Abstract:
A torch casing ( 10 ) with a reflector ( 46 ) and a bulb ( 44 ) incorporates camera ( 48, 50, 52 ) taking pictures through front face ( 64 ) and employs flash tube ( 58 ) behind the camera chip ( 50 ) reflecting off reflector ( 46 ) and reflected onto reflector ( 46 ) by mirrored surface ( 60 ) on the back of camera chip ( 50 ). Captured images, still or video, are exported by radio frequency unit ( 22 ) to, for example, secure and supervised store ( 124 ). Ultraviolet unit ( 65 ) causes fluorescence which is photographed by camera ( 48, 50, 52 ). Display screen ( 70 ) shows camera ( 48, 50, 52 ) images or received images. The apparatus continuously sends its position determined by GPS navigation. Sounds can be recorded, sent and received. Iris patterns and fingerprints can be recognized from an updated store.

Description:
FIELD 
   The present invention relates to portable equipment of the type carried by police, security personnel or military personnel. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Police, military and security services are all provided with items they are expected to carry about their person while going about their duties. Particularly in the case of police and security companies, incidents occur which require evidence to be submitted. The present invention seeks to provide an additional capacity for recording visual and audio evidence without adding to the number or bulk of items expected to be carried by the individual. 
   Recorded, visual or audio evidence must be shown to have been free of tampering or alteration if it is to be accepted in a court of law. The present invention seeks to provide a system where recorded sounds or images can be shown not to have been the subject of alteration or tampering. 
   In the ordinary way of things, to provide the additional capacities that the present invention seeks to provide, extra equipment would have to be carried by the individual. The present invention seeks to provide that extra ability within the compass of items already carried by the individual. 
   SUMMARY 
   According to a first aspect, the present invention consists in a portable apparatus comprising; a torch, said torch comprising a transparent front face; illumination means for providing illumination through said front face; camera means, contained within said torch and selectably operable to capture images through said front face; and export means, operative to export images, captured by said camera means, to a remote recipient. 
   According to a second aspect, the present invention consists in a method for capturing images, comprising the steps of; providing a torch comprising a transparent front face; providing illumination, through said front face by employing illumination means; capturing visual images by employing camera means, contained within said torch and selectably operable to capture images through said front face; and exporting captured images by employing export means, operative to export images, captured by said camera means, to a remote recipient. 
   The present invention further provides that the torch can comprise a bulb and a reflector, and that the camera can comprise an optical portion, looking out through the front face, the optical portion being mounted in front of the bulb. 
   The present invention also provides that the camera can comprise a flash unit, the flash unit being operative to provide light from a point between the camera and the bulb, the reflector directing light from the flash unit in a forward direction. 
   The present invention further provides that the face of the optical unit towards the bulb can comprise a reflective surface to direct light from the flash unit and light from the bulb onto the reflector. 
   The present invention further provides for the provision of ultraviolet illumination to render fluorescent materials visible for imaging in visible light. 
   The present invention also provides an audio recorder for capturing sounds for export along with the images. 
   The present invention also provides that the images obtained by the camera can be downloaded to a secure memory with supervised access. 
   The present invention further provides that the downloading to the secure memory can be via a radio link, and that the radio link can be through a cellular telephone network, a direct radio link, or through a satellite. 
   The invention further provides that the cellular telephone network can be any network capable of effecting image and audio data transfer. 
   The present invention further provides that the means for downloading can contain an intermediate station, and that the intermediate station can be a motorised vehicle. 
   The present invention also provides for the use of a viewing screen, the viewing screen being capable of either or both of receiving images to be viewed by the radio link, and viewing images captured by the camera unit. 
   The present invention further provides for a satellite beacon operative to indicate its location at all times. 
   The present invention further provides for automatic recognition of human identification characteristics, such as iris patterns or fingerprints, from a captured image. 
