Abstract: A method of gas detection comprises emitting radiation of different wavelengths across the absorption spectrum of a gas towards a target area; and analysing the spectrum of returned radiation from the target area to identify the gas in the target area using the time correlation of the emitted radiation and the returning radiation. The radiation is modulated using respective modulation codes for the different wavelengths and the modulation codes are modified by the insertion of a gap between each bit of the modulation code, the gap having a duration of at least n?1 bits where n is the number of different wavelengths.

Abstract: A control device includes circuitry configured to: obtain an external environment recognition image representing a recognition result of a surrounding area of a moving body; obtain obstacle information representing a detection result of an obstacle in the surrounding area of the moving body; and display the obstacle information on a display device in a superimposed manner on the external environment recognition image. The obstacle information indicates a region in which the obstacle is detected among a plurality of fan-shaped detection regions centered at the moving body when viewed from above the moving body, and a size of a central angle of the fan-shaped detection region is set according to a distance from the moving body.

Abstract: A vehicle surface analysis system includes a vehicle positioning unit, an optical image acquisition unit and an evaluation unit. The vehicle positioning unit includes a rotatable platform for supporting a vehicle. The image acquisition unit includes a plurality of individual image acquisition units, which operate with different wavelength work spectra and radiation energy levels to generate a number of recorded mages. The evaluation unit includes a difference value generation module, a difference value assessment module, an overall assessment module, and a generation module. The evaluation unit is constructed to provide a digital surface condition image of the vehicle.

Abstract: To provide a position detection system, a position detection method, an angle detection method, and a marker that enable detection of a position, adjustment of a position, detection of an angle, and the like of a movable body with respect to a stationary body to be easily performed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a detector for determining a position of at least one object. The detector includes at least one projector for illuminating the object, at least one sensor element, and at least one evaluation device.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems with robotically controllable field generators and applications thereof. A robotic medical system may include a robotic arm coupled to an electromagnetic (EM) field generator configured to generate an EM field, and the first robotic arm may be configured to move the EM field generator. The medical system may also include a medical instrument configured for insertion into a patient. The medical instrument may comprise an EM sensor and one or more processors. The processors may: determine a position of the EM sensor within the EM field; and adjust a position of the EM field generator by commanding movement of the first robotic arm based on the determined position of the EM sensor.

Abstract: The present application discloses a LiDAR controlling method and device, an electronic apparatus, and a storage medium. The method includes: in a measurement period, determining an emitting group to be started in the measurement period from a laser emitting array, where the emitting group includes at least two emitting units, and physical positions of the at least two emitting units meet a condition of no optical crosstalk; controlling the at least two emitting units to emit laser beams asynchronously based on a preset rule; controlling a receiving unit group of the laser receiving array corresponding to the emitting group to receive laser echoes, where the laser echoes refer to echoes formed after the laser beams are reflected by a target object; and when at least two emitting groups are determined in the measurement period, controlling the emitting groups to emit the laser beams asynchronously based on the preset rule.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system include one or more LIDAR pixels including a transmit optical antenna, a receive optical antenna, a first receiver, and a second receiver. The transmit optical antenna is configured to emit a transmit beam. The receive optical antenna is configured to detect (i) a first polarization orientation of a returning beam and (ii) a second polarization orientation of the returning beam.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus (10) includes: a three-dimensional sensor (11) configured to irradiate a member to be inspected with a beam and acquire point cloud data of the member to be inspected based on at least amplitude information of light; a direction identifying unit (12) configured to identify a predetermined direction in which there are the largest number of the point cloud data in the reference coordinate system which is coordinate axes for the member to be inspected; and a tilt amount determination unit (13) configured to determine a tilt amount for changing an arrangement of the reference coordinate system so that the number of the point cloud data in the predetermined direction increases in the eigen coordinate system which is coordinate axes for the three-dimensional sensor (11).

Abstract: A detection device with an optical device comprising at least one light source and at least one light sensitive element optically decoupled inside the detection device. A protective housing encloses the optical device. An optical cover comprising an internal surface facing the optical device and an external surface opposite to the internal surface, wherein the optical cover is transparent at the operating wavelength of the optical device, and comprises at least two separate apertures. A first aperture faces the light source and a second aperture faces the light sensitive element. The optical cover is one piece comprised of diffusing, absorbing, multilayer elements, and/or wavelength-changing elements placed between the first and second apertures in an optical decoupling zone outside the field of view of the light source and the sensitive element to avoid the stray light travelling from the light source to the sensitive element within the optical cover.

