Distance detection method, electronic device, distance detection device and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a distance detection method, electronic equipment, distance detection device and storage medium. The distance detection method is applied to an electronic equipment, and the electronic equipment includes at least three communication units. The method includes: transmitting a millimeter wave communication signal; within a preset time period from the transmission of the millimeter wave communication signal, using the at least three communication units to respectively detect the reflected signals returned by the millimeter wave communication signal acting on a target object; determining the distance between the target object and the communication unit based on the time difference between the reception time of the reflected signal by each communication unit and the transmission time of the millimeter wave communication signal; and determining the distance between the target object and the electronic device based on the distances between the at least three communication units and the target object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of electronic technology, and in particular to a distance detection method, electronic equipment, a distance detection device, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] With the development of electronic technology, distance sensors that can realize distance detection functions are widely used in electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets in order to be able to sense the distance between them and users in real time.

[0003] Full-screen displays are increasingly being used in electronic devices such as mobile phones. To accommodate these applications, proximity sensors and other devices need to be placed between the display and the device housing, minimizing the area occupied by the proximity sensors on the display. Therefore, how to configure proximity sensors is a pressing issue for full-screen electronic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a distance detection method, electronic equipment, a distance detection device, and a storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a distance detection method is provided, which is applied to an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes at least three communication units, and the method includes:

[0006] Transmit millimeter wave communication signals;

[0007] within a preset time period from the time the millimeter wave communication signal is transmitted, using the at least three communication units to respectively detect reflected signals returned by the millimeter wave communication signal acting on a target object;

[0008] determining the distance between the target object and the communication unit according to a time difference between a reception time of the reflected signal by each communication unit and a transmission time of the millimeter wave communication signal;

[0009] The distance between the target object and the electronic device is determined according to the distances between the at least three communication units and the target object.

[0010] In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a millimeter wave generation module and a first processor;

[0011] The transmitting the millimeter wave communication signal includes: controlling the millimeter wave generating module to transmit the millimeter wave communication signal according to a first control signal sent by the first processor;

[0012] The determining of the distance between the target object and the communication unit includes: sending a first indication signal to the first processor when the communication unit receives the reflected signal; and using the first processor to determine the distance between the target object and the communication unit based on the time difference between the sending time of the first control signal and the receiving time of the first indication signal.

[0013] In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a millimeter wave generation module, a controller, and a second processor;

[0014] The transmitting the millimeter wave communication signal comprises: controlling the millimeter wave generating module to transmit the millimeter wave communication signal according to a second control signal sent by the controller;

[0015] The determining of the distance between the target object and the communication unit includes: sending a second indication signal to the second processor when the communication unit receives the reflected signal; and using the second processor to determine the distance between the target object and the communication unit based on the time difference between the sending time of the second control signal and the receiving time of the second indication signal.

[0016] In some embodiments, transmitting the millimeter wave communication signal includes: controlling at least one of the communication units to transmit the millimeter wave communication signal.

[0017] In some embodiments, within a preset time period from the transmission of the millimeter wave communication signal, detecting, using the at least three communication units, respectively reflected signals returned by the millimeter wave communication signal acting on a target object includes:

[0018] within a preset time period from the transmission of the millimeter wave communication signal, respectively receiving external signals using the at least three communication units;

[0019] The at least three communication units respectively determine the external signal whose similarity with the millimeter wave communication signal satisfies a similarity condition as the reflected signal. According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an electronic device, comprising:

[0020] Millimeter wave generation module, used to transmit millimeter wave communication signals;

[0021] a communication module connected to the millimeter wave generating module, comprising: at least three communication units; wherein the communication units are configured to detect a reflected signal returned by the millimeter wave communication signal acting on a target object within a preset time period from the time the millimeter wave communication signal is transmitted;

[0022] Among them, the time difference between the reception time of the reflected signal and the transmission time of the millimeter wave communication signal is used to determine the distance between the communication unit and the target object; the distance between the at least three communication units and the target object is used to determine the distance between the target object and the electronic device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the electronic device further comprises:

[0024] a first processor, electrically connected to the millimeter wave generation module and the communication module, respectively, for sending a first control signal to the millimeter wave generation module; wherein the first control signal is used to control the millimeter wave generation module to transmit the millimeter wave communication signal;

[0025] The communication unit is further configured to send a first indication signal to the first processor upon receiving the reflected signal;

[0026] The first processor is further configured to receive a first indication signal sent by the communication unit, and determine a distance between the target object and the communication unit based on a time difference between a sending time of the first control signal and a receiving time of the first indication signal.

