Abstract: A terminal feeder and crimper includes a support to rotatably support a terminal strip reel obtained by winding together a terminal strip and an interleaf on top of each other, a crimper to crimp a terminal of the terminal strip onto a wire, a terminal strip feeder to feed the terminal strip dispensed from the terminal strip reel to the crimper, an interleaf take-up reel to take up the interleaf dispensed from the terminal strip reel, and a driver connected to the interleaf take-up reel to rotate the interleaf take-up reel. The driver is capable of changing a rotational torque to be applied to the interleaf take-up reel.

Abstract: A method for assembling parts in an assembly line, such as an automotive final assembly line, is disclosed. The method includes advancing a part along the assembly line with an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV), arranging a first real time vision system to monitor the position of the AGV in at least two directions, and providing the readings of the first real time vision system to a controller arranged to control an assembly unit of the assembly line to perform an automated operation on the part that is advanced or supported by the AGV. An assembly line is also disclosed.

Abstract: A carrier tape has at least two conductive rails affixed at opposite edges of the carrier tape. The purpose of the conductive rails is to provide power to smart labels mounted to the carrier tape for charging the batteries of each of the smart labels or transferring data to or from the smart labels. Holes are pierced into the conductive rails and the carrier tape to make a jagged edge at the backside of each hole in the carrier tape. The jagged edge of each of the holes of the conductive rail and the carrier tape on one layer connects with the conductive rail of the layer immediately adjacent. The smart labels are mounted to the carrier tape with an adhesive. A transport package holds a carrier tape that retains the smart labels and the conductