Distance measuring equipment and mobile terminal

By connecting the optical transmitter and receiver of the ranging device to a mobile terminal, the internal power supply and display modules are eliminated, solving the problems of complex structure, large size, and high cost of existing rangefinders. This achieves miniaturization and improved portability of the device, and enhances compatibility with mobile terminals and user experience.

CN223842138UActive Publication Date: 2026-01-27XIAOHOU TECHNOLOGY (NANJING) CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520020777.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-03
Publication Date
2026-01-27
Estimated Expiration
2035-01-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing rangefinders are complex in structure, large in size, high in cost and poor in portability due to the integration of multiple functional modules and complex circuit design, which limits their application in portable and cost-sensitive scenarios.

Method used

The optical transmitter and receiver of the ranging device are connected to the mobile terminal body for communication. Data and power transmission are achieved through a plug, eliminating the internal power supply and display modules, simplifying the circuit design, and realizing the miniaturization and weight reduction of the device.

Benefits of technology

This technology enables the miniaturization and lightweighting of ranging devices, reduces manufacturing costs, improves portability and stability, enhances compatibility and adaptability with mobile terminals, and improves user experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides distance measuring equipment and a mobile terminal, and relates to the technical field of laser distance measuring, the distance measuring equipment comprises a shell, and a transceiver module and a plug which are installed on the shell, the transceiver module comprises a light emitting part, a light receiving part and a circuit board, and the light emitting part and the light receiving part are arranged on the circuit board and are in communication connection with a mobile terminal body through the plug. The light emitting part is used for emitting ranging light towards a to-be-measured object, and the light receiving part is used for receiving the ranging light reflected by the to-be-measured object. The light emitting part and the light receiving part are in communication connection with the mobile terminal body, and a display module and a power supply module do not need to be integrated in the distance measuring equipment, so that miniaturization and light weight of the equipment are realized, the manufacturing cost of the equipment is reduced, and the portability and reliability of the equipment are improved. Besides, the compatibility and the adaptability between the equipment and the mobile terminal body are enhanced through the plug connection mode, so that the mobile terminal is suitable for various scenes, and the portability and the user experience of the equipment are further improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of laser ranging technology, and more specifically, to a ranging device and a mobile terminal. Background Technology

[0002] Most rangefinders on the market today exist as standalone products, typically containing multiple core units and functional modules, such as control units, power supply units, display units, and Bluetooth chips. The integration of these components enables rangefinders to achieve accurate distance measurement and data transmission. However, due to the involvement of multiple functional modules and complex circuit designs, these products are relatively complex in structure, resulting in higher manufacturing costs. Furthermore, to accommodate these core components, the devices are often large, impacting portability and ease of use. This product design increases development and production difficulty and limits their widespread application in portable and cost-sensitive scenarios. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a ranging device and a mobile terminal to address the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solutions adopted in the embodiments of this application are as follows:

[0005] In one aspect of this application, a ranging device is provided, including a housing and a transceiver module and a plug mounted on the housing. The transceiver module includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are respectively connected to a mobile terminal body via the plug. The light emitting unit is used to emit ranging light toward the object to be measured, and the light receiving unit is used to receive the ranging light reflected by the object to be measured.

[0006] Optionally, the light emitting part includes a laser diode, and the ranging light is a ranging laser.

[0007] Optionally, the light receiving unit includes a photoelectric sensor, which converts the ranging light into an electrical signal and transmits it to the mobile terminal body via a plug.

[0008] Alternatively, the plug can be a Type-C plug, a Lightning plug, a Micro USB plug, or a Mini USB plug.

[0009] Optionally, the thickness of the ranging device is less than or equal to the thickness of the mobile terminal body.

[0010] In another aspect of this application, a mobile terminal is provided, including a mobile terminal body and any of the above-mentioned ranging devices, wherein the transceiver module of the ranging device is electrically connected to the charging port of the mobile terminal body via the plug of the ranging device.

[0011] Optionally, the mobile terminal body includes a control module connected to the charging port, and the transceiver module includes an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. The control module is used to control the working status of the transceiver module in the ranging device and output ranging results.

[0012] Optionally, the mobile terminal body also includes a detection module and a display module connected to the control module. The detection module is used to detect the connection status of the ranging device, and the display module is used to display the ranging results and provide a user interface.

[0013] Optionally, the charging port of the mobile terminal body is a Type-C interface, a Lightning interface, a Micro USB interface, or a Mini USB interface.

