TWM640855U - Distance sensing apparatus - Google Patents

Distance sensing apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
TWM640855U
TWM640855U TW111212663U TW111212663U TWM640855U TW M640855 U TWM640855 U TW M640855U TW 111212663 U TW111212663 U TW 111212663U TW 111212663 U TW111212663 U TW 111212663U TW M640855 U TWM640855 U TW M640855U
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sensing
distance
photo
circuit
light
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TW111212663U
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Chinese (zh)
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孫伯偉
陳經緯
胡耀升
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神盾股份有限公司
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/02—Systems using the reflection of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
    • G01S17/06—Systems determining position data of a target
    • G01S17/08—Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only
    • G01S17/10—Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only using transmission of interrupted, pulse-modulated waves
    • G01S17/14—Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only using transmission of interrupted, pulse-modulated waves wherein a voltage or current pulse is initiated and terminated in accordance with the pulse transmission and echo reception respectively, e.g. using counters
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/48—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S17/00
    • G01S7/483—Details of pulse systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/48—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S17/00
    • G01S7/483—Details of pulse systems
    • G01S7/486—Receivers
    • G01S7/4861—Circuits for detection, sampling, integration or read-out

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Photometry And Measurement Of Optical Pulse Characteristics (AREA)
  • Optical Radar Systems And Details Thereof (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
  • Measuring Pulse, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure Or Blood Flow (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Velocity Or Position Using Acoustic Or Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
  • Light Receiving Elements (AREA)

Abstract

An distance sensing apparatus is provided. A light source provides a distance sensing light to a distance sensing target to generate a reflected light. A bias voltage generating circuit provides a breakdown bias voltage or a standard bias voltage. A photo-sensing diode senses the reflected light to generate a light-sensing signal. A quenching circuit is used for quenching the photo-sensing diode. During a photo-sensing period, a counter circuit counts avalanche times of a photo-sensing diode to generate a count value according to a photo-sensing signal generated by the photo-sensing diode sensing the reflected light when receiving an avalanche bias voltage. A signal processing circuit determines distance between the distance sensing apparatus and the distance sensing target according to the count value.

Description

距離感測裝置 distance sensing device

本新型創作是有關於一種感測裝置，且特別是有關於一種距離感測裝置。 The present invention relates to a sensing device, and in particular to a distance sensing device.

諸多現代電子裝置中皆存在具有光子裝置的積體晶片(Integrated chip，IC)。一般來說，光感測晶片常利用光電流積分的方式，將電流轉到電壓，再利用類比數位轉換器來進行解碼。類比數位轉換器具有設計複雜且耗電的缺點，且在低光源的情形下，需要高精度的類比數位轉換電路進行雜訊控制或增加光感測二極體的數量，來提高感測靈敏度，然如此將提高電路面積且會使成本上升。此外，以光電流積分的方式來進行信號處理，需要足夠的積分時間來避免訊雜比過低，然如此將大幅地限制資料回報速率(report rate)。 Integrated chips (ICs) with photonic devices exist in many modern electronic devices. Generally speaking, the photo-sensing chip usually converts the current into a voltage by means of photocurrent integration, and then uses an analog-to-digital converter for decoding. Analog-to-digital converters have the disadvantages of complex design and power consumption, and in the case of low light sources, high-precision analog-to-digital conversion circuits are required to control noise or increase the number of light-sensing diodes to improve sensing sensitivity. However, this will increase the circuit area and increase the cost. In addition, signal processing by means of photocurrent integration requires sufficient integration time to avoid low signal-to-noise ratio, but this will greatly limit the data report rate.

本新型創作提供一種距離感測裝置，在不增加電路面積、成本以及功耗的情形下，提供良好的感測品質以及資料回報 速率，且相較於傳統的光感測二極體，可以更小的電路面積達到相同的感測敏感度。另，在低強度的反射光的情形下，本發明之距離感測裝置仍可提供良好的感測品質。 This new creation provides a distance sensing device, which provides good sensing quality and data return without increasing the circuit area, cost and power consumption Speed, and compared with traditional light-sensing diodes, the same sensing sensitivity can be achieved with a smaller circuit area. In addition, in the case of low-intensity reflected light, the distance sensing device of the present invention can still provide good sensing quality.

