Ultrasound obstacle detecting process
First Claim
1. Process for detecting obstacles by means of emitted radiation pulses, comprising the steps of:
- emitting at least a radiation pulse during successive measuring cycles, from at least one ultrasound emitter unit;
detecting reflected radiation by means of at least a corresponding receiver unit, and forming measured echograms in successive measuring cycles; and
forming analysis echograms based on evaluation of said measured echograms, each of said analysis echograms being formed by modification of a previous analysis echogram in response to information contained in a newly formed measured echogram;
wherein echo envelope curve amplitudes in a preceding analysis echogram are increased at points at which amplitudes in a newly formed measured echogram are higher than a first threshold value, and are decreased at points at which said amplitudes are less than a second threshold value.
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Abstract
The invention provides a process and apparatus for the detection of obstacles by means of ultrasound waves having an enhanced ability to distinguish between echoes caused by obstacles and those caused by interference signals. Ultrasound pulses are emitted by an ultrasound transmitter unit, and are received by an associated ultrasound receiver unit. (A plurality of such transmitters and receives may also be used.) Ultrasound echoes detected by the receiver units are used to form echograms in which detected echoes are projected. The echogram thus measured is used to generate an analysis echogram, based on information contained in the measured echograms. In particular, the most recent analysis echogram is modified depending on the size and location of echoes contained in the measured echogram. Signals contained in the analysis echogram are then compared with predetermined threshold values to distinguish between echoes reflected from obstacles and echoes due to interference.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. Process for detecting obstacles by means of emitted radiation pulses, comprising the steps of:
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emitting at least a radiation pulse during successive measuring cycles, from at least one ultrasound emitter unit; detecting reflected radiation by means of at least a corresponding receiver unit, and forming measured echograms in successive measuring cycles; and forming analysis echograms based on evaluation of said measured echograms, each of said analysis echograms being formed by modification of a previous analysis echogram in response to information contained in a newly formed measured echogram; wherein echo envelope curve amplitudes in a preceding analysis echogram are increased at points at which amplitudes in a newly formed measured echogram are higher than a first threshold value, and are decreased at points at which said amplitudes are less than a second threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. Apparatus for detecting obstacles by means of emitted radiation, comprising:
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at least one emitter unit for emitting radiation pulses during successive measuring cycles; at least one receiver unit for detecting reflected radiation from pulses emitted by said at least one emitter unit; means for forming measured echograms from said reflected radiation in successive measuring cycles; and means for forming analysis echograms based on evaluation of said measured echograms, each of said analysis echograms being formed by modification of a previous analysis echogram based on information contained in a newly formed measured echogram; wherein echo envelope curve amplitudes in a preceding analysis echogram are increased at points at which amplitudes in a newly formed measured echogram are higher than a first threshold value, and are decreased at points at which said amplitudes are less than a second threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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Specification