[0014] Optionally, the mobile terminal itself is a mobile phone or a tablet computer.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this application include:

[0016] This application provides a ranging device and a mobile terminal. The ranging device includes a housing and a transceiver module and a plug mounted on the housing. The transceiver module includes a light emitter, a light receiver, and a circuit board. The light emitter and light receiver are respectively arranged on the circuit board and are communicatively connected to the mobile terminal body via the plug. The light emitter emits ranging light towards the object to be measured, and the light receiver receives the ranging light reflected by the object. By communicatively connecting the light emitter and light receiver to the mobile terminal body, the ranging device eliminates the need for a power supply module and a display module, achieving miniaturization and weight reduction, lowering manufacturing costs, and improving portability. Simultaneously, the reduced integration of complex circuits and functional units improves the stability and reliability of the device. Furthermore, the plug connection enhances the compatibility and adaptability between the device and the mobile terminal body, making it suitable for various scenarios and further improving portability and user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is one of the connection diagrams between a ranging device and a mobile terminal body provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram illustrating the connection between a ranging device and a mobile terminal body, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Icons: 1-Distance measuring device; 11-Housing; 12-Plug; 13-Light emitting unit; 14-Light receiving unit; 2-Mobile terminal body; 21-Charging port. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, 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 some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0022] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the various features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other, and the combined embodiments are still within the protection scope of this application.

[0023] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0024] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this application is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] One aspect of this application provides a ranging device 1, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the device includes a housing 11 and a transceiver module and a connector 12 mounted on the housing 11. The transceiver module includes a light transmitter 13, a light receiver 14, and a circuit board. Its core function is to transmit and receive light signals. The light transmitter 13 and the light receiver 14 are respectively arranged on the circuit board and are communicatively connected to the mobile terminal body 2 via the connector 12. The light transmitter 13 is used to emit ranging light towards the object to be measured, and the light receiver 14 is used to receive the ranging light reflected by the object to be measured.

[0028] Specifically, the light emitting unit 13, under the control of the mobile terminal body 2, emits ranging light, while the light receiving unit 14 converts the reflected ranging light into an electrical signal through a photoelectric conversion unit, and then transmits it to the mobile terminal body 2 for data processing via the connector 12. The mobile terminal body 2 is responsible for calculating and displaying the ranging data, and sends working instructions to the transceiver module through the communication interface with the connector 12, thereby achieving overall control of the ranging device 1. For example, a ranging instruction is sent through the ranging software of the mobile terminal body 2. After receiving the signal, the light emitting unit 13 emits ranging light, and the light receiving unit 14, after capturing the reflected light signal, immediately transmits the data back to the mobile terminal body 2. The mobile terminal body 2 processes the received signal based on the time-of-flight method or the phase difference method, quickly calculates the distance value, and displays it on the screen.

[0029] The mobile terminal body 2 not only interacts with the transceiver module via a communication interface, but also provides the necessary power supply for the ranging device 1. This design simplifies the internal power management system, reducing the need for independent power supply modules in traditional ranging devices 1, making the device lighter and more compact. As the dual core for control and power supply, the mobile terminal body 2's stable power output ensures the normal operation of the optical transmitter 13 and optical receiver 14 in the transceiver module. Simultaneously, it enables functional control and data processing of the ranging device 1 through communication, significantly improving the device's portability and integration.

[0030] In summary, the design of this ranging device 1 significantly optimizes the structural complexity and size issues of traditional rangefinders. By externalizing the control and display functions to the mobile terminal body 2, the device eliminates the need to integrate high-power computing, power supply, and display modules, thereby achieving miniaturization and weight reduction, lowering manufacturing costs, and improving portability. Simultaneously, the reduced integration of complex circuits and functional units also enhances the device's stability and reliability. Furthermore, the plug 12 connection method strengthens the compatibility and adaptability between the device and the mobile terminal body 2, making it suitable for various scenarios and further improving portability and user experience.

[0031] Optionally, the light emitting unit 13 includes a laser diode, and the ranging light is a ranging laser.

[0032] Specifically, the core component of the light emitting unit 13 is a laser diode, whose main function is to generate and emit a ranging laser with high directionality and stability. As a semiconductor device, the laser diode has advantages such as small size, low power consumption, and fast response speed, enabling the light emitting unit 13 to achieve high-precision laser emission with low power consumption. This design choice effectively improves the ranging performance of the device while meeting the requirements of miniaturization and portability. It should be noted that the wavelength of the ranging laser, as the measurement medium, is precisely selected to ensure high reflectivity and stable signal transmission on various material surfaces, thereby further improving the applicability and reliability of the device.

[0033] It should be noted that the mobile terminal body 2 can adjust the current of the laser diode to control the emission power and frequency of the ranging laser, thereby adapting to different ranging requirements. For example, when measuring at a longer distance, the signal strength can be improved by increasing the emission power; while when measuring at a shorter distance, the power can be reduced to decrease energy loss and potential measurement errors. In addition, the structural design of the light emitting unit 13 should also consider thermal management requirements. By adding heat sinks or using high thermal conductivity materials, the temperature stability of the laser diode during long-term operation can be ensured, further extending the service life of the ranging device 1.

