Ultrasonic level, on-board diagnostic assessment
US8583387B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 24, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/02836
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for performing a diagnostic assessment of an ultrasonic sensor that measures a fluid level. A PWM signal is generated based on a reflection of an ultrasonic signal output by the ultrasonic sensor. The PWM has a period, and a plurality of pulses. Each pulse encodes a predetermined parameter and has a width. The PWM signal encodes the fluid level, fluid temperature, fluid speed of sound, and a status of the ultrasonic transducer. The PWM signal is received at a processor. The processor performs the diagnostic assessment of the ultrasonic sensor based on the period of the PWM signal and the widths of the plurality of pulses of the PWM signal. The processor is able to detect time reference shifts by assessing the PWM signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.