A ranging circuit with a transmitter unit outside and a controller thereof

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses a ranging circuit with an external transmitting unit and a ranging device thereof, comprising: a transmitting unit for transmitting a laser signal; a processing unit for sending a measurement start instruction; a ranging unit comprising a receiving port, a driving port and a communication port, the transmitting unit being connected with the driving port, the processing unit being connected with the communication port, and the transmitting unit and the receiving port being provided with a light shielding part; the ranging unit is configured to: in response to the measurement start instruction sent by the processing unit, send a working instruction to the transmitting unit through the driving port; and in response to the laser signal received by the receiving port, output a test result corresponding to the laser signal. By setting the transmitting unit and the ranging unit, the transmitting unit is set outside the ranging unit, the distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving port is adjusted, the light shielding part can effectively isolate the transmitting unit and the receiving port, the signal crosstalk is avoided, and the test accuracy of the ranging circuit is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ranging circuit technology, and in particular to a ranging circuit with an external transmitter unit and its controller. Background Technology

[0002] Time-of-flight (TOF) ranging is a distance measurement technology based on the time of flight of a signal. The core principle of TOF is to calculate the distance by measuring the time difference between signal transmission and reception. Existing ranging circuits integrate a laser transmitter and a laser receiver, but the distance between the laser transmitter and receiver is small and cannot be adjusted. This can easily lead to crosstalk signals during ranging, affecting the testing accuracy and installation flexibility of the ranging circuit, and greatly limiting its application environment. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention aims to provide a ranging circuit with an externally mounted transmitting unit and its controller. By externalizing the transmitting unit, signal crosstalk is avoided, thereby improving the testing accuracy of the ranging circuit, significantly reducing the installation difficulty of the ranging components, and enhancing the installation flexibility of the ranging circuit.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its problem is:

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a ranging circuit with an external transmitting unit, comprising: a transmitting unit for transmitting a laser signal; a processing unit for sending a measurement start command; and a ranging unit including a receiving port, a driving port, and a communication port, wherein the transmitting unit is connected to the driving port, the processing unit is connected to the communication port, and a light-shielding portion is provided between the transmitting unit and the receiving port; the ranging unit is configured to: in response to the measurement start command sent by the processing unit, send a working command to the transmitting unit through the driving port; and in response to the laser signal received by the receiving port, output a test result corresponding to the laser signal.

[0006] The aforementioned external ranging circuit for the transmitting unit has at least the following beneficial effects: During ranging, the transmitting unit is controlled by the ranging unit. By placing the transmitting unit outside the ranging unit, it is easier to adjust the distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving port, improving the installation flexibility of the ranging circuit. The light-shielding part can effectively isolate the transmitting unit and the receiving port, avoiding signal crosstalk and improving the testing accuracy of the ranging circuit. By setting up a processing unit and a ranging unit, the processing unit sends a measurement start command to the ranging unit, so that the ranging unit outputs the test result corresponding to the laser signal, ensuring the response speed of the ranging circuit.

[0007] Furthermore, the processing unit includes a signal output port, and the transmitting unit is connected to the signal output port. By providing the signal output port, the processing unit can send operating commands to the transmitting unit through the signal output port, thereby improving the response speed and compatibility of the ranging circuit.

[0008] Furthermore, the transmitting unit is also connected to a transistor, the gate of which is connected to the signal output port, so that the transmitting unit is controlled by the processing unit. By setting up the transistor, it is ensured that the processing unit can accurately control the transmitting unit and realize more additional functions.

[0009] Furthermore, a current-limiting resistor is provided between the transmitting unit and the transistor. By setting the current-limiting resistor, the current stability between the transmitting unit and the transistor is ensured, preventing damage to the transmitting unit due to excessive current and improving the service life of the external ranging circuit of the transmitting unit.

[0010] Furthermore, the transistor is an N-channel field-effect transistor. An N-channel field-effect transistor is a type of field-effect transistor, belonging to voltage-controlled semiconductor devices. N-channel field-effect transistors have advantages such as high input impedance, low noise, low power consumption, and extremely low on-resistance, effectively improving the low-voltage operating performance of the emitter unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the processing unit is model FT64F0A5. The FT64F0A5 microcontroller chip has the advantages of low cost and high stability, reducing the production cost of the external ranging circuit of the transmitting unit and improving the working stability of the external ranging circuit of the transmitting unit.

