Abstract: A digital multimeter includes a body having a function selector and a first coupler and includes a head having a display and a second coupler. The function selector selects a parameter to be measured, and the display displays a measurement corresponding to the parameter to be measured. The first and second couplers are engaged in a first arrangement joining the body and the head, and the first and second couplers are disengaged in a second arrangement separating the body and the head.

Abstract: An electrode structure of a biosensor includes a flexible conductive substrate and a plurality of conductive probes protruding from the conductive substrate and configured for contacting a subject and receiving a physiological electric wave signal therefrom. The present invention improves disadvantages of wet electrodes and microstructure electrodes and provides more stable signals that may less decay with time so as to achieve real-time and long-acting measurement for physiological electric wave signal. A biosensor using the electrode structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A high frequency current transformer (HFCT) sensor for detecting partial discharges produced by a component is disclosed. The HFCT sensor includes at least one electrically conductive pattern formed on a substrate, where the substrate comprises multiple segmented regions connected by intermediate regions for folding along multiple fold lines between the segmented regions to form the HFCT sensor. A system for monitoring at least one component of an aircraft wiring system is also disclosed. The monitoring system includes at least one of the HFCT sensors for detecting partial discharges produced by the aircraft wiring system component. The monitoring system further includes a data acquisition system configured to monitoring signals from the HFCT sensor(s).

Abstract: Methods and systems to detect droop events on-chip, which may include a sensor circuit located adjacent to a voltage node to convert a corresponding voltage to a digital count or value indicative of the voltage. The sensor circuit may include an n-stage ring oscillator and an asynchronous counter. The sensor circuit may include circuitry to capture and convert a phase associated with a count to a binary fractional value to increase voltage resolution. Multiple counts associated with the node may be evaluated at the node to identify minimum and maximum counts and corresponding time stamps. More complex evaluation and control circuitry may be shared amongst a plurality of sensor circuits and may include circuitry to generate and compare counts to one or more variable thresholds, circuitry to average counts over time, and memory to store state values associated with the sensors.

Abstract: A magneto-resistive resistor for use in sensors for determining alignment of the sensor relative to a homogeneous magnetic field include an anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) strip having a longitudinal extent and a first and second edge along the longitudinal extent. The first and second edge have a shape along the longitudinal extent such that the direction of current flowing through the strip varies continuously along the longitudinal extent of the strip. The shape of the first and second edges produce a resistance determining angle with respect to the homogeneous magnetic field, the angle varying throughout the length of the strip and filtering out harmonics. A sensor bridge comprising at least one AMR resistor pair, each resistor electrically connected to the other resistor, a positive input contact and a negative input, and an output voltage tap electrically connected between the resistors in each resistor pair.

Abstract: Provided is a rotation angle detecting device with high detection accuracy, which can be structured with a small number of teeth even if a shaft angle multiplier increases, thus enhancing winding workability and becoming suitable for mass production.

Abstract: A metal detector (40) used for identifying contaminants in packages (49, 50, 51) introduced into the metal detector by a conveyor. The detector (40) includes coils (1), a search head (2) and an analog to digital converter (3) that generates a reactive signal (13) and a resistive signal (14) in response to the presence of a contaminant in the region of the coils. A high pass filter (4) receives the reactive and resistive signals (13, 14). During a learning mode a sample product is introduced into the metal detector (40) to provide a representative product effect signal which is stored by the reactive learn memory (19) and the resistive learn memory (28). The learn memory values (29, 32) are forwarded to reference processors (20, 35) to provide a reference value which is subtracted from each product signal during a normal production cycle, thereby canceling the product effect caused by each individual package as it passes through the metal detector.

Abstract: In a magnetic sensor module, using die-bond resin as a joining material, a Z-axis magnetic sensor is mounted onto a substrate having a wire formed on its principal surface. The Z-axis magnetic sensor having electrode pads formed on its bottom surface is tilted by 90 degrees and mounted onto the substrate. Therefore, the electrode pads are positioned at a side surface thereof. A joining material accommodation area which the die-bond resin can fill is provided at the surface of the Z-axis magnetic sensor opposing the principal surface of the substrate. This joining material accommodation area has a grooved structure. At the surface of the Z-axis magnetic sensor opposing the principal surface of the substrate, the grooved structure is provided at an end portion near the wire formed on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a probe-type SQUID system to detect magnetic particles stored in the living organisms or magnetic-labeling indicators for immunoassays and tumor or other applications. The probe-type SQUID system comprises a probe union, a SQUID union and a connecting electrically conducting wires such as copper wires, wherein the probe union is coupled with a cooling module such as TE cooler module to avoid power heating so that the probe can approach to the living organism to detect magnetic particles with high-sensitivity.

