Distance measurement communication fusion miniaturization system and method based on single photon detection

Abstract

The invention discloses a ranging communication fusion miniaturized system and method based on single photon detection. The system adopts a time division multiplexing common-path structure, and a ranging pulse sequence and a communication pulse sequence are sequentially transmitted in the same detection period to form a PPM modulation laser pulse chain. A single-photon detector is adopted to receive signals, background light interference is suppressed by combining a narrow-band filter and a time gating technology, and the type and boundary of a pulse sequence are identified through a signal demodulation and discrimination module. When the distance measurement pulse sequence is identified, the distance measurement path realizes distance measurement based on the round-trip time of the distance measurement pulse in the period; when a communication pulse sequence is identified, the communication path demodulates the PPM communication data. The method effectively decouples the contradiction between the distance measurement fuzzy and the communication rate, supports communication pulse high repetition frequency modulation while realizing non-fuzzy distance measurement, improves the distance measurement precision and the communication rate, and is suitable for free space communication, mobile robot platforms and other application scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of laser ranging and communication, and in particular relates to a miniaturized ranging and communication fusion system and method based on single-photon detection. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of modern communications and ranging technologies, single-photon detection technology, due to its extremely high sensitivity and precision, has demonstrated significant advantages in applications such as laser ranging, quantum communications, and deep space exploration. To improve system integration and functional reuse, research has attempted to build integrated ranging and communication systems based on single-photon detection architectures by integrating modules such as laser modulation and signal processing. This approach improves system resource utilization efficiency and adaptability to various scenarios.

[0003] Some scholars have proposed an integrated receiving device and method for single-photon ranging, tracking, and low-photon communication. This device uses single-photon detectors to simultaneously achieve precise aiming, passive ranging, and communication of moving targets. This technology utilizes a reflector and an infrared (IR) surface array camera for coarse tracking. It then uses a single-photon detector array to perform precise aiming and demodulate the received low-photon signal for distance estimation. However, this technology employs a passive ranging strategy, and the IR surface array camera, as an auxiliary imaging device, occupies a large volume and consumes a lot of power within the system, limiting the system's miniaturization and integration capabilities.

[0004] Other researchers have designed an integrated tracking, communication, and detection system for deep-space laser communications. This technology uses a multi-channel, high-precision timer paired with a single-photon detector array to achieve time statistics and position extraction of received light spot signals, thereby completing communication data demodulation and target position information extraction. Although this technology achieves the integration of communication and target angle positioning, the system as a whole relies on the continuous reception of communication signals for synchronization and decoding. The ranging and communication functions are highly coupled, making it impossible to flexibly adjust the resource allocation relationship between ranging accuracy and communication rate according to application requirements, making it difficult to achieve on-demand decoupling and adaptive control between modes.

[0005] In summary, existing technologies still have room for improvement in pattern recognition control, resource scheduling flexibility, and system miniaturization. Therefore, it is necessary to design a fusion system that can achieve efficient decoupling, on-demand deployment, and collaborative optimization of ranging and communication functions while maintaining a compact system structure. This can meet the comprehensive performance requirements of ranging accuracy, communication rate, and energy consumption control in complex application scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address these technical issues, the present invention provides a miniaturized system and method for fusion ranging and communication based on single-photon detection. This system employs PPM modulation technology to integrate ranging and communication pulse sequences into the same laser pulse train. Combining single-photon detection with protocol-based demodulation ensures synchronous operation of ranging and communication, and improves data transmission reliability. This system is suitable for collaborative ranging and communication applications, featuring low power consumption, miniaturization, and excellent scalability.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] A miniaturized ranging communication fusion system based on single-photon detection, comprising a PPM modulated laser emission module, a signal detection and demodulation module, a laser ranging pulse emission module, a ranging signal detection and extraction module, and a communication data output module, and adopting a time-division multiplexing common optical path structure, wherein:

[0009] The PPM modulated laser emission module is used to generate a laser pulse train consisting of a ranging pulse sequence and a communication pulse sequence, wherein the ranging pulse sequence and the communication pulse sequence are both composed of multiple time slots, and the time slot widths of the ranging pulse sequence and the communication pulse sequence are different;

[0010] The signal detection and demodulation module is used to detect and demodulate the laser pulse train, identify the pulse sequence type and boundary, and switch to the corresponding ranging mode or communication mode;

[0011] The laser ranging pulse emission module is used to trigger and emit the identified ranging pulse sequence in the ranging mode;

[0012] The ranging signal detection and extraction module is used to calculate the target distance according to the round-trip time of the identified ranging pulse sequence emitted by the laser ranging pulse emission module in the ranging mode;

[0013] The communication data output module is used to demodulate the data carried by the identified communication pulse sequence in the communication mode and output the demodulated data to an external device.