[0027] In some embodiments, the electronic device further comprises: a controller and a second processor;

[0028] The controller is electrically connected to the millimeter wave generation module and is used to send a second control signal to the millimeter wave generation module; wherein the second control signal is used to control the millimeter wave generation module to transmit the millimeter wave communication signal;

[0029] The communication unit is further configured to send a first indication signal to the second processor upon receiving the reflected signal;

[0030] The second processor is configured to receive a second indication signal sent by the communication unit and determine a distance between the target object and the communication unit based on a time difference between a sending time of the second control signal and a receiving time of the second indication signal.

[0031] In some embodiments, the communication unit is specifically configured to:

[0032] receiving an external signal within a preset time period from the transmission of the millimeter wave communication signal;

[0033] The external signal whose similarity with the millimeter wave communication signal satisfies a similarity condition is determined as the reflected signal.

[0034] In some embodiments, the electronic device further comprises:

[0035] Back cover;

[0036] middle frame;

[0037] The at least three communication units are arranged on the middle frame; or, the at least three communication units are arranged on the back cover.

[0038] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a distance detection device, comprising at least:

[0039] processor;

[0040] a memory for storing executable instructions capable of running on said processor,

[0041] The processor is configured to: when executing the executable instructions, implement the steps in the distance detection method provided in any one of the first aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the distance detection method provided in any one of the first aspects of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may have the following beneficial effects:

[0044] Compared with detecting the distance between the target object and the electronic device by additionally setting up a special distance detection device, the technical solution provided by the present disclosure transmits a millimeter wave communication signal, multiplexes the communication unit of the electronic device to detect the reflected signal returned by the millimeter wave communication signal acting on the target object, and determines the distance between the target object and the communication unit based on the time difference between the reception time of the reflected signal received by the communication unit and the transmission time of the millimeter wave communication signal, and determines the distance between the target object and the electronic device based on the distances between at least three communication units and the target object. It can determine the distance between the electronic device and the peripheral target object while the electronic device is communicating with the external device, without the need to set up an additional device for distance detection, thereby providing a distance detection method for full-screen electronic devices.

[0045] Furthermore, the present disclosure can determine the distance between a target object and the three communication units on the same plane by detecting reflected signals respectively by at least three communication units, so as to uniquely determine a point in the surrounding environment of the electronic device as the position of the target object, and further determine the vertical distance between the target object and the plane where the electronic device display screen is located, thereby improving the accuracy of distance detection.

[0046] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 1 is a flow chart showing a distance detection method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0049] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0050] Figure 3 The figure is a block diagram showing a distance detection device according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when referring to the drawings, identical numerals in different figures represent identical or similar elements, unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all possible embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatus and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present disclosure, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a flow chart of a distance detection method according to an exemplary embodiment. The method is applied to an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes at least three communication units. The method includes the following steps:

[0053] S100: transmits millimeter wave communication signals;

[0054] S110: Within a preset time period from the transmission of the millimeter wave communication signal, using at least three communication units to respectively detect reflected signals returned by the millimeter wave communication signal acting on the target object;

[0055] S120: determining the distance between the target object and the communication unit based on the time difference between the time when each communication unit receives the reflected signal and the time when the communication signal is transmitted;

[0056] S130: Determine the distance between the target object and the electronic device according to the distances between the at least three communication units and the target object.

[0057] Millimeter wave communication signals carry data to be transmitted, and electronic devices communicate with external devices by transmitting millimeter wave communication signals to these external devices. It should be emphasized that at least a portion of these communication signals can be sent to external devices to enable communication between the electronic device and the external device.

[0058] The data to be transmitted includes but is not limited to: telephone voice and audio data, network voice and audio data of instant messaging software, text data such as text messages, image data or video data, etc.

[0059] Electronic devices may include: mobile terminals or wearable devices that communicate based on millimeter wave technology.

[0060] It can be understood that when an electronic device communicates with an external device, the external signal received by the electronic device includes not only a reply signal carrying the data to be transmitted and emitted by the external device based on the received millimeter-wave communication signal, but also a reflected signal returned by the communication signal acting on the target object.

[0061] When an electronic device communicates with an external device, the millimeter wave communication signal and the reply signal need to be transmitted between the electronic device and the external device through a base station. Therefore, there will be a preset delay between the transmission time of the millimeter wave communication signal and the reception of the reply signal.

[0062] It should be emphasized that the preset duration is less than the preset delay, and the aforementioned time difference is less than or equal to the preset duration. By setting the preset duration to be less than the preset delay, since the reply signal transmitted by the external device has not yet been sent to the aforementioned electronic device within the preset duration, the signal received by the aforementioned electronic device within the preset duration from the transmission of the millimeter wave communication signal can be regarded as the aforementioned reflected signal. The distance between the target object and the electronic device can then be determined based on the time difference between the reception time of the reflected signal and the transmission time of the millimeter wave communication signal.