[0012] Furthermore, the communication port is connected to the IIC communication pin of the processing unit to enable bidirectional communication between the processing unit and the ranging unit. This structure ensures the stability of communication between the processing unit and the ranging unit and avoids signal loss.

[0013] Furthermore, the distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving port is greater than 4mm. This structure ensures sufficient distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving port, preventing external protective shells or water droplets from affecting the accurate transmission of the laser signal from the transmitting unit to the receiving port, thus improving the measurement accuracy of the external ranging circuit of the transmitting unit.

[0014] Furthermore, the transmitting unit is connected to the sixth pin of the ranging unit. This structure ensures that the transmitting unit can be stably connected to the ranging unit through the sixth pin to accurately transmit laser signals and improve the measurement accuracy of the external ranging circuit of the transmitting unit.

[0015] A second aspect of this application is a controller that includes a ranging circuit external to the transmitting unit of the first aspect.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the aforementioned controller are as follows: By setting up a transmitting unit and a ranging unit, and placing the transmitting unit outside the ranging unit, it is easier to adjust the distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving port, improving the installation flexibility of the ranging circuit. The light-shielding part can effectively isolate the transmitting unit and the receiving port, avoiding signal crosstalk and improving the testing accuracy of the ranging circuit. By setting up a processing unit and a ranging unit, the processing unit sends a measurement start command to the ranging unit, so that the ranging unit outputs test results corresponding to the laser signal, ensuring the response speed of the ranging circuit. By setting up a signal output port, the processing unit can send working commands to the transmitting unit through the signal output port to realize more additional functions. By setting up a transistor, it is ensured that the processing unit can accurately control the transmitting unit, improving the low-voltage operating performance of the transmitting unit. By setting up a current-limiting resistor, the current stability between the transmitting unit and the transistor is ensured, preventing the transmitting unit from being damaged due to excessive current, and extending the service life of the external ranging circuit of the transmitting unit.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a distance measuring circuit in the prior art;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a ranging circuit with an externally mounted transmitting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an external ranging circuit for a transmitting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of an external ranging circuit for a transmitting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0023] Reference Figure 1The existing ranging circuit design uses the processing unit 200 to directly control the ranging unit 300 to complete the ranging task. Since the distance between the transmitting unit 100 and the receiving port 310 of the ranging unit 300 is fixed and the spacing is relatively small (less than 4 mm in practical applications), after installing the transparent protective shell 400, the signal emitted by the transmitting unit 100 can easily be reflected directly to the receiving port 310 through the transparent protective shell 400, forming crosstalk signals and leading to errors in the ranging results. Especially when there are water droplets on the upper part of the transparent protective shell 400, the ranging unit 300 is more prone to ranging errors due to the excessively small distance between the transmitting unit 100 and the receiving port 310, affecting the measurement accuracy of the ranging circuit.

[0024] Reference Figures 2 to 4 This utility model embodiment provides a ranging circuit with an external transmitting unit, including: a transmitting unit 100 for transmitting laser signals; a processing unit 200 for sending a measurement start command; and a ranging unit 300 including a receiving port 310, a driving port 320, and a communication port 330. The transmitting unit 100 is connected to the driving port 320, and the processing unit 200 is connected to the communication port 330. A light-shielding part 340 is provided between the transmitting unit 100 and the receiving port 310. The ranging unit 300 is configured to: in response to the measurement start command sent by the processing unit 200, send a working command to the transmitting unit 100 through the driving port 320; and in response to the laser signal received by the receiving port 310, output a test result corresponding to the laser signal.

[0025] By setting up a transmitting unit 100 and a ranging unit 300, and placing the transmitting unit 100 outside the ranging unit 300, the distance between the transmitting unit 100 and the receiving port 310 can be easily adjusted, improving the installation flexibility of the ranging circuit. The light-shielding part 340 can effectively isolate the transmitting unit 100 and the receiving port 310, avoiding signal crosstalk and improving the testing accuracy of the ranging circuit. By setting up a processing unit 200 and a ranging unit 300, the processing unit 200 sends a measurement start command to the ranging unit 300, so that the ranging unit 300 outputs the test result corresponding to the laser signal, ensuring the response speed of the ranging circuit.

