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

A pulsed laser control system comprising:

• a laser diode powered by a laser drive current for generating a laser output having a peak power level;
• a detector coupled to the laser diode for sensing the laser output;
• a laser driver, including a primary control loop, being responsive to the sensed laser output and a reference signal controls the laser drive current in accordance with the reference signal;
• an input element configured to accept a selectable laser output setting;
• and
• a controller, responsive to the selectable laser output setting, determines appropriate pulse values that establish an allowable laser pulse operating characteristic in accordance with a predetermined safety standard and generates the reference signal in accordance with the determined pulse values.

A method of controlling a laser imaging system, comprising the steps of:

• providing a laser diode;
• powering the laser diode with a laser drive current, such that a laser output having a laser operating characteristic is generated;
• comparing a representation of the laser output to a reference;
• regulating the laser drive current in accordance with the reference;
• providing a selectable laser output setting;
• in response to the selectable laser output setting, automatically determining appropriate pulse values establishing allowable laser operating characteristics based upon a predetermined safety standard limiting an output characteristic;
• and
• generating the reference at a determined value to achieve an allowable laser output.

A laser control system comprising:

• a laser diode powered by a laser drive current for generating a laser output having an operating characteristic;
• a detector coupled to the laser diode for sensing the laser output;
• a laser driver, including a primary control loop, responsive to the sensed laser output and a reference signal, controls the laser drive current in accordance with the reference signal;
• a fault scheme, responsive to detecting a single fault limits the operating characteristic of the laser diode such that the laser output does not exceed a limit based upon a predetermined safety standard;
• a controller, having a selectable laser output setting device, the controller responsive to a selectable laser output setting, determines appropriate values establishing allowable laser operating characteristics based upon a predetermined safety standard limiting an output characteristic, and produces said reference signal at a determined value to achieve said allowable laser output.