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Ultrasonic detection device to determine interference source by an additional reception mode

  • US 10,234,548 B2
  • Filed: 05/13/2015
  • Issued: 03/19/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/14/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An ultrasonic detection method for an ultrasonic detection device that includes a processor and a transceiver module operable in a plurality of reception modes, the method comprising:

  • generating via the processor a first instruction signal to cause the transceiver module of the ultrasonic detection device to enter a first reception mode that is operable to receive external signals from an environment monitored by the ultrasonic detection device, wherein the transceiver module is operable in the first reception mode for a preset time and without transmitting a detection wave, wherein the external signals comprise interference signals and reflections of detection waves transmitted by the transceiver and reflected off objects in the environment;

    receiving a first external signal from the environment with the transceiver module in the first reception mode;

    in response to the transceiver module receiving the first external signal from the environment monitored by the ultrasonic detection device while in the first reception mode, analyzing, by the processor, the first external signal based on whether the first external signal has a frequency that is greater than or equal to a threshold indicative of an interference source separate from the ultrasonic detection device;

    determining, by the processor, whether the interference source is present based on the processor'"'"'s analysis of the first external signal;

    in response to the analysis indicating that the first external signal has a frequency that is greater than the threshold indicative of the interference source separate from the ultrasonic detection device, generating via the processor, a second instruction signal to cause the transceiver module to again enter the first reception mode;

    in response to (i) the preset time of the transceiver module operating in the first reception mode elapsing and (ii) the transceiver module not receiving any external signals or the analysis indicating that the first external signal has a frequency that is less or equal to than a threshold indicative of the interference source not being present, generating via the processor a third instruction signal to cause the transceiver module to run a detection operation;

    wherein the detection operation causes the transceiver module of the ultrasonic detection device to switch between a transmission mode and a second reception mode;

    wherein the transmission mode transmits a detection wave and wherein the second reception mode receives a second external signal; and

    calculating, by the processor, a Time of Flight between transmission of the detection wave and reception of the second external signal, so as to obtain a detection distance between the ultrasonic detection device and a target object in the environment.

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