Abstract:
This scanning array scans an area around the array for nearby objects, collision obstructions, and terrain topography. The scanning array can scan for sounds emitted by objects in the vicinity of the scanning array, passive energy receipt sources, or it can also send out an energy beam and scan for reflections from objects within the energy beam. The energy beam can be optical, laser, radar or other energy emitting sources. The scanning array of the invention can be used for helicopter detection and avoidance of collision risk and can be used for other scanning purposes. Scanning of an entire hemisphere or greater is accomplished by manipulating the scanner platform through the coordination of either linear actuators or gimbals so as to produce nutation without rotation. This motion allows transceivers to be directly coupled to transmitting and sensing modules without the losses associated with slip rings and other coupling devices.

Description:
PRIORITY/CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority date of two provisional application entitled Articulating Platform for Mounting and Aiming Multiple Transmitters, Receivers and or Transceivers of Light and Other Energy Media filed on Dec. 8, 2008 with application Ser. No. 61/120,780, and of application Ser. No. 61/201,826 filed Dec. 16, 2008, both of which disclosures are incorporated here by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention generally relates to an apparatus for scanning a hemisphere in space, and more particularly to an apparatus for using an energy beam and reflected energy receivers to scan a hemisphere in space to detect obstacles to the flight of a helicopter, aircraft, or other vehicle. 
         [0003]    The problem of scanning an area for objects at night or in bad weather has long been a problem for all kinds of vehicles. For instance, a helicopter striking obstacles such as wires has been a problem throughout the history of helicopters. Other obstacles can include pylons, radio masts, guy wires, transmission wires, antennas, and cables, and are very serious problems, since many helicopter missions involve flying at low altitudes, or landing in makeshift landing zones. The strategy of military helicopters is to use the terrain to mask the helicopter from radar or visual detection, and as protection against missile countermeasures. In these missions the crew avoids obstacles by use of visual observation during the daytime and by night vision goggles and thermal imaging systems at nighttime. Deliberately flying low in this manner increases the danger and the need for an obstacle avoidance system such as the invention. 
         [0004]    Rotorcraft has the highest accident rate per 100,000 hours of operation of all commercial and military aircraft operated in the US and other countries. Most helicopter crashes occur during landing, often in inclement weather. Because of their vertical takeoff, landing, and hovering capabilities, rotorcraft can operate in a variety of unique and challenging environments not faced by fixed wing aircraft. Pilots often face operational situations where they are unfamiliar with the terrain and environment, and/or operate in inclimate inclement weather where visibility is significantly reduced. Combine these issues with above ground electrical wires and power poles, or similar obstacles, and the result can be a main rotor or tail rotor collision with the obstacle. 
         [0005]    Several systems have been introduced, such as laser, electromagnetic field detection and radar, but size, weight, area in view, and obstacle size of detection continues to be a challenge for safe operations within these types of environments/conditions. The development and implementation of a cost effective, lightweight, small obstacle detection system with audible and visual warnings when hazards are being approached, within a nearly complete hemisphere of protection, could greatly reduce collisions for rotorcraft in reduced speed operation and landing situations. 
         [0006]    Power transmission lines, cables and wires, which represent the smallest and hardest to distinguish obstacles, are not detectable by conventional radar due to their small size, yet such cables and wire are strong enough to cause a crash of the helicopter. What is needed is a detection system capable of detecting such cables below and around a helicopter, aircraft, or vehicle. 
         [0007]    Other needs exist for a scanning array and for scanning using a variety of energy sources, for a number of different purposes. Energy sources can include sound, various forms of laser, radar, microwaves, and other energy types. Such a scanning array would emit energy in beams and include sensors to receive reflected energy. Such an array would be useful to detect collision dangers to helicopters, other aircraft, as well as ground vehicles, and submarines, with the capability of getting each of these vehicle types through physical hazards as well as through rain, dust, and fog. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    These and other goals are achieved by the scanning array of the invention. The scanning array of the invention is a device which may be mounted on a vehicle such as a helicopter, an airplane, or a ground vehicle such as a tank, mobile artillery piece, humvee or armored personal personnel carrier. The scanning array is a device which sends out a beam in a generally hemispherical shape. As the energy beam encounters objects within its range, a part of the energy is reflected back to the scanning array, is received by sensors, is interpreted by a computational device and information about the topography or nearby obstacles is presented to the operator of the vehicle. In the case of a helicopter, one piece of data which is of primary importance is a scan to detect collision obstacles, such as wires, power lines, transmission lines, fences, trees, or other objects which may be difficult for the pilot to see in darkness or bad weather. In the case of other vehicles, such as aircraft or ground based vehicles, similar obstacle detection is advantageous and may inform a tank driver of nearby topography or obstacles, with similar information being useful for an aircraft pilot as well. The scanning array of the invention emits an energy beam, which may take a number of forms. The energy beam can be acoustic, with the scanning array providing an effect similar to sonar. The energy beam can also be a laser, of which there are many different types that are possibilities. The energy beam of the invention may also be radar, microwaves, or other forms of energy, which would be tailored to the specific application and the object to be detected. 