   The present invention is further explained, by way of example, by the following description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which: 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1A  shows a cross-sectional view, from the side, of a torch camera according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 1B  shows a cross-sectional view, from above, of the torch camera of  FIG. 1A   
       FIG. 1C  shows a cross-sectional view of the handle section of the torch camera, cut as indicated by the line X X′ and looking in the direction of the arrows (in  FIG. 1A ). 
       FIG. 1D  shows a face-on view of the camera plate in the torch camera, looking in the direction of arrow Y in  FIG. 1A . 
       FIG. 1E  is an isometric view of the radio frequency unit of the torch camera  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the camera and audio elements of the torch camera, otherwise shown in  FIG. 1D . 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram of the torch camera. 
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the complete torch camera. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram showing how the torch camera can be used for reliable evidence capture. 
     and 
       FIG. 6  shows a situation where confirmable evidence capture would be advisable, illustrating the complete communications environment in which the torch camera can be used. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Attention is first drawn to  FIGS. 1A to 1E , which together show one possible mechanical construction for the torch camera.  FIG. 1A  shows a cross-sectional side view of the torch camera. 
   The torch camera  11  comprises a torch casing  10  of generally square cross-section encompasses a cylindrical battery tube  12  containing sufficient cells  14 , in series, to form a battery of cells to power the torch camera  11 . A pressure spring  16 , forced against the negative casing of the cell  14  furthest from the front of the torch camera  11 , has a negative wire  18  electrically affixed thereto. The negative wire  18  passes through battery tube  12  wall and along a first void  20  between the inside of the torch casing  10  and the outside of the battery tube  12  so passing energy from the negative terminal of the battery of cells towards the front of the torch camera  11 . The torch casing  10 , behind the battery tube  12 , accommodates a radio frequency unit  22  which provides communications for the torch camera  11 . The radio frequency unit  22  is powered by radio frequency unit power cables  24  which pass from the front of the torch camera  11 , to the radio frequency unit  22 , through a second void  26  between the inner surface of the torch casing  10  and the outer surface of the battery tube  12 . The radio frequency unit  22  is bi-directional. Signals received from the radio frequency unit  22 , and signals sent to the radio frequency unit  22  are provided on a data cable  28  which passes to and from the front of the torch camera  11  in a third void  30  between the inner surface of the torch casing  10  and the outer surface of the battery tube  12 . Radio signals are sent from, and received by the radio frequency unit  22  by means of an antenna  32 . When the radio frequency unit  22  is present in the torch camera  11 , the antenna  32  is accommodated at the distal (furthest from the front) end of a fourth void  34  between the inner surface of the torch casing  10  and the outer surface of the battery tube  12 . A simple conformal bung  36  holds the radio frequency unit  22  within the distal end of the torch casing  10  and provides the possibility of provision of signal connections, to the radio frequency unit  22 , there through by means of connectors, plugs or sockets (not shown). 
   The cells  14  are held, in the battery tube  12 , against the pressure of the spring  16 , by means of a screw retainer  38  which screws onto the end of the battery tube  12  to force a connecting plate  40  against the end of the endmost cell  14 . The connecting plate  40  is, typically, a piece of double sided printed circuit board cut to fit within the head of the battery tube  12 . A slot void  42  permits access of wires to the connecting plate  40 . A protrusion is provided on the connecting plate  42  which fits into the slot void to prevent rotation of the connecting plate  40  within the battery tube  12 . One wire is soldered to the face of the connecting plate  40  closest to the endmost cell  14 . This wire provides a constant 9-volt supply. Another wire is soldered to the face of the connecting plate  40  away from the endmost cell  14 . One terminal of the bulb  44  touches that face when the torch camera  11  is assembled. A switch  46   a  can be operated to connect the two faces of the connecting plate  40  together, thus lighting the bulb  44  which is grounded to the negative wire  18  via a metallic parabolic reflector  46 . 
