What can multiple returns smaller than the LRF beam cause?

When multiple returns from a laser rangefinder (LRF) are smaller than the beam, they can create confusion in the signal processing. The reason this leads to obstruction of target detection lies in how the returns are interpreted by the system. If the returns are smaller or diminished, it may indicate that the reflected signals are weak or scattered, resulting in a less distinct reading for the target. This diminishes the system's ability to discern the exact distance to the target or to identify it accurately, potentially masking or obscuring its presence effectively.

As for the other options, improved target identification, enhanced image resolution, and faster data processing typically require clearer, more reliable returns, which would not be the case when dealing with smaller than expected multiple returns. Clear and strong signal returns are crucial for effective identification and resolution, and ambiguity in the signal can hinder rather than help the LRF's performance.