Electronic equipment and shielding object detection method and system thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an electronic device and a shelter detection system and method thereof, and the system comprises an auxiliary detection module which is used for transmitting an auxiliary positioning signal to a to-be-detected environment where the electronic device is located, and obtaining an auxiliary receiving signal responding to the auxiliary positioning signal, acquiring first environment information according to the auxiliary positioning signal and the auxiliary receiving signal; the millimeter wave radar module is used for sending electromagnetic waves to a to-be-detected environment where the electronic equipment is located, obtaining echo signals of the electromagnetic waves and obtaining second environment information according to the echo signals; the control module is connected with the auxiliary detection module and the millimeter wave radar module, and the control module is used for outputting detection information representing the existence condition of the shelter in the to-be-detected environment according to the first environment information and the second environment information. According to the invention, the problem of low shielding object detection reliability caused by independent use of the millimeter wave radar module at an extremely close distance can be relieved, and the shielding object detection accuracy is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic technology, specifically to an electronic device and a method and system for detecting obstructions thereon. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of millimeter-wave radar in consumer electronics such as smart TVs and smart homes, its non-contact detection capabilities are used to achieve functions such as human presence perception and gesture interaction. However, in actual deployments, various objects (such as decorations, remote controls, books, etc.) may be placed in front of the radar sensor. These obstructions can hinder the transmission channel of radar electromagnetic waves, resulting in a significant decrease in the detection performance of real targets (especially human bodies) behind the radar.

[0003] Current products incorporate obstruction detection functionality. However, due to the inherent limitations of millimeter-wave radar technology, the ranging accuracy of commonly used radars is typically around ±50 centimeters. When an object is located at a very close distance in front of the radar (e.g., within 30 centimeters), the ranging error may cause the detection method based on distance information to fail, resulting in low reliability of obstruction detection.

[0004] Therefore, the technology still needs to be improved and enhanced. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an electronic device and a method and system for detecting obstructions thereon, which can alleviate the problem of low reliability in obstruction detection in electronic devices.

[0006] This application provides an obstruction detection system for an electronic device, the obstruction detection system comprising: The auxiliary detection module is used to send an auxiliary positioning signal to the environment under test where the electronic device is located, and to obtain an auxiliary receiving signal in response to the auxiliary positioning signal. Based on the auxiliary positioning signal and the auxiliary receiving signal, the first environmental information is obtained. Millimeter-wave radar module: The millimeter-wave radar module is used to send electromagnetic waves to the environment under test where the electronic device is located, and to obtain the echo signal of the electromagnetic waves, and to obtain second environmental information based on the echo signal; The control module is connected to the auxiliary detection module and the millimeter-wave radar module respectively. The control module is used to output detection information that characterizes the presence of obstructions in the environment to be tested based on the first environmental information and the second environmental information.

[0007] In some embodiments of an electronic device's obstruction detection system, the first environmental information includes distance information; Specifically, when the first environmental information is less than or equal to the first distance threshold, the control module outputs first detection information that characterizes the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located.

[0008] In some embodiments of the obstruction detection system for electronic devices, the second environmental information includes echo energy information, and the first environmental information includes distance information; The control module is specifically used to compare the first environmental information with a second distance threshold when the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold; when the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold and the second environmental information is greater than a preset energy threshold, it outputs first detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located; wherein, the second distance threshold is greater than the first distance threshold.

[0009] In some embodiments of the obstruction detection system for electronic devices, the control module is further configured to: when the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold, compare the first environmental information with the second distance threshold; when the first environmental information is greater than the second distance threshold and the second environmental information is greater than a preset energy threshold, output second detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located.

[0010] In some embodiments of the obstruction detection system for electronic devices, the control module is further configured to: when the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold, compare the first environmental information with the second distance threshold; when the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold and the second environmental information is less than or equal to a preset energy threshold, output third detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located.

[0011] In some embodiments of the obstruction detection system for electronic devices, the auxiliary detection module includes an infrared ranging module.

[0012] This application also provides a method for detecting obstructions in an electronic device. The electronic device includes a millimeter-wave radar module and an auxiliary detection module. The method for detecting obstructions includes: The control auxiliary detection module sends an auxiliary positioning signal to the environment under test where the electronic device is located, and obtains an auxiliary receiving signal in response to the auxiliary positioning signal. Based on the auxiliary positioning signal and the auxiliary receiving signal, the first environmental information is obtained. The millimeter-wave radar module is controlled to send electromagnetic waves to the environment under test where the electronic device is located, and the echo signal of the electromagnetic waves is obtained. Second environmental information is obtained based on the echo signal. Based on the first environmental information and the second environmental information, output detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment to be tested.