         [0009]    The device includes a base unit which is configured for attachment to the signal source. The signal source being the vehicle to which the scanning array is mounted. The base unit provides a housing and a structure for enclosing and protecting and for attachment of other components of the system. One embodiment of this device is an after-market add-on to a vehicle, with the base unit containing and supporting all the components of the system to make the device work. 
         [0010]    The device includes a platform to which are attached one or more sensors and/or energy beam projection units. The energy beam projection units can project any of the types of energy noted above. The platform on which the energy projection units are attached is configured to nutate without rotation. The nutation of the platform results in a motion similar to a coin being spun on its side. One side of the platform goes up while the opposite side goes down, and this can occur very rapidly. This articulation of the platform has the effect of a spinning or rotating platform, but the platform is articulating and nutating without rotating. 
         [0011]    The device also includes at least one reflected energy receiver mounted on the platform for receiving and detecting energy that is reflected back from the nearby object. The energy projection unit can be combined with the reflected energy receiver in the form of a transceiver. 
         [0012]    The scanning array is also applicable to any scanning situation, such as a submarine scanning for sound emanating from other submarines, or reflected off surfaces from SONAR. For instance when dealing with sensing for sources of sound, either reflected or nonreflected, the device would utilize sensors such as transceivers. The device can also utilize a combination of sensors and sending units, with the sensors capable of sensing reflected energy. The energy can be of a variety of types, including sound, RADAR of various types, SONAR, microwave, infrared, and other types of energy. 
         [0013]    One embodiment of the scanning array of the invention is a device which sends out a beam in a scan pattern selected from a number of possible scan patterns. One scan pattern is generally hemispherical in shape, but other scan patterns, such as raster scans, paintbrush scans, sector scans, or others may be employed. The device can include the capability of using a sequence of scan patterns to find and then monitor more closely a source of sound or reflected energy. For instance, the device can use a general detection scan pattern as a default scan. When an object or source of sound is encountered it can then switch to a scan which scans the area of the object more frequently, in order to more accurately determine the position and distance of the object. This type of scan could be called a targeting or sector scan. In the source case of detecting sound, the path of a bullet or the source of a bullet could be detected in a general detection scan. A targeting scan could then focus on the area of the source of the sound, and could detect the subsequent sounds of the shooter, such as a bullet casing hitting the ground, the rifle bolt returning, the shooter breathing, or changing position. 
         [0014]    In the case of a solid object being detected, as the energy beam encounters objects within its range, a part of the energy is reflected back to the scanning array, is received by sensors, is interoperated by a computational device, and information about the topography of nearby obstacles is presented to the operator of the vehicle. In the case of the helicopter, one piece of data which is of primary importance is a scan to detect collision obstacles, such as wires, power lines, transmission lines, fences, trees, or other objects which may be difficult for the pilot to see in darkness, bad weather or heavy dust conditions. In the case of other vehicles such as aircraft or ground based vehicles, or surface ships or submarines, similar obstacle detection is advantageous and may inform a pilot or driver of nearby topography or obstacles, with similar information being useful for an aircraft pilot as well. The scanning array of the invention emits an energy beam which may take a number of forms. The energy beam can be acoustic, with the scanning array providing an effect similar to sonar. The energy beam can also be a laser of which there are many different types. The energy beam of the invention may also be radar, microwaves, or other forms of energy, which would be tailored to the specific application and the object to be detected. 
         [0015]    The device includes an array housing which in several embodiments is configured for attachment to the signal source, the signal source being provided by the vehicle or building to which the scanning array is mounted, or the position of a building mounted, or a stand-alone scanning array. The array housing provides a housing and a structure for enclosing, protecting, and for attachment of other components of the system. One embodiment of this device is an aftermarket add-on to the vehicle, with the array housing containing and supporting all of the components of the system to make the device work. 
         [0016]    The device includes a platform to which are attached one or more sensors and/or energy beam projection units. The energy beam projection units can project any of the types of energy noted above. The platform on which the energy beam projection units are attached is configured to nutate without rotation. The nutation of the platform results in a motion similar to a coin being spun on its side. One side of the platform goes up while the opposite side goes down, and this can occur very rapidly. This articulation of the platform has the effect of a spinning or rotating platform, but the platform is articulating and nutating without rotating. Thus it has the scanning advantages of rotation, but since it is not rotating it may be hard-wired with electrical and optical cables. 
         [0017]    This simulated, but not rotating platform with multiple sensor capability, allows hard wiring of any onboard sensors, emitters and receivers, and results in the most efficient transfer and receipt of energy information in a scanning platform. This is a direct transfer of energy transmission and receipt, without any line losses caused by the typical slip rings or mercury switches. Defined as Signal to Noise Ratio, or SNR, the ability to hard-wire the platform emitters and sensors, removing slip rings and mercury switches, immediately results in a  2 X increase in SNR. 