   The parabolic reflector  46  is situated behind a camera plate  48  which carries a charge coupled device (CCD) camera chip  50  beneath a pre-adjusted lens assembly  52 . The camera chip  50  can be suitable to capture monochrome or colour images, and as single or continuous images, depending upon the selected mode of operation of the camera torch  11 . 
   In the preferred embodiment of the torch camera  11 , the camera plate  48  suspends the lens assembly  52  on struts  56  in the centre of the field of the reflector  46 . This example shows four struts  56 . It is to be understood that the invention also encompasses embodiments with one strut  56 , two struts  56 , three struts  56 , or more than four struts  56 . The invention also encompasses embodiments with no struts, where the lens assembly is glued or otherwise affixed onto a surface of or within a void in a transparent plate. 
   Light from the bulb  44 , and from a flash tube  58 , can pass around the struts  56 . A mirrored surface  60  is provided on the rear of the camera plate  48  beneath the camera chip  50  to reflect light from the flash tube  58  and the bulb  44 , which would be otherwise obstructed by the camera chip  50  and lens assembly  52  back onto the reflector  46  to be sent around the struts  56 . Approximately half of the light from the flash tube  58  is reflected out of the torch camera  11  directly from the parabolic reflector  46 . The remainder is reflected from the mirrored surface  60 , onto the parabolic reflector  46 , and thence out of the torch camera  11 . 
   A low power, visible light, laser diode  54 , mounted on one of the struts  56 , is operative to send a straight beam of light which can be used as an aiming device when pointing the torch camera  11  at a target to acquire images. A photo sensor  62  is employed to determine the amount of exposure required when acquiring an image. The photo sensor  62  can be omitted if the camera chip is employed for the same purpose. One or more ultraviolet emission tubes  65  provide ultraviolet illumination to render visible fluorescent substances, such as fingerprints, enabling them to be observed and photographed. A transparent front plate  64  is held within the end of the torch casing  10  by a screw-on circular flange  66  made water and moisture tight by a sealing ring  68 . A display screen  70 , for preference a low power liquid crystal device displaying at a pixel density in the region of twenty five dots per centimeter or greater, is visible through a first transparent section  72  of the torch casing  10 . A controller  74  commands and maintains the function of the communication and data reception and dissemination process. A data transfer socket  76  allows images or records of sound signals to be sent to or obtained from an external source such as a computer. A power plug  78  permits the end of that portion of the camera supporting the display screen  70  to plug the camera into the battery of cells  14  as the torch camera is assembled. This powers the entire camera. The power plug  78  also allows the torch camera  11  to be taken apart. 
   A flash tube power generator  80  generates the high voltages and electric charges necessary to operate the flash tube  58  and the ultraviolet emission tubes  65 . The flash tube power generator  80  is, for preference, maintained as a separate entity because of the risk of the high voltages and charges damaging sensitive low voltage semiconductor devices. The generator  80  can work by charge pumping voltage multiplication, by high frequency magnetic inversion, or by a combination of both. A second transparent section  82  in the torch casing  10  permits visibility of a neon charge indicator  84  which shows that the camera has accumulated enough flash energy to take a picture using the flash tube  58 . The ultraviolet emission tubes  65  can be operated continuously for human observation, or in a flash or continuous mode for photography. 
   A plurality of control buttons  86  allow the user to control the torch camera  11 . The control buttons  86  can be directly acting (directly causing a function) and/or can be interactive the controller  74  by means of messages or icons on the display screen  70  to provide menu based control. 
   A solid state audio recorder  88 , incorporating a miniature loudspeaker  90  and microphone  92  allows, for preference, up to 20 minutes of sound recording. Where space permits, a recorder employing a removable tape can, instead, be used. The control button board  94  also comprises a plus  98  which engages an earphone socket  96  allowing recordings to be replayed. 