[0013] In some embodiments of the obstruction detection method for electronic devices, the first environmental information includes distance information, and the step of outputting detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment under test based on the first environmental information and the second environmental information includes: Compare the first environmental information with the first distance threshold; When the first environmental information is less than or equal to the first distance threshold, the first detection information, which characterizes the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located, is output.

[0014] In some embodiments of the obstruction detection method for an electronic device, the second environmental information includes echo energy information, and after the step of comparing the first environmental information with a first distance threshold, the method further includes: If the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold, then the first environmental information is compared with the second distance threshold; wherein the second distance threshold is greater than the first distance threshold. When the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold, the second environmental information is compared with the preset energy threshold. When the second environmental information is greater than the preset energy threshold, the first detection information, which characterizes the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located, is output.

[0015] In some embodiments of the obstruction detection method for an electronic device, after the step of comparing the first environmental information with a second distance threshold when the first environmental information is greater than a first distance threshold, the method further includes: When the first environmental information is greater than the second distance threshold, the second environmental information is compared with the preset energy threshold. When the second environmental information is greater than the preset energy threshold, the second detection information, which characterizes the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located, is output.

[0016] In some embodiments of the obstruction detection method for electronic devices, after the step of comparing the second environmental information with a preset energy threshold when the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold, the method further includes: When the second environmental information is less than or equal to the preset energy threshold, the third detection information, which characterizes the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located, is output.

[0017] This application also provides an electronic device, which includes the above-described obstruction detection system.

[0018] The electronic device and its obstruction detection system and method provided in this application include an auxiliary detection module, a millimeter-wave radar module, and a control module. The auxiliary detection module acquires first environmental information, the millimeter-wave radar module acquires second environmental information, and then the control module combines the first and second environmental information to determine the presence of obstructions in the environment in which the electronic device is located. Compared with using the millimeter-wave radar module alone for obstruction detection, this method can effectively improve detection accuracy and alleviate the problem of low reliability in obstruction detection when using the millimeter-wave radar module alone at extremely close distances. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The technical solution and other beneficial effects of this application will become apparent from the following detailed description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the control module, millimeter-wave radar module, and control module in the electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the first preset threshold and the second preset threshold provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of an auxiliary detection module in an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first process of the occlusion detection method for electronic devices provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a second flowchart illustrating the occlusion detection method for electronic devices provided in this application embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the third process of the occlusion detection method for electronic devices provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth process of the occlusion detection method for electronic devices provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Features thus defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0030] This application provides an electronic device and a system and method for detecting obstructed objects, which will be described in detail below.

[0031] Please see Figure 1 The electronic device 10 provided in this application embodiment includes, but is not limited to, smart TVs, smart home devices, etc. The electronic device 10 includes a millimeter-wave radar module 11 and a control module 12, with the millimeter-wave radar module 11 connected to the control module 12. The millimeter-wave radar module 11 is a sensor that uses electromagnetic waves with wavelengths of 1 mm to 10 mm and frequencies of 30 GHz to 300 GHz to detect the distance, speed, and angle of objects.

[0032] The millimeter-wave radar module 11 is used to detect distance. It emits directional millimeter waves (high-frequency electromagnetic waves) and receives the millimeter waves reflected back from obstacles. By combining the travel time of the millimeter waves, the relative distance between the millimeter-wave radar module 11 and the obstacle can be calculated. The millimeter-wave radar module 11 is also used to detect speed. Based on the Doppler effect, the received frequency increases when the wave source is closer to the observer and decreases when the wave source is farther away. The millimeter-wave radar module 11 can determine the relative speed between the detected obstacle and itself by observing the frequency changes of the reflected millimeter waves. Finally, the millimeter-wave radar module 11 is used to detect angle. The millimeter waves are reflected back from obstacles and received by parallel antennas within the module. The azimuth angle of the obstacle can be calculated by analyzing the phase difference between the millimeter waves reflected back from the same obstacle.