         [0018]    The device provides a hemispherical and super-hemispherical capability through nutational movement of the scanning platform. Nutation is defined as: “The periodic oscillation that can be observed in the precession of the earth&#39;s axis and the precession of the equinoxes”. In the conventional or generic dictionary definition above, the Earth or another heavenly body and or its axis is said to be nutating such that a trace of the travel of the axis of the Earth e.g., would describe a conical pair with respect to a plane also containing the sun, which in turn would invoke the existence of a point at the vertex of the conical pair, essentially lying on the same aforementioned plane. This point therefore, may be referred to as the point of nutation, a term prevalent herein. As in the case of most heavenly bodies, the Earth is also rotating about its axis. Were that rotation of such a body completely withdrawn, it could be rationally stated that the axis and its body were still in a state of nutation, although day and night would be substantially fixed. By way of definition of the word nutation, aAs it is applied in this document, nutation it may refer to either nutation without rotation or nutation with rotation where such nutation is a mechanically productive possibility. To further describe the definition, the possibility of variability of the conical angle must be considered in this document. If this variability were imposed on the earth in a progressive manner, starting from a conic angle of zero, the equinoxes would have the polar areas become progressively warmer in summer and the equator progressively cooler. Nutation considered with the possibility of variation in the conic angle can provide motion in a machine that is highly productive and is subject in certain forms of this invention. 
         [0019]    This A common embodiment of the device also includes at least one reflected energy receiver mounted on the platform for receiving and detecting energy that is reflected back by a nearby object. The energy projection unit can be combined with the reflected energy receiver in the form of a transceiver. 
         [0020]    One embodiment of the device is a scanning array which makes up a collision avoidance system, termed the Obstacle Warning and Landing System (OWLSys), and applies an advanced electromechanical positioning system, mounted on the exterior of an aircraft, coupled with next generation LADAR capability to provide 360 degree horizontal detection coverage around the aircraft, and roughly 215 degree vertical coverage from ground to rotor blade tip, hemispherical to super-hemispherical coverage below the vehicle. The device of the invention provides a minimum obstacle detection size capability (⅜″ Diameter) which exceeds the capability of existing forward looking, larger obstacle avoidance systems, such as the Laser Obstacle Avoidance Monitoring System (LOAM), and provides more complete coverage by both area and volume with better obstacle size detection and at a fraction of the cost. For reduced speed and landing operations, the scanning array of the invention has the potential to reduce rotorcraft collisions with a variety of hazardous objects during landings and low-speed movement in the vicinity of confined spaces, such as power lines, trees, and other urban/vegetation hazards, and under inclement and poor visibility conditions such as dust storms. 
         [0021]    This An embodiment of the invention employs a mechanism that has flexible and multiple LASER scanning applications. It includes a scanning array and platform which nutates, but which is a non-recessionary/non-precessionary nutation. This scanning array allows complete automation of scanner output with greater mechanical simplicity. By non-recession and non-precession what is meant is that the scanning array of the invention does not rotate either backward or forward, yet it produces a scanning effect similar to rotation. Because the scanning array of the invention does not rotate, the energy transmitters and sensors of the invention can be hard-wired electrically and optically to the energy source, such as a laser, and not have the signal to noise problems that a rotating scanning platform presents due to the use of slip rings and other mechanics that allow rotation. 
         [0022]    The uniquely beneficial result of this technology is that the scanning array can infinitely maneuver any beam within  360  degrees of azimuth by approximately 215 degrees of elevation, without the constant winding or unwinding of wires or the use of slip rings or switches that would cause loss of signal-to-noise ratio. This mechanical arrangement significantly decreases equipment wear, weight of the package, increases signal-to-noise ratio, and improves efficiency of the scan. Development of this mobile hard-wired platform concept, including fiber optic cabling, is unique in the light-scanning world. 
         [0023]    Although useful in all scanning situations, passive and active, one embodiment of the invention is primarily designed for landing and low-speed operations, differing from LOAM in that aspect, and hence, could be considered a complementary technology to LOAM. LOAM is one the conventional technology used in collision avoidance systems but designed as a forward looking and higher speed operation detector. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment of the invention, the scanning array is mounted to a platform, and the platform is articulated to scan a hemispherical (half a sphere) or super-hemispherical scan (part of a sphere greater than a hemisphere). The scan will be referred to as hemispherical with the understanding that this term includes a scan which is a portion of a sphere greater than half a sphere. For instance, a scan using 0-180 degrees, and 0-220 degrees, etc. may be achieved based upon how the sensors are arranged. The platform on which the sensors are mounted can be moved in a nutating (non-rotational movement) by the use of as few as two linear actuators, or by using six linear actuators in a hexapod structure. 
