Abstract: A laser scanner apparatus emits a laser pulse and monitors for pulse reflections, with the relative timing of a reflected pulse detected by the apparatus being translated into an object distance according to Time-of-Flight (ToF) measurements performed by the apparatus. According to an example configurations or an example method of operation, the apparatus adjusts its ToF determination for reflected pulses that are characterized as merged pulses formed by two or more overlapping reflected pulses. Among other advantages, the adjusted ToF determination yields a more accurate distance determination with respect to the earliest-arriving one(s) among the overlapping reflected pulses.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a laser scanner apparatus and a method of operating a laser scanner apparatus, as disclosed herein, include the use of a variably blocked aperture or a controlled defocusing in relation to receiving backscattered light. One or more embodiments combine both variable blocking and defocusing and may use a lens design that complements the blocking and defocusing. Among the various advantages offered by one or more embodiments disclosed herein is a laser scanner apparatus that exhibits a flatter response curve to backscattered light over a defined range of distances. That is, among other advantages of the configurations and operating methods disclosed herein, a laser scanner apparatus experiences less variation in the optical power delivered to its photodetector arrangement, in relation to detecting an object at different distances within a defined range.

Abstract: A laser scanner can include a housing, a window, and a light emitting system, which can output laser pulses of a first wavelength through the window. A light detection system can receive light of the laser pulses that is reflected by an object through the window and direct the received light to an optical sensor that generates electrical signals from the received light. A controller can make a determination regarding a presence or position of the object based on the electrical signals. The scanner can have one or more light sources for illuminating the window with light of a second wavelength. The window can have diffusing features configured to diffuse the output light of the second wavelength. The controller can operate the one or more light sources in response to the determination regarding the presence or position of the object to provide a visual indication of the determination.

Abstract: According to a method and apparatus taught herein, an optical sensor uses pattern recognition in its optical detection processing to “see” detection patterns that correspond to predefined configuration settings. In one embodiment, for example, an optical sensing system selects an operational configuration by detecting a pattern embodied in received light data and comparing the detected pattern to one or more internally stored patterns. Each stored pattern represents a different operational configuration of the optical sensing system. If the detected pattern matches one of the stored patterns, the optical sensing system adopts the operational configuration corresponding to the matched stored pattern. Further, in one or more embodiments, the optical sensing system enters a configuration mode by an external stimulus, e.g., responsive to a configuration mode input, and the aforementioned pattern detection-based configuration selection is enabled only while in the configuration mode.

Abstract: According to a method and apparatus taught herein, an optical sensor uses pattern recognition in its optical detection processing to “see” detection patterns that correspond to predefined configuration settings. In one embodiment, for example, an optical sensing system selects an operational configuration by detecting a pattern embodied in received light data and comparing the detected pattern to one or more internally stored patterns. Each stored pattern represents a different operational configuration of the optical sensing system. If the detected pattern matches one of the stored patterns, the optical sensing system adopts the operational configuration corresponding to the matched stored pattern. Further, in one or more embodiments, the optical sensing system enters a configuration mode by an external stimulus, e.g., responsive to a configuration mode input, and the aforementioned pattern detection-based configuration selection is enabled only while in the configuration mode.