本新型創作的距離感測裝置包括光源、偏壓電壓產生電路、光感測二極體、淬熄電路、計數器電路以及信號處理電路。光源提供測距光至測距目標而產生反射光。偏壓電壓產生電路提供崩潰偏壓電壓或標準偏壓電壓。光感測二極體的陰極端耦接偏壓電壓產生電路，感測反射光而產生光感測信號。淬熄電路耦接光感測二極體的陽極端，淬熄光感測二極體。計數器電路耦接光感測二極體的陽極端，於光感測期間依據光感測二極體在接收崩潰偏壓電壓時產生的光感測信號計數光感測二極體的崩潰次數而產生計數值。信號處理電路耦接計數器電路，依據計數值判斷距離感測裝置與測距目標間的距離。 The distance sensing device created by the invention includes a light source, a bias voltage generating circuit, a light sensing diode, a quenching circuit, a counter circuit and a signal processing circuit. The light source provides ranging light to the ranging target to generate reflected light. The bias voltage generating circuit provides a breakdown bias voltage or a standard bias voltage. The cathode terminal of the photo-sensing diode is coupled to the bias voltage generating circuit, which senses the reflected light to generate a photo-sensing signal. The quenching circuit is coupled to the anode end of the photo-sensing diode to quench the photo-sensing diode. The counter circuit is coupled to the anode end of the photo-sensing diode, and counts the breakdown times of the photo-sensing diode according to the photo-sensing signal generated when the photo-sensing diode receives the breakdown bias voltage during the photo-sensing period. Generate a count value. The signal processing circuit is coupled to the counter circuit, and judges the distance between the distance sensing device and the distance measuring target according to the count value.

基於上述，本新型創作實施例的光感測二極體可接收崩潰偏壓電壓並進行光感測而產生光感測信號，計數器電路可依據光感測信號計數光感測二極體的崩潰次數而產生計數值，信號處理電路依據計數值判斷距離感測裝置與測距目標間的距離。如此利用在極度逆偏狀態下的光感測二極體來進行光感測，並利用計數器電路的計數值來計算光感測二極體所感測到的光強度，可避免使用積分器電路，可在不增加電路面積、成本以及功耗的情形下，提供良好的感測品質以及資料回報速率，且相較於傳統的光感測二極體，可以更小的電路面積達到相同的感測敏感度。另， 在低強度的反射光的情形下，本發明之距離感測裝置仍可提供良好的感測品質。 Based on the above, the photo-sensing diode of the embodiment of the new invention can receive the breakdown bias voltage and perform photo-sensing to generate a photo-sensing signal, and the counter circuit can count the breakdown of the photo-sensing diode according to the photo-sensing signal The number of times generates a count value, and the signal processing circuit judges the distance between the distance sensing device and the ranging target according to the count value. In this way, light sensing is performed by using the photo-sensing diode in an extremely reverse-biased state, and the count value of the counter circuit is used to calculate the light intensity sensed by the photo-sensing diode, which can avoid the use of an integrator circuit, It can provide good sensing quality and data return rate without increasing the circuit area, cost and power consumption, and compared with the traditional light sensing diode, the same sensing can be achieved with a smaller circuit area sensitivity. Other, In the case of low-intensity reflected light, the distance sensing device of the present invention can still provide good sensing quality.

102:偏壓電壓產生電路 102: Bias voltage generating circuit

104:淬熄電路 104: quenching circuit

106:計數器電路 106: Counter circuit

108:信號處理電路 108: Signal processing circuit

110:光源 110: light source

502:切換電路 502: switching circuit

504:讀出電路 504: readout circuit

PD1:光感測二極體 PD1: Light sensing diode

S1:光感測信號 S1: light sensing signal

C1:計數值 C1: count value

T1:光感測期間 T1: light sensing period

L1:測距光 L1: ranging light

L2:反射光 L2: reflected light

OB1:測距目標 OB1: ranging target

TH1:計數門檻值 TH1: counting threshold

SW1~SW3:開關 SW1~SW3: switch

SD1:感測值 SD1: Sensing value

S602~S610:距離感測裝置的感測方法步驟 S602~S610: Steps of the sensing method of the distance sensing device

圖1是依照本新型創作實施例的距離感測裝置的示意圖。 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a distance sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

圖2是依照本新型創作實施例的光感測信號的波形圖。 FIG. 2 is a waveform diagram of a light sensing signal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

圖3是依照本新型創作另一實施例的距離感測裝置的示意圖。 FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a distance sensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

圖4是依照本新型創作實施例的計數值與距離的關係示意圖。 Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the relationship between the count value and the distance according to the embodiment of the invention.

圖5是依照本新型創作另一實施例的距離感測裝置的示意圖。 FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a distance sensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

圖6是依照本新型創作實施例的距離感測裝置的感測方法的流程圖。 FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a sensing method of a distance sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

為了使本新型創作之內容可以被更容易明瞭，以下特舉實施例做為本新型創作確實能夠據以實施的範例。另外，凡可能之處，在圖式及實施方式中使用相同標號的元件/構件/步驟，係代表相同或類似部件。 In order to make the content of the new creation easier to understand, the following specific examples are given as examples of the real implementation of the new creation. In addition, wherever possible, elements/components/steps using the same reference numerals in the drawings and embodiments represent the same or similar parts.