Abstract: Provided is a magnetic sensor circuit of low power consumption, in which a magnetic detection level less depends on a resistance value of an internal resistor of a power source. A comparator circuit compares a voltage which is based on a magnetic field and generated after sampling under a state in which power is supplied to mainly a Hall element and an amplifier circuit to drop a power supply voltage, with a reference voltage after sampling under the same state. Both the voltages are generated based on the power supply voltage dropped by an internal resistor. Therefore, the magnetic detection level less depends on a resistance value of the internal resistor. The comparator circuit may be disabled during a sample period, and the Hall element and the amplifier circuit may be disabled during a comparison period, and hence power consumption of the magnetic sensor circuit is reduced by corresponding power.

Abstract: Magnetic field sensors have a magnetic field sensing element and also a feedback circuit to provide a gain-adjustment signal to affect a sensitivity associated with the magnetic field sensing element. In some arrangements, the feedback circuit can include piezoresistors to sense a strain of a substrate over which the magnetic field sensor is disposed. With these arrangements, the feedback circuit can generate the gain-adjustment signal in accordance with the sensed strain. In other arrangements, the feedback circuit can generate pulsed magnetic fields proximate to the magnetic field sensing element in order to directly measure the sensitivity of the magnetic field sensing element. With these arrangements, the feedback circuit can generate the gain-adjustment signal in accordance with the sensed sensitivity.

Abstract: Three bridge circuits (101, 111, 121), each include magnetoresistive sensors coupled as a Wheatstone bridge (100) to sense a magnetic field (160) in three orthogonal directions (110, 120, 130) that are set with a single pinning material deposition and bulk wafer setting procedure. One of the three bridge circuits (121) includes a first magnetoresistive sensor (141) comprising a first sensing element (122) disposed on a pinned layer (126), the first sensing element (122) having first and second edges and first and second sides, and a first flux guide (132) disposed non-parallel to the first side of the substrate and having an end that is proximate to the first edge and on the first side of the first sensing element (122). An optional second flux guide (136) may be disposed non-parallel to the first side of the substrate and having an end that is proximate to the second edge and the second side of the first sensing element (122).

Abstract: A patient positioning couch for a combined medical examination device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, at least one opening is provided in a support plate of the patient positioning couch and the patient positioning couch includes at least one conveyor belt in order to move a patient on the support plate in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A “proton precession magnetometer sensor capable of all-direction measurement” according to the present invention, in which frequency of current induced in a coil by flowing and then breaking current in the coil is measured to calculate strength of an external magnetic field, is characterized in that the coil is a toroid coil. Alternatively, the coil may be achieved by two solenoid coils connected perpendicularly, or N solenoid coils connected in the form of a polygon, where N is an integer of 3 or more. The proton precession magnetometer sensor is capable of measuring the external magnetic field in all directions since there is no dead band, and is convenient since there is no need of adjusting the sensor to a certain direction when measuring magnetic force. Further, the present invention will bring accumulation of key original technology applicable to various cases in practice through development of improved impedance matching and power consumption optimization in future practice.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically gating an imaging device is disclosed. Physiological process information of a patient may be derived from a plethysmographic signal, for example, by analyzing the plethysmographic signal transformed by a continuous wavelet transform. Other techniques for deriving physiological process information of a patient include, for example, analyzing a scalogram derived from the continuous wavelet transform. The physiological process information may be used to automatically gate imaging data acquired from an imaging device in order to synchronize the imaging data with the physiological process information.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for calibrating an emission tomography subsystem in a combined MR (magnetic resonance) and emission tomography imaging system. In at least one embodiment, the method includes providing a phantom that is configured such that the phantom is visible on a MR image, providing an attenuation map of the phantom, wherein the attenuation map includes an attenuation of the phantom, obtaining the MR image of the phantom, obtaining a position of the phantom from the MR image, mapping the attenuation map with the position of the phantom, and calibrating the emission tomography subsystem using the attenuation map mapped with the position of the phantom.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus for acquiring k-space data from a deformable imaging region of a subject and generating image data of the imaging region at the time of being deformed to a predetermined state, based on the acquired k-space data, includes a gradient coil for applying a gradient magnetic field in a phase encoding direction, and an image data calculation device for calculating a numeric value for defining a relationship between the imaging region at the time of being deformed to the predetermined state and the imaging region at an nth phase encoding and calculating image data of the imaging region at the time of being deformed to the predetermined state, based on the calculated numeric value and the k-space data acquired from the imaging region.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes z segments which divide a ky-kz plane. The z segments includes data located therein. The ky-kz plane is divided into z center-in regions and z center-out regions by a plurality of lines extending radially from a center of the ky-kz plane. The z center-in regions have data located therein in accordance with first trajectories which proceed toward the center of the ky-kz plane. The z center-out regions have data located therein in accordance with second trajectories which proceed in a direction spaced away from the center of the ky-kz plane. Each of the z segments has one center-in region of the z center-in regions and one center-out region of the z center-out regions. Each of the z segments is defined in which after data have been located in said one center-in region in accordance with the first trajectory, data are located in said one center-out region in accordance with the second trajectory.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multilevel inverter for generating an AC output voltage, having at least seven potential levels, from a DC voltage source such that the generated AC voltage produces a current in a gradient coil of a magnetic resonance imaging system is provided.

