Method for processing an echo profile and a pulse-echo ranging system

摘要

Pulse-echo ranging system are used in level measurement applications for determining the distance to a target object by measuring how long after transmission of a pulse an echo pulse is received. An echo profile is generated and then processed to determine the temporal position of the echo pulse on a temporal axis. Based on the fact that the peak portion and the trailing edge of the echo profile are susceptible to be affected by the measurement environment and the target object itself, the accuracy in determining the echo arrival time is increased, by the steps of fitting a branch of a parabola to a selected portion of the leading edge of the echo profile and determining the temporal position of the fitted parabola on the temporal axis.