[0026] In another embodiment, the processing unit 200 includes a signal output port 210, and the transmitting unit 100 is connected to the signal output port 210. By providing the signal output port 210, the processing unit 200 can send working commands to the transmitting unit 100 through the signal output port 210, thereby enabling more additional functions.

[0027] In another embodiment, the transmitting unit 100 is also connected to a transistor Q1, the gate of which is connected to the signal output port 210, so that the transmitting unit 100 is controlled by the processing unit 200. By setting the transistor Q1, the processing unit 200 can accurately control the transmitting unit 100, thereby improving the response speed of the ranging circuit.

[0028] In another embodiment, a current-limiting resistor R7 is also provided between the transmitting unit 100 and the transistor Q1. By setting the current-limiting resistor R7, the current stability between the transmitting unit 100 and the transistor Q1 is ensured, preventing the transmitting unit 100 from being damaged due to excessive current, and improving the service life of the external ranging circuit of the transmitting unit.

[0029] In another embodiment, transistor Q1 is an N-channel field-effect transistor. An N-channel field-effect transistor is a type of field-effect transistor, belonging to voltage-controlled semiconductor devices. N-channel field-effect transistors have advantages such as high input impedance, low noise, low power consumption, and extremely low on-resistance, effectively improving the low-voltage operating performance of the emitter unit 100.

[0030] In another embodiment, the processing unit 200 is an FT64F0A5. The FT64F0A5 microcontroller chip has the advantages of low cost and high stability, reducing the production cost of the external ranging circuit of the transmitting unit and improving the working stability of the external ranging circuit of the transmitting unit.

[0031] In another embodiment, the communication port 330 is connected to the IIC communication pin of the processing unit 200 to realize bidirectional communication between the processing unit 200 and the ranging unit 300. This structure ensures the stability of communication between the processing unit 200 and the ranging unit 300 and avoids signal loss.

[0032] In another embodiment, the distance between the transmitting unit 100 and the receiving port 310 is greater than 4 mm. This structure ensures that there is sufficient distance between the transmitting unit 100 and the receiving port 310, preventing obstacles such as water droplets on the transparent protective shell 400 or the surface of the transparent protective shell 400 from affecting the accurate transmission of the laser signal from the transmitting unit 100 to the receiving port 310, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the external ranging circuit of the transmitting unit.

[0033] In another embodiment, the transmitting unit 100 is connected to the sixth pin of the ranging unit 300. This structure ensures that the transmitting unit 100 can be stably connected to the ranging unit 300 through the sixth pin to accurately transmit laser signals and improve the measurement accuracy of the external ranging circuit of the transmitting unit.

[0034] Reference Figure 2In another embodiment, the processing unit 200 and the ranging unit 300 are fixed on the PCB board 500. In specific applications, the processing unit 200 and the ranging unit 300 are fixed at the upper and lower ends of the PCB board 500, respectively, and communicate bidirectionally through the PCB board 500. In other embodiments, the processing unit 200 and the ranging unit 300 may also be fixed on the same side of the PCB board 500, or the processing unit 200 and the ranging unit 300 may communicate bidirectionally through other signal transmission media; this is not limited here.

[0035] This application also provides a controller, including a ranging circuit external to the transmitting unit as described above.

[0036] The working principle of this utility model will be further explained below.