         [0025]    To achieve 180 to 220 degrees of hemispherical scan and super-hemispherical scan, the platform on which the sensors are mounted would tilt in a nutating fashion at from 0 to 45 degrees and 0 to 55 degrees respectively. 
         [0026]    One embodiment includes sensors, typically transmitter and receivers combined into transceivers, on an articulating platform, with the transceivers strategically positioned on the platform, and the platform articulated by at least one of several methods, including a pair of linear actuators or a hexapod device such as a Stewart Platform capable of attaining six degrees of freedom and the necessary angles of articulation while maintaining a single point of articulation and any partial rotational component; and or a ring gimbal approach During this nutating movement of the platform, there is no rotation, thus regardless of the number of cycles the articulating platform is put through, the power and signal wires will not be “wound-up” and the convenience of such hard-wiring will reduce the complexity and eliminate any need for the use of slip-rings. If the transceivers are arrayed close enough, the simulated rotational capability of the platform shall need to be such that adjacent transceivers can supplant each others&#39; views when segmentally rotated about the platform axis. 
         [0027]    This An embodiment of the invention includes a nutation generator which is composed of a first gimbal ring and a second gimbal ring, with each of the gimbal rings mounted at two points along each ring, approximately 90° apart from each other and forming a first axis and a second axis. Each of the gimbal rings is moved in a rocking or up and down fashion by one or more gimbal motors attached at the mounting points of each gimbal ring. By combining the movements of each of the gimbal rings and with the platform attached to the gimbal rings, the sensors or transceivers on the platform can be moved to describe a scan pattern of various types. An overlapping conical, spiraling, or circular scan pattern is one of the scan patterns available. When four transceivers are used, four generally spiral scan patterns can be combined to form a scan which covers a hemisphere from the scanning array. The hemisphere can be a half of a circle or can be greater than half of a circle, with the word hemisphere meant to describe both the half circle and the greater than half circle or super-hemisphere. 
         [0028]    The scanning array of the invention forms a hazard and obstacle detection system primarily developed to prevent power line strikes and collisions by a helicopter, that is able to scan for and detect all objects such as power lines and wires of ⅜ inch diameter, that have the potential of causing damage to a helicopter from any direction within 50 meters, day or night, and regardless of all but the most severe weather conditions. It is also capable of identifying objects such as power lines out to 100 meters with 100 meter visibility that could become hazards if the aircraft should move in that direction. Since power lines are of small diameters, but “infinitely” long to the scanning device, multiple detections along the length of the power line in a single scan are achieved. The scanning array of the invention forms a hazard and obstacle detection system similar to the “diamond openings” in a chain link fence, through the use of multiple types of scanning capabilities, in a hemispherical and or super-hemispherical scan. 
         [0029]    The purpose of the Abstract is to enable the public, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
         [0030]    Still other features and advantages of the claimed invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out my invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a side view with the scanning array of the invention mounted to the underside of the helicopter. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a hexapod version of the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a version of the scanning array of the invention in which nutation is achieved by a pair of linear actuators operating about a central pivot point. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the scanning array of the invention in which the scanning array is enclosed in a protective housing with a clear cover. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the scanning array of the invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the first gimbal ring of the invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the second gimbal ring of the invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the combined first and second gimbal ring of the invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the underside of the assembly of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of one embodiment of the scanning array of the invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  shows a cross-sectional view of the scanning array of the invention showing one extreme of tilt of the scanning array. 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the scanning array showing an extreme of tilt in the opposite direction as that shown in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a transceiver of the invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a gimbal motor of the invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 15  is a top view of the laser and fiber optic components of the invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the laser and fiber optic components of the invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 17  is diagram showing the components of the fiber optic system and the transceivers. 
           [0048]      FIG. 18  is a diagram view of components of the fiber optic system of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0049]    While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. 