Abstract: Nuclear Magnetic Resonant Imaging (also called Magnetic Resonant Imaging or “MRI”) devices which are implantable, internal or insertable are provided. The disclosure describes ways to miniaturize, simplify, calibrate, cool, and increase the utility of MRI systems for structural investigative purposes, and for biological investigation and potential treatment. It teaches use of target objects of fixed size, shape and position for calibration and comparison to obtain accurate images. It further teaches cooling of objects under test by electrically conductive leads or electrically isolated leads; varying the magnetic field of the probe to move chemicals or ferrous metallic objects within the subject. The invention also teaches comparison of objects using review of the frequency components of a received signal rather than by a pictorial representation.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus including a radio-frequency (RF) phased coil array for a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging apparatus that includes a first RF coil element tuned to a first frequency and configured to receive MR signals and a second RF coil element tuned to a second frequency different than the first frequency and configured to receive MR signals.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a magnetic resonance data acquisition unit and a cerebrospinal fluid image data generation unit. The magnetic resonance data acquisition unit consecutively acquires a plurality of magnetic resonance data for generating a plurality of cerebrospinal fluid image data, each corresponding to a different data acquisition time, after a labeling pulse is applied. The cerebrospinal fluid image data generation unit generates the plurality of cerebrospinal fluid image data based on the plurality of magnetic resonance data.

Abstract: To provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus capable of acquiring a non-contrast MRA image in which a background signal is sufficiently suppressed in a shorter time. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus has: a data acquiring unit that acquires a plurality of pieces of magnetic resonance data associated with a plurality of different delay times according to a pulse sequence in which a region-selective saturation pulse is first applied, a region-non-selective inversion recovery pulse is then applied, and then the magnetic resonance data is acquired, the delay time being defined as a period from a time of application of the saturation pulse to a time of start of acquisition of the magnetic resonance data; and a blood flow image creating unit that creates a plurality of pieces of blood flow image data associated with the plurality of different delay times using the magnetic resonance data.

Abstract: An object is to enhance usability of parameter check when an imaging parameter is changed in multistation imaging, and easily obtain a desired image with high quality. In the multistation imaging, it is determined in a lump before imaging whether an image having desired quality is obtained by using the changed value of the imaging parameter, and the result is presented to an operator. The determination is executed in the order of “possible or impossible” determination of execution of imaging itself and “possible or impossible” determination of combination of obtained images. When it is determined that it is impossible to execute the imaging itself, the determination processing is finished. At this time, a recommended value may be presented.