[0034] Optionally, the light receiving unit 14 includes a photoelectric sensor, which converts the ranging light into an electrical signal and transmits it to the mobile terminal body 2 via the plug 12.

[0035] Specifically, the core component of the light receiver 14 is a photoelectric sensor, whose main function is to capture the ranging laser reflected from the object being measured, convert it into a corresponding electrical signal, and then transmit it to the mobile terminal body 2 via the connector 12. The photoelectric sensor has high sensitivity and fast response capability, effectively detecting weak light signals and ensuring signal integrity and accuracy. This design allows the light receiver 14 to accurately sense the intensity, waveform, and other characteristics of the reflected light signal, thus providing reliable input for subsequent data processing. It should be noted that the photoelectric sensor can be combined with an optical system, using lenses or other focusing components to further enhance signal reception and reduce the impact of ambient light interference on the ranging results.

[0036] Alternatively, the plug 12 may be a Type-C plug 12, a Lightning plug 12, a Micro USB plug 12, or a Mini USB plug 12.

[0037] Specifically, plug 12 is a crucial component for establishing communication and power supply between the ranging device 1 and the mobile terminal 2. It can be a Type-C plug 12, a Lightning plug 12, a Micro USB plug 12, or a Mini USB plug 12. The design of plug 12 should fully consider the compatibility with the charging ports 21 of current mainstream mobile terminal 2, ensuring that the ranging device 1 can be adapted to various brands and models of mobile terminal 2, thereby greatly improving the device's applicability and user-friendliness.

[0038] In practical applications, different types of plugs 12 can be selected to meet specific needs, depending on the target user group and the application scenario of the ranging device 1. For example, for high-end markets or scenarios requiring fast data transmission and high-power supply, a Type-C plug 12 can be selected; for Apple users, a Lightning plug 12 is preferred for seamless compatibility; and for cost-sensitive users or scenarios with lower interface performance requirements, Micro USB or Mini USB plugs 12 are more economical choices. Furthermore, the installation position of the plug 12 is carefully designed to ensure that it does not affect the aesthetics of the device while providing a stable connection, preventing loosening or poor contact during use.

[0039] Overall, the diversity of plug types and technical optimizations not only improve the ease of use of the device, but also enhance its adaptability in different scenarios and user groups, providing important technical support for the promotion and application of ranging device 1.

[0040] Optionally, the thickness of the ranging device 1 is less than or equal to the thickness of the mobile terminal body 2.

[0041] Specifically, by optimizing circuit layout and reducing component redundancy, and by achieving efficient integration of internal modules through layered arrangement and modular packaging technology, the overall thickness of the device can be controlled within the range of the mobile terminal body 2, while ensuring the stability and accuracy of the ranging function. Furthermore, the choice of material for the housing 11 also plays a crucial role in thickness optimization. For example, using high-strength, lightweight materials can not only effectively reduce the thickness of the device but also improve its durability and impact resistance, enabling it to adapt to various complex usage scenarios.

[0042] Overall, the optimized thickness design of the ranging device 1 achieves a high degree of physical fit between the ranging device 1 and the mobile terminal body 2, improving the overall coordination and aesthetics of use. This design not only optimizes the portability of the device but also enhances its handheld comfort during use, avoiding the inconvenience or operational burden caused by the excessive size of traditional ranging devices 1.

[0043] In another aspect of this application, a mobile terminal is provided, including a mobile terminal body 2 and a ranging device 1 as described above. The transceiver module of the ranging device 1 is electrically connected to the charging port 21 of the mobile terminal body 2 via a plug 12 of the ranging device 1, enabling the mobile terminal body 2 to interact with the transceiver module and providing the necessary power to the ranging device 1. Since the mobile terminal uses the ranging device 1 described above, it also has the same beneficial effects as the ranging device 1, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0044] Optionally, the mobile terminal body 2 includes a control module connected to the charging port 21, and the transceiver module includes an optical transmitter 13 and an optical receiver 14. The control module is used to control the working status of the transceiver module in the ranging device 1 and output ranging results.

[0045] Specifically, the control module connects to the transceiver module via the charging port 21 of the mobile terminal body 2, establishing a data communication and power transmission path through this physical interface. By executing precise commands, the control module can manage operations such as powering on / off, ranging, selecting front and rear reference points, and switching units for the ranging device 1. Simultaneously, it can output the ranging results to the display interface of the mobile terminal body 2 in real time for user viewing or further processing. For example, when a user selects a ranging unit or switches the ranging reference point through the mobile terminal body 2's operation interface, the control module can send corresponding commands to the transceiver module to adjust the parameter settings of the optical transmitter 13 or the signal processing logic of the optical receiver 14 in real time. After processing by the control module, the ranging results can be directly output to the mobile terminal body 2 for display or storage, or shared via wireless communication methods such as Bluetooth.