Abstract: A sensor unit is disposed outside a lamp housing of a vehicle to detect information in an outside area of the vehicle. An actuator is configured to be able to change at least one of a position and a posture of the sensor unit with respect to the lamp housing. A processor is configured to control an operation of the actuator.

Abstract: A method for displaying a virtual view of the area surrounding a vehicle, in particular a surround view or panoramic view. The method comprises: capturing a camera image of a part of the surroundings using a camera having a wide-angle lens; ascertaining an item of image information dependent on the captured camera image, the captured camera image being geometrically corrected; and displaying the virtual view by projecting the ascertained item of image information onto a virtual projection plane. When ascertaining the item of image information, the resolution of the geometrically corrected camera image is increased in a first partial region.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to identify a presence of a volumetric medium in an environment associated with a LIDAR system. In some implementations, the LIDAR system may emit a light pulse into the environment, receive a return light pulse corresponding to reflection of the emitted light pulse by a surface in the environment, and determine a pulse width of the received light pulse. The LIDAR system may compare the determined pulse width with a reference pulse width, and determine an amount of pulse elongation of the received light pulse. The LIDAR system may classify the surface as either an object to be avoided by a vehicle or as air particulates associated with the volumetric medium based, at least in part, on the determined amount of pulse elongation.

Abstract: Systems and components for testing a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device under test (DUT) are described. In one example, an ellipsoid is adapted to receive the LIDAR DUT at a first focal point, where light transmitted from the LIDAR DUT is incident on the second focal point. In another example a plurality of optical waveguides arranged in at least a portion of a circle, and the plurality of optical waveguides are adapted to receive light from the LIDAR DUT. In another example, a LIDAR distance simulator is adapted to receive an optical input, and includes optical switches that are selectively connected to one of a plurality of optical delay devices to an input of the one of a plurality of optical input channels. Illustrative delay elements may be realized through optical delay elements or a combination of optical and electrical delay elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide an interface module for a LiDAR assembly. The interface module includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and a first connector interface disposed on the PCB. The first connector interface is configured to be connectable to a laser emitter of the LiDAR assembly. The interface module further includes a second connector interface disposed on the PCB and a third connector interface disposed on the PCB. The second connector interface is configured to be connectable to a receiver of the LiDAR assembly and the third connector interface is configured to be connectable to a control module configured to control the operation of the laser emitter and the receiver. The interface module also includes a bracket where the PCB is affixed to. The interface module is positioned to a lateral face of the LiDAR assembly through the bracket.

Abstract: A system includes a ground-based area, an electromagnetic (EM) interrogation device having an EM emitter that directs an EM beam at the ground-based area. The EM interrogation device includes a detector array that receives reflected EM radiation from the EM beam, and a controller having a ground movement description module that determines a movement profile of the ground-based area in response to the reflected EM radiation.

Abstract: A LIDAR-to-LIDAR alignment system includes a memory and an autonomous driving module. The memory stores first and second points based on outputs of first and second LIDAR sensors. The autonomous driving module performs a validation process to determine whether alignment of the LIDAR sensors satisfy an alignment condition. The validation process includes: aggregating the first and second points in a vehicle coordinate system to provide aggregated LIDAR points; based on the aggregated LIDAR points, performing (i) a first method including determining pitch and roll differences between the first and second LIDAR sensors, (ii) a second method including determining a yaw difference between the first and second LIDAR sensors, or (iii) point cloud registration to determine rotation and translation differences between the first and second LIDAR sensors; and based on results of the first method, the second method or the point cloud registration, determining whether the alignment condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A LIDAR sensor for optically detecting a field of vision. The LIDAR sensor includes a transmitting unit including a laser pattern generation unit, the laser pattern generation unit being designed to generate an illumination pattern in the field of vision; a receiving unit including at least one detector unit for receiving secondary light which was reflected and/or scattered by an object in the field of vision; the at least one detector unit including a plurality of pixels, and at least some pixels in each case including a multitude of activatable single-photon avalanche diodes; at least one rotor unit rotatable about a rotation axis, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit being at least partially situated on rotor unit. The LIDAR sensor furthermore includes at least one linker, which is designed to link detection signals of at least two single-photon avalanche diodes of a pixel via a combinational logic.

