitter of claim

2, wherein said radio receiver is used to activate at least one of said non-visible light emitter and said radio emitter.

4. The position indicating emitter of claim 1, further comprising a visible light emitter that is coupled to said power source.

5. The position indicating emitter of claim

4, wherein said visible light emitter is an electroluminescent light.

6. The position indicating emitter of claim

5, wherein said electroluminescent light is part of an antenna of said radio emitter.

7. The position indicating emitter of claim 4, wherein said visible light emitter is mounted on a casing of the position indicating emitter.

8. The position indicating emitter of claim 1, wherein said non-visible light emitter is an infrared light source.

9. The position indicating emitter of claim 1, wherein said non-visible light emitter is an ultraviolet light source.

10. The position indicating emitter of claim 1, wherein said non-visible light emitter is an electroluminescent light.

11. The position indicating emitter of claim 1, wherein said non-visible light emitter is mounted on a casing of the position indicating emitter.

12. The position indicating emitter of claim 1, wherein said non-visible light emitter is mounted on a structure extending away from a casing of said emitter.

13. The position indicating emitter of claim 12, wherein said structure is an antenna of said radio emitter.

14. The position indicating emitter of claim 1, wherein said non-visible light emitter emits a coded signal .

15. The position indicating emitter of claim 1, further comprising a floatation aid.

16. The position indicating emitter of claim 1, further comprising an article of clothing. - l i

17. The position indicating emitter of claim 1, wherein said radio wave emitter comprises an antenna that has a substantially looped form which allows the position indicating emitter to be worn about a user's neck.

18. The position indicating emitter of claim 1, further comprising a life raft.