Patent ID: 7821872
Filing Date: 2010-10-26
Classification: G01S,G10K

Abstract:
1. A method for transmitting an ultrasonic wave by using an ultrasonic sensor including a plurality of transmission elements each having a transmission surface for ultrasonic wave transmission, the plurality of transmission surfaces being arranged in an array, the ultrasonic sensor further including a reception element for receiving and sensing the ultrasonic wave reflected by an object, the method comprising: selecting a first combination of transmission elements from among the plurality of transmission elements so that the first combination of transmission elements includes at least two transmission elements adjacent to each other, wherein vibrating the transmission surfaces of the first combination of transmission elements in a substantially same phase so that the transmission surfaces of the first combination vibrate in an integral manner, and thereby, transmitting the ultrasonic wave with a first directivity while preventing vibration conduction between one transmission element and another transmission element by using a vibration damping member that wherein each of the plurality of transmission elements is configured to individually vibrate to thereby transmit the ultrasonic wave with a second directivity, and wherein the second directivity is different from the first directivity.