以下請參照圖1，圖1是依照本新型創作一實施例所繪示的距離感測裝置的示意圖。距離感測裝置可包括偏壓電壓產生電路102、光感測二極體PD1(例如，單光子崩潰二極體Single Photon Avalanche Diode，SPAD)、淬熄(quenching)電路104、計數器電路 106、信號處理電路108以及光源110，偏壓電壓產生電路102耦接光感測二極體PD1的陰極端，淬熄電路104耦接光感測二極體PD1的陽極端。偏壓電壓產生電路102可用以提供崩潰偏壓電壓至光感測二極體PD1，而使光感測二極體PD1進入極度逆偏的狀態，如此當一光子注入光感測二極體PD1的空乏層時，可觸發光感測二極體PD1產生崩潰(avalanche)電流，而提供光感測信號S1。此外，淬熄電路104可在光感測二極體PD1提供光感測信號S1後淬熄光感測二極體PD1，以將光感測二極體PD1的陽極端電壓回復到提供光感測信號S1前的電壓，淬熄電路104為主動式或被動式，本新型創作並不限定。值得注意的是，在圖1實施例中雖僅繪示一個由光感測二極體PD1與淬熄電路104形成的光感測單元，然不以此為限，在其它實施例中，距離感測裝置可包括更多個光感測單元，例如由多個光感測單元形成的光感測單元陣列。 Please refer to FIG. 1 below. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a distance sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The distance sensing device may include a bias voltage generation circuit 102, a light sensing diode PD1 (for example, a Single Photon Avalanche Diode, SPAD), a quenching circuit 104, and a counter circuit 106 . The signal processing circuit 108 and the light source 110 . The bias voltage generating circuit 102 is coupled to the cathode terminal of the photo-sensing diode PD1 , and the quenching circuit 104 is coupled to the anode terminal of the photo-sensing diode PD1 . The bias voltage generation circuit 102 can be used to provide a breakdown bias voltage to the photo-sensing diode PD1, so that the photo-sensing diode PD1 enters an extremely reverse biased state, so that when a photon is injected into the photo-sensing diode PD1 When there is a depletion layer, the photo-sensing diode PD1 can be triggered to generate an avalanche current to provide a photo-sensing signal S1. In addition, the quenching circuit 104 can quench the photo-sensing diode PD1 after the photo-sensing diode PD1 provides the photo-sensing signal S1, so as to restore the anode terminal voltage of the photo-sensing diode PD1 to provide the photosensitive The voltage before the signal S1 is measured, and the quenching circuit 104 is active or passive, which is not limited in this invention. It should be noted that in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , although only one photo-sensing unit formed by photo-sensing diode PD1 and quenching circuit 104 is shown, it is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the distance The sensing device may include more photo-sensing units, such as a photo-sensing unit array formed by a plurality of photo-sensing units.

計數器電路106可依據光感測信號S1計數光感測二極體PD1的崩潰次數而產生計數值C1給信號處理電路108，信號處理電路108可依據計數值C1判斷光感測二極體PD1所感測到的光強度。舉例來說，如圖2所示，信號處理電路108可依據計數器電路106計數光感測期間T1光感測信號S1的脈衝數量(也就是光感測二極體PD1於光感測期間T1的崩潰次數)所得到的計數值C1，來判斷光感測二極體PD1於光感測期間T1所感測到的光強度，其中計數值C1越大代表光感測二極體PD1於光感測期間T1所感測到的光強度越強。其中光感測期間T1可例如為光感測二極 體PD1接收崩潰偏壓電壓的期間，然不以此為限，也可依使用者需求設定為其它期間，例如光源110提供測距光L1的期間、光感測二極體PD1處於逆偏狀態的期間或計數器電路106執行計數的期間。 The counter circuit 106 can count the number of breakdowns of the photo-sensing diode PD1 according to the photo-sensing signal S1 and generate a count value C1 to the signal processing circuit 108. Measured light intensity. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the signal processing circuit 108 can count the number of pulses of the photo-sensing signal S1 during the photo-sensing period T1 according to the counter circuit 106 (that is, the number of pulses of the photo-sensing diode PD1 in the photo-sensing period T1 The count value C1 obtained from the number of collapses) is used to judge the light intensity sensed by the photo-sensing diode PD1 during the light-sensing period T1. During the period T1, the sensed light intensity is stronger. The photo-sensing period T1 can be, for example, a photo-sensing diode The period during which the body PD1 receives the breakdown bias voltage is not limited to this, and other periods can also be set according to user needs, for example, the period during which the light source 110 provides the ranging light L1, and the light-sensing diode PD1 is in the reverse bias state period or the period during which the counter circuit 106 performs counting.

如圖3所示，當距離感測裝置進行距離感測時，光源110可提供測距光L1，測距光L1在被測距目標OB1反射後產生反射光L2，光源110可例如為雷射光源，然不以此為限。光感測二極體PD1可感測反射光L2而產生光感測信號S1。計數器電路106依據光感測信號S1計數光感測二極體PD1的崩潰次數而產生計數值C1給信號處理電路108。信號處理電路108則可依據計數值C1判斷距離感測裝置與測距目標OB1間的距離，其中計數值C1越大代表距離感測裝置與測距目標OB1間的距離越短。 As shown in Figure 3, when the distance sensing device performs distance sensing, the light source 110 can provide distance measuring light L1, and the distance measuring light L1 generates reflected light L2 after being reflected by the distance measuring target OB1, and the light source 110 can be, for example, a laser Light source, but not limited to this. The photo-sensing diode PD1 can sense the reflected light L2 to generate a photo-sensing signal S1. The counter circuit 106 counts the breakdown times of the photo-sensing diode PD1 according to the photo-sensing signal S1 to generate a count value C1 to the signal processing circuit 108 . The signal processing circuit 108 can determine the distance between the distance sensing device and the ranging object OB1 according to the count value C1, wherein a larger count value C1 means a shorter distance between the distance sensing device and the ranging object OB1.