         [0050]    Several preferred embodiments of the scanning array of the invention are shown in  FIGS. 1-18 .  FIG. 1  shows an example of the scanning array  10  of the invention, attached to a vehicle  12 , which in this case is a helicopter. As noted above, the The scanning array can also be a stand alone unit, or attached to a building, or used with any number of different kinds of vehicles, such as helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, jeeps, tanks, trucks, and watercraft such as surface vehicles or submarines. While the example will be utilized of the device mounted to a helicopter, it is to be understood that the figures and description do not define the invention. The definition of the device is found in the claims and not in the description of any particular preferred or alternate embodiment of the device. Shown in  FIG. 1  is a generally hemispherical scan pattern  14 . One way to achieve the generally hemispherical scan pattern is through using a number of generally conical scan patterns  16 , in which the sensors, energy beams, or transceivers of the device describe a generally spiraling scan pattern, such as identified at  18 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 1  also demonstrates a feature of the scanning array of the invention in which a general scan pattern, such as the hemispherical scan pattern  14 , can be used to detect an object, and after detection of an object, the scanning array can switch to a more focused scan pattern such as the conical scan pattern  16 , which serves as a targeting scan pattern. Other scan patterns are also possible using the scanning array of the invention.  FIG. 2  shows one preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the scanning array is mounted on a platform  20  which is covered by a housing  22 . This embodiment includes a base  24 . All embodiments of the invention include a nutation generator  26 . In the case of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the nutation generator is comprised of a number of linear actuators  28  which may also be called a hexapod when they exist in a configuration of six. The coordinated or rhythmic motion of the linear actuators  28  or of the hexapod cause the platform  20  to move in a direction that simulates rotation, but the platform does not rotate by this motion. This movement is called nutation and is similar to the motion of a coin which is spun on a flat surface and which spins with a nutating motion as it spins closer to the surface of a table. However, if such a coin is observed, it will be noted that any point along the edge of the coin is slowly moving in a rotating fashion. The platform  20  of the invention nutates but does not rotate.  FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of the invention which utilizes the minimum number of linear actuators  28 . In this version of the invention, a first and second linear actuator are utilized to impart nutating motion to the platform  20 . These linear actuators are mounted approximately 90 degrees from each other on the periphery of the platform, and together can move the platform in a nutating fashion. The version shown in  FIG. 3  includes a pivot support point  30 . The version shown in  FIG. 3  shows the first linear actuator  32  and the second linear actuator  34 , attached to the base  24 . The first linear actuator  32  attaches to the periphery  36  of the platform at a first periphery attachment point  38  and the second linear actuator  34  attaches to the periphery of the platform at a second periphery attachment point  40 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 4  is a view of the scanning array of  FIG. 2  or  3 , which further includes a larger base unit  24 , a housing  22 , linear actuators  28 , and a protective cover  42 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 5  shows another preferred embodiment of the invention which includes a base  24 , and a protective cover  42 . Shown is a ring base  44 , which includes two first gimbal ring mounting positions  46 . Attached to the base ring  44  is a first gimbal ring  48 , which includes two second gimbal ring mounting positions  50 . Attached to the second gimbal ring mounting positions  50  is a second gimbal ring  52 , which includes a platform on which are mounted, in this case, four transceivers  56 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 6  shows the first gimbal ring  48 , which includes the second gimbal ring mounting positions  50 . The second gimbal is mounted in the second gimbal ring mounting positions  50 . The first gimbal ring is mounted in the first gimbal ring mounting positions  46  which are attached to the ring base  44 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 7  shows the second gimbal ring  52  with its platform on which are mounted four transceivers  56 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 8  shows the first gimbal ring  48  and the second gimbal ring  52  joined together. 
         [0057]      FIG. 9  shows the underside of the assembly shown in  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 9  shows the ring base  44 , the second gimbal ring  52  to which are attached the transceivers  56 . Cable access opening  54  provides for passage of cables through the second gimbal ring  52 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 10  shows an exploded view of this embodiment of the scanning array of the invention.  FIG. 10  shows the protective cover  42 , the base  24 , and the ring base  44 , with the first gimbal ring mounting position  46 . Also shown is the first gimbal ring  48 . Attached to the first gimbal ring  48  is the second gimbal ring  52  to which are attached the transceivers  56 , in transceiver housings  58 , with the transceivers secured in the housings by closure rings  60 . Also shown is an attachment base plate  62  for vehicle to embodiment installation. 
         [0059]      FIG. 11  shows a cross-sectional view of this preferred embodiment of the invention rotated to its extreme position in one aspect. Shown are a protective housing  42 , the second gimbal ring  52 , a pair of transceivers  56  and a two-way optic cable  64 . Shown emanating from the transceivers  56  are laser beams  66 . 
         [0060]    Although this embodiment is shown with laser beams  66 , each of the transceivers  56  could be replaced by passive sensing units, such as transducers, for detecting incoming sound waves. Shown in this preferred embodiment are transceivers which include energy emitting devices as well as energy sensing devices. The two-way optic cable  64 , as shown, connects to a Fiber Laser Assembly  80 . For other energy emitting and/or sensing devices, assembly  80  is replaced by an appropriate control block. 
         [0061]      FIG. 12  shows a similar view as in  FIG. 11 , but with the second gimbal ring  52  rocked to the opposite extremity as that shown in  FIG. 11 . Otherwise, the two figures show the same components, such as the protective cover  42 , the transceivers  56 , and the laser beam  66 . It is important to note that, although the coordinated movement of the first gimbal ring and the second gimbal ring results in motion of the transceivers in a scanning pattern, at no point do the transceivers or the platform they are on rotate. Instead, the motion is better described as nutation, which achieves the effect of rotation while allowing the electrical and optical connections such as the two-way fiber optic cable  64 , to be hard-wired and not require the use of slip rings or other devices to accommodate rotation. 
         [0062]    Shown in  FIG. 13  is a transceiver  56 , including the closure ring  60 . Shown is the optic cable connection port  68  through which two-way fiber optic cable  64  connects the transceiver  56  and the source of laser energy. 