[0033] If the millimeter-wave radar module 11 is installed in a smart TV, its detection capabilities, combined with specific algorithms, can detect the movement trajectory of an object 30 (such as a human body). For example, if a human body is currently located to the left front of the smart TV, and one second later is detected as being directly in front of the TV, the algorithm can roughly calculate the human body's movement trajectory as moving from the left front of the TV to directly in front, based on changes in distance and orientation. Reducing the millimeter-wave detection time interval can improve the accuracy of movement trajectory recognition. Simultaneously, the millimeter-wave radar module 11 can also calculate the human body's posture. For example, when a human body is standing upright in front of the smart TV, the millimeter-wave radar module 11 can detect beams reflected from the head and beams reflected from various parts of the body. By combining the orientation and distance of each reflected beam, the human body's posture can be calculated. When a human body is sitting on a sofa in front of the TV, the millimeter-wave radar module 11 can detect millimeter waves reflected from the human body at different azimuth angles and distances. The millimeter-wave radar module 11 continuously detects, calculates, and compares these measurements to determine changes in the human body's posture. Based on changes in human posture, the millimeter-wave radar module 11 can determine whether the detected person intends to watch television. For example, when it detects that a person has moved from the left front of the television to the front and sits on the sofa, it can be determined that the person intends to watch television. At this time, the millimeter-wave radar module 11 sends feedback to the control module 12 in the smart television.

[0034] In practical applications, if an object in front of the millimeter-wave radar module 11 obstructs the path between the screen and the target object 30, the electromagnetic wave signal will be strongly attenuated when penetrating the object. This causes a sharp decrease in the signal energy reflected back from the target object 30 behind the obstruction, thus affecting the detection performance of the millimeter-wave radar module 11. Therefore, current products have introduced an obstruction detection function, using the millimeter-wave radar module 11 to detect the obstruction. However, due to the inherent limitations of millimeter-wave radar technology, at extremely close ranges, the inherent and acceptable absolute ranging error of the millimeter-wave radar module 11 becomes extremely large in relative percentage, blurring the boundary between "obstruction 20" and "normal target," rendering distance-based criteria ineffective. For example, if the ranging accuracy of the millimeter-wave radar module 11 is around ±50 cm, when detecting a target at a distance (e.g., 5 meters), the ±50 cm error band is only a narrow range around the target, and the millimeter-wave radar module 11 can still reliably determine that the target is approximately 5 meters away. However, at extremely close range (e.g., 0.3 meters), the same error band almost covers the entire critical area from "close to the radar" to "normal near field". The radar cannot distinguish whether the target object 30 is located at 30 centimeters or 80 centimeters, causing the method of detecting obstructions 20 based on distance information using millimeter-wave radar module 11 to fail.

[0035] In this embodiment, the electronic device 10 includes a millimeter-wave radar module 11 and an auxiliary detection module 13, which is connected to the control module 12. The control module 12 can be the main control board of the electronic device 10. Both the millimeter-wave radar module 11 and the auxiliary detection module 13 are connected to the main control board to enable the electronic device 10 to detect obstructions 20.

[0036] Specifically, the auxiliary detection module 13 is used to send an auxiliary positioning signal to the environment under test where the electronic device 10 is located, and to acquire an auxiliary receiving signal in response to the auxiliary positioning signal, and to acquire first environmental information based on the auxiliary positioning signal and the auxiliary receiving signal. The millimeter-wave radar module 11 is used to send electromagnetic waves to the environment under test where the electronic device 10 is located, and to acquire the echo signal of the electromagnetic waves, and to acquire second environmental information based on the echo signal; the millimeter-wave radar module 11 sends the second environmental information to the control module 12, and the auxiliary detection module 13 sends the first environmental information to the control module 12. The control module 12 then outputs detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions 20 in the environment under test based on the first environmental information and the second environmental information.

[0037] It should be noted that the detection information output by the control module 12 can be a prompt message directly indicating the presence of an obstruction 20, such as a voice alarm, vibration alarm, or light alarm. The first detection information output by the control module 12 can also be a control signal used to control other functional modules in the electronic device 10 (such as the display module, voice alarm module, indicator light alarm module, vibration alarm module, etc.) to output corresponding prompt messages (such as a display message indicating "obstruction 20 may exist," a voice message, indicator light illumination, vibration alarm, etc.). For the user, this prompt message can be used to check for the obstruction 20. If the obstruction 20 affects the operation of the millimeter-wave radar module 11, then the obstruction 20 is removed; if the obstruction 20 does not affect the operation of the millimeter-wave radar module 11, then the obstruction 20 does not need to be removed, and the corresponding prompt function in the electronic device 10 can be directly disabled.

[0038] Of course, the detection information output by the control module 12 can also be a control signal used to control other functional modules in the electronic device 10 to execute certain protection mechanisms. These protection mechanisms include, but are not limited to, controlling the millimeter-wave radar module 11 to stop working or operate at low power during periods when there may be obstructions 20.