[0063] If no reflected signal is detected within the preset time from the time the millimeter wave communication signal is transmitted, it can be determined that there is no target object that obstructs the electronic device in the surrounding environment at the distance corresponding to the preset time of the electronic device.

[0064] Target objects may include obstructing objects in the electronic device's surrounding environment. A target object may be an external device that communicates with the electronic device and acts as an obstruction, or it may be an object that simply acts as an obstruction. When a millimeter-wave communication signal emitted by the electronic device is transmitted to the target object, the target object's surface reflects the communication signal, forming a reflected signal.

[0065] It should be emphasized that the above-mentioned at least three communication units are set separately, and the setting positions of the above-mentioned at least three communication units are not on the same straight line. Therefore, based on the distance between the target object and the above-mentioned at least three communication units, a unique point can be determined in the surrounding environment of the electronic device as the position of the target object.

[0066] Compared with detecting the distance between the target object and the electronic device by additionally setting up a special distance detection device, the technical solution provided by the present disclosure transmits a millimeter wave communication signal, multiplexes the communication unit of the electronic device to detect the reflected signal returned by the millimeter wave communication signal acting on the target object, and determines the distance between the target object and the communication unit based on the time difference between the reception time of the reflected signal received by the communication unit and the transmission time of the millimeter wave communication signal, and determines the distance between the target object and the electronic device based on the distances between at least three communication units and the target object. It can determine the distance between the electronic device and the peripheral target object while the electronic device is communicating with the external device, without the need to set up an additional device for distance detection, thereby providing a distance detection method for full-screen electronic devices.

[0067] When millimeter-wave communication signals are transmitted within the surrounding environment of an electronic device, they may reach different locations on the target object. It is understood that when the target object receives the millimeter-wave communication signal at different locations or angles, the resulting reflected signal will also travel in different directions. Therefore, compared to detecting reflected signals using only one communication unit, the disclosed embodiments utilize at least three communication units to detect reflected signals, thereby improving the success rate of detecting reflected signals.

[0068] Furthermore, the embodiment of the present disclosure can determine the distance between the target object and the three communication units on the same plane through the reflected signals detected respectively by at least three communication units, so as to uniquely determine a point in the surrounding environment of the electronic device as the position of the target object, and then determine the vertical distance between the target object and the plane where the electronic device display screen is located, thereby improving the accuracy of distance detection.

[0069] In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a millimeter wave generation module and a first processor;

[0070] S100 includes: controlling the millimeter wave generating module to transmit a millimeter wave communication signal according to a first control signal sent by the first processor;

[0071] The method of determining the distance between the target object and the communication unit includes: sending a first indication signal to a first processor when the communication unit receives the reflected signal; and using the first processor to determine the distance between the target object and the communication unit based on the time difference between the sending time of the first control signal and the receiving time of the first indication signal.

[0072] The first processor may include a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP). The first processor may independently control the millimeter wave generation module to transmit millimeter wave communication signals, and may also control the at least three communication units to detect reflected signals and receive demodulated frequency information.

[0073] The first processor may also determine the distance between the target object and the electronic device according to the distances between the at least three communication units and the target object.

[0074] In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a millimeter wave generation module, a controller, and a second processor;

[0075] S100 includes: controlling the millimeter wave generating module to transmit a millimeter wave communication signal according to a second control signal sent by the controller;

[0076] The method of determining the distance between the target object and the communication unit includes: sending a second indication signal to a second processor when the communication unit receives the reflected signal; and using the second processor to determine the distance between the target object and the communication unit based on the time difference between the sending time of the second control signal and the receiving time of the second indication signal.

[0077] The controller may include a microcontroller unit (MCU) for controlling the millimeter wave generating module to transmit the millimeter wave signal and may also be used to control the communication unit to detect the reflected signal.

[0078] The second processor may include a central processing unit or an application processor. It is understood that although the second processor and the first processor may both include a central processing unit or an application processor, the functions of the second processor and the first processor are different.

[0079] After the communication unit receives the reflected signal, it may send the reflected signal to the second processor, and the second processor performs calculation to determine the distance between the communication unit and the target object.

[0080] The second processor may be further configured to determine a distance between the target object and the electronic device based on the distances between the at least three communication units and the target object.

[0081] In some embodiments, S100 may include: controlling at least one communication unit to transmit a millimeter wave communication signal.

[0082] It should be emphasized that the communication unit can also be used to transmit millimeter wave communication signals. In this way, the millimeter wave communication signals transmitted by the communication unit when communicating with other external devices can be reused for distance detection without the need to additionally transmit detection signals for determining the distance between the target object and the electronic device. The method is simple.