         [0063]    Shown in  FIG. 14  is a gimbal motor  70 , which is mounted in the gimbal ring mounting positions ( 50 ,  FIG. 6 ) and which is used to impart a rocking motion to both the first and the second gimbal rings. The coordination of the rocking motion of these two rings, and the degree and speed of rotation, controls and creates the scanning pattern which is selected for use at any one time. 
         [0064]    Shown in  FIG. 15  is a top view of one preferred embodiment of the fiber optical and motor control circuitry of the invention showing a first fiber laser  72  and a second fiber laser  74 . Also shown is a first motor driver  76  and a second motor driver  78 . A first and second fiber laser ( 72  and  74 ) generate laser energy for transmission via connection port  68  over the two-way optic cable  64  and out to the transceiver ( 56 ,  FIGS. 11-13 ). 
         [0065]      FIG. 16  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, and is a side view of the device shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 17  is a diagram of the optics system of the invention, showing the expansion scope  98 , the fiber optic collimator  96 , the connector  106 , the port 1 ( 108 ), the port 2 ( 110 ), the port 3 ( 112 ), the fiber optic circulator  86 , the transmission fibers ( 88 ,  128  and  130 ), the beam splitter  84 , the fiber lasers  72  and  74 , the transceiver lens  92 , the band pass filter  100 , and the photo detector/receiver  102 . As shown, many of the optical components are included in Fiber Optic Assembly  132  which is a subassembly to the Fiber Laser Assembly  80  of  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 18  shows the optic circulator and collimator assembly. Shown in  FIG. 18  are the target  104 , the expansion scope  98 , the fiber optic collimator  96 , the connector  106 , the port 1 ( 108 ), the port 2 ( 110 ), the port 3 ( 112 ), the fiber optic circulator  86 , the high power pulse input  116 , and the return reflection output  118 . Fiber Optic Circulator  86  acts as a two-way path (transmit and then receive) for the laser light, while keeping the paths separated. It allows the high peak power transmitted pulse  116  to pass through from port 1 ( 108 ) to port 2 ( 110 ) and out to the Optical Collimator  96 . The collimator  96  then takes the light from the fiber  88 , expands and focuses it into a parallel beam  120 , where the light is moving in one direction and does not expand. An Expansion Scope  98  further spreads out the beam while keeping it parallel in order to put a larger spot on a potential target  104 . 
         [0068]    This entire processes works in reverse for scattered Laser light  122  reflected back from a target  104 . It re-enters the transceiver which now acts like a reduction scope and is focused into the collimator  96 . The Collimator  96  couples the light back into the fiber  88  and then back into Port 2 ( 110 ) of the Circulator  86 . The Circulator  86  is designed so that the return light coming back into port 2 takes a separate path through the Circulator and then comes out port 3 ( 112 ). The light from port 3 is then sent to the detector receiver unit  102  which converts it in to an electrical signal. 
         [0069]    With the advancement within the military to use Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs), the scanning platform of the invention has the potential to provide improved platform “near-space” detection and control in a variety of scenarios where the mission incorporates UAVs with a rotorcraft controlling behind the scenes. 
         [0070]    Laser range determination for helicopter hazard avoidance has certain advantages over Radar systems. Most lasers have finer resolution, they can detect smaller objects because of their much smaller beam size, and the transmitting and receiving scanning apparatus can be reduced from antennas to much smaller optics. The most significant disadvantage of conventional laser (LIDAR and LADAR) is the shorter wavelength of light and the associated power output density due to size constraints and existing laser diode technologies, as compared to radar, which makes it difficult to penetrate inclement weather such as sand, dust, smoke, rain, snow, and fog. Studies for optical wireless communications have shown that fog and heavy snow (due to the larger particle size of 2.5 to 10 microns) have the most attenuation to laser light. Atmospheric visibility is the measure of the attenuation of visible light over a given distance, and is normally expressed in decibels per kilometer (dB/km). One such study in fog, over a 100 meter distance with a 0.83 micron wavelength laser shows that, with a visibility of approximately 100 meters the attenuation was at times almost 20 dB, or reduced by 100 times. 
         [0071]    A wavelength of 1.54 microns may be advantageously utilized in the device of the invention, because the laser pulse power can be significantly increased and still maintain an eye safe condition for personnel in the immediate vicinity. Comparison of laser beams at wavelengths of 0.83 and 1.55 microns showed no significant improvement in penetrating the fog even though 1.55 μm was a longer wave length. Target detection in poor visibility can be improved by (A) reducing beam width (more intense beam on the target) (B) increasing receiver collecting area (gather more of the return reflected light) (C) increasing receiver sensitivity and (D) increasing total transmitted power. For this application where multiple beams are used to scan separate quadrants for complete perimeter coverage, reducing beam width to a smaller spot size leaves bigger gaps between the spots and is not desirable. Larger receiving optics gather more return signal but increase the size and weight of the gimbals which must move at the fast scanning rate of up to 30,000 positions per second. Also, if the receiver sensitivity is increased, the backscatter from the laser beam off the fog could cause false targets to appear at the receiver. A significant increase in the laser transmitter pulse power is therefore the most productive way to get better penetration through heavy fog and other reduced visibility conditions for hazard detection. The transmitted power can be increased to the point just before it causes backscatter (false targets) off of even very dense fog. 