[0039] In this embodiment, an auxiliary detection module 13 is set up to obtain first environmental information. The control module 12 combines the first environmental information and the second environmental information to detect the presence of obstructions 20 in the environment under test where the electronic device 10 is located. Compared with using the millimeter-wave radar module 11 alone to detect obstructions 20, it can effectively improve the detection accuracy and alleviate the problem of low reliability of obstruction 20 detection when using the millimeter-wave radar module 11 alone at extremely close distances.

[0040] The first environmental information includes distance information. If the auxiliary detection module 13 sends an auxiliary positioning signal, it will receive an auxiliary receiving signal in response to the auxiliary positioning signal, and then obtain distance information based on the auxiliary receiving signal and the auxiliary positioning signal. This distance information is then compared with a preset first distance threshold as the first environmental information.

[0041] Please see Figure 2 The first distance threshold is a distance value pre-stored in the electronic device 10. In this embodiment, the electronic device 10 also pre-stores a second distance threshold, wherein the first distance threshold is less than the second distance threshold. Figure 2 As shown, the first distance threshold is D1 and the second distance threshold is D2. Setting the first distance threshold and the second distance threshold is equivalent to taking the location of the electronic device 10 as the origin and dividing the periphery of the electronic device 10 into three regions according to the first distance threshold and the second distance threshold. The region less than or equal to the first distance threshold is the first region, the region greater than the first distance threshold and less than or equal to the second distance threshold is the second region, and the region greater than the second distance threshold is the third region.

[0042] The first region is considered as an area where the millimeter-wave radar module 11 may fail during distance detection, i.e., the obstruction 20 located in the first region. Based on its ranging accuracy, the millimeter-wave radar module 11 may not be able to determine the distance to the obstruction 20; conversely, the millimeter-wave radar module 11 may not be able to accurately determine whether the obstruction 20 actually exists in the first region. The second region is considered as the target area where the millimeter-wave radar module 11 of the electronic device 10 needs to detect the target object 30 in practical applications. The third region is considered as a non-target area relative to the second region. Therefore, when the obstruction 20 is located in the third region, it can be considered as not having an obstructing effect on the target area. Correspondingly, the obstruction 20 located in the first region will have an obstructing effect on the second region. It should be noted that the first distance threshold and the second distance threshold can be set according to the actual situation, and this application does not limit this.

[0043] If the distance value corresponding to the first environmental information is less than the first distance threshold, it indicates that there may be an obstruction 20 within the first distance threshold range. The first environmental information is then detected based on this obstruction 20. Considering that the millimeter-wave radar module 11 may experience a range failure in the first area, if the first environmental information indicates that there may be an obstruction 20 in the first area within the first threshold distance range, the control module 12 directly outputs the corresponding first detection information, without referring to the second environmental information output by the millimeter-wave radar module 11.

[0044] In some embodiments, the second environmental information includes echo energy information. When the millimeter-wave radar module 11 is used to implement the function of detecting the obstruction 20, it determines the presence of the obstruction 20 based on the echo energy information of the emitted electromagnetic waves. This echo energy information is the reflected energy of the electromagnetic waves by the static object itself. In the judgment logic of the millimeter-wave radar module 11, if a stationary object with a strong reflected signal appears, it will be interpreted as a non-target detection object. Based on this, the millimeter-wave radar module 11 can detect the presence of the obstruction 20 by acquiring the echo energy information of the static object.

[0045] The control module 12 is specifically used to compare the first environmental information with the second distance threshold when the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold; and to output the first detection information characterizing the presence of the obstruction 20 in the test environment where the electronic device 10 is located when the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold and the second environmental information is greater than the preset energy threshold.

[0046] The preset energy threshold can be the echo energy signal obtained by the electronic device 10 in an environment without obstructions 20, and the echo energy signal can be stored in advance as a reference.

[0047] When the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold and less than or equal to the second distance threshold, it indicates that there may be an obstruction 20 in the second area. To improve detection accuracy, the second environmental information, i.e., the echo energy information, obtained by the millimeter-wave radar module 11 can be further referenced. If the echo energy information is greater than the preset energy threshold, it indicates that there may be an obstruction 20 within the range of the first and second distance thresholds. As a result, the control module 12 will also output the first detection information.

[0048] In some embodiments, the control module 12 is further configured to: compare the first environmental information with a second distance threshold when the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold; and output second detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions 20 in the environment under test where the electronic device 10 is located when the first environmental information is greater than the second distance threshold and the second environmental information is greater than a preset energy threshold.