   A battery charger socket  100  allows for recharging of the cells  14  without the necessity of their removal or replacement. Not shown, but implicit, is a battery charging unit, for used from electric mains or from an automotive electric system, operative to control the flow of current to safe limits and to terminate charging when charging is complete. 
   Attention is next drawn to  FIG. 2 , showing an isometric view of the assembly of camera and audio elements removed from the torch casing  10 . The assembly effectively forms five sides of a “camera cuboid”, at least one axis of which has a substantially square cross section. 
   The display screen  70 , on a display screen board  102  forms, one side of the cuboid. A control button board  104  forms a second face of the cuboid. Not visible in  FIG. 2  are a controller board which supports the controller  74  and flash tube power generator board which supports the flash tube power generator  80 , which two entities form another two sides of the cuboid. The camera plate  48  forms the front face of the cuboid. The parabolic reflector  46  with the bulb  44  installed therein lies within the camera cuboid, behind the camera plate  48 . The rear face of the cuboid is vacant. Supporting clips  106  are placed between the boards  102 ,  104  to provide rigidity and strength. The entire camera cuboid plugs in to, and is removable from, the torch casing. Resilient pads  108 , on the front of the camera plate  48 , maintain the spacing between the camera plate  48  and the front plate  64  such that when the sealing ring  68  is screwed down, a firm and cushioning pressure is obtained. Flexible printed circuit boards  110  allow for electrical connection between the various boards  104 ,  102 ,  48  of the camera cuboid. The struts  56  and the residue of the front plate  48  act as a power and signal highway for the operation of the torch camera  11 . The rear surfaces of the struts  56  are also used for power and signal conduction. The boards  102   104   48  can be multi-layer printed circuit boards. 
   It is to be appreciated that this is just one preferred way in which the torch camera  11  can be implemented. The present invention also encompasses that the cuboid can be replaced with a cylindrical mount for all the elements present behind the camera plate  48 . The present invention also encompasses all those embodiments which allow the components to be held within a torch casing, of this form, or of any other form, using this style or any other style of battery or power unit. 
     FIG. 3  shows a schematic block diagram of the torch camera  11 . The controller  74  sends commands and control signals to the camera chip  50  and receives image signals in return. The controller  74  can instruct the laser diode  54  to shine and can respond, for the purpose of controlling the acquiring of an image, to the output of the photo sensor  62 . The controller  74  also controls the flash tube power generator  80  to command it when to trigger the flash tube  58  or to power the ultraviolet emission tubes  65 . A memory  112  is coupled to receive image signals from the controller  74 , to receive commands from the controller  74 , and to provide image signals to the controller  74  for viewing on the display screen  70 , or transmission from the torch camera  11  via the data transfer socket  76  or the radio frequency unit  22 . The control buttons  86 , operated by the user, send instructions to the controller  74  which, in response, controls all of the elements in the camera cuboid. The voice recorder  88  sends signals to the controller  74  which the controller can then store in the memory  112  or immediately externalise. In its turn, the controller  74  can cause signals to be transferred to be heard through the earphone socket  96  or the miniature loudspeaker  90 . 
   Housed within the controller  74 , or at least connected to and in communication with the controller  74 , is a recognition unit  113  which can be used for recognition, from captured images, of human identification characteristics, such as the pattern of the iris of the eye, or fingerprints. A library of known characteristics is compared with the characteristic of the captured image and a match, or closest match is found. The library can be received via the radio frequency unit, received via the data transfer socket, can be stored in a memory, stored on a removable card, or any combination of these. The captured image can be sent to a remote location for comparison against a greater database of characteristics, and a report sent back and displayed. When capturing an image of a human iris, the flash tube power generator can be set to a low power mode to avoid visual damage. Alternatively, light from the bulb  44  can be employed. A relay or solid state switch can be employed to allow the controller  74  to control the illumination of the bulb  44 . 