         [0072]    Laser Diodes have been extensively used in past laser scanning designs because they can deliver a short duration pulse at reasonable peak powers (approx. 40 watts in a 3 or 4 diode stack), which is suitable for ranging with optical visibilities of 400 to 500 meters or grater greater. They are small, light weight, and low in cost, but have several shortcomings for this application. Laser Diodes have poor beam quality and require special astigmatic correction optics. Also when driven at the high peak currents needed (typically 80 amps or more) heat buildup generated in the junctions will limit the repetition rate at which they can be operated. 
         [0073]    Short pulses of 5 to 6 nanoseconds duration with a fast rise time are needed in order to resolve range distances down to 2 meters or less. What is required then is a laser transmitter with high peak power, short pulse widths, and repetition rates of 20,000 or more pulses per second. Erbium doped fiber glass lasers can produce up to 11 kW peak power in a 5 nano nanosecond pulse in the 20-30 kHz repetition rates, at the 1.54 μm wavelength required. A big advantage of fiber lasers is the high beam quality which allows a simpler optical beam forming design of less components resulting in a more compact transmitter/receiver. Also, since the laser beam is coupled out through a fiber optic cable, the laser does not need to be mounted on the nutating platform, but can be placed under the platform and fiber coupled to the scanning optics. The receiver can be fiber coupled to the optics also and therefore no electrical connection to the nutating platform is required, eliminating bulky moving electrical cables and connectors. In order to achieve complete coverage around the helicopter and to get a reasonable repetitive (refresh rate) range on all hazards 2, 4, 6, or more individual scanning laser transmitter/receivers (transceivers) may be used, all operating at a minimum 20 kHz repetition rate. Such multiples of fiber lasers would otherwise be difficult, but the invention uses an innovative approach to apply a fiber laser design with the capability to split or divide the output beam into multiple equal beams with separate glass fibers routed to each beam forming optics. All transmitting beams are therefore capable of emitting simultaneously. Such beam splitters for this purpose are utilized. 
         [0074]    This approach has several advantageous features, as an example 11 kW peak power divided 6 ways is about 1,800 watts with optical losses for each transmitter beam or about 40 times as much peak power as a diode laser can produce. Also by adding a fiber Optical Circulator to each of the transmission fibers a unique system is created where the transmitter and the receiver share the same fiber and optical system with several very significant advantages. Fiber circulators permit the transmitted pulse to travel from input port 1 to output port 2 and the return target reflection reentering at port 2 to exit port 3 with high isolation between. Only one beam expander lens assembly per transceiver is therefore required on the gimbal, reducing the size and complexity. Also, in the current invention, the transmitted beam is expanded from 0.5 inch diameter to a 1.75 inch diameter. The bigger transmitted spot size gives better area coverage due to reduced gaps between adjacent spots, as well as the larger illuminated spot on a target like a power line will return more reflected light. Another advantage though is that at very close ranges like 30 meters, a system with separate side by side transmit and receive lenses do not need to utilize all of the illuminated target as the transmitted beam and the receiver field of view provide sufficient overlap. 
         [0075]    With the receiver and the transmitter sharing a common lens (coaxial) the receiver always sees the entire illuminated target at all ranges. With a single fiber and with a simple one lens optical collimator, plus a two lens expansion scope with no alignment or focusing adjustments, this is all that is required for each transceiver optics. The additional power from the Fiber Laser will compensate for the loss of brightness (light intensity on the target) due to the increase in spot size, and add additional brightness to the output beam so that there will be fewer gaps in the coverage as well as a brighter signal intensity spot on targets like power lines to improve performance in poor visibility. Transmit and receive fiber paths only differ in that a bandpass filter  100  is required in the receiver path in order to reduce background noise from stray light sources in the target area. This can be accommodated by inserting a fiber bandpass filter between the exit port 3 of the fiber circulator and the fiber optic cabling to the receiver. 
         [0076]    An InGaAs photodetector is required to be responsive to the 1.54 micron transmitter wavelength. To get the good sensitivity, fast response, and wide dynamic range needed to detect the short duration pulses with a large variation in amplitude, a PINFET receiver module was selected. It combines a PIN photodiode with a transimpedance amplifier. This receiver module comes with optical fiber input coupling, allowing any number of receiver modules to be placed on a common printed circuit board located beneath the scanning gimbals. 
         [0077]    An approximation of the range performance for the proposed system for a typical hazard of a power line at 50 meter distance with only 50 meter visibility would be: 
         [0078]    1,800 watts transmitted peak power less 2 dB fiber and optics loss equals about 1,200 watts out of the dome. 
