Abstract: A lidar unit includes a housing, a laser, a detector, a window, and a target. The housing is configured to define an opening. The laser and the detector are disposed within the housing. The laser is operable to direct (e.g. scan, steer) a beam of light through the opening toward a field-of-view. The detector is operable to detect a reflection of the beam by an object in the field-of-view. The window is disposed within the opening of the housing, and interposed between the object and the arrangement. The beam is projected by the laser and detected by the detector through the window. The target is disposed on the window. The target is configured to reflect the beam towards the detector. Operation of the laser is determined based on the reflection of the beam by the target towards the detector.

Abstract: An illustrative example object detection system includes a sensor having a field of view. The sensor is configured to emit radiation and to detect at least some of the radiation reflected by an object within the field of view. A panel in the field of view allows the radiation to pass through the panel. The panel being is configured to be set in a fixed position relative to a vehicle coordinate system. A plurality of reflective alignment markers are situated on the panel in the field of view. The reflective alignment markers reflect radiation emitted by the sensor back toward the sensor. A processor is configured to determine an alignment of the sensor with the vehicle coordinate system based on an indication from the sensor regarding radiation reflected by the reflective alignment markers and detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A wireless charging system, such as one used to charge electric vehicles, includes a number of charging stations. As a vehicle approaches the charging stations it transmits a signal commanding all of the charging station to transmit a magnetic station identification signal, each having a unique pulse pattern, through its source coil. The vehicle will then receive an identification signals from one particular charging station through the vehicle's capture coil and based on the unique pulse pattern of the identification signal received, transmit another signal instructing that particular charging station to begin generating a charging signal and instruct the other charging stations to stop transmitting their identification signals.