[0083] In some embodiments, S110 includes:

[0084] Within a preset time period from the transmission of the millimeter wave communication signal, at least three communication units respectively receive external signals;

[0085] The at least three communication units respectively determine the external signal whose similarity with the millimeter wave communication signal satisfies a similarity condition as a reflected signal.

[0086] External signals may include: the aforementioned reply signals sent by other devices to the millimeter wave communication signal, the reflected signals of the millimeter wave communication signal reflected by the reflective object, and the transmission signals actively sent by the external device carrying the data to be transmitted. Here, the reflective object is the target object.

[0087] For example, the similarity between the external signal and the millimeter wave communication signal can be determined by characteristic parameters of the external signal and the millimeter wave communication signal. The characteristic parameters may include phase, amplitude, or frequency.

[0088] It should be emphasized that the data to be transmitted is loaded on the carrier signal by modulating the phase, frequency or amplitude of the carrier signal. Since the data to be transmitted carried by the reply signal is different from the data to be transmitted carried by the millimeter wave communication signal, and the data to be transmitted carried by the reflected signal is the same as or similar to the data to be transmitted carried by the millimeter wave communication signal, the similarity between the reply signal and the millimeter wave communication signal does not meet the similarity condition, the similarity between the transmission signal and the millimeter wave communication signal does not meet the similarity condition, and the similarity between the reflected signal and the millimeter wave communication signal meets the similarity condition.

[0089] For example, the external signal is coherently demodulated, and the external signal that is successfully coherently demodulated can be determined as a reflected signal that meets the similarity condition.

[0090] In the disclosed embodiments, a low-noise amplifier circuit can be used to perform frequency conversion processing on the received reflected signal. For example, the reflected signal can be multiplied by a signal generated within the electronic device that is identical to the millimeter-wave communication signal to achieve frequency conversion of the reflected signal. The resulting frequency-converted signal is then output to an operational amplifier circuit (e.g., an intermediate-frequency amplifier circuit) through a bandpass filter. The signal output to the operational amplifier circuit is then sampled using a digital-to-analog circuit to determine the change in characteristic parameters of the reflected signal compared to the millimeter-wave communication signal.

[0091] It should be pointed out that although the characteristic parameters of the reflected signal may change compared to the characteristic parameters of the millimeter wave communication signal, the similarity between the reflected signal and the millimeter wave communication signal after the characteristic parameters are changed still meets the similarity condition.

[0092] For example, a preset mapping relationship exists between the change in the characteristic parameter of the reflected signal compared to the millimeter-wave communication signal and the relative distance between the target object and the electronic device. Therefore, the relative distance between the target object and the electronic device can be determined based on the change in the characteristic parameter of the reflected signal compared to the millimeter-wave communication signal and this preset mapping relationship. The preset mapping relationship can be determined experimentally.

[0093] For example, if the characteristic parameter is phase, the preset mapping relationship may include a phase change of π, corresponding to a relative distance of 0.5 meters. That is, when the phase of the reflected signal changes by π compared to the phase of the millimeter-wave communication signal, according to this preset mapping relationship, the relative distance between the target object and the electronic device is 0.5 meters.

[0094] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, an external signal that satisfies a similarity condition with a millimeter wave communication signal is determined as a reflected signal. The method is simple and can accurately detect the reflected signal in the external signal, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of distance detection.

[0095] In some embodiments, the above method further comprises:

[0096] Determine the frequency change trend of the reflected signal;

[0097] According to the frequency change trend, the motion trajectory data of the target object is determined.

[0098] The motion trajectory data may include: position or motion speed, etc. When a target object and an electronic device move relative to each other, the motion direction and motion speed of the target object will be reflected through the reflection information.

[0099] For example, due to the Doppler effect, when the relative distance between a target object and an electronic device changes due to relative motion, the frequency of the received reflected signal will also change relative to the frequency of the millimeter-wave communication signal. This means that the reflected signal will experience a frequency offset compared to the millimeter-wave communication signal. Therefore, the target object's motion trajectory can be determined by analyzing the frequency variation trend of the reflected signal.

[0100] Specifically, as the target object gradually approaches the electronic device, causing the relative distance between the target object and the electronic device to decrease, the frequency of the received reflected signal increases compared to the frequency of the millimeter-wave communication signal. As the target object gradually moves away from the electronic device, causing the relative distance between the target object and the electronic device to increase, the frequency of the received reflected signal decreases compared to the frequency of the millimeter-wave communication signal.

[0101] It should be pointed out that although the frequency of the reflected signal will change, within the frequency variation range of the reflected signal, the similarity between the reflected signal and the millimeter wave communication signal still meets the similarity condition.