[0014] Furthermore, a first mode switching protection interval is set between the ranging pulse sequence and the communication pulse sequence, and a second mode switching protection interval is set between the communication pulse sequence and the end of the detection period, and the first and second mode switching protection intervals are different.

[0015] Furthermore, in a complete detection cycle The duration of the ranging pulse sequence, the duration of the communication pulse sequence, and the first and second mode switching protection intervals meet the requirements. ,in and are the number of time slots for ranging and communication pulse sequences, respectively, and are the time slot widths of ranging and communication pulse sequences, respectively. is the first mode switching protection interval between the ranging pulse sequence and the communication pulse sequence, It is the second mode switching protection interval between the communication pulse sequence and the end of the detection period.

[0016] Furthermore, the ranging pulse frequency and communication pulse rate Satisfy respectively and ,in is the number of PPM symbols in the detection period, The number of time slots contained in each PPM symbol is adjusted by the detection period The ranging pulse sequence, communication pulse sequence and mode switching protection interval are used to achieve the ranging pulse frequency. and communication pulse rate coordinated regulation.

[0017] Furthermore, the detection period of the PPM modulation laser emission module According to the target detection distance Setting to avoid the distance ambiguity interference caused by adjacent periodic signals, satisfying ,in is the speed of light, Protection time reserved for the system.

[0018] Furthermore, the signal detection and demodulation module includes a single-photon signal receiving module and a signal demodulation and discrimination module. The single-photon signal receiving module uses a single-photon detector to perform high-sensitivity detection on the laser pulse chain passing through the propagation medium. The signal demodulation and discrimination module parses the bit stream data output by the single-photon signal receiving module, identifies the pulse sequence type and boundary based on the time slot width characteristics of the pulse sequence and the mode switching protection interval, and switches to the corresponding ranging mode or communication mode.

[0019] Furthermore, the single-photon signal receiving module is provided with a narrow-band filter and a time-gated window to suppress background light interference.

[0020] On the other hand, the present invention provides a ranging communication fusion method based on single-photon detection, comprising:

[0021] Step 1: The PPM modulated laser transmitting module transmits a laser pulse train consisting of a ranging pulse sequence and a communication pulse sequence in a time-division multiplexing manner within the same detection cycle. The ranging pulse sequence and the communication pulse sequence are both composed of multiple time slots, and the time slot widths of the ranging pulse sequence and the communication pulse sequence are different.

[0022] Step 2: The signal detection and demodulation module detects the laser pulse train passing through the propagation medium, identifies the pulse sequence type and boundary, and enters the corresponding ranging mode or communication mode;

[0023] Step 3: In the ranging mode, the laser ranging pulse transmitting module transmits the identified ranging pulse sequence, and the ranging signal detection and extraction module calculates the target distance based on the round-trip time of the received identified ranging pulse sequence;

[0024] Step 4: In the communication mode, the communication data output module demodulates the data carried by the identified communication pulse sequence and outputs the communication information through the standard interface.

[0025] In a third aspect, the present invention provides an electronic device comprising: one or more processors; a memory for storing one or more programs; wherein, when the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the aforementioned ranging communication fusion method based on single-photon detection.

[0026] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, enables the processor to implement the aforementioned ranging communication fusion method based on single-photon detection.

[0027] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0028] 1. The use of a time-division multiplexing common optical path structure combined with a periodic constraint strategy effectively avoids distance ambiguity interference caused by adjacent periodic signals. While achieving unambiguous ranging, it supports high repetition rate modulation of communication pulses, improving ranging accuracy and communication speed.

[0029] 2. By integrating single-photon detection technology with PPM modulation, the system simultaneously carries ranging and communication signals within the same laser pulse train, improving system integration and compactness while significantly reducing laser peak power consumption. Furthermore, the system possesses resource allocation capabilities, flexibly adjusting ranging accuracy and communication rates based on mission requirements, enabling adaptive configuration for multiple scenarios.

