Method and apparatus for directing energy based range detection sensors

A directing apparatus comprising:

• a mechanism for producing steerable energy;
• and
• a mechanism for scanning steerable energy from the producing mechanism, said scanning mechanism in communication with the producing mechanism and operable in any orientation.

A directing apparatus comprising:

• a mechanism for producing steerable energy;
• and
• a mechanism for scanning steerable energy from the producing mechanism, said scanning mechanism in communication with the producing mechanism and performing a line scan at a given adjustable angle.

A directing apparatus comprising:

• a mechanism for producing steerable energy;
• and
• a mechanism for scanning steerable energy from the producing mechanism, said scanning mechanism in communication with the producing mechanism and able to be stopped at a first location and at least a second location so the energy can be secured in a constant direction at each location for as long as desired.

A directing apparatus comprising:

• a mechanism for producing steerable energy;
• and
• a mechanism for scanning steerable energy from the producing mechanism, said scanning mechanism in communication with the producing mechanism and rotatable 360 degrees without any obstructions from the apparatus itself to the steerable energy that is used to scan the surrounding.

A directing apparatus comprising:

• a mechanism for producing steerable energy;
• and
• a mechanism for scanning steerable energy from the producing mechanism, said scanning mechanism in communication with the producing mechanism and having an adjustable nod angle between a first predetermined angled and a second predetermined angle.

A directing method comprising the steps of:

• producing steerable energy;
• and
• scanning a surrounding continuously in a first direction with the steerable energy.