Abstract: An Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) apparatus includes a static magnetic-field magnet that generates a static magnetic field in an imaging area in which a subject is to be placed; a main coil that is provided on the inner side of the static magnetic-field magnet, and applies a gradient magnetic field onto a subject placed in the static magnetic field; and a shield coil that is provided between the static magnetic-field magnet and the main coil, and shields a gradient magnetic field generated by the main coil. Moreover, a Radio Frequency (RF) coil side cooling system including a plurality of cooling pipes that circulates a coolant in pipe is provided on the inner side of the main coil.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance system is disclosed, with a tunnel for accommodating an object under investigation and at least one local coil array. In at least one embodiment, the local coil array is arranged in a fixed position within the tunnel and in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic resonance system, where the geometry of the local coil array, in particular its diameter, can be altered. In at least one embodiment, for the purpose of arranging the local coil array on the patient's body, at least a proportion of the coils of the local coil array is attached to a fixture the volume of which can be altered, either hydraulically or pneumatically. The fixture is subdivided into chambers, the volumes of which can be altered separately in order to realize a bending of the fixture.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a gradient coil and a coil cooling pipe. The gradient coil applies a gradient magnetic field onto a subject placed in a static magnetic field. The coil cooling pipe is provided to the gradient coil, and cools the gradient coil by circulating a coolant inside pipe. The coil cooling pipe is provided so as to extend from one end of the gradient coil in the direction toward the other end, then to bend, and to return to the one end along the shape of the gradient coil.

Abstract: A RF coil for use with a resonance imaging device, the RF coil comprises a conductor comprising a first conductive region, a second conductive region substantially isolated from the first portion along its length, and at least one coupling portion adjacent to ends of the first and second portions and configured to electrically couple the first and second portions at a first predetermined frequency. The coil further includes a dielectric substrate supporting the conductor. The RF coil is configured to perform one of excitation, detection, reception, or a combination thereof. A method of using one or more RF coil is further disclosed.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention concerns the anisotropic diffusion phantom for the calibration of any diffusion MR-DTI imaging sequence and a method for the calibration of all the MRI scanners by using anisotropic diffusion models based on the “b” matrix, which is a quantity specific for every magnetic resonance (MR) imaging sequence and the MRI scanner used. It has application in the study of solids, amorphous materials, liquids and biological tissues. The anisotropic diffusion phantom for the calibration of any MR imaging sequence is any anisotropic diffusion model of any shape for the hydrogen H2 contained in H2O or LC, for example. The diffusion standard according to the invention is preferably a pipe with a bundle of capillaries filled with H2O, hydrogel or any other substance that contains hydrogen nuclei or any volume, preferably cylindrical, filled with H2O, hydrogel or any other substance that contains hydrogen nuclei or densely filled with non-magnetic cylindrical rods free of hydrogen nuclei.

Abstract: An MRT acquisition can be simplified by a method, an MRT apparatus and a support, for example a cushion, for a magnetic resonance tomography examination, that has at least one positioning aid for a heel of the patient and that has at least one positioning aid for the head.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus including a magnetic resonance (MR) coil system that includes an MR coil element, a high input Pre-amplifier having a high input impedance field-effect-transistor (FET) with an impedance of one of substantially equal to 500 ohms and greater than 500 ohms, and a conductive path. The conductive path has a first end coupled to the MR coil element and a second end coupled to the high input Pre-amplifier such that the MR coil element is coupled in series with the high input Pre-amplifier. Further, the conductive path is free of a matching network intervening between the MR coil element and the high input Pre-amplifier.

Abstract: An emission tomography detector module and an emission tomography scanner are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the emission tomography detector modules includes a scintillator to capture an photon, the scintillator emitting a scintillating light on capturing the photon; a first type of solid-state photodetector to detect the scintillating light; and a second type of solid-state photodetector to detect the scintillating light, wherein the first type of solid-state photodetector and the second type of solid-state photodetector are different with respect to a detecting property.

Abstract: A logging while drilling tool includes a directional resistivity antenna and an antenna shield having. The shield has at least one slot having at least one electrically open end formed therein. The antenna shield may include a base portion and a plurality of spaced apart fingers extending away from the base portion such that the finger ends are electrically isolated from the tool body and from one another. The antenna shield may alternatively include a plurality of spaced apart plates that are electrically isolated from the tool body and from one another. These antenna shields have been found to provide suitable physical protection for sensitive antenna components while at the same time being substantially transparent to both z-mode and x-mode electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: A directional resistivity tool includes a pair of transmitters deployed between at least one pair of receivers. Each of the transmitters and receivers preferably includes collocated z-mode and x-mode antennae. Exemplary embodiments may further include additional receivers, for example, additional pairs of receivers deployed axially about the transmitters or one or more deep reading receivers deployed on one axial end of the transmitters. Tools in accordance with the invention enable directional resistivity measurements to be acquired at multiple depths of investigation using fewer transmitter firings than conventional tools.