[0030] 3. By rationally designing the structural parameters of ranging and communication pulses and introducing a mode switching protection interval during the pulse sequence switching phase, the misjudgment and crosstalk that may occur during the mode switching process can be reduced, thereby enhancing the accuracy of mode recognition and the robustness of system operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a miniaturized ranging and communication fusion system based on single-photon detection in the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of PPM laser pulse signal modulation within one detection cycle in the method of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of a ranging communication fusion method based on single-photon detection in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0035] This paper proposes a miniaturized system and method for fusion ranging and communication based on single-photon detection. Using PPM modulation technology, ranging and communication pulse sequences are embedded in the same laser pulse train. Combined with single-photon detection and protocol-based demodulation, this system achieves synchronous ranging and communication operations, ensuring reliable data transmission. The system features low power consumption, miniaturization, and good scalability.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, a miniaturized ranging communication fusion system based on single-photon detection includes a PPM modulated laser emission module, a signal detection and demodulation module, a laser ranging pulse emission module, a ranging signal detection and extraction module, and a communication data output module, and adopts a time-division multiplexing common optical path structure.

[0037] The PPM modulated laser emission module includes a ranging pulse generation unit, a first mode switching protection interval unit, a communication pulse generation unit, and a second mode switching protection interval unit. A time-division multiplexing mechanism is adopted to generate ranging pulse sequences and communication pulse sequences in the same laser pulse chain based on PPM modulation technology. By setting different time slot widths and setting a mode switching protection interval at the sequence switching point, the pulse sequence type and boundary are effectively distinguished, thereby avoiding signal crosstalk and misjudgment. The mode switching protection interval is set between the ranging pulse sequence and the communication pulse sequence, as well as between the communication pulse sequence and the end of the cycle. The protection interval time is not less than the minimum response time required for the system mode switching.

[0038] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the ranging pulses in the current cycle can be stably received and to prevent the ranging signals between adjacent cycles from interfering, the detection cycle of the PPM modulation laser emission module is According to the target detection distance Set up, meet ,in is the speed of light, The protection time reserved for the system. In a complete detection cycle The sum of the ranging pulse sequence duration, the communication pulse sequence duration, and the mode switching protection interval satisfies ,in and are the number of time slots for ranging and communication pulse sequences, respectively, and are the time slot widths of ranging and communication pulse sequences, respectively. is a first mode switching protection interval between ranging and communication modes, The second mode switching protection interval between the end of the communication pulse sequence and the end of the cycle, the first and second mode switching protection intervals are different. and communication rate Satisfy respectively and ,in is the number of PPM symbols in the detection period, The number of time slots contained in each PPM symbol. By adjusting the detection period The ranging pulse sequence, communication pulse sequence and mode switching protection interval are used to achieve the ranging frequency and communication rate coordinated regulation.

[0039] The signal detection and demodulation module includes a single-photon signal receiving module and a signal demodulation and discrimination module. It is used to detect and demodulate the laser pulse chain emitted by the PPM modulated laser emission module to identify the type of pulse sequence and switch to the corresponding ranging mode or communication mode. The single-photon signal receiving module uses a single-photon detector to perform high-sensitivity detection of the laser pulse chain passing through the propagation medium, and combines narrow-band filters and time gating technology to suppress background light interference; preferably, the single-photon signal receiving module is provided with a narrow-band filter and a time-gated window to effectively improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the single-point single-photon detector and achieve high-sensitivity detection of weak light signals; the signal demodulation and discrimination module parses the bit stream data output by the single-photon signal receiving module, and based on the time slot width characteristics of the pulse sequence and combined with the mode switching protection interval, identifies the type and boundary of the pulse sequence, and switches to the corresponding ranging mode or communication mode.

[0040] The laser ranging pulse emission module is used to trigger and emit the identified ranging pulse sequence in the ranging mode;

[0041] The ranging signal detection and extraction module is used to calculate the target distance according to the round-trip time of the identified ranging pulse sequence emitted by the laser ranging pulse emission module in the ranging mode;

[0042] The communication data output module is used to demodulate the data carried by the identified communication pulse sequence in the communication mode, and output the data to the external device through the standard communication interface to achieve reliable data communication.

