Method and system for maximizing safe laser power of structured laser light projectors used with imaging sensors

Abstract

A system and method for controlling the operating parameters of a laser diode ( ) is provided. The laser control system ( ) automatically optimizes the laser diode ( ) 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 ( ) includes a laser diode ( ) that is powered by a laser drive current. The laser diode ( ) has a laser output having a peak power level. A detector ( ) is coupled to the laser diode ( ) for sensing the laser output. A laser driver ( ) including a primary control loop ( ) is operable, in response to the sensed laser output and a reference ( ), to control the laser drive current such that the output power corresponds to the reference ( ). A controller ( ) is coupled to the laser driver ( ). The controller ( ) includes a laser settings module ( ) for generating the reference ( ) in response to a laser output setting ( ) such that the laser output characteristic level is approximately a predetermined output level. The output characteristic of the laser diode ( ) is maintained within the predetermined standard. Another aspect of the invention provides an independent safety monitoring function ( ) based on the laser settings.