Abstract: Inoperative or defective electroluminescent (EL) emitters in an EL display having a plurality of subpixels are detected. Current flow through a drive transistor in a subpixel is turned off, a selected test current is provided through the EL emitter in the subpixel using a current source, and the voltage at a second electrode of a readout transistor in the subpixel is measured to provide a status signal representative or characteristics of the selected EL emitter. The status signal for the subpixel is compared to the respective status signals of neighboring subpixels to determine whether the EL emitter in the subpixel is defective.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a secondary battery includes repeatedly performing: an open circuit voltage measurement step of measuring the open circuit voltage of the secondary battery to be evaluated at each of a plurality of temperatures; a potential change measurement step of measuring, after the open circuit voltage measurement step, the potential change in the secondary battery while changing the state of charge of the secondary battery; and an equilibrium potential measurement step of measuring the equilibrium potential of the secondary battery after the potential change measurement step. An entropy variation in each of the different states of charge is calculated based on the open circuit voltages at the plurality of temperatures measured in the state of charge, and a chemical diffusion coefficient in each of the different states of charge is calculated based on the equilibrium potential of the secondary battery and the potential change in the secondary battery both measured in the state of charge.

Abstract: A circuit used to measure cell voltages in a battery pack can include a cell voltage level shifter, a sense block, and a compensation current generator. The cell voltage level shifter selects a cell and shifts the terminal voltages of the selected cell from a first voltage level to a second voltage level. The sense block monitors the current consumed by the level shifter, and generates a signal indicative of the consumed current. The compensation current generator generates compensation currents to compensate the current consumed by the level shifter. Therefore, unbalance of the cell capacities caused by the current consumed by the level shifter can be reduced or eliminated, and thus the overall capacity of the battery pack can be improved.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing electrical storage batteries monitor magnetic susceptibility of components of the storage batteries. In some embodiments, magnetic susceptibility of a plate in a lead-acid battery is determined to provide an indication of the state of charge of the battery.

Abstract: A battery gas gauge includes a voltage detection unit and a processor. The voltage detection unit is coupled to a battery pack and can measure a plurality of open circuit voltages of a plurality of cells in the battery pack respectively. The processor is coupled to the voltage detection unit and can determine a minimum open circuit voltage of the open circuit voltages, and can determine a first relative state of charge of the battery pack based on a relationship between the minimum open circuit voltage and a corresponding relative state of charge of a cell having the minimum open circuit voltage.

Abstract: One particular implementation conforming to aspects of the present invention takes the form of a method for detecting the end of life of a battery for an electronic device. The method may include calculating the voltage of the battery in an unloaded state, holding the sampled unloaded battery voltage, measuring a loaded battery voltage, calculating the difference between the unloaded and loaded battery voltages and amplifying the calculated difference. Other implementations may take the form of a circuit to perform one or more of the operations of the above method. The circuit may include a sample and hold section and a differential amplifier to provide the amplified difference to a microcontroller for analysis. The microcontroller may also provide a warning or indication to the device or to a user of the device when the battery nears the end of life.

Abstract: In a voltage monitor, an abnormality detecting unit receives first information outputted from a first obtaining unit and second information outputted from a second obtaining unit, and determines that an abnormality that affects on at least one of first and second diagnostic thresholds arises in the voltage monitor when the first information is different from the second information. The abnormality detecting unit receives a first forced signal outputted from a first forced-output unit and a second forced signal outputted from a second forced-output unit. The abnormality detecting unit determines whether a timing at which the level of the first diagnostic threshold is switched for each step is deviated from a timing at which the level of the second diagnostic threshold is switched for a corresponding step based on a result of a comparison between the first forced signal and the second forced signal.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product are disclosed for identifying false positive indications of high impedance faults in an AC electric power transmission and distribution network. In one embodiment, the method comprises using a procedure to monitor a phase conductor of the network for faults, said procedure generating a fault signal indicating a specified fault in the conductor. In this embodiment, the voltage and current waveform of the electric power conducted through the conductor are monitored. When a phase shift in said waveform is detected over a defined period of time, and said detected phase shift meets one or more given criteria, a correction signal is generated indicating that said fault signal is a false indication of the specified fault. The given criteria may include, for example, that the phase shift is more than a threshold value for a specified period of time.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a system and a method for detecting a location of fault in a cable.