   The battery of cells  14  is connected to the bulb  44  via a switch  114 . The bulb  44  can thus be switched on or off. The camera cuboid, if present in the torch camera  11 , is permanently connected to the battery of cells  14  so that the memory  112  does not lose a record of images or sounds stored therein. The control buttons  86  are able to switch the camera cuboid into a quiescent state wherein the memory  112  can sustain its records using the power in the battery of cells  14  for many months, provided the bulb  44  is not substantially used before recharging. 
   The controller  74  can send data (sound or images) for export via the radio frequency unit  22  or the data transfer socket  76  or can import data (sound, images or text) therefrom. Imported data can then be displayed on the display screen or played through the miniature loudspeaker  90  or the earphone socket  96 . Equally, images captured by the camera chip  50  can be recovered from the memory  112  and displayed on the display screen  70 . The same is true for sounds as for images. Sounds can be imported and played through the miniature loudspeaker  90  or through the earphone socket  96 . 
   Attention is drawn to  FIG. 4  showing an isometric view of the torch camera  11 . The generally square outline of the main body of the torch camera  11  is clear, together with the circular outline of the flange  66  which tightens down the front plate  64 , leaving a circular aperture  116  of substantially the same diameter as the mouth of the parabolic reflector  46 . It is preferred that the torch casing  10  and the battery tube  12  are made of a plastic non-conducting material so that the antenna  32  of the radio frequency unit  22  may be free to radiate. If metallic material is used, the present invention permits that the antenna  32  can be external to the torch casing  10 . The embodiment of the invention shown can be implemented in other forms of case and with different types of battery. The embodiment shown is preferred since it is of substantially the same dimensions and outline as a standard torch as issued to police, security services, night watchmen, firemen, military personnel and utility company employees. As such it simply replaces the ordinary torch in the utility belt and thus maintains the weight, volume and form of equipment carried. If it is not desired to use the camera cuboid, so that a simple torch is obtained, it is simply achieved by removing the cuboid camera by unscrewing the flange  66 , unplugging the camera cuboid and putting it aside. The parabolic reflector  46  and its bulb  44  are retained and the space taken up by the camera plate  48  and resilient pads  108  replaced by a simple washer of the same thickness. The radio frequency unit  22  can, similarly, be removed. The torch camera  11  thus offers the options of being a simple torch, a torch with camera facilities, or a torch with camera and radio facilities or in any configuration as a sealed unit. 
   The camera torch  11  can operate in various modes. At night, both the flash tube  58 , and/or the ultraviolet emission tubes  65 , and/or the bulb  44  may be used to illuminate the object photographed. In lighter conditions, the picture may be taken using none of these. The display screen  70  may be used to display the image seen by the camera chip  50  before the picture is taken. The display screen  70  can also be used to display the status of the camera torch  11  such as the amount of power remaining, the amount of audio recording time remaining, the number of further images which may be taken before downloading, and so on. Equally, the camera torch  11  can receive images via its data transfer socket  76  or via the radio frequency unit  22  to display on the display screen  70 . 
   Attention is next drawn to  FIG. 5 , showing one way in which the camera torch  11  can be used in a situation where evidence must be gathered in such a way that it cannot be the victim of tampering and the authenticity of the evidence and copies is assumable. 
   The camera torch  11 , having acquired sound or image data for transmission, transfers the data to its transmission apparatus  120 . The transmission apparatus can be of various kinds, whose nature and possibilities are explained and described with reference to  FIG. 6  hereafter. Suffice to say that whatever is given to the transmission apparatus  120  is sent by wire or radio to a receiving station  122  where the signals are decoded and then sent to a secure memory  124  which is under supervision and under controlled access at all times. Once in the secure memory  124 , no individual has free access to change or delete any data. As an additional feature, the audio recordings and visual images from the camera torch  11  are date stamped by the camera torch before the camera torch  11  transmits them through the transmission apparatus  120 , and this date stamp is recorded in the secure memory  124 . The records are further date stamped on reception at the receiving station and on storage in the secure memory  124 . As a further precautions before storage in the secure memory  124 , the signals are recorded on a write once recordable compact disc  126  or any removable media of a similar nature. This is a non-volatile method of storage which assures the survival of the records even if the secure memory  124  should fail. A comparison recording may also be made from the secure memory  124 . Any copies of the images or sounds can be dispensed from the secure memory  124  on discs  128 . The invention also envisages that, as well as use of a write once compact disc  126 , there can also be direct photography of the reconstructed image from the receiving station  122  to make a permanent film record against which all other digital records can be compared. 