Abstract: The present application provides a lidar receiving apparatus, a lidar system, a laser ranging method, a laser ranging controller, and a computer readable storage medium. The lidar receiving apparatus includes: a photodetector, which is configured to receive a reflected laser signal and to convert the reflected laser signal into a current signal when a bias voltage of the photodetector is greater than a breakdown voltage of the same; a ranging circuit, which is connected with the photodetector and configured to calculate distance data according to the current signal; and a power control circuit, which is connected with the photodetector and configured to control the bias voltage applied to the photodetector according to a predefined rule.

Abstract: The present specification provides a method and apparatus, the method being for transmitting a beam, performed by the apparatus, in an optical wireless communication system, and comprising: generating a pulse laser signal; making the pulse laser signal to be incident on a metasurface, wherein the beam is generated on the basis that the pulse laser signal is incident on the metasurface; and transmitting the beam to a reception apparatus, wherein the metasurface is determined on the basis of ?_0, d, ??, and N, wherein ?_0 is a value of a center frequency, d is a value of a virtual antenna interval, ?? is a value of a frequency comb interval, and N is a value related to the number of frequency combs present within a gain bandwidth based on the center frequency.

Abstract: A LIDAR system includes a first optical transmitter comprising a plurality of first emitters, where each of the plurality of first emitters is positioned to generate an optical beam with a FOV at a target range when energized. A second optical transmitter includes a plurality of second emitters, where each of the plurality of second emitters is positioned to generate an optical beam with a FOV at the target range when energized. The first and second optical transmitters are positioned relative to each other so the FOVs of at least some of the optical beams generated by the first and second optical transmitter when energized overlap at the target range. An optical receiver includes a plurality of optical detectors, where a respective one of the plurality of optical detectors is positioned to detect a respective optical beam generated by at least one of the first and second optical transmitter and reflected by a target in the FOV at the target range.

Abstract: A system and method of classifying an object. The system includes a polarizing beam splitter, a first detector, a second detector and a processor. The polarizing beam splitter generates a first source signal having a first polarization direction and a second source signal having a second polarization. The first detector transmits the first source signal at the object and receives a first reflected signal generated at the object in response to the first source signal. The second detector transmits the second source signal at the object and receives a second reflected signal generated at the object in response to the second source signal. The processor is configured to compare the first reflected signal to the second reflected signal to classify the object.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a LiDAR assembly with a one-piece frame. The LiDAR assembly includes a plurality of modularized components configured to sense an environment surrounding the LiDAR assembly. The LiDAR assembly also includes the one-piece frame including a base, a plurality of vertical beams supported by the base, and a plurality of horizontal beams supported by the vertical beams. The base, the vertical beams, and the horizontal beams are integrally formed without mechanical connections therebetween. The vertical beams and the horizontal beams are equipped with positioning mechanisms configured to position the plurality of modularized components at predetermined positions of the LiDAR assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a control system for a LiDAR assembly. The control system includes a control module affixed on a printed circuit board (PCB), configured to control a transmitter and a receiver of the LiDAR assembly to emit and receive optical signals. The control system also includes an interface module affixed on a first bracket, configured to operatively couple the control module to the transmitter and the receiver. The control module and the interface module are configured to be positioned at predetermined positions of the LiDAR assembly through the PCB and the first bracket respectively.

Abstract: An optical sensor assembly including a housing structure, a first optical sensor secured to the housing structure and arranged to sense in a first direction and a second optical sensor secured to the housing structure and arranged to sense in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to lidar systems and methods thereof. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a lidar system that includes a SPAD sensor includes n SPAD pixel rows. Based on the location of a target object on the SPAD sensor, m rows of n SPAD pixels row are selected based at least on the histograms generated using the n SPAD pixel rows. There are other embodiments as well.