[0043] The system supports simultaneous multi-target ranging and communication scenarios. It uses a multi-channel single-photon detector to achieve synchronous detection of targets at different locations. A multi-wavelength laser emission module distinguishes the wavelengths of ranging and communication pulse sequences for multiple targets. The module contains several independent laser channels, each corresponding to a unique wavelength, and emits a laser pulse train containing both ranging and communication pulse sequences at that wavelength. The receiving end, based on a preset wavelength allocation scheme and the correspondence between wavelengths and channels, distinguishes and processes the ranging and communication signals of different targets, enabling simultaneous distance measurement and parallel communication for multiple targets while ensuring that signals from different wavelength channels do not interfere with each other.

[0044] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a ranging communication fusion method based on single photon detection, comprising the following steps:

[0045] Step 1: The PPM modulated laser transmitter module generates a laser pulse train consisting of a ranging pulse sequence and a communication pulse sequence, and inserts a mode switching protection interval between the two sequences. The time slot width of the ranging pulse sequence is different from the time slot width of the communication pulse sequence.

[0046] Step 2: The signal detection and demodulation module detects the laser pulse train passing through the propagation medium, records the photon arrival timestamp, and suppresses background light interference. Based on the time slot width characteristics of the pulse sequence and the mode switching protection interval, it identifies the pulse sequence type and boundary and enters the corresponding ranging mode or communication mode.

[0047] Step 3: In the ranging mode, the laser ranging pulse transmitting module transmits the identified ranging pulse sequence, and the ranging signal detection and extraction module calculates the target distance based on the round-trip time of the received identified ranging pulse sequence;

[0048] Step 4: In the communication mode, the communication data output module demodulates the data carried by the identified communication pulse sequence and outputs the communication information through the standard interface.

[0049] Example

[0050] Step 1: Use a semiconductor laser with a central wavelength of 905 nm and a pulse width of 5 ns as the light source. , protection time reserved by the system When setting a complete detection cycle The system generates ranging pulse sequence and communication pulse sequence respectively, where the time slot number of ranging pulse sequence is , time slot width . Reserved after the ranging pulse sequence ends The first mode switches to the protection interval, and then transmits the communication pulse sequence. The system configures the number of time slots of the communication pulse sequence , time slot width , using 4PPM modulation, each communication symbol contains 4 time slots, only one pulse is transmitted in one time slot, and its time position represents 2 bits of information. Between the end of the communication pulse sequence and the end of the detection period, the second mode switching protection interval is set The pulse train in one detection cycle is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the ranging pulse frequency , communication rate .

[0051] Step 2: After the transmitted laser pulse train passes through the propagation medium, it is detected with high sensitivity by a single-photon signal receiving module. This module utilizes a single-point SPAD detector, integrated with a narrowband filter with a central wavelength of 905 nm and a bandwidth of 3 nm at the front end to effectively reduce background light interference. Furthermore, a 100 ns time-gating window is set to further filter valid signals, significantly improving the detection signal-to-noise ratio of the target signal. The module accurately records the arrival timestamp of each photon and outputs this detected timestamp information to the signal demodulation and discrimination module.

[0052] The signal demodulation and discrimination module identifies the pulse sequence type and boundary based on the time slot width characteristics of the pulse sequence and the mode switching protection interval. Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the module first extracts the bit stream information from the detected photon data, and then calculates the time slot width of the ranging pulse sequence according to the preset protocol. (200 ns) and the time slot width of the communication pulse train (40 ns), first mode switching protection interval (700 ns) and the second mode switching guard interval (500 ns) Identify the pulse sequence type and boundary: if it is identified as a ranging pulse sequence, enter the ranging mode; if it is identified as a communication pulse sequence, enter the communication mode.

[0053] Step 3: When the signal is identified as a ranging pulse sequence, the laser ranging pulse emission module transmits the identified ranging pulse sequence. The ranging signal detection and extraction module uses a single-point SPAD detector to complete signal reception and calculate the target distance based on its round-trip time.

[0054] Step 4: When it is determined to be a communication pulse sequence, the communication data output module transmits the demodulated data through the RS232 or TCP / IP interface to achieve data communication.

[0055] In a third aspect, the present invention provides an electronic device comprising: one or more processors; a memory for storing one or more programs; wherein, when the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the aforementioned ranging communication fusion method based on single-photon detection.

[0056] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, enables the processor to implement the aforementioned ranging communication fusion method based on single-photon detection.

