Recursive multi-model echo curve simulation

A computing device, comprising:

• a processor having associated memory storing an echo simulation algorithm including a (i) a parametrized model of an echo reflection responsive to a transmitted radar pulse launched by a pulsed radar gauge (PRG) including a transceiver coupled by a process connection to a probe installed on a tank into said tank defined by an initial spatial model function with function parameters including a signal amplitude as a function of distance, a width and a spatial attenuation, a first signal model comprising a damping factor modeling said radar pulse traveling through each media in its signal path, and a second signal model modeling a magnitude of a transmission and a magnitude of a reflection of said radar pulse striking boundaries involving said media (media boundaries), and (ii) an echo curve calculation (ECC) program, said ECC program:
• dividing said signal path into a plurality of signal path components for said transmitted radar pulse using said first signal model together with said second signal model as a recursive executing program with stop conditions which whenever one of said stop conditions is reached provides an end result for ones of said plurality of signal path components that for reflected signals that reach said transceiver taken together include locations of reflections and their respective amplitudes, and
• placing a shape of said initial spatial model function at each of said locations of reflections using said respective amplitudes applied to size their amplitude to generate a simulated echo curve.

A computer program product, comprising:

• a memory that includes program instructions executable by a processor to enable said processor to execute a method of simulating pulse echo curves generated by a pulsed radar gauge (PRG) that includes a transceiver coupled by a process connection to a probe installed on a tank, said memory storing an echo simulation algorithm including (i) a parametrized model of an echo reflection responsive to a transmitted radar pulse launched by said pulsed radar gauge (PRG) into said tank defined by an initial spatial model function with function parameters including a signal amplitude as a function of distance, a width and a spatial attenuation, a first signal model comprising a damping factor modeling said radar pulse traveling through each media in its signal path, and a second signal model modeling a magnitude of a transmission and a magnitude of a reflection of said radar pulse striking boundaries involving said media (media boundaries), and (ii) an echo curve calculation (ECC) program, said computer program product including ECC code including:
• code for dividing said signal path into a plurality of signal path components for said transmitted radar pulse using said first signal model together with said second signal model as a recursive executing program with stop conditions which whenever one of said stop conditions is reached provides an end result for ones of said plurality of signal path components that taken together for reflected signals that reach said transceiver include locations of reflections and their respective amplitudes, and
• code for placing a shape of said initial spatial model function at each of said locations of reflections using said respective amplitudes applied to size their amplitude to generate a simulated echo curve.