Abstract: A LIDAR system includes a light source configured to output light. A portion of the light is included in a LIDAR signal that travels a LIDAR path from the light source to an object located outside of the LIDAR system and from the object to a filter and from the filter to a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to convert optical signals that include the LIDAR signal to electrical signals. A portion of the light is also included in one or more misdirected signals. Each of the misdirected signals travels a different misdirected path from the light source to the filter. Each of the misdirected paths is a different path from the LIDAR path. The system also includes a filter being configured to filter out the LIDAR signal from the misdirected signals. The system also includes electronics that generate LIDAR data from the electrical signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for object detection. Object detection may be used to control autonomous vehicle(s). For example, the methods comprise: obtaining, by a computing device, a LiDAR dataset generated by a LiDAR system of the autonomous vehicle; and using, by the computing device. The LiDAR dataset and image(s) are used to detect an object that is in proximity to the autonomous vehicle. The object is detected by: computing a distribution of object detections that each point of the LiDAR dataset is likely to be in; creating a plurality of segments of LiDAR data points using the distribution of object detections; and detecting the object in a point cloud defined by the LiDAR dataset based on the plurality of segments of LiDAR data points. The object detection may be used to facilitate at least one autonomous driving operation.

Abstract: An automatic electronic rangefinder has a central processing unit determining whether the rangefinder is perpendicular or parallel to a horizontal plane; a ranging module electrically connected to the central processing unit to detect the distance to a first target object to be measured; an inertial sensing unit electrically connected to the central processing unit to measure the angle between the lengthwise edge of the rangefinder and the horizontal plane; and a shell covering the central processing unit. When the central processing unit determines that the rangefinder is parallel or perpendicular to the horizontal plane, the central processing unit controls the ranging module to measure the distance between the rangefinder and the first target object.

Abstract: This application provides a sensor, including a rotating component rotatably mounted to a base and configured to rotate about a central shaft and an optical component mounted on the rotating component. The optical component has an optical axis that is oblique with respect to the central shaft.

Abstract: Proposed is a method for estimating the distance to and the location of an autonomous vehicle by using a mono camera, and more particularly, a method that enables information necessary for autonomous travel to be efficiently acquired using a mono camera and LiDAR. In particular, the method can acquire sufficiently reliable information in real time without using expensive equipment, such as a high-precision GPS receiver or stereo camera, required for autonomous travel. Consequently, the method may be widely used in ADAS, such as for semantic information recognition for autonomous travel, estimation of the location of an autonomous vehicle, calculation of vehicle-to-vehicle distance, or the like, even without the use of GPS, and furthermore, a camera capable of performing the same functions can be developed by developing software through the use of the corresponding data.

Abstract: A robot is controlled using a combination of model-based and model-free control methods. In some examples, the model-based method uses a physical model of the environment around the robot to guide the robot. The physical model is oriented using a perception system such as a camera. Characteristics of the perception system may be are used to determine an uncertainty for the model. Based at least in part on this uncertainty, the system transitions from the model-based method to a model-free method where, in some embodiments, information provided directly from the perception system is used to direct the robot without reliance on the physical model.

Abstract: A sensor integrated circuit (IC) includes a sensing element configured to sense a parameter associated with a target, a processor coupled to the sensing element and configured to generate a sensed signal indicative of the parameter associated with the target, and an output module coupled to receive the sensed signal. The output module is configured to transmit absolute data on a message line at a first rate and transmit incremental data on one or more index lines at a second rate, wherein the second rate is faster than the first rate, wherein the incremental data comprises data associated with changes in the absolute data and wherein an edge or a pulse is used to indicate an incremental change has occurred in the absolute data.

Abstract: Provided is a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) device including a light emitter configured to emit light, a first light detector, and a second light detector, wherein the first light detector includes a first optical antenna element having a first directivity with respect to a first direction, and a first light detection element configured to detect first reflected light received by the first optical antenna element, wherein the second light detector includes a second optical antenna element having a second directivity with respect to a second direction different from the first direction, and a second light detection element configured to detect second reflected light received by the second optical antenna element.