[0102] In the disclosed embodiment, the motion trajectory data of the target object is determined based on the frequency change trend of the reflected signal, which can lay the foundation for a contactless interaction solution for electronic devices and is conducive to improving the intelligence and user experience of electronic devices.

[0103] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the electronic device 100 includes:

[0104] Millimeter wave generation module 110, for millimeter wave communication signals;

[0105] The communication module 120 is connected to the millimeter wave generation module 110 and includes at least three communication units 121. The communication units 121 are configured to detect a reflected signal from a target object within a predetermined time period after the millimeter wave communication signal is transmitted.

[0106] Among them, the time difference between the reception time of the reflected signal and the transmission time of the millimeter wave communication signal is used to determine the distance between the communication unit 121 and the target object; the distance between at least three communication units 121 and the target object is used to determine the distance between the target object and the electronic device 100.

[0107] Millimeter wave generation module 110 uses crystal oscillation to generate a sinusoidal signal with a specific frequency as a carrier. A phase-locked loop circuit then generates a frequency-multiplied signal based on this sinusoidal signal. A bandpass filter selects a signal in a preset frequency band as the signal to be transmitted. This selected signal then passes through a power amplifier to generate a transmit power signal, which is then transmitted. Here, the transmit power signal is the millimeter wave communication signal.

[0108] Millimeter wave generation module 110 may include a module that uses millimeter waves as carrier signals for communication. Specifically, millimeter wave generation module 110 may include a communication antenna module, a wireless broadband (Wi-Fi) module, a Bluetooth module, a positioning (GPS) module, a near-field communication (NFC) module, an ultra-wideband (UWB) module, etc. The communication antenna module may include an uplink communication antenna or a downlink communication antenna.

[0109] The communication unit 121 may include: a downlink call antenna in the call antenna module, a receiving antenna of the wireless broadband module, a receiving antenna of the Bluetooth module, a receiving antenna of the positioning module, a receiving antenna of the near field communication module or a receiving antenna of the ultra-wideband module, etc.

[0110] Each communication unit may include: a low-noise operational amplifier circuit, a bandpass filter, an intermediate frequency amplifier and a digital-to-analog sampling circuit, etc., which are connected in sequence.

[0111] When the communication module 120 includes at least three communication units, the position of the target object relative to the electronic device 100 can be determined based on the distances between the at least three communication units and the target object. It should be emphasized that the at least three communication units are separately provided.

[0112] For example, when a transmitted millimeter-wave communication signal is reflected by a target object, a reflected signal is generated. Upon receiving the reflected signal, the communication unit first passes the reflected signal through a low-noise operational amplifier circuit, mixing the reflected signal with the same intrinsic signal as the millimeter-wave communication signal transmitted by electronic device 100 to obtain a mixed signal. The mixed signal is then output to an intermediate frequency amplifier through a bandpass filter. The mixed signal is then sampled by a digital-to-analog sampling circuit to form a sampled signal. The sampled signal reflects the time the reflected signal was received, and the straight-line distance between the communication unit and the target object can be determined based on the time difference between the time the reflected signal was received and the time the millimeter-wave communication signal was transmitted.

[0113] Since the communication module 120 includes at least three communication units, when the setting positions of the at least three communication units are not on the same straight line, the straight-line distances between the at least three communication units and the target object can be used to uniquely determine a point in the space around the electronic device 100 as the position of the target object. The distance between this point and the above-mentioned at least three communication units is equal to the above-mentioned straight-line distances, and then the vertical distance between the target object and the plane where the electronic device 100 is located can be determined, and the vertical distance between the target object and the plane where the display screen of the electronic device 100 is located can also be determined, which is conducive to improving the accuracy and precision of distance detection.

[0114] It should be noted that the millimeter wave generation module 110 and the communication module 120 may be the same module, which can implement both the functions of the millimeter wave generation module 110 and the communication module 120. For example, the same module may include an integrated transceiver antenna.

[0115] The electronic device 100 may apply the above distance detection method to detect the distance between a target object outside the electronic device 100 and the electronic device 100 .

[0116] The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure performs distance detection by using the communication signal emitted by the millimeter wave generating module 110, and multiplexes the communication unit to detect the reflected signal. There is no need to additionally set up a distance sensor for detecting the reflected signal, which reduces the number of sensors required to be included in the electronic device 100, is conducive to increasing the available space inside the device housing of the electronic device 100, and reduces the hardware cost of the electronic device 100.