如此藉由將光感測二極體PD1偏壓至極度逆偏的狀態，可提高距離感測裝置對雜訊的抵抗能力，即使在光感測二極體PD1所接收到的反射光L2具有低強度的情形下仍可準確地判斷距離感測裝置與測距目標OB1間的距離，而具有良好的感測品質。舉例來說，當光感測二極體PD1應用於鄰近感測器(proximity sensor)時，在鄰近感測器與測距目標間的距離較遠而導致光感測二極體PD1所接收到的反射光L2強度明顯下降的情形下，感測二極體PD1仍可提供高訊雜比的光感測信號S1，而可精準地判斷鄰近感測器與測距目標間的距離。此外利用計數器電路106計數光感測二極體PD1的崩潰次數所產生計數值C1來判斷距離感測裝 置與測距目標OB1間的距離，可不需設置積分器與類比數位轉換器，而可進一步縮小電路面積、降低功率消耗並降低生產成本，相較於傳統的光感測二極體，可以更小的電路面積達到相同的感測敏感度。 In this way, by biasing the photo-sensing diode PD1 to an extremely reverse-biased state, the resistance of the distance sensing device to noise can be improved, even if the reflected light L2 received by the photo-sensing diode PD1 has In the case of low intensity, the distance between the distance sensing device and the ranging object OB1 can still be accurately judged, and the sensing quality is good. For example, when the photo-sensing diode PD1 is applied to a proximity sensor, the distance between the proximity sensor and the distance measuring target is relatively long, which causes the photo-sensing diode PD1 to receive When the intensity of the reflected light L2 drops significantly, the sensing diode PD1 can still provide a light sensing signal S1 with a high signal-to-noise ratio, and can accurately determine the distance between the adjacent sensor and the ranging target. In addition, the counter circuit 106 is used to count the number of breakdowns of the photo-sensing diode PD1 to generate the count value C1 to judge the distance sensing device. It can further reduce the circuit area, reduce power consumption and reduce production cost. Compared with the traditional light sensing diode, it can be more Small circuit area achieves the same sensing sensitivity.

此外，信號處理電路108還可依據距離感測裝置與測距目標OB1間的距離判斷是否執行預設操作。其中預設操作可隨距離感測裝置的應用而有所不同，舉例來說，假設距離感測裝置為應用於手機，預設操作可例如為開啟或關閉手機的螢幕顯示，例如在距離感測裝置與測距目標OB1間的距離由大於距離門檻值變化至小於距離門檻值時，信號處理電路108可關閉手機的螢幕功能，而當距離感測裝置與測距目標OB1間的距離由小於距離門檻值變化至大於距離門檻值時，信號處理電路108可開啟手機的螢幕功能，如此可在使用者接聽電話時關閉手機的螢幕功能，並在結束通話將手機移離面部時恢復手機的螢幕功能。 In addition, the signal processing circuit 108 can also determine whether to execute a preset operation according to the distance between the distance sensing device and the ranging object OB1. Wherein the default operation can vary with the application of the distance sensing device. For example, if the distance sensing device is applied to a mobile phone, the default operation can be, for example, turning on or off the screen display of the mobile phone. When the distance between the device and the ranging object OB1 changes from greater than the distance threshold value to less than the distance threshold value, the signal processing circuit 108 can turn off the screen function of the mobile phone, and when the distance between the distance sensing device and the ranging object OB1 changes from less than the distance threshold value When the threshold value changes to be greater than the distance threshold value, the signal processing circuit 108 can turn on the screen function of the mobile phone, so that the screen function of the mobile phone can be turned off when the user answers the call, and the screen function of the mobile phone can be restored when the user ends the call and moves the mobile phone away from the face .