         [0079]    20 dB loss for attenuation to target=12 watts at target 
         [0080]    10 dB loss for small target cross section=1.2 watts 
         [0081]    10 dB loss for low reflectivity of target=0.12 watts 
         [0082]    20 dB loss for poor reflected beam pattern (non flat target)=1.2 milliwatts 
         [0083]    20 dB loss for attenuation back to receiver=12 micro watts 
         [0084]    The sensitivity of receiver and optics is about −40 dB equals approximately 0.1 micro watts. 
         [0085]    The margin of detectability is then 120 times or about 20 dB. 
         [0086]    The nutating platform of this embodiment has only the optics package which can be securely mounted to withstand the vibrations encountered. There is now a small single fiber going to each of multiple transceivers. The fiber will have a screw on FC/SMA type connector designed for high vibration environments. Fiber optic collimators will be used on the gimbals which incorporate the mating connectors. 
         [0087]    The electronics section may include the fiber laser transmitter that is triggered by the a computer associated with the platform, 6 a PINFET receivers (depending on how many transceivers are used), 6 and range counters feeding for each transceiver to feed range data to the computer, a power supply which conditions the prime power from the helicopter, and the drivers for the actuators. 
         [0088]    Digital range counters, rather than analog will be used so that ranges out to 1000 meters can be recorded. Low voltage LCX type logic is suitable for counting transitions of a 74.5 MHz clock which will give a 2 meter resolution. An accuracy of 2 meters is sufficient for this application because the location (or position) of a hazard is the primary function of this device and the distance information is only used to determine the danger level (or zone) of the hazard. 
         [0089]    The scanning array of the invention provides the detection area of coverage out to 70-100 meters for an object size of 0.375 inches. For every degree in the Hemisphere, the platform must be moved ½ of degree. One embodiment of this invention is developed around a LADAR scanner but also has wide application in light and energy media processing and manipulation. 
         [0090]    Pointing lines of sight LOS through articulation have allowed the light/energy media transmitted and received to be processed in a static environment. Thus seldom have the processing entities been located on the articulating equipment used for the pointing purpose. This invention achieves the transmission of a singular line of sight LOS to and from any point in a hemisphere. Note that in each case the only entity that is being articulated is the media symbolized by the line of sight. Therefore, there is no requirement for the media processing equipment to be articulated, but may be positioned on a stationary platform. 
         [0091]    This approach, advanced herein, enables multiple lines of sight to be scanned. In some cases various methods of pointing an articulatable platform, mounting light/energy transmitters, receivers, and or transceivers, so as to cause lines of sight to travel either established paths or point at randomly selected fields of view, typically do so by generating electrical power on the mobile platform by mechanical means or via slip-ring connection with a static base. Such a platform is typically rotated continuously and thus cannot be hard-wired with electrical power or with a means of communicating data signals electronically or via fiber optic cable with a static base structure, without resorting to the complication and limitation of dragging wires or suffering the consequences of signal degradation through the use of slip rings. 
       Device Capabilities 
       [0092]    Based on Laser Rangefinder Technology 
         [0093]    Integrated System 
         [0094]    Single Scan unit (Multiples possible depending on mission requirements) 
         [0095]    Processes laser signals to determine presence and distance of obstacles 
         [0096]    Real Time processing identify obstacles within radii of detection 
         [0097]    Provides pilot alert information—Audible and Visual feedback system 
         [0098]    Hemisphere scan around/below the helicopter 
         [0099]    Look up” to Rotor 
         [0100]    System turns on at speeds less than 20 knots (Programmable) 
         [0101]    Audible message of OWLSys “on and off” 
         [0102]    Null Acquisition 
       Device Specifications 
       [0103]    Weight—Total 12.5 lbs 
         [0104]    Size—8″ Diameter Externally Mounted Scanner 
         [0105]    Input voltage—28 Vdc 
         [0106]    Input current—6 Amps maximum 
         [0107]    When multiple emitters and/or sensors are used, they may be productively arrayed such that the LOS of each device will assist in forming a cone-like figure which can be combined with other emitters and/or sensors to create a hemispherical (including super-hemispherical) scan. 
         [0108]    The present invention uses a nutating platform with minimal rotation. Mounted to the platform are strategically mounted transmitters, receivers and or transceivers to achieve a high quality, sufficiently dense and/or a custom scan of light/energy media. Such a platform will mount a series of light/energy transmitters, receivers, and or transceivers so arrayed as to scan at least a hemisphere and do so without rotation of the subject platform. As a result of no rotational movement, the sensors and transmitters may be hard-wired to a static entity such that both data signals and electric power may be directly communicated to or from both the static base and articulating mobile platform without signal degradation. There may be occasion to require the mobile platform to operate at rather difficult angles to achieve super hemispheric scanning. 
         [0109]    While there is shown and described the present preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that this invention is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.