[0117] In some embodiments, the electronic device 100 further includes:

[0118] The first processor is electrically connected to the millimeter wave generation module 110 and the communication module 120, and is used to send a first control signal to the millimeter wave generation module 110; wherein the first control signal is used to control the millimeter wave generation module 110 to transmit the millimeter wave communication signal;

[0119] The communication unit 121 is further configured to send a first indication signal to the first processor upon receiving the reflected signal;

[0120] The first processor is further configured to receive a first indication signal sent by the communication unit 121 and determine a distance between the target object and the communication unit 121 based on a time difference between a sending time of the first control signal and a receiving time of the first indication signal.

[0121] The first processor may include a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (APP). The first processor may independently control the millimeter wave generation module 110 to transmit millimeter wave communication signals, and may also control the at least three communication units 121 to detect reflected signals and receive demodulated frequency information.

[0122] The first processor may also determine the distance between the target object and the electronic device 100 according to the distances between the at least three communication units 121 and the target object.

[0123] The electronic device 100 may include a mainboard, and the first processor may be disposed on the mainboard.

[0124] In some embodiments, the electronic device 100 further includes: a controller and a second processor;

[0125] A controller electrically connected to the millimeter wave generating module 110, configured to send a second control signal to the millimeter wave generating module 110; wherein the second control signal is configured to control the millimeter wave generating module to transmit a millimeter wave communication signal;

[0126] The communication unit 121 is further configured to send a first indication signal to the second processor when receiving the reflected signal;

[0127] The second processor is configured to receive the second indication signal sent by the communication unit 121 and determine the distance between the target object and the communication unit 121 according to a time difference between a sending time of the second control signal and a receiving time of the second indication signal.

[0128] The controller may include a microcontroller unit (MCU) for controlling the millimeter wave generating module 110 to transmit the millimeter wave signal and may also be used to control the communication unit 121 to detect the reflected signal.

[0129] The second processor may include a central processing unit or an application processor. It is understood that although the second processor and the first processor may both include a central processing unit or an application processor, the functions of the second processor and the first processor are different.

[0130] After receiving the reflected signal, the communication unit 121 may send the reflected signal to the second processor, and the second processor may perform calculations to determine the distance between the communication unit 121 and the target object.

[0131] The controller and the second processor may be provided on a main board of the electronic device 100 .

[0132] In some embodiments, the communication unit 121 is specifically configured to:

[0133] receiving an external signal within a preset time period from the transmission of the millimeter wave communication signal;

[0134] An external signal whose similarity to the millimeter wave communication signal satisfies a similarity condition is determined to be a reflected signal.

[0135] The external signal may include: the reply signal transmitted by other devices in response to the communication signal, the reflected signal of the communication signal acting on the target object and the transmission signal actively sent by the external device and carrying the data to be transmitted.

[0136] For example, the communication unit 121 may coherently demodulate the external signal. The external signal that has been successfully coherently demodulated may be determined to be a reflected signal that meets the similarity condition.

[0137] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication unit 121 determines an external signal that satisfies a similarity condition with the communication signal as a reflection signal. This method is simple and can accurately detect the reflection signal in the external signal, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of distance detection.

[0138] In some embodiments, the control module can determine the vertical distance between the target object and the plane where the display screen of the electronic device 100 is located based on the positional relationship between at least three communication units 121 and the display screen of the electronic device 100, and the distance between the target object and the three communication units 121 respectively.

[0139] For example, when the electronic device 100 includes a mobile phone and the mobile phone is in a state of talking with an external device, when the mobile phone transmits a communication signal carrying data to be transmitted to the external device through the up-call antenna, the control module can control the wireless broadband module, Bluetooth module, positioning (GPS) module or near-field communication module to transmit a communication signal that is the same as the communication signal transmitted by the up-call antenna.

[0140] It should be pointed out that at least part of the communication signal transmitted by the mobile phone through the up-call antenna is used to communicate with external devices, and the communication signal transmitted by the wireless broadband module, Bluetooth module, positioning (GPS) module or near-field communication module is used for distance detection, so as to reuse the millimeter wave generation module 110 in the electronic device 100 during the communication process to realize the distance detection function.

[0141] In some embodiments, the electronic device 100 further includes:

[0142] Back cover;

[0143] middle frame;

[0144] At least three communication units 121 are disposed on the middle frame; or at least three communication units 121 are disposed on the back cover.

[0145] The electronic device 100 may further include a display screen fixedly connected to the back cover to form a cavity; wherein the communication module 120 is located within the cavity. This allows for distance detection without requiring a dedicated area on the side of the electronic device 100 where the display screen is located for the communication module 120, thereby increasing the screen-to-body ratio of the electronic device 100 and paving the way for a full-screen display.

[0146] Exemplarily, the back cover may include a bottom and a side wall perpendicular to the bottom; wherein the bottom of the back cover is arranged parallel to the display screen, and the side wall of the back cover is perpendicular to the display screen and arranged around the display screen;

[0147] At least three communication units 121 are disposed on the same side wall of the rear cover.