其中距離門檻值可如圖4所示，通過設定對應距離門檻值的計數門檻值TH1來達成，當計數值C1大於計數門檻值TH1時代表距離感測裝置與測距目標OB1間的距離小於距離門檻值，而當計數值C1小於計數門檻值TH1時代表距離感測裝置與測距目標OB1間的距離大於距離門檻值。值得注意的是，預設操作並不以開啟手機的螢幕功能為限，在其他實施例中，預設操作也可為藍牙耳機的連線功能的啟動與關閉，例如當距離感測裝置與測距目標OB1間的距離由大於距離門檻值變化至小於距離門檻值 時，信號處理電路108可開啟藍牙耳機的連線功能，以與播放裝置連線，而當距離感測裝置與測距目標OB1間的距離由小於距離門檻值變化至大於距離門檻值時，信號處理電路108可關閉藍牙耳機的連線功能，以斷開與播放裝置的連線。值得注意的是，距離門檻值的數量並不以圖4實施例為限，在其它實施例中，也可設定多個不同的距離門檻值，並依據計數值C1與多個距離門檻值間的大小關係變化設定不同的預設操作，而不以圖4實施例為限。 The distance threshold can be achieved as shown in Figure 4 by setting the counting threshold TH1 corresponding to the distance threshold. When the counting value C1 is greater than the counting threshold TH1, it means that the distance between the distance sensing device and the ranging target OB1 is less than the distance threshold value, and when the count value C1 is less than the count threshold value TH1, it means that the distance between the distance sensing device and the ranging object OB1 is greater than the distance threshold value. It is worth noting that the default operation is not limited to turning on the screen function of the mobile phone. In other embodiments, the default operation can also be the activation and deactivation of the connection function of the Bluetooth headset, for example, when the distance sensing device and the measuring device The distance from the target OB1 changes from greater than the distance threshold to less than the distance threshold , the signal processing circuit 108 can turn on the connection function of the Bluetooth headset to connect with the playback device, and when the distance between the distance sensing device and the ranging object OB1 changes from less than the distance threshold to greater than the distance threshold, the signal The processing circuit 108 can disable the connection function of the Bluetooth headset to disconnect the connection with the playback device. It should be noted that the number of distance thresholds is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. In other embodiments, a plurality of different distance thresholds can also be set, and according to the difference between the count value C1 and the plurality of distance thresholds, The variation of the size relationship sets different preset operations, and is not limited to the embodiment in FIG. 4 .

此外，在部分實施例中，信號處理電路108還可依據誤差補償計數值來校正距離感測裝置與測距目標間的距離，其中誤差補償計數值可例如包括光源110未提供測距光L1時，計數器電路106依據光感測二極體PD1提供的光感測信號S1進行計數而得到的計數值以及計數器電路106依據光感測二極體PD1感測測距目標OB1以外的物體反射測距光L1所產生的反射光(例如測距光L1因漫射效應而被距離感測裝置中的其它元件反射所產生的反射光，然不以此為限)而產生的光感測信號進行計數而得到的計數值至少其中之一。信號處理電路108可例如將計數值C1減去誤差補償計數值，以更精確地獲得對應被測距目標OB1反射後產生反射光L2的計數值，從而提高距離感測裝置的感測品質。 In addition, in some embodiments, the signal processing circuit 108 can also correct the distance between the distance sensing device and the ranging target according to the error compensation count value, wherein the error compensation count value can include, for example, when the light source 110 does not provide the distance measuring light L1 The counter circuit 106 counts the light sensing signal S1 provided by the light sensing diode PD1 to obtain the count value and the count value obtained by the counter circuit 106 according to the light sensing diode PD1 sensing the object reflection ranging from the distance measuring target OB1 The reflected light generated by the light L1 (for example, the reflected light generated by the reflection of the distance measuring light L1 by other components in the distance sensing device due to the diffusion effect, but not limited to this) is counted by the light sensing signal generated And the obtained count value is at least one of them. The signal processing circuit 108 may, for example, subtract the error compensation count value from the count value C1 to more accurately obtain the count value corresponding to the reflected light L2 generated after being reflected by the ranging object OB1, thereby improving the sensing quality of the distance sensing device.

圖5是依照本新型創作另一實施例的距離感測裝置的示意圖。在本實施例中，距離感測裝置還可包括開關SW1、切換電路502以及讀出電路504，其中開關SW1耦接於光感測二極體PD1的陽極端與淬熄電路104之間，切換電路502耦接於光感測二極 體PD1的陽極端、計數器電路106與讀出電路504之間，讀出電路504還耦接信號處理電路108。其中讀出電路504可例如以開關SW2與SW3來實施，開關SW2耦接於光感測二極體PD1的陽極端與計數器電路106之間，開關SW3耦接於光感測二極體PD1的陽極端與讀出電路504之間。 FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a distance sensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the distance sensing device may further include a switch SW1, a switching circuit 502, and a readout circuit 504, wherein the switch SW1 is coupled between the anode terminal of the photo-sensing diode PD1 and the quenching circuit 104 to switch The circuit 502 is coupled to the photo-sensing diode Between the anode terminal of the body PD1 , the counter circuit 106 and the readout circuit 504 , the readout circuit 504 is also coupled to the signal processing circuit 108 . The readout circuit 504 can be implemented, for example, by switches SW2 and SW3, the switch SW2 is coupled between the anode terminal of the photo-sensing diode PD1 and the counter circuit 106, and the switch SW3 is coupled to the anode of the photo-sensing diode PD1 Between the anode terminal and the readout circuit 504 .

