Ranging and detection data is processed to identify or correct for multipath reflection. A sensor point that represents a location of an object, the location based on an incidence of an electromagnetic wave received at a sensor is obtained. The first sensor point is determined to be a product of multipath reflection. A first point of reflection on a surface of a surface model is determined. The location of the first sensor point is corrected based on the first point of reflection on the surface of the surface model.

Disclosed herein are devices, methods, and systems for selectively amplifying optical signals using an optical circuit. The optical circuit includes an input port to receive a plurality of input laser signals and a switching array connected to the input port. The switching array includes a plurality of switching optical amplifiers configured to amplify a laser signal of the plurality of input laser signals as an amplified laser signal and absorb the remaining of the plurality of input laser signals. The optical circuit also includes a splitting circuit connected to the switching array. The splitting circuit is configured to split the amplified laser signal into a plurality of output laser signals.

A LIDAR system, preferably including one or more: optical emitters, optical detectors, beam directors, and/or processing modules. A method of LIDAR system operation, preferably including: determining a signal, outputting the signal, receiving a return signal, and/or analyzing the return signal.

Systems, methods, and devices for laser mapping and color imaging with increased dynamic range are disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation, wherein the pixel array comprises a plurality of pixels each configurable as a short exposure pixel or a long exposure pixel. The system includes a controller comprising a processor in electrical communication with the image sensor and the emitter. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises a laser mapping pattern.

Techniques for detecting pulsed radiation. A CMOS sensor array being irradiated across at least a portion of the array with pulsed radiation is addressed using a rolling shutter operation. The sensor array is read to extract the integrated energy from each sensor element and convert the integrated energy into a pixel value for a pixel in a radiation image. A pulse detection operation is then applied to the radiation image to obtain a pulse repetition frequency of the pulsed radiation. The pulse detection operation includes of extracting a beat signal, calculating a beat frequency and peak to trough ratio from the beat signal, and determining the pulse repetition frequency therefrom. Particularly suited to the technical field of pulsed laser detection. Also relates to a pulse detector for the same.

A method for detecting incident laser radiation on a spacecraft, whereby incident radiation is detected separately in several discrete spectral ranges, the radiation recorded in the spectral ranges is converted into further processable electrical signals, and the signals are evaluated together. A device for detecting incident laser radiation on a spacecraft is configured to perform such a method.

A robot configured to perceive a model of an environment, including: a chassis; a set of wheels; a plurality of sensors; a processor; and memory storing instructions that when executed by the processor effectuates operations including: capturing a plurality of data while the robot moves within the environment; perceiving the model of the environment based on at least a portion of the plurality of data, the model being a top view of the environment; storing the model of the environment in a memory accessible to the processor; and transmitting the model of the environment and a status of the robot to an application of a smartphone previously paired with the robot.

A technique is provided to more easily measure a distance of a target from a ground surface or a ceiling surface. A surveying device has a laser scanner part and a total station in a unitary manner. The surveying device includes a TS functional part, a laser scanner part, and a distance calculator. The TS functional part positions a reflective prism by using laser light. The laser scanner part performs laser scanning of a ground surface along a vertical plane containing the reflective prism and an optical axis for the laser positioning to obtain a laser scanned point cloud. The distance calculator calculates a distance between the ground surface and the reflective prism on the basis of one or multiple points, which are extracted from the laser scanned point cloud and in proximity to a straight line connecting the reflective prism and a specific plane.

Apparatuses, systems and methods are disclosed for reducing interference between an active illumination device and external radiation sources, for example, other active illumination devices operating within the vicinity. A disclosed system includes one or more active illumination devices, each configured to emit an illumination signal and also to receive a returned portion of its respective illumination signal with at least one sensor. At least one of the active illumination devices is capable of detecting interference caused by an external source, for example, an illumination signal emitted from another active illumination device. As a result of detecting the interference, the receiving active illumination device changes the timing of its subsequent illumination signals and sensor operation. By detecting collisions between illumination signals and consequently altering the timing of it operation, the active illumination device may reduce interference in congested environments where multiple active illumination devices are operating within range of each other.

An autonomous vehicle having a lidar sensor system is described. A computing system is configured to determine that the lidar sensor system is to update a code that is included in light signals emitted by the lidar sensor system. The computing system transmits a command signal to the lidar sensor system, wherein the command signal causes the lidar sensor system to transition from emitting light signals with a first code therein to emitting light signals with a second code therein, wherein the first code is different from the second code.