[0148] It should be noted that when determining the distance between a target object and the electronic device 100 using at least three communication units 121, the reflected signal reflected back from the target object must be within the signal reception coverage of the three communication units 121. Therefore, the larger the coverage of the at least three communication units 121, the larger the range within which the communication module 120 can accurately detect the relative distance between the target object and the electronic device 100, thereby improving the accuracy of the distance detection performed by the communication module 120.

[0149] Taking a rectangular display screen as an example, the back cover may include four sidewalls perpendicular to the display screen. By placing the at least three communication units on the same sidewall of the back cover, compared to placing the at least three communication units on different sidewalls, the overlapping area of ​​the at least three communication units' received signal coverage can be increased, thereby improving the accuracy of distance detection by the communication module 120.

[0150] It should be noted that, when the at least three communication units 121 are disposed on the same side wall, the at least three communication units 121 are not disposed on the same straight line.

[0151] In some embodiments, the communication unit 121 is further configured to determine a frequency variation trend of the reflected signal;

[0152] The communication module 120 is configured to determine the motion trajectory data of the target object according to the frequency change trends determined by the at least three communication units 121 .

[0153] The communication module 120 may periodically detect the reflected signal and further determine the frequency variation trend of the reflected signal.

[0154] In the disclosed embodiment, the communication module 120 determines the motion trajectory data of the target object based on the frequency change trend of the reflected signal, which can lay the foundation for the contactless interaction solution of the electronic device 100 and is conducive to improving the intelligence and user experience of the electronic device 100.

[0155] Regarding the apparatus in the above embodiment, the specific manner in which each module performs operations has been described in detail in the embodiment of the method, and will not be elaborated here.

[0156] Figure 3 FIG6 is a block diagram illustrating a physical structure of a distance detection device 600 according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the device 600 may be a mobile phone, a computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a messaging device, a game console, a tablet device, a medical device, a fitness device, a personal digital assistant, etc.

[0157] Reference Figure 3The distance detection device 600 may include one or more of the following components: a processing component 601 , a memory 602 , a power supply component 603 , a multimedia component 604 , an audio component 605 , an input / output (I / O) interface 606 , a sensor component 607 , and a communication component 608 .

[0158] The processing component 601 generally controls the overall operation of the device 600, such as operations associated with display, phone calls, data communications, camera operation, and recording operations. The processing component 601 may include one or more processors 610 to execute instructions to perform all or part of the steps of the above-described method. In addition, the processing component 601 may also include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between the processing component 601 and other components. For example, the processing component 601 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between the multimedia component 604 and the processing component 601.

[0159] The memory 610 is configured to store various types of data to support operations on the device 600. Examples of such data include instructions for any application or method operating on the device 600, contact data, phone book data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. The memory 602 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device, or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0160] The power supply component 603 provides power to the various components of the device 600. The power supply component 603 may include a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to the device 600.

[0161] The multimedia component 604 includes a screen that provides an output interface between the device 600 and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen can be implemented as a touch screen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touches, slides, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensor can not only sense the boundaries of the touch or slide action, but also detect the duration and pressure associated with the touch or slide operation. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 604 includes a front camera and / or a rear camera. When the device 600 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front camera and / or the rear camera can receive external multimedia data. Each front camera and / or the rear camera can be a fixed optical lens system or have a focal length and optical zoom capability.

[0162] The audio component 605 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, the audio component 605 includes a microphone (MIC), which is configured to receive external audio signals when the device 600 is in an operating mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a voice recognition mode. The received audio signal can be further stored in the memory 610 or transmitted via the communication component 608. In some embodiments, the audio component 605 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0163] The I / O interface 606 provides an interface between the processing component 601 and peripheral interface modules, such as a keyboard, a click wheel, buttons, etc. These buttons may include but are not limited to: a home button, a volume button, a start button, and a lock button.

[0164] The sensor assembly 607 includes one or more sensors for providing various aspects of the status assessment of the device 600. For example, the sensor assembly 607 can detect the open / closed state of the device 600, the relative positioning of components, such as the display and keypad of the device 600. The sensor assembly 607 can also detect changes in the position of the device 600 or a component of the device 600, the presence or absence of user contact with the device 600, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration of the device 600, and temperature changes of the device 600. The sensor assembly 607 may include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. The sensor assembly 607 may also include an optical sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 607 may also include an accelerometer, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0165] The communication component 608 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the device 600 and other devices. The device 600 can access a wireless network based on a communication standard, such as WiFi, 2G or 3G, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component 608 receives a broadcast signal or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component 608 also includes a near field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module can be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, infrared data association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology or other technologies.

