US 12,487,345 B2
Method for dynamically controlling laser power
Austin K. Russell, Orlando, FL (US); Jason M. Eichenholz, Orlando, FL (US); and Laurance S. Lingvay, Pasadena, CA (US)
Assigned to Luminar Technologies, Inc., Orlando, FL (US)
Filed by Luminar Technologies, Inc., Orlando, FL (US)
Filed on Oct. 23, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/491,935.
Application 18/491,935 is a continuation of application No. 17/825,302, filed on May 26, 2022, granted, now 11,802,946.
Application 17/825,302 is a continuation of application No. 16/170,601, filed on Oct. 25, 2018, granted, now 11,346,925, issued on May 31, 2022.
Application 16/170,601 is a continuation of application No. 15/824,416, filed on Nov. 28, 2017, granted, now 10,114,111, issued on Oct. 30, 2018.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/477,847, filed on Mar. 28, 2017.
Prior Publication US 2024/0053457 A1, Feb. 15, 2024
Int. Cl. G01S 7/497 (2006.01); G01S 7/48 (2006.01); G01S 7/484 (2006.01); G01S 7/486 (2020.01); G01S 17/58 (2006.01); G01S 13/931 (2020.01); G01S 17/931 (2020.01)
CPC G01S 7/497 (2013.01) [G01S 7/484 (2013.01); G01S 7/4868 (2013.01); G01S 17/58 (2013.01); G01S 7/4804 (2013.01); G01S 2013/932 (2020.01); G01S 17/931 (2020.01); Y02A 90/10 (2018.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for dynamically varying an amount of laser power in a lidar system, the method comprising:
emitting light pulses by a light source in a lidar system;
identifying, by a controller in the lidar system, a triggering event for adjusting an amount of power for subsequent light pulses emitted by the light source, the triggering event including identifying an object of a particular type within a threshold distance of the lidar system;
providing, by the controller, a control signal to the light source adjusting the amount of power for the subsequent light pulses emitted by the light source based on the triggering event;
identifying a second triggering event for adjusting an amount of power for second subsequent light pulses emitted by the light source, the second triggering event including identifying an object beyond the threshold distance of the lidar system; and
providing a second control signal to the light source adjusting the amount of power for the second subsequent light pulses emitted by the light source in response to identifying the object beyond the threshold distance.