信號處理電路108可依據距離感測裝置的感測模式控制開關SW1~SW3的導通狀態。例如當距離感測裝置處於高敏感度感測模式時，控制偏壓電壓產生電路102提供崩潰偏壓電壓給光感測二極體PD1的陰極端，控制開關SW1導通並控制切換電路502將光感測二極體PD1的陽極端切換連接至計數器電路106(也就是控制開關SW2導通，並控制開關SW3斷開)，以使距離感測裝置在低光照環境下也可保持良好的感測品質。而在距離感測裝置處於一般感測模式時，信號處理電路108可控制偏壓電壓產生電路102提供標準偏壓電壓至光感測二極體PD1的陰極端，控制開關SW1斷開並控制切換電路502將光感測二極體PD1的陽極端切換連接至讀出電路504(也就是控制開關SW2斷開，並控制開關SW3導通)，以使距離感測裝置適於在較高光照的環境下進行光感測。 The signal processing circuit 108 can control the conduction states of the switches SW1 - SW3 according to the sensing mode of the distance sensing device. For example, when the distance sensing device is in the high-sensitivity sensing mode, the control bias voltage generating circuit 102 provides a breakdown bias voltage to the cathode end of the photo-sensing diode PD1, and the control switch SW1 is turned on and controls the switching circuit 502 to turn the light The anode end of the sensing diode PD1 is switchably connected to the counter circuit 106 (that is, the control switch SW2 is turned on, and the control switch SW3 is turned off), so that the distance sensing device can maintain good sensing quality even in low-light environments . When the distance sensing device is in the normal sensing mode, the signal processing circuit 108 can control the bias voltage generating circuit 102 to provide a standard bias voltage to the cathode end of the photo-sensing diode PD1, control the switch SW1 to turn off and control the switching The circuit 502 switches and connects the anode end of the photo-sensing diode PD1 to the readout circuit 504 (that is, the control switch SW2 is turned off, and the control switch SW3 is turned on), so that the distance sensing device is suitable for use in a relatively high-light environment. Under light sensing.

其中標準偏壓電壓小於崩潰偏壓電壓，標準偏壓電壓可使光感測二極體PD1進入正偏但未導通的狀態或逆偏狀態但未達進入極度逆偏的狀態，也就是說光感測二極體PD1此時不具有單光子雪崩二極體的特性。讀出電路504可例如包括積分器與類比 數位轉換器，積分器可對光感測二極體PD1提供的光感測信號進行積分操作而產生積分信號，類比數位轉換器可將積分信號轉換為數位信號而產生感測值SD1給信號處理電路108。如此在不同的光照環境下將光感測二極體PD1切換接至計數器電路106或讀出電路504，可擴大距離感測裝置進行光感測的光強度適用範圍，而提高距離感測裝置的使用便利性。 Wherein the standard bias voltage is less than the collapse bias voltage, the standard bias voltage can make the light-sensing diode PD1 enter a state of forward bias but not conducting or a state of reverse bias but not enter an extremely reverse bias state, that is to say The sensing diode PD1 does not have the characteristics of a single photon avalanche diode at this time. Readout circuitry 504 may, for example, include an integrator and an analog Digital converter, the integrator can integrate the light sensing signal provided by the light sensing diode PD1 to generate an integral signal, and the analog-to-digital converter can convert the integral signal into a digital signal to generate a sensing value SD1 for signal processing circuit 108. In this way, switching the light sensing diode PD1 to the counter circuit 106 or the readout circuit 504 under different lighting environments can expand the applicable range of light intensity of the distance sensing device for light sensing, and improve the distance sensing device. Ease of use.

圖6是依照本新型創作實施例的距離感測裝置的感測方法的流程圖。由上述實施例可知，距離感測裝置的感測方法可至少包括下列步驟。首先，提供測距光至測距目標而產生反射光(步驟S602)。然後，提供崩潰偏壓電壓至光感測二極體(步驟S604)。接著，於光感測期間依據光感測二極體在接收崩潰偏壓電壓時感測反射光而產生的光感測信號計數光感測二極體的崩潰次數而產生計數值(步驟S606)。之後，依據計數值判斷距離感測裝置與測距目標間的距離(步驟S608)。在部分實施例中，還可依據誤差補償計數值與計數值判斷距離感測裝置與測距目標間的距離，例如將計數值減去誤差補償計數值，以校正距離感測裝置的感測結果。其中誤差補償計數值可例如包括光源未提供測距光時，依據光感測二極體提供的光感測信號進行計數而得到的計數值以及依據光感測二極體感測測距目標以外的物體反射測距光所產生的反射光而產生的光感測信號進行計數而得到的計數值至少其中之一。然後，依據距離感測裝置與測距目標間的距離判斷是否執行 預設操作(步驟S610)，例如可依據距離感測裝置與測距目標間的距離以及距離門檻值判斷是否執行預設操作。 FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a sensing method of a distance sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It can be known from the above embodiments that the sensing method of the distance sensing device may at least include the following steps. Firstly, a ranging light is provided to a ranging target to generate reflected light (step S602 ). Then, provide a breakdown bias voltage to the photo-sensing diode (step S604). Next, during the photo-sensing period, according to the photo-sensing signal generated by the photo-sensing diode sensing reflected light when receiving the breakdown bias voltage, counting the breakdown times of the photo-sensing diode to generate a count value (step S606) . Afterwards, the distance between the distance sensing device and the distance measuring target is determined according to the count value (step S608 ). In some embodiments, the distance between the distance sensing device and the distance measurement target can be determined according to the error compensation count value and the count value, for example, the count value is subtracted from the error compensation count value to correct the sensing result of the distance sensing device . The error compensation count value may, for example, include the count value obtained by counting the light sensing signal provided by the light sensing diode when the light source does not provide the distance measuring light, and the count value obtained by sensing the distance from the distance measuring target based on the light sensing diode. At least one of the count values is obtained by counting the light sensing signal generated by the reflected light generated by the object reflecting the ranging light. Then, according to the distance between the distance sensing device and the ranging target, it is judged whether to execute For the preset operation (step S610 ), for example, it may be determined whether to execute the preset operation according to the distance between the distance sensing device and the ranging object and the distance threshold.

