Ultrasonic-wave propagation-time measuring method, gas-pressure measuring method, gas-flow rate measuring method, and gas sensor

Abstract

An ultrasonic-wave propagation time measuring method which enables determination of accurate propagation time, a gas-pressure measuring method, a gas-flow-rate measuring method, and a gas sensor. A reception wave which has been transmitted and received by an ultrasonic element 5 is shaped and integrated by an integration circuit 67 to obtain an integral value. A peak value of the integral value is held by a peak-hold circuit 39. As to detection of gas concentration, a resistance-voltage-division circuit 41 sets a reference value on the basis of the peak value, and a point in time when the integral value of the reception wave is judged by a comparator 43 to have reached the reference value is regarded as an arrival time. Subsequently, a gas concentration is detected on the basis of a period between the emission time and the arrival time. As to detection of gas pressure and flow rate, the gas pressure is detected on the basis of the peak value, and further, the gas flow rate is calculated on the basis of the gas pressure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.