Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for detecting vehicle occupancy is provided. Light beam pulses emitted from a lidar system are applied to a passing vehicle. Scans of an object are generated from the light beam pulses. A signal is received from each of the beam pulses reflected at a point of reflection along a segment of the vehicle. A time is measured from when each beam pulse was emitted to receipt of the signal. A distance of the signal from the lidar system is calculated using the measured time. The points of reflection for that vehicle segment are positioned in relation to one another as a scan. The scans are compiled in a consecutive order according to the vehicle and a three-dimensional image of an interior of the vehicle is generated from the consecutive scans. A presence or absence of vehicle occupancy is determined based on the three-dimensional image.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for detecting vehicle occupancy is provided. Light beam pulses emitted from a lidar system are applied to a passing vehicle. Scans of an object are generated from the light beam pulses. A signal is received from each of the beam pulses reflected at a point of reflection along a segment of the vehicle. A time is measured from when each beam pulse was emitted to receipt of the signal. A distance of the signal from the lidar system is calculated using the measured time. The points of reflection for that vehicle segment are positioned in relation to one another as a scan. The scans are compiled in a consecutive order according to the vehicle and a three-dimensional image of an interior of the vehicle is generated from the consecutive scans. A presence or absence of vehicle occupancy is determined based on the three-dimensional image.

Abstract: A laser apparatus and method that uses active thermalization of a reflective element to minimize losses and provide wavelength stability. The laser comprises first and second reflectors defining an external cavity, and a compensating member coupled to at least one of the reflectors and configured to thermally position one reflector with respect to the other reflector. The compensating member may be coupled directly to the first reflector and configured to position first reflector with respect to said second reflector. The thermal positioning may be carried out by a thermoelectric controller operatively coupled to the compensating member and configured to thermally adjust the compensating member by heating or cooling thereof. The laser apparatus may comprise a gain medium having first and second output facets and emitting a coherent beam from the first output facet along an optical path.

Abstract: An adjustable optical element mount having a pair of ball elements, respectively attached to a base and optical element, within a pair of sockets positioned at opposite ends of a spindle which supports a screw actuated cam element positioned within the spindle and between a pair of plungers which simultaneously engage and clamp the both ball elements against the sockets in response to rotation of the screw to hold the ball elements in a desired position.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator for rotating a shaft associated with an optical mount positioning system in which the actuator moves in first direction at a slow enough velocity to maintain engagement between the actuator and shaft to drive the shaft in the desired direction, and the actuator moves in a second direction at a sufficiently high acceleration and velocity to cause the actuator to lose engagement with the shaft and slip, thereby achieving motion of the shaft in only the desired direction.