[0046] In practical applications, the control module interacts with the user through the ranging software on the mobile terminal 2, providing an intuitive control interface and rich functional options, such as a device connection status display area, a real-time ranging result display window, and a parameter adjustment toolbar. Users can perform operations such as powering on / off, ranging mode selection, and reference selection through the ranging software, while simultaneously viewing the ranging results and device status in real time, making the operation of the ranging device 1 more intuitive and efficient. The control module monitors the working status of the transceiver module in real time, ensuring that the laser emission intensity of the optical transmitter 13 and the signal acquisition accuracy of the optical receiver 14 are always at their optimal levels. Furthermore, to improve the applicability of the device, the ranging software supports multiple unit switching functions, allowing users to freely choose between meters, feet, or other measurement units.

[0047] Overall, by integrating the control functions into the mobile terminal 2, users do not need to learn complex operating procedures; they can fully control the ranging device 1 simply through the familiar interface of the mobile terminal 2. This design not only simplifies the structure of the ranging device 1 and reduces hardware redundancy, but also ensures the real-time performance and accuracy of the ranging results through the efficient signal processing capabilities of the control module, thereby improving overall functional stability.

[0048] Optionally, the mobile terminal body 2 also includes a detection module and a display module connected to the control module. The detection module is used to detect the connection status of the ranging device 1, and the display module is used to display the ranging result and provide a user interface.

[0049] Specifically, when the ranging device 1 is connected to the mobile terminal body 2 via plug 12, the detection module can determine whether the device is properly connected by detecting fluctuations in voltage, current, or data communication signals, and feed back the connection status information to the control module. Based on the information provided by the detection module, the control module determines whether to activate the ranging device 1 and put it into working mode, thereby avoiding measurement errors or operational failures caused by abnormal connections. Simultaneously, the display module is connected to the control module and, based on graphical user interface (GUI) technology, displays the operating status of the ranging device 1, the ranging results, and other auxiliary information (such as battery level, unit settings, etc.) in digital and graphical form on the screen of the mobile terminal body 2, providing users with clear and comprehensive information support. Users can directly interact with the display module via the touchscreen to complete operations such as parameter setting, mode switching, and data recording.

[0050] Optionally, the charging port 21 of the mobile terminal body 2 is a Type-C interface, Lightning interface, Micro USB interface or Mini USB interface, to match the ranging device 1 with different plug types 12.

[0051] Optionally, the mobile terminal body 2 is a mobile phone or a tablet computer. Mobile phones and tablet computers, as high-performance, multi-functional terminals, are typically equipped with high-resolution displays, powerful processors, and multiple communication interfaces. These hardware resources can provide a stable operating environment for the ranging device 1, supporting the processing, display, and storage of ranging data, while also providing users with an intuitive and convenient operating experience. Furthermore, mobile phones and tablet computers are highly portable and flexible in usage scenarios, meeting the usage needs of the ranging device 1 in various environments.

[0052] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A ranging device, characterized in that, The device includes a housing (11) and a transceiver module and a plug (12) mounted on the housing (11). The transceiver module includes a light emitting unit (13) and a light receiving unit (14). The light emitting unit (13) and the light receiving unit (14) are respectively connected to the mobile terminal body (2) via the plug (12). The light emitting unit (13) is used to emit ranging light toward the object to be measured, and the light receiving unit (14) is used to receive the ranging light reflected by the object to be measured.

2. The ranging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light emitting part (13) includes a laser diode, and the ranging light is a ranging laser.

3. The ranging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The light receiving unit (14) includes a photoelectric sensor, which is used to convert the ranging light into an electrical signal and transmit it to the mobile terminal body (2) via the plug (12).

4. The ranging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plug (12) is a Type-C plug (12), a Lightning plug (12), a Micro USB plug (12), or a Mini USB plug (12).

5. The ranging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The thickness of the ranging device (1) is less than or equal to the thickness of the mobile terminal body (2).

6. A mobile terminal, characterized in that, The device includes a mobile terminal body (2) and a ranging device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transceiver module of the ranging device (1) is electrically connected to the charging port (21) of the mobile terminal body (2) via the plug (12) of the ranging device (1).

7. The mobile terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mobile terminal body (2) includes a control module connected to the charging port (21). The transceiver module includes an optical transmitter (13) and an optical receiver (14). The control module is used to control the working state of the transceiver module in the ranging device (1) and output ranging results.

8. The mobile terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mobile terminal body (2) also includes a detection module and a display module connected to the control module. The detection module is used to detect the connection status of the ranging device (1), and the display module is used to display the ranging result and provide a user interaction interface.

9. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The charging port (21) of the mobile terminal body (2) is a Type-C interface, a Lightning interface, a Micro USB interface, or a Mini USB interface.

10. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The mobile terminal body (2) is a mobile phone or a tablet computer.