Abstract: The present application generally relates to a method and apparatus for object detection in a location obscured from a camera field of view in a motor vehicle. In particular, the system is operative to illuminate a FOV from a low angle using a light source, capture an image of the FOV from a high angle and to detect a shadow within the image indivative of an object being illuminated by the light source.

Abstract: A sensor system includes an emitter configured to emit a signal having a variable emission rate. The sensor also includes an actuator configured to periodically modify a direction of the signal. The actuator has a scan rate which varies within a period. The sensor additionally includes a detector configured to receive a return signal. The sensor further includes a controller in communication with the emitter, the actuator, and the detector. The controller is configured to control the emitter to emit an output signal, and to vary an emission rate of the output signal in response to variations in the scan rate.

Abstract: A method of assembly includes providing a sensor having an electronic sensing unit operable to emit or receive light rays and a clear substrate attached to the electronic sensing unit. The method also includes providing a tubular protective wrap having a central orifice. The protective wrap has a transparent film layer and an interstitial layer. The interstitial layer is disposed on an interior surface of the film layer proximate the orifice. The method additionally includes disposing the protective wrap about the electronic sensing unit. The method further includes shrinking the protective wrap via application of heat such that the interstitial layer contacts at least a portion of the sensor with the film layer superposed over at least a portion of the clear substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling movement of a machine or a portion of the machine. The method comprises processing a waveform based on detected reflected light and a derivative of the waveform. The waveform includes a return. The method further comprises classifying the return as a phantom target or a non-amorphous target based on the result of the processing, and controlling movement of the machine or a portion of the machine based on the result of the classifying the return.

Abstract: A Light-detection and ranging (LIDAR) system for controlling a bias voltage is provided. The LIDAR system includes a light source configured to emit light pulses and a light sensor configured to receive light pulses transmitted by the light source and scattered by an object. A voltage source is provided to apply the bias voltage to the light sensor. The LIDAR system further includes a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a temperature of the light sensor. The LIDAR system includes a controller communicably coupled to the light source, the light sensor, the voltage source and the sensor. The controller is configured to receive the signal indicative of the temperature of the light sensor. Further, the controller is configured to measure the bias voltage currently applied to the light sensor. The voltage source is regulated based at least on the temperature of the photodiode and the measured bias voltage currently applied to the light sensor.