[0166] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 600 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the above-described method.

[0167] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions is further provided, such as a memory 602 including instructions. The instructions can be executed by the processor 610 of the apparatus 600 to perform the distance detection method described above. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be a ROM, a random access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, and the like.

[0168] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, when instructions in the storage medium are executed by a processor of a mobile terminal, enables the mobile terminal to execute any one of the distance detection methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0169] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and practicing the embodiments disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the appended claims.

[0170] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A distance detection method, applied to an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes at least three communication units, characterized in that: The method comprises: Transmit millimeter wave communication signals; within a preset time period from the time the millimeter wave communication signal is transmitted, using the at least three communication units to respectively detect reflected signals returned by the millimeter wave communication signal acting on a target object; determining the distance between the target object and the communication unit according to the time difference between the reception time of the reflected signal of each communication unit and the transmission time of the millimeter wave communication signal; The distance between the target object and the electronic device is determined according to the distances between the at least three communication units and the target object.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic device includes a millimeter wave generating module and a first processor; The transmitting the millimeter wave communication signal includes: controlling the millimeter wave generating module to transmit the millimeter wave communication signal according to a first control signal sent by the first processor; The determining of the distance between the target object and the communication unit includes: sending a first indication signal to the first processor when the communication unit receives the reflected signal; and using the first processor to determine the distance between the target object and the communication unit based on the time difference between the sending time of the first control signal and the receiving time of the first indication signal.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic device includes a millimeter wave generation module, a controller and a second processor; The transmitting the millimeter wave communication signal comprises: controlling the millimeter wave generating module to transmit the millimeter wave communication signal according to a second control signal sent by the controller; The determining of the distance between the target object and the communication unit includes: sending a second indication signal to the second processor when the communication unit receives the reflected signal; and using the second processor to determine the distance between the target object and the communication unit based on the time difference between the sending time of the second control signal and the receiving time of the second indication signal.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The transmitting of the millimeter wave communication signal comprises: Control at least one of the communication units to transmit the millimeter wave communication signal.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method of detecting, by using the at least three communication units, respectively reflecting signals returned by the millimeter wave communication signal acting on a target object within a preset time period from the time the millimeter wave communication signal is transmitted, includes: within a preset time period from the transmission of the millimeter wave communication signal, respectively receiving external signals using the at least three communication units; The at least three communication units respectively determine the external signal whose similarity with the millimeter wave communication signal satisfies a similarity condition as the reflected signal.

6. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: Millimeter wave generation module, used to transmit millimeter wave communication signals; a communication module connected to the millimeter wave generating module, comprising: at least three communication units; wherein the communication units are configured to detect a reflected signal returned by the millimeter wave communication signal acting on a target object within a preset time period from the time the millimeter wave communication signal is transmitted; Among them, the time difference between the reception time of the reflected signal and the transmission time of the millimeter wave communication signal is used to determine the distance between the communication unit and the target object; the distance between the at least three communication units and the target object is used to determine the distance between the target object and the electronic device.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein: The electronic device further comprises: a first processor, electrically connected to the millimeter wave generation module and the communication module, respectively, for sending a first control signal to the millimeter wave generation module; wherein the first control signal is used to control the millimeter wave generation module to transmit the millimeter wave communication signal; The communication unit is further configured to send a first indication signal to the first processor upon receiving the reflected signal; The first processor is further configured to receive a first indication signal sent by the communication unit, and determine a distance between the target object and the communication unit based on a time difference between a sending time of the first control signal and a receiving time of the first indication signal.

8. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein: The electronic device further comprises: a controller and a second processor; The controller is electrically connected to the millimeter wave generation module and is used to send a second control signal to the millimeter wave generation module; wherein the second control signal is used to control the millimeter wave generation module to transmit the millimeter wave communication signal; The communication unit is further configured to send a first indication signal to the second processor upon receiving the reflected signal; The second processor is configured to receive a second indication signal sent by the communication unit and determine a distance between the target object and the communication unit based on a time difference between a sending time of the second control signal and a receiving time of the second indication signal.

9. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein: The communication unit is specifically used for: receiving an external signal within a preset time period from the transmission of the millimeter wave communication signal; The external signal whose similarity with the millimeter wave communication signal satisfies a similarity condition is determined as the reflected signal.

10. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein: The electronic device further comprises: Back cover; middle frame; The at least three communication units are arranged on the middle frame; or, the at least three communication units are arranged on the back cover.

11. A distance detection device, characterized in that: At least: processor; a memory for storing executable instructions capable of running on said processor, The processor is configured to: implement the steps in the distance detection method provided in any one of claims 1 to 5 when executing the executable instructions.

12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the distance detection method provided in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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