[0037] In this embodiment, during the use of the controller, the user installs the transmitting unit 100, processing unit 200, and ranging unit 300 according to the operating environment of the ranging circuit. The transmitting unit 100 is independent of the ranging unit 300, and its distance from the receiving port 310 is greater than 4mm. Next, a light-shielding part 340 is provided between the transmitting unit 100 and the ranging unit 300 to avoid signal crosstalk. Especially in special environments such as bathrooms, a transparent protective shell 400 needs to be installed on the outside of the light-shielding part 340 to prevent moisture from entering the external ranging circuit of the transmitting unit and affecting the operational stability of the transmitting unit 100, processing unit 200, and ranging unit 300. In this embodiment, the ranging unit 300 is based on the time-of-flight ranging principle, and its distance measurement of reflective objects is less affected by the color difference of the reflective object, resulting in high ranging accuracy. To avoid crosstalk between the transmitting unit 100 and the ranging unit 300 in transmitting laser signals, the transmitting unit 100 is set independently to facilitate adjustment of the distance between the transmitting unit 100 and the ranging unit 300. Meanwhile, the light-shielding part 340 is located between the transmitting unit 100 and the ranging unit 300, effectively isolating the transmitting unit 100 and the ranging unit 300. Specifically, when the processing unit 200 sends a measurement start command to the ranging unit 300, the ranging unit 300 sends a working command to the transmitting unit 100 through the drive port 320; after receiving the working command, the transmitting unit 100 sends a laser signal outward; when the laser signal encounters an obstacle and is reflected to the receiving port 310, the ranging unit 300 calculates the test result corresponding to the laser signal by calculating the time difference between the laser signal emitted by the transmitting unit 100 and the laser signal received by the receiving port 310.

[0038] As can be seen from the above description, the externally mounted ranging circuit and its controller of this utility model, by setting up a transmitting unit 100 and a ranging unit 300, and by placing the transmitting unit 100 outside the ranging unit 300, facilitates adjustment of the distance between the transmitting unit 100 and the receiving port 310, improving the installation flexibility of the ranging circuit. The light-shielding part 340 can effectively isolate the transmitting unit 100 from the receiving port 310, avoiding signal crosstalk and improving the testing accuracy of the ranging circuit. By setting up a processing unit 200 and a ranging unit 300, the processing unit 200 sends a measurement start command to the ranging unit 300 to enable the ranging unit to start measuring. The Yuan 300 outputs test results corresponding to the laser signal, ensuring the response speed of the ranging circuit; by setting the signal output port 210, the processing unit 200 can send working commands to the transmitting unit 100 through the signal output port 210, realizing more additional functions; by setting the transistor Q1, the processing unit 200 can accurately control the transmitting unit 100, improving the low-voltage working performance of the transmitting unit 100; by setting the current limiting resistor R7, the current stability between the transmitting unit 100 and the transistor Q1 is ensured, preventing the transmitting unit 100 from being damaged due to excessive current, and improving the service life of the external ranging circuit of the transmitting unit.

[0039] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A ranging circuit external to the transmitting unit, characterized in that, include: The transmitting unit is used to transmit laser signals; The processing unit is used to send the measurement start command; The ranging unit includes a receiving port, a driving port, and a communication port. The transmitting unit is connected to the driving port, the processing unit is connected to the communication port, and a light-shielding part is provided between the transmitting unit and the receiving port. The ranging unit is configured to: in response to the measurement start command sent by the processing unit, send a working command to the transmitting unit through the driving port; and in response to the laser signal received by the receiving port, output a test result corresponding to the laser signal.

2. The ranging circuit with an externally mounted transmitting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing unit includes a signal output port, and the transmitting unit is connected to the signal output port.

3. The ranging circuit with an externally mounted transmitting unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmitting unit is also connected to a transistor, the gate of which is connected to the signal output port, so that the transmitting unit is controlled by the processing unit.

4. The ranging circuit with an externally mounted transmitting unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, A current-limiting resistor is also provided between the transmitting unit and the transistor Q1.

5. The ranging circuit with an externally mounted transmitting unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transistor is an N-channel field-effect transistor.

6. The ranging circuit with an externally mounted transmitting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing unit is model FT64F0A5.

7. The ranging circuit with an externally mounted transmitting unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The communication port is connected to the IIC communication pin of the processing unit to realize bidirectional communication between the processing unit and the ranging unit.

8. The ranging circuit with an externally mounted transmitting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving port is greater than 4mm.

9. The ranging circuit with an externally mounted transmitting unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, The transmitting unit is connected to the sixth pin of the ranging unit.

10. A controller, characterized in that, The ranging circuit is external to the transmitting unit as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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