[0057] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the objectives, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present invention in detail. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A miniaturized ranging and communication fusion system based on single-photon detection, characterized in that: The system includes a PPM modulated laser emission module, a signal detection and demodulation module, a laser ranging pulse emission module, a ranging signal detection and extraction module, and a communication data output module, and adopts a time-division multiplexing common optical path structure, wherein: The PPM modulated laser emission module is used to generate a laser pulse train consisting of a ranging pulse sequence and a communication pulse sequence, wherein the ranging pulse sequence and the communication pulse sequence are both composed of multiple time slots, and the time slot widths of the ranging pulse sequence and the communication pulse sequence are different; The signal detection and demodulation module is used to detect and demodulate the laser pulse train, identify the pulse sequence type and boundary, and switch to the corresponding ranging mode or communication mode; The laser ranging pulse emission module is used to trigger and emit the identified ranging pulse sequence in the ranging mode; The ranging signal detection and extraction module is used to calculate the target distance according to the round-trip time of the identified ranging pulse sequence emitted by the laser ranging pulse emission module in the ranging mode; The communication data output module is used to demodulate the data carried by the identified communication pulse sequence in the communication mode and output the demodulated data to an external device.

2. A miniaturized ranging communication fusion system based on single photon detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first mode switching protection interval is set between the ranging pulse sequence and the communication pulse sequence, and a second mode switching protection interval is set between the communication pulse sequence and the end of the detection period. The first and second mode switching protection intervals are different.

3. A miniaturized system for fusion of ranging and communication based on single photon detection according to claim 2, characterized in that: In a complete detection cycle The duration of the ranging pulse sequence, the duration of the communication pulse sequence, and the first and second mode switching protection intervals meet the requirements. ,in and are the number of time slots for ranging and communication pulse sequences, respectively, and are the time slot widths of ranging and communication pulse sequences, respectively. is the first mode switching protection interval between the ranging pulse sequence and the communication pulse sequence, It is the second mode switching protection interval between the communication pulse sequence and the end of the detection period.

4. The miniaturized system for fusion of ranging and communication based on single photon detection according to claim 3 is characterized in that: Ranging pulse frequency and communication pulse rate Satisfy respectively and ,in is the number of PPM symbols in the detection period, The number of time slots contained in each PPM symbol is adjusted by the detection period The ranging pulse sequence, communication pulse sequence and the duration of the first and second mode switching protection intervals are used to achieve the ranging pulse frequency and communication pulse rate coordinated regulation.

5. The miniaturized system for fusion of ranging and communication based on single photon detection according to claim 2, characterized in that: The detection cycle of the PPM modulation laser emission module According to the target detection distance Setting to avoid the distance ambiguity interference caused by adjacent periodic signals, satisfying ,in is the speed of light, Protection time reserved for the system.

6. The miniaturized system for fusion of ranging and communication based on single photon detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal detection and demodulation module includes a single-photon signal receiving module and a signal demodulation and discrimination module. The single-photon signal receiving module uses a single-photon detector to perform high-sensitivity detection on the laser pulse chain passing through the propagation medium. The signal demodulation and discrimination module parses the bit stream data output by the single-photon signal receiving module, identifies the pulse sequence type and boundary based on the time slot width characteristics of the pulse sequence and the first and second mode switching protection intervals, and switches to the corresponding ranging mode or communication mode.

7. The miniaturized system for fusion of ranging and communication based on single photon detection according to claim 6, characterized in that: The single-photon signal receiving module is provided with a narrow-band filter and a time-gated window to suppress background light interference.

8. A ranging communication fusion method based on single photon detection, characterized in that: include: Step 1: The PPM modulated laser transmitting module transmits a laser pulse train consisting of a ranging pulse sequence and a communication pulse sequence in a time-division multiplexing manner within the same detection cycle. The ranging pulse sequence and the communication pulse sequence are both composed of multiple time slots, and the time slot widths of the ranging pulse sequence and the communication pulse sequence are different. Step 2: The signal detection and demodulation module detects the laser pulse train passing through the propagation medium, identifies the pulse sequence type and boundary, and enters the corresponding ranging mode or communication mode; Step 3: In the ranging mode, the laser ranging pulse transmitting module transmits the identified ranging pulse sequence, and the ranging signal detection and extraction module calculates the target distance based on the round-trip time of the received identified ranging pulse sequence; Step 4: In the communication mode, the communication data output module demodulates the data carried by the identified communication pulse sequence and outputs the communication information through the standard interface.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; a memory for storing one or more programs; Wherein, when one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the ranging communication fusion method based on single photon detection as described in claim 8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that Executable instructions are stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to implement a ranging communication fusion method based on single-photon detection as described in claim 8.

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