Discretization of Detection Zone

A presence detection system for a detection of an object in a detection zone, for a scannerless optical rangefinder operating in pulsed Time-Of-Flight operation, the system comprising:

• at least one light source adapted to be pulsed to illuminate said detection zone using an emission beam;
• an optical detector for receiving and collecting a reflection from said detection zone and for generating a reflection signal;
• at least one of emission optics and reception optics for discretizing said detection zone to create a predetermined detection pattern in said detection zone, said predetermined detection pattern being one of regular, uniform and random, said predetermined detection pattern including passive areas and discrete active detection areas within said detection zone;
• a processor in electronic communication with at least said optical detector, said processor being programmed with computer-readable instructions, for detecting an object in one of said discrete active detection areas by comparing a change in said reflection signal with a background signal and for outputting a signal based on said detecting said object.