   Finally,  FIG. 6  shows the communications environment in which the camera torch  118  can function. Simply for the sake of humorous illustration, an incident is depicted to which no credence would be given in the absence of irrefutable evidence. 
   At the most primitive level, records of images and sounds can be stored in or retrieved from a computer  130 . Material, stored directly on the computer  130 , is date stamped by the torch camera  11 , but this is the only improvement in establishing authenticity over those methods already known for detecting alteration. 
   The computer  130  can be connected through the Internet to transfer records, or can use any other file transfer system operating by wire, cable, fibre optic cable or radio, or any combination of all three. Such rapid transfer of the records, for example to the receiving station  122 , gives a high degree of trust in the authenticity of the records. 
   The radio frequency unit  22  can communicate directly with a cell phone system  132 . The cell phone system  132  can be of any known kind having a capability for data transfer. Not only does the cell phone capability effectively turn the camera torch  11  into a mobile telephone, but it permits direct contact with data recipients or providers without the need for an intermediate computer  130 . The types of cellular telephone network  132  can include GPS, EDGE, UMTS and GPRS which is continuously connected in both directions and any such present or future communications system. 
   The computer  130  can be installed in a road vehicle  134 . The road vehicle  134  can contain cell phone apparatus  136  and satellite apparatus  138 . The satellite apparatus  138  can send a signal to, or receive a signal from, a communications satellite  140  which can relay it to a receiving point  142  which is a convenient location for the receiving station  122  described with respect to  FIG. 5 . The radio frequency unit  22  can provide short range communication with the road vehicle  134  which acts as a main and more powerful transmitter/receiver. Equally, the radio frequency unit  22  if strong enough, can communicate directly with the receiving point  142 . 
   The radio frequency unit  22  can combine a plurality of functions. Where a single antenna  32  cannot accommodate all functions, a plurality of antennae are provided. 
   One additional function for the radio frequency unit  22  is to act as a satellite beacon, whenever not being required to perform other functions, the satellite beacon signal able to be detected and located by a satellite location system in the same way that vehicles can be continuously tracked so that their position is always known. This facility is of importance in finding individuals who may have been the victims of accident, violence or abduction. It also serves as a location marker, and it is a part of this invention that the location of the torch camera  11  can be stored with any record received. 
   Another additional function of the radio unit  22  is to act as a satellite navigation receiver, whereby the torch camera  11  knows its location on the surface of the earth. The torch camera  11  can display this data on the display screen  70  when required. It is also part of this invention that the torch camera  11  can apply the current GPS reading to any records it sends for storage in addition to any other stamp such as the date stamp. In particular, the torch camera  11  can regularly update a remote facility as to the current position of the torch camera, thereby allowing any user carrying the torch camera  11  or vehicle or aircraft in which the torch camera is installed to be tracked. 
   The camera torch  118  can take still images, a rapid sequence of still images, or moving images. The images may be continuously downloaded to provide a constantly running record and to avoid the memory  112  becoming too full. 
   A particularly useful application of the torch camera is in fixed surveillance. The torch camera can be fixedly mounted by means of attachable brackets or screw holes in the case. The torch camera  11  can be trained to regard a selected point in the interior or on the exterior of a building. For example, the torch camera can be trained on a door, or on a window. 