[0049] When the first environmental information output by the auxiliary detection module 13 is greater than the second distance threshold, and the second environmental information is greater than the preset energy threshold, the auxiliary detection module 13 may fail to detect the obstruction 20 located between the first and second distance thresholds. However, the obstruction 20 can reflect the energy of electromagnetic waves, allowing the millimeter-wave radar module 11 to detect a strong echo energy signal, indicating that the obstruction 20 affects the detection target 30. In this case, the first environmental information obtained by the auxiliary detection module 13 can be disregarded, and the second detection information can be output solely based on the second environmental information output by the millimeter-wave radar module 11.

[0050] When the first environmental information output by the auxiliary detection module 13 is greater than the second distance threshold, and the second environmental information is less than or equal to the preset energy threshold, the possibility of an obstruction 20 in the second area can be ruled out, and no prompt information will be output accordingly.

[0051] In some embodiments, the control module 12 is further configured to: when the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold, compare the first environmental information with the second distance threshold; when the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold and the second environmental information is less than or equal to a preset energy threshold, output third detection information characterizing the presence of the obstruction 20 in the environment under test where the electronic device 10 is located.

[0052] When the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold, the relationship between the first environmental information and the second distance threshold is further compared. When the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold, it indicates that the auxiliary detection module 13 has detected a possible obstruction 20 in the second area. Then, the second environmental information is compared with a preset energy threshold. If the second environmental information is less than or equal to the preset energy threshold, it indicates that the obstruction 20 reflects electromagnetic waves with relatively low energy, or that there is a detection blind zone. At this time, the control module 12 can output third detection information with reference to the first environmental information from the auxiliary detection module 13.

[0053] Different detection information can be used to characterize different probabilities of the presence of the obstruction 20. For example, the first detection information indicates a higher probability of the obstruction 20 than the second detection information, and the second detection information indicates a higher probability of the obstruction 20 than the third detection information. If the detection information is directly used to alert the user of the obstruction 20, different detection information can be set with different alert levels. For example, if the alert is a vibration alarm, the vibration amplitudes corresponding to the first, second, and third detection information can be different; if the alert is a voice alarm, the probabilities of the first, second, and third detection information being broadcast are different; if the alert is an indicator light, the number of lights illuminated for the first, second, and third detection information are different. This allows for a more intuitive understanding of the probability of the obstruction 20's presence based on the detection information, facilitating rapid troubleshooting and improving the reliability of the electronic device 10. Of course, other methods can also be used to set the alert level function, which is not limited in this application.

[0054] Please see Figure 3 As one embodiment, the auxiliary detection module 13 includes an infrared ranging module, which includes an infrared receiving unit 132 and an infrared transmitting unit 131. The infrared transmitting unit 131 emits infrared light pulses, which are reflected back after encountering an object, and the feedback signal is received by the infrared receiving unit 132. Then, the distance to the object is calculated based on the emitted signal and the feedback signal. Accordingly, the auxiliary positioning signal in this embodiment includes infrared light pulses, and the auxiliary receiving signal includes the feedback signal.

[0055] Please see Figure 4 As one embodiment, the infrared ranging module and the millimeter-wave radar module 11 are disposed in the same area of ​​the electronic device 10, and the spacing between the infrared ranging module and the millimeter-wave radar module 11 is kept as small as possible. Figure 3 As shown, both the infrared ranging module and the millimeter-wave radar module 11 are located in area A. If the electronic device 10 is a smart TV, such as Figure 4 As shown, region A can be the lower edge of the smart TV. Therefore, when using the infrared ranging module and millimeter-wave radar module 11 to detect obstructions 20, it can be ensured that obstructions 20 of a typical size can be simultaneously covered by both infrared light pulses and electromagnetic waves output by the millimeter-wave radar module 11.

[0056] Please see Figure 5 This application also provides a method for detecting obstructions in an electronic device, which is applied to the aforementioned electronic device. The method includes steps S100 to S300, as follows: S100: The control auxiliary detection module sends an auxiliary positioning signal to the environment under test where the electronic device is located, and obtains an auxiliary receiving signal in response to the auxiliary positioning signal. Based on the auxiliary positioning signal and the auxiliary receiving signal, the first environmental information is obtained. S200: Control the millimeter-wave radar module to send electromagnetic waves to the environment under test where the electronic device is located, and obtain the echo signal of the electromagnetic waves, and obtain the second environmental information based on the echo signal; S300: Output detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment to be tested based on the first environmental information and the second environmental information.

