Abstract: Example embodiments relate to using cleaning protocols to monitor defects associated with light detection and ranging (lidar) devices. An example embodiment includes a method. The method includes applying, using a cleaning device, a cleaning protocol to one or more optical components of a light detection and ranging (lidar) device. The method also includes emitting, from a light emitter of the lidar device, one or more light signals. Additionally, the method includes detecting, by a light detector of the lidar device, reflections of the one or more light signals. Further, the method includes determining, by a controller of the lidar device based on the detected reflections of the one or more light signals, that one or more defects are present within the one or more optical components or within the cleaning device.

Abstract: Computing devices, systems, and methods described in various embodiments herein may relate to a light detection and ranging (lidar) system. An example computing device could include a controller having at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one processor is configured to execute program instructions stored in the at least one memory so as to carry out operations. The operations include receiving information identifying an environmental condition surrounding a vehicle, the environmental condition being at least one of fog, mist, snow, dust, or rain. The operations also include determining a range of interest within a field of view of the lidar system based on the received information. The operations also include adjusting at least one of: a return light detection time period, sampling rate, or filtering threshold, for at least a portion of the field of view based on the determined range of interest.