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor for detecting objects in a monitored zone is provided, wherein the sensor comprises a laser scanner having a deflection unit rotatable about an axis of rotation for scanning the monitored zone with at least one scanning beam; a first distance measurement unit for determining 3D measurement points of the respective objects impacted by the scanning beam using a time-of-flight method; a panorama camera having a panorama optics and having an image sensor with a plurality of light reception elements for detecting picture elements; and a control and evaluation unit that is configured to fuse the 3D measurement points and the picture elements. In this respect, the optical axis of the panorama camera and the rotation axis coincide.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a transmitter containing a divergence adjustment device, and an optical sensing method using the same. For example, the optical sensing method includes emitting, by an optical source of an optical sensing system, optical signals. The optical sensing method further includes dynamically collimating, by a tunable collimation lens of the optical sensing system, the emitted optical signals to varying divergences. The method additionally includes steering, by a steering device of the optical sensing system, the tuned optical signals toward an environment surrounding the optical sensing system. The method additionally includes receiving, by a receiver of the optical sensing system, the optical signals returning from the environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for trailer angle measurement, as well as a vehicle, applied in a vehicle including a tractor and a trailer. At least one LiDAR is provided on each of two sides of the tractor. The method includes: obtaining, an initial trailer model containing initial point cloud data; controlling the to emit laser light; controlling each of the LiDARs to receive a corresponding point cloud reflected by the surface of the trailer; and calculating a trailer angle based on the point cloud data and the initial point cloud data using a point cloud matching algorithm. With the embodiments of the present disclosure, fast and accurate measurement of a trailer angle can be achieved with a simple structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a camera focusing method, including: making an imaging plane of a time-of-flight (ToF) camera and that of a red-green-blue (RGB) camera located in a common plane, obtaining a pixel column difference, a pixel matching table, and a corresponding area, calculating an average depth value of the corresponding area, calculating an adjustment distance according to the average depth value and a lens focal length, and adjusting a distance between a lens center and the imaging plane according to the adjustment distance to focus the cameras and improve a focusing speed. The present invention further provides a camera focusing system for implementing the camera focusing method.

Abstract: In one example, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) module is provided. The LiDAR module includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), a substrate on which the MEMS is formed, and one or more measurement circuits. The MEMS includes an array of micro-mirror assemblies. One or more micro-mirror assemblies of the array of micro-mirror assemblies further includes a measurement structure connected to the micro-mirror, an electrical resistance of the measurement structure being variable based on a rotation angle of the micro-mirror. The one or more measurement circuits are configured to: determine the electrical resistance of the measurement structure of the one or more micro-mirror assemblies; and provide the determined electrical resistance to enable measurement of a rotation angle of the micro-mirror of the one or more micro-mirror assemblies.

Abstract: This application discloses a LiDAR anti-interference method and apparatus, a storage medium, and a LiDAR. The method is applied to a LiDAR, and the LiDAR includes a laser emission array and a laser receiving array. The method includes determining at least two laser emission units to be turned on in a measurement period, controlling the at least two laser emission units to emit laser beams based on a preset rule, and controlling respectively corresponding laser receiving units of the at least two laser emission units to receive echo beams, to detect a target object. The at least two laser emission units to be turned on are in different laser emission groups, and the at least two laser emission units to be turned on satisfy a physical condition of no optical crosstalk.

Abstract: A method comprising: setting up a stationary surveying device at a first known positioning in a surrounding area of the object; retrieving from a memory a set of object points of an object to be surveyed and/or to be marked; surveying and/or marking from a first positioning object points of the set of object points that can be surveyed and/or can be marked from the first positioning by means of the free beam, on the basis of a target direction; ascertaining missing object points of a set of object points; relocating the surveying device to a second, unknown positioning in the surrounding area of the object; automatically determining a second positioning by the surveying device on the basis of the knowledge of the first positioning, so that the second positioning is known; surveying and/or marking missing object points by means of the free beam from the second positioning.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) imaging system may include a semiconductor device based on single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). The LIDAR imaging system may also include a light source configured to emit light such that the semiconductor device is exposed to both ambient light and a reflected version of the laser light. Ambient light level detection circuitry may be included to determine a brightness of the ambient light based on an output signal from the semiconductor device. The ambient light level detection circuitry may include a plurality of comparators that receive different reference signals and are coupled to respective counters. The results from the counters may be used to determine the brightness of the ambient light in the scene. The determined brightness may then be used to discriminate between the ambient light and the reflected version of the light.