綜上所述，本新型創作實施例的光感測二極體可接收崩潰偏壓電壓並進行光感測而產生光感測信號，計數器電路可依據光感測信號計數光感測二極體的崩潰次數而產生計數值，信號處理電路依據計數值判斷距離感測裝置與測距目標間的距離。如此利用在極度逆偏狀態下的光感測二極體來進行光感測，並利用計數器電路的計數值來計算光感測二極體所感測到的光強度，可避免使用積分器電路，可在不增加電路面積、成本以及功耗的情形下，提供良好的感測品質以及資料回報速率，且相較於傳統的光感測二極體，可以更小的電路面積達到相同的感測敏感度。另，在低強度的反射光的情形下，本發明之距離感測裝置仍可提供良好的感測品質。 To sum up, the photo-sensing diodes in the embodiment of the present invention can receive the breakdown bias voltage and perform photo-sensing to generate photo-sensing signals, and the counter circuit can count the photo-sensing diodes according to the photo-sensing signals The number of crashes generates a count value, and the signal processing circuit judges the distance between the distance sensing device and the ranging target according to the count value. In this way, light sensing is performed by using the photo-sensing diode in an extremely reverse-biased state, and the count value of the counter circuit is used to calculate the light intensity sensed by the photo-sensing diode, which can avoid the use of an integrator circuit, It can provide good sensing quality and data return rate without increasing the circuit area, cost and power consumption, and compared with the traditional light sensing diode, the same sensing can be achieved with a smaller circuit area sensitivity. In addition, in the case of low-intensity reflected light, the distance sensing device of the present invention can still provide good sensing quality.

雖然本新型創作已以實施例揭露如上，然其並非用以限定本新型創作，任何所屬技術領域中具有通常知識者，在不脫離本新型創作的精神和範圍內，當可作些許的更動與潤飾，故本新型創作的保護範圍當視後附的申請專利範圍所界定者為準。 Although the present invention has been disclosed above with the embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field can make some changes and changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Retouching, so the scope of protection of this new type of creation should be defined by the scope of the attached patent application.

102:偏壓電壓產生電路 102: Bias voltage generating circuit

104:淬熄電路 104: quenching circuit

106:計數器電路 106: Counter circuit

108:信號處理電路 108: Signal processing circuit

110:光源 110: light source

PD1:光感測二極體 PD1: Light sensing diode

S1:光感測信號 S1: light sensing signal

C1:計數值 C1: count value

Claims (9)

