Method and system for maximizing safe laser power of structured laser light projectors used with imaging sensors
US6661820B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S5/423
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for controlling the operating parameters of a laser diode (20) is provided. The laser control system (10) automatically optimizes the laser diode (20) operating characteristics while maintaining a safe peak power for pulse duration and pulse repetition frequency (PRF). The controlled level of output power is based on the laser diode gain determined during calibration of each laser diode projector as well as using the application of predetermined laser safety formulas. The laser control system (10) includes a laser diode (20) that is powered by a laser drive current. The laser diode (20) has a laser output having a peak power level. A detector (28) is coupled to the laser diode (20) for sensing the laser output. A laser driver (18) including a primary control loop (44) is operable, in response to the sensed laser output and a reference (43), to control the laser drive current such that the output power corresponds to the reference (43). A controller (52) is coupled to the laser driver (18). The controller (52) includes a laser settings module (40) for generating the reference (43) in response to a laser output setting (42) such that the laser output characteristi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.