Abstract: An imaging system for material characterization of a sample is provided. Said imaging system comprises at least two imaging arrays configured to form at least one imaging array pair. In this context, the imaging system is configured to perform at least one reflection measurement with the aid of at least one imaging array. Furthermore, the imaging system is configured to perform at least one transmission measurement with the aid of the at least one imaging array pair. In addition to this, the imaging system is configured to determine material characteristics of the sample on the basis of the at least one reflection measurement and/or the at least one transmission measurement.

Abstract: Method of inspecting a vessel including obtaining a first data set (14, 114) associated with a first surface (340) of at least a portion of the vessel. The first data set (14, 114) is obtained with laser scanning A model or simulation (12, 112, 212, 312) indicative of the first surface (340) is generated in dependence on the obtained first data set (14, 114). A property of the portion of the vessel is determined in dependence on the generated model or simulation (12, 112, 212, 312).

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle having a LIDAR system mounted thereon or incorporated therein is described. The LIDAR system has N channels, with each channel being a light emitter/light detector pair. A computing system identifies M channels that are to be active during a scan of the LIDAR system, wherein M is less than N. The computing system transmits a command signal to the LIDAR system, and the LIDAR system performs a scan with the M channels being active (and N-M channels being inactive). The LIDAR system constructs a point cloud based upon the scan, and the computing system controls the autonomous vehicle based upon the point cloud.

Abstract: At least one beam of an optical wave is transmitted along a transmission angle toward a target location from a send aperture of a transmitter. The optical wave comprises at least a first portion, and a second portion having a different characteristic from a characteristic of the first portion. Two or more receivers include at least one receiver comprising: a receive aperture arranged in proximity to at least one of the send aperture or a receive aperture of a different receiver, an optical phased array within the receive aperture, the optical phased array being configured to receive at least a portion of a collected optical wave arriving at the receive aperture along a respective collection angle, and a filter configured to filter the received portion of the collected optical wave according to the characteristic of the first portion of the optical wave.

Abstract: LiDAR optical paths, particularly in co-located emitter/receiver path configurations, can introduce unintended and unwanted reflections due to mirrors, lenses, and/or enclosure materials or glass that can fall on one or more photosensors. These un-desirable signals can cause significant disruptions in output amplifier biasing and/or severe channel saturation. Autonomous vehicle LiDAR is particularly challenging as packaging requirements require complex optics to direct the laser source; the target size, shape, and relative velocity, and distance to the autonomous vehicle are unknown; and the location of the target objects within range are potentially rapidly changing over time. The presently disclosed dual photodiode LiDAR systems are used to separate and compensate for errors introduced by LiDAR optics to improve the accuracy and reliability of LiDAR systems, including but not limited to autonomous vehicle LiDAR systems.

Abstract: At least one beam of an optical wave is transmitted along a transmission angle toward a target location from a send aperture of a transmitter. A collected optical wave is received at receive apertures of two or more receivers. Each receiver comprises: a receive aperture arranged in proximity to at least one of the send aperture or a receive aperture of a different receiver, an optical phased array within the receive aperture, which receives at least a portion of a collected optical wave arriving at the receive aperture along a respective collection angle, and a detector that provides a signal based on the received portion of the collected optical wave. An estimated distance associated with the collected optical wave is determined based on a combination that includes a respective component corresponding to each of two or more of the signals provided from the detectors of the two or more receivers.

Abstract: A LIDAR system is provided. The LIDAR system includes an emitter. The emitter includes a light source and one or more lenses positioned along a transmit path. The light source is configured to emit a primary laser beam through the one or more lenses in the transmit path to provide a transmit beam. The LIDAR system includes a receiver spaced apart from the emitter. The receiver includes one or more lenses positioned along a receive path such that the one or more lenses receive a reflected laser beam. The LIDAR system includes an optical element positioned along the transmit path. The optical element is configured to direct a portion of the primary laser beam in a direction towards the receive path as a secondary laser beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a camera is provided herein. During operation a camera having pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) capabilities will have its field of view (FOV) moved such that any detected blemish on the camera lies over an area with low activity (i.e., a low history of detected motion). More particularly, when it has been determined that a blemish or blemish resides on a camera's lens, a heat map of activity within the current FOV is determined. More active areas of the FOV are marked as “hot”, while less active areas of activity are marked as “cold”. The camera is then aligned such that the dirty portion of the lens does not align with any “hot” part of the heat map.