一種距離感測裝置，包括： 一光源，提供一測距光至一測距目標而產生一反射光； 一偏壓電壓產生電路，提供一崩潰偏壓電壓或一標準偏壓電壓； 一光感測二極體，其陰極端耦接該偏壓電壓產生電路，感測該反射光而產生一光感測信號； 一淬熄電路，耦接該光感測二極體的陽極端，淬熄該光感測二極體； 一計數器電路，耦接該光感測二極體的陽極端，於一光感測期間依據該光感測二極體在接收該崩潰偏壓電壓時產生的該光感測信號計數該光感測二極體的崩潰次數而產生一計數值；以及 一信號處理電路，耦接該計數器電路，依據該計數值判斷該距離感測裝置與該測距目標間的距離。 A distance sensing device, comprising: A light source that provides a ranging light to a ranging target to generate a reflected light; A bias voltage generating circuit, providing a breakdown bias voltage or a standard bias voltage; A photo-sensing diode, the cathode end of which is coupled to the bias voltage generating circuit, senses the reflected light and generates a photo-sensing signal; a quenching circuit, coupled to the anode terminal of the photo-sensing diode, quenching the photo-sensing diode; A counter circuit, coupled to the anode terminal of the photo-sensing diode, counts the photo-sensing signal during a photo-sensing period according to the photo-sensing signal generated by the photo-sensing diode when receiving the breakdown bias voltage generating a count value by measuring the number of breakdowns of the diode; and A signal processing circuit, coupled to the counter circuit, judges the distance between the distance sensing device and the distance measuring target according to the count value. 如請求項1所述的距離感測裝置，其中該信號處理電路還依據一誤差補償計數值與該計數值判斷該距離感測裝置與該測距目標間的距離。The distance sensing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signal processing circuit further determines the distance between the distance sensing device and the ranging target according to an error compensation count value and the count value. 如請求項2所述的距離感測裝置，其中該誤差補償計數值包括於該光源未提供該測距光時，該計數器電路依據該光感測二極體提供的該光感測信號進行計數而得到的計數值。The distance sensing device according to claim 2, wherein the error compensation count value includes counting by the counter circuit according to the light sensing signal provided by the light sensing diode when the light source does not provide the distance measuring light And the count value obtained. 如請求項2所述的距離感測裝置，其中該誤差補償計數值包括該計數器電路依據該光感測二極體感測該測距目標以外的物體反射該測距光所產生的反射光而產生的光感測信號，進行計數而得到的計數值。The distance sensing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the error compensation count value includes the counter circuit based on the reflected light generated by the light-sensing diode sensing the distance-measuring light reflected by objects other than the distance-measuring target The generated light sensing signal is counted to obtain the count value. 如請求項2所述的距離感測裝置，其中該信號處理電路將該計數值減去該誤差補償計數值以補償該計數值，並依據經補償的該計數值判斷該距離感測裝置與該測距目標間的距離。The distance sensing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the signal processing circuit subtracts the error compensation count value from the count value to compensate the count value, and judges whether the distance sensing device is compatible with the distance sensing device according to the compensated count value Measure the distance between objects. 如請求項1所述的距離感測裝置，其中該信號處理電路還依據該距離感測裝置與該測距目標間的距離以及一距離門檻值判斷是否執行一預設操作。The distance sensing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signal processing circuit further judges whether to execute a preset operation according to the distance between the distance sensing device and the ranging object and a distance threshold. 如請求項1所述的距離感測裝置，還包括： 一第一開關，耦接於該光感測二極體的陽極端與該淬熄電路之間； 一切換電路，耦接於該光感測二極體的陽極端與該計數器電路之間；以及 一讀出電路，耦接於該切換電路與該信號處理電路之間，對該光感測信號進行積分操作，以產生一感測值給該信號處理電路，該信號處理電路於該距離感測裝置處於一高敏感度感測模式時，控制該偏壓電壓產生電路提供該崩潰偏壓電壓至該光感測二極體的陰極端，控制該第一開關導通並控制該切換電路將該光感測二極體的陽極端切換連接至該計數器電路，於該距離感測裝置處於一一般感測模式時，控制該偏壓電壓產生電路提供該標準偏壓電壓至該光感測二極體的陰極端，並控制該第一開關斷開控制該切換電路將該光感測二極體的陽極端切換連接至該讀出電路，其中該標準偏壓電壓小於該崩潰偏壓電壓。 The distance sensing device as described in claim 1, further comprising: a first switch, coupled between the anode terminal of the light sensing diode and the quenching circuit; a switching circuit, coupled between the anode terminal of the photo-sensing diode and the counter circuit; and A readout circuit, coupled between the switching circuit and the signal processing circuit, integrates the light sensing signal to generate a sensing value for the signal processing circuit, and the signal processing circuit senses the distance When the device is in a high-sensitivity sensing mode, control the bias voltage generating circuit to provide the breakdown bias voltage to the cathode end of the photo-sensing diode, control the first switch to turn on and control the switching circuit to turn the light The anode end of the sensing diode is switchably connected to the counter circuit, and when the distance sensing device is in a normal sensing mode, the bias voltage generating circuit is controlled to provide the standard bias voltage to the light sensing diode and control the first switch to turn off and control the switch circuit to switch and connect the anode end of the photo-sensing diode to the readout circuit, wherein the standard bias voltage is less than the breakdown bias voltage. 如請求項7所述的距離感測裝置，其中該切換電路包括： 一第二開關，耦接於該光感測二極體的陽極端與該計數器電路之間，受控於該信號處理電路而於該高敏感度感測模式中導通，並於該一般感測模式中斷開；以及 一第三開關，耦接於該光感測二極體的陽極端與該讀出電路之間，受控於該信號處理電路而於該一般感測模式中導通，並於該高敏感度感測模式中斷開。 The distance sensing device as claimed in item 7, wherein the switching circuit includes: A second switch, coupled between the anode terminal of the photo-sensing diode and the counter circuit, is controlled by the signal processing circuit to conduct in the high-sensitivity sensing mode, and in the normal sensing mode disconnected; and A third switch, coupled between the anode terminal of the photo-sensing diode and the readout circuit, is controlled by the signal processing circuit to conduct in the normal sensing mode, and in the high-sensitivity sensing mode disconnected in test mode. 如請求項1所述的距離感測裝置，其中該光源包括雷射光源。The distance sensing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a laser light source.
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