Abstract: A stacked semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor device equipped with a first semiconductor chip 14 having a transistor circuit and protection diodes, and a second semiconductor device equipped with a second semiconductor chip 24 having a transistor circuit and protection diodes, and stacked on the first semiconductor device via a connection portion, wherein a power supply line connected to the first and second semiconductor chips is used in common, and a forward ON voltage of the protection diodes of the first semiconductor chip is set higher than a forward ON voltage of the protection diodes of the second semiconductor chip 24. When a connection test is executed, the forward ON voltage of the protection diodes of the first semiconductor chip or the second semiconductor chip is detected and then normal/open is judged.

Abstract: An eyeglass lens processing apparatus includes lens chuck shafts, processing tools for processing a lens and processing tool rotating shafts to which the processing tools are attached. A calibration sensor unit for calibrating the eyeglass lens processing apparatus includes: an attachment portion attached to the lens chuck shafts; a contact member contacting the processing tools; a support mechanism configured to movably support the contact member and has an urging member that urges the contact member in a direction separating from the attachment portion; and a sensor that detects the contact of the contact member with the processing tools. The urging member has an urging force by which the processing tool rotating shafts and the lens chuck shafts are not bent to a predetermined tolerance or more when the contact member contacts the processing tools and is moved toward the attachment portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the attenuation of an RF signal caused by a DPF at an unknown or different ambient temperature than the temperature used for DPF sensor calibration is disclosed. The method and apparatus determine the sensor attenuation just prior to determining the DPF attenuation by disconnecting the antennas and determining the attenuation of a loopback path. This sensor attenuation can then be deducted from the attenuation determined for the normal path that includes the attenuation caused by the loopback path, the cables, and the DPF. This method compensates for variation in the attenuation of the sensor caused by changes in ambient temperature of the sensor. Further temperature compensation is be achieved by determining additional factors to account for variations caused by changes in ambient temperature.

Abstract: A low capacitance signal acquisition system has a signal acquisition probe having a low capacitance input circuit coupled to a compensation amplifier in a signal processing instrument via a signal cable. The low capacitance input circuit, the signal cable and the signal processing instrument input have mismatched time constants with the compensation amplifier having feedback loop circuitry providing adjustable gain and pole-zero pairs for maintaining flatness over the low capacitance signal acquisition system frequency bandwidth.

Abstract: A method for impedance measurements, using synchronous detecting and modified rectangular signals. The method comprises introducing a first modified rectangular signal into a bioobject, receiving a response signal from said bioobject, introducing said response signal and a second modified rectangular signal into a synchronous detector, whereas either one or both rectangular signals are modified to remove particular higher harmonics from the signal. In one embodiment, either one or both the first and the second modified rectangular signals are generated by summing at least two modified rectangular signals, wherein at least one of such rectangular signals have a zero amplitude segment introduced between rectangular half periods.

Abstract: A method and sensor assembly for determining the condition of a structure, especially for confirming if a measured fingerprint is on a live finger, measures characteristics of close to the structure surface. The sensor includes a first pair of current supply electrodes coupled to a current source, providing an electrical current to the skin, at least two pickup electrodes at chosen and different positions relative to the current supply electrodes, at least a first of the pickup electrodes being coupled to an instrument for measuring the voltage between the first pickup electrode and at least one of the pickup or current supply electrodes, storage for a predetermined set of values characterizing a certain condition of the surface, and means for comparing the characteristics from each pickup electrode with the measurements of the other pickup electrodes and with the predetermined set of characteristics for determining the surface condition.

Abstract: A sensor (100) for capacitively detecting presence of conductive objects (BOD1) comprises a first signal electrode (10a), a second signal electrode (10b), and a base electrode structure (20), wherein the distance (s3) between said first signal electrode (10a) and said second signal electrode (10b) is smaller than or equal to 0.2 times the width (s1) of said first signal electrode (10a), and wherein at least a part of said base electrode structure (20) is between said first signal electrode (10a) and said second signal electrode (10).