[0057] In the occlusion control method for electronic devices, a first environmental information is obtained by controlling an auxiliary detection module, and a second environmental information is obtained by controlling a millimeter-wave radar module. Then, the presence of occlusion objects in the environment under test where the electronic device is located is determined by combining the first and second environmental information. Compared with using a millimeter-wave radar module alone for occlusion detection, this method can effectively improve detection accuracy and alleviate the problem of low reliability of occlusion detection when using a millimeter-wave radar module alone at extremely close distances.

[0058] Please see Figure 6 In some embodiments, the first environmental information includes distance information, and the corresponding step S300 includes: S310. Compare the first environmental information with the first distance threshold; S320. When the first environmental information is less than or equal to the first distance threshold, the first detection information representing the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located is output.

[0059] The first distance threshold is a distance value pre-stored in the electronic device. In this embodiment, the electronic device also pre-stores a second distance threshold, and the first distance threshold is less than the second distance threshold. If the distance value corresponding to the first environmental information is less than the first distance threshold, it indicates that there may be an obstruction within the first distance threshold range, and the first environmental information is obtained based on the detection of this obstruction. Considering that the millimeter-wave radar module may experience range detection failure in the first area, if it is determined that there may be an obstruction in the first area within the first threshold distance range based on the first environmental information, the control module directly outputs the corresponding first detection information, without referring to the second environmental information output by the millimeter-wave radar module.

[0060] The second environmental information includes echo energy information. When the millimeter-wave radar module is used to detect obstructions, it determines the presence of obstructions based on the echo energy information of the emitted electromagnetic waves. This echo energy information is the energy reflected by the electromagnetic waves from a static object. In the judgment logic of the millimeter-wave radar module, if a stationary object with a strong reflected signal is present, it will be interpreted as an abnormal detection target. Based on this, the millimeter-wave radar module can detect the presence of obstructions by acquiring the echo energy information of static objects.

[0061] Please see Figure 7 In some embodiments, step S310 is followed by: S330. When the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold, the first environmental information is compared with the second distance threshold. S340. When the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold, the second environmental information is compared with the preset energy threshold. S350. When the second environmental information is greater than the preset energy threshold, the first detection information, which characterizes the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located, is output.

[0062] After comparing the first environmental information with a first distance threshold, if the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold, it indicates that there are no obstructions in the first area. Then, the first environmental information is compared with a second distance threshold. When the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold, it indicates that there may be obstructions in the second area. To improve detection accuracy, the second environmental information can be further compared with a preset energy threshold. When the second environmental information is greater than the preset energy threshold, it indicates that there may be obstructions in the second area that cause significant reflection of electromagnetic waves, affecting the detection of the target object behind the obstruction. Therefore, the first detection information will also be output.

[0063] Please see Figure 8 In some embodiments, step S330 is followed by: S360. When the first environmental information is greater than the second distance threshold, the second environmental information is compared with the preset energy threshold. S370. When the second environmental information is greater than the preset energy threshold, the second detection information, which characterizes the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located, is output.

[0064] If the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold, it is compared with the second distance threshold. If the first environmental information is greater than the second distance threshold, it is compared with a preset energy threshold. If the second environmental information is greater than the preset energy threshold, it indicates that there may be an obstruction in the second area, and the auxiliary detection module fails to detect the distance to the obstruction. For example, the obstruction may be able to pass through infrared light pulses or reflect strong electromagnetic waves, affecting the detection of target objects and human bodies behind the obstruction. In this case, the first environmental information obtained by the auxiliary detection module can be disregarded, and the second detection information can be output solely based on the second environmental information output by the millimeter-wave radar module.

[0065] In some embodiments, step S360 is followed by: S380. When the second environmental information is less than or equal to the preset energy threshold, the third detection information, which characterizes the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located, is output.

[0066] When the first environmental information is greater than a first distance threshold, the relationship between the first environmental information and a second distance threshold is further compared. If the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold, it indicates that the auxiliary detection module has detected a possible obstruction in the second area. Then, the second environmental information is compared with a preset energy threshold. If the second environmental information is less than or equal to the preset energy threshold, it indicates that the obstruction reflects relatively little electromagnetic wave energy, or that there is a detection blind zone. At this point, the control module can output third detection information with reference to the first environmental information from the auxiliary detection module.

[0067] Different detection information can be used to characterize different probabilities of the presence of an obstruction. For example, the first detection information indicates a higher probability of the obstruction's presence than the second detection information, and the second detection information indicates a higher probability of the obstruction's presence than the third detection information. If the detection information is directly used to alert users of an obstruction, different detection information can be assigned different alert levels. For example, if the alert is a vibration alarm, the vibration amplitudes corresponding to the first, second, and third detection information can be different; if the alert is a voice alarm, the probabilities of the first, second, and third detection information being broadcast are different; if the alert is an indicator light, the number of lights illuminated for the first, second, and third detection information are different. This allows for a more intuitive understanding of the probability of an obstruction's presence based on the detection information, facilitating rapid investigation and improving the reliability of the obstruction detection method. Of course, other methods can also be used to set the alert level function, which is not limited in this application.