   The torch camera can be associated with a movement detector. A first type of movement detector can be an ultrasound detector, suitable for use inside a building. The ultrasound detector can be integrated into the torch camera  11 , or can be provided as a separate outboard unit. A second type of movement detector can be a PIR (Passive Infra Red) detector which senses the body heat of individuals and animals and the operational heat of mechanical and electrical devices. Though bulky, this too can be integrated into the torch camera  11  or provided as a separate outboard unit. A third type of movement detector can be optical, of a type known with computer surveillance “web cams”, where movement is deemed to have occurred if more than a selectable amount of the pixels constituting the instant image has changed within a selectable time, or has changed over a selectably large distance on the instant image. The internal camera on the torch camera  11  can be used for this purpose. It really does not matter what kind of movement detector is employed. It is simply required that movement of individuals is detectable. 
   The fixedly trained torch camera  11 , once movement is detected, takes a fixed (or moving) photograph of the portal or place on which it is trained. The image of the entrant should be present in that photograph. The torch camera  11  can immediately send the photograph to a mediation centre, such as the local police station, or can store the photograph in its memory  112  until the individual has entered or exited the building before transmitting it. The fact of having entered or exited the building can be established by operation of an entry or exit detection device (such as might be found in a burglar alarm), or by simple cessation of movement detection, or any combination of measures. 
   The mediation centre can take several types of action. It can immediately send the image, and an indication of the origin of the image, to the nearest police or security officer or operative. To this end, the GPS facility, previously described, where the location of a torch camera  11  can be reported, can advantageously be employed both to identify the point of origin of the image and the location of the nearest operative or officer. Alternatively, an address can be caused to accompany the transmission of the photograph to identify the origin of the image. The nearest officer can then look at the image and determine if it is necessary to take action (i.e. it may be an animal, or a known person in the picture). Alternatively, at the mediation centre, a human operative can look at the picture and send it to a nearby officer or operative only if action seems to be necessary. Alternatively, the image can be automatically scanned by computer equipment and the image sent to an officer or operative if action seems necessary. 
   The fixed torch camera  11  can be used to light a light, which can be its own light or an external light, whenever movement is detected. This light can serve to make the individual visible to the camera, can light the way for the individual, or both. 
   The pictures, taken by the torch camera  11 , can be stored to provided a record of traffic in the region surveyed. 
   Individuals, carrying a torch camera, and utilising the GPS facility, can transmit a picture of an assailant, the exact location and indication of the exact location of the assault to a nearby police station. 
   A static torch camera  11 , within an area, household or a establishment, also has the potential to receive signals from a pager. A pager can be used as a security device. If a pager sends a predetermined signal to the unit, and the unit identifies that signal, which facility is provided within the controller  74 , utility is achieved. For example, if a bank manager is assailed within his bank or house, he can operate his pager (concealed within a pocket or otherwise about his person) to send a predetermined signal to the torch camera  11  which can identify the pager signal and begin, automatically, to send alarm signals indicating the position of the torch camera  11  and the nature of the problem. 
   A torch camera  11 , located within a vehicle, and fitted with movement or intruder sensors, utilising GPS, can provide instant pictures and the vehicle&#39;s position to a police station. 
   If an associated pager is also provided with a GPS facility, a vehicle mounted torch camera  11  can keep local periodic communication with the pager and report, through the greater satellite of cellular telephone system, the position of the pager. If the associated pager does not respond for more than a predetermined period, the vehicle mounted unit will alert the authorities, on the assumption that the owner of the pager is in difficulties, or that the vehicle has been stolen. The authorities can be informed both of the vehicle&#39;s present position and state and direction of motion and of the last known position of the pager. If the pager is still within range of the vehicle mounted unit but the owner is not responding, the vehicle mounted unit will continue to report the instant position of the pager. If the vehicle is moved, without the correct response from the pager, a picture of the occupants can be forwarded to all police officers, together with registration, make, colour and other details of the vehicle.