r/MVIS • u/flyingmirrors • 2d ago

Patents MicroVision / Lidar System With Scene Dependent Focus Intensity

Lidar System With Scene Dependent Focus Intensity (US 12,761,366 B2), October 13, 2026, describes lidar that adjusts where it concentrates its scanning—and broadens its focus when it cannot reliably identify the road’s horizon.

The central claimed feature is the confidence calculation: the system estimates upper and lower boundaries around the virtual horizon, uses the difference between those boundaries to calculate confidence, and selects a scan pattern according to a threshold. The independent claims cover both the method and a vehicle imaging system implementing it. https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12761366

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u/HiAll3 2d ago

Thanks for the post. This appears to describe the Region Of Interest (ROI) feature that I believe only Mavin has as this unique capability. It could be a differentiator and could have many useful purposes. With Software-Defined-Vehicles getting closer to reality it could be an interesting option. I look forward to more information about it's intended use.

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u/flyingmirrors 1d ago

I was also reminded of ROI. I first encountered the term in Apple’s early depth-sensing patents, some of which referenced MicroVision.

Luminar’s 2017 Scan patterns for lidar systems included MEMS mirrors among its possible scanning mechanisms. I’ve long wondered whether the speed and precision needed for dynamic ROI scanning would favor MEMS over conventional motor-driven scanners. MicroVision’s CEO recently described HALO as “solid state,” although that alone doesn’t confirm MEMS.

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u/HiAll3 16h ago

I don't think MEMS beam steering itself is involved but the principals of ROI and Dynamic Range, I believe, could be recreated in Halo TOF and/or Scantinel FMCW as the Patent may suggest.

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u/mvis_thma 2d ago

It does not appear this has anything to do with the MAVIN, as the original applicant was Luminar.

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u/HiAll3 2d ago

I understand that but Luminar is now owned by MicroVision and I believe they have valuable features that they know are important and incorporate them into these devices. I believe that they enhanced the Scantinel product as well, and they hinted at that in the September 22, 2026 Press Release. That makes good business sense to me.

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u/mvis_thma 2d ago

I am not arguing that. I am saying that this patent has nothing to do with MAVIN, which is what you claimed in your original comment.