[0068] This application also provides an obstruction detection system for an electronic device, comprising an auxiliary detection module, a millimeter-wave radar module, and a control module. The auxiliary detection module sends an auxiliary positioning signal to the environment under test where the electronic device is located and acquires an auxiliary receiving signal in response to the auxiliary positioning signal, obtaining first environmental information based on the auxiliary positioning signal and the auxiliary receiving signal. The millimeter-wave radar module sends electromagnetic waves to the environment under test where the electronic device is located and acquires the echo signal of the electromagnetic waves, obtaining second environmental information based on the echo signal. The control module is connected to both the auxiliary detection module and the millimeter-wave radar module, and outputs detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment under test based on the first and second environmental information.

[0069] In this embodiment, an auxiliary detection module is set up to obtain first environmental information. The control module combines the first environmental information and the second environmental information to detect the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located. Compared with using a millimeter-wave radar module alone for obstruction detection, this can effectively improve the detection accuracy and alleviate the problem of low reliability of obstruction detection when using a millimeter-wave radar module alone at extremely close distances.

[0070] The first environmental information includes distance information. Specifically, when the first environmental information is less than or equal to a first distance threshold, the control module outputs first detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located. If the distance value corresponding to the first environmental information is less than the first distance threshold, it indicates that an obstruction may exist within the first distance threshold range, and the first environmental information is obtained based on the detection of this obstruction. Considering that the millimeter-wave radar module may experience distance detection range failure in the first area, if it is determined that an obstruction may exist in the first area within the first threshold distance range based on the first environmental information, the control module directly outputs the corresponding first detection information, without referring to the second environmental information output by the millimeter-wave radar module.

[0071] The second environmental information includes echo energy information. Specifically, the control module compares the first environmental information with a second distance threshold when the first environmental information is greater than a first distance threshold; when the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold, and the second environmental information is greater than a preset energy threshold, it outputs first detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment where the electronic device is located. When the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold and less than or equal to the second distance threshold, it indicates that an obstruction may exist in the second region. To improve detection accuracy, the second environmental information, i.e., the echo energy information, obtained by the millimeter-wave radar module can be further referenced. If this echo energy information is greater than a preset energy threshold, it indicates that an obstruction may exist within the range of the first and second distance thresholds, and the control module will also output the first detection information.

[0072] In some embodiments, the control module is further configured to: compare the first environmental information with a second distance threshold when the first environmental information is greater than a first distance threshold; and output second detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located when the first environmental information is greater than the second distance threshold and the second environmental information is greater than a preset energy threshold. When the first environmental information output by the auxiliary detection module is greater than the second distance threshold, and the second environmental information is greater than the preset energy threshold, the auxiliary detection module may fail to detect obstructions located between the first and second distance thresholds. However, the obstruction can reflect electromagnetic wave energy, allowing the millimeter-wave radar module to detect a strong echo energy signal, indicating that the obstruction affects the detection target. In this case, the second detection information can be output based solely on the second environmental information output by the millimeter-wave radar module, without referring to the first environmental information obtained by the auxiliary detection module.

[0073] In some embodiments, the control module is further configured to: when the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold, compare the first environmental information with the second distance threshold; when the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold and the second environmental information is less than or equal to a preset energy threshold, output third detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located.

[0074] When the first environmental information is greater than a first distance threshold, the relationship between the first environmental information and a second distance threshold is further compared. If the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold, it indicates that the auxiliary detection module has detected a possible obstruction in the second area. Then, the second environmental information is compared with a preset energy threshold. If the second environmental information is less than or equal to the preset energy threshold, it indicates that the obstruction reflects relatively little electromagnetic wave energy, or that there is a detection blind zone. At this point, the control module can output third detection information with reference to the first environmental information from the auxiliary detection module.

[0075] As one embodiment, the auxiliary detection module includes an infrared ranging module, which comprises an infrared receiving part and an infrared emitting part. The infrared emitting part emits infrared light pulses, which are reflected back after encountering an object, and the feedback signal is received by the infrared receiving part. Then, the distance to the object is calculated based on the emitted signal and the feedback signal. Accordingly, the auxiliary positioning signal in this embodiment includes infrared light pulses, and the auxiliary receiving signal includes the feedback signal.

[0076] The obstruction detection system in this application includes both a millimeter-wave radar module and an auxiliary detection module. The control module combines the first environmental information from the auxiliary detection module and the second environmental information from the millimeter-wave radar module to detect the presence of obstructions in the environment where the electronic device is located. Compared to using only the millimeter-wave radar module for obstruction detection, this system effectively improves detection accuracy and alleviates the problem of low reliability in obstruction detection when using only the millimeter-wave radar module at extremely close range. Since the working process of the millimeter-wave radar module, auxiliary detection module, and control module has been described in detail above, it will not be repeated here.

[0077] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0078] The obstruction detection system for electronic devices provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the technical solutions and core ideas of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An obstruction detection system for electronic devices, characterized in that, The obstruction detection system includes: An auxiliary detection module is used to send an auxiliary positioning signal to the environment under test where the electronic device is located, and to obtain an auxiliary receiving signal in response to the auxiliary positioning signal, and to obtain first environmental information based on the auxiliary positioning signal and the auxiliary receiving signal. A millimeter-wave radar module is used to send electromagnetic waves to the environment under test where the electronic device is located, and to obtain the echo signal of the electromagnetic waves, and to obtain second environmental information based on the echo signal. The control module is connected to the auxiliary detection module and the millimeter-wave radar module respectively. The control module is used to output detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment to be tested based on the first environmental information and the second environmental information.

2. The obstruction detection system for electronic devices according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first environmental information includes distance information; The control module is specifically used to output first detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment under test when the first environmental information is less than or equal to the first distance threshold.

3. The obstruction detection system for electronic devices according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second environmental information includes echo energy information, and the first environmental information includes distance information; The control module is specifically used to compare the first environmental information with a second distance threshold when the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold; and to output first detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment under test when the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold and the second environmental information is greater than a preset energy threshold; wherein the second distance threshold is greater than the first distance threshold.

4. The obstruction detection system for electronic devices according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control module is further configured to: when the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold, compare the first environmental information with the second distance threshold; when the first environmental information is greater than the second distance threshold and the second environmental information is greater than the preset energy threshold, output second detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located.

5. The obstruction detection system for electronic devices according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control module is further configured to: when the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold, compare the first environmental information with the second distance threshold; when the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold and the second environmental information is less than or equal to the preset energy threshold, output third detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located.

6. The obstruction detection system for electronic devices according to claim 3, characterized in that, The auxiliary detection module includes an infrared ranging module.

7. A method for detecting obstructions in electronic devices, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a millimeter-wave radar module and an auxiliary detection module, and the obstruction detection method includes: The auxiliary detection module is controlled to send an auxiliary positioning signal to the environment under test where the electronic device is located, and to obtain an auxiliary receiving signal in response to the auxiliary positioning signal. First environmental information is obtained based on the auxiliary positioning signal and the auxiliary receiving signal. The millimeter-wave radar module is controlled to send electromagnetic waves to the environment under test where the electronic device is located, and the echo signal of the electromagnetic waves is obtained. Second environmental information is obtained based on the echo signal. Based on the first environmental information and the second environmental information, output detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment to be tested.

8. The method for detecting obstructions in electronic devices according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first environmental information includes distance information, and the step of outputting detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment under test based on the first environmental information and the second environmental information includes: Compare the first environmental information with the first distance threshold; When the first environmental information is less than or equal to the first distance threshold, first detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located is output.

9. The method for detecting obstructions in electronic devices according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second environmental information includes echo energy information, and after the step of comparing the first environmental information with the first distance threshold, the method further includes: When the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold, the first environmental information is compared with the second distance threshold; wherein the second distance threshold is greater than the first distance threshold. When the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold, the second environmental information is compared with a preset energy threshold. When the second environmental information is greater than the preset energy threshold, first detection information characterizing the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located is output.

10. The method for detecting obstructions in an electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step of comparing the first environmental information with the second distance threshold when the first environmental information is greater than the first distance threshold further includes: When the first environmental information is greater than the second distance threshold, the second environmental information is compared with the preset energy threshold. When the second environmental information is greater than the preset energy threshold, second detection information is output, which characterizes the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located.

11. The method for detecting obstructions in an electronic device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The step of comparing the second environmental information with a preset energy threshold when the first environmental information is less than or equal to the second distance threshold further includes: When the second environmental information is less than or equal to the preset energy threshold, third detection information is output, which characterizes the presence of obstructions in the environment under test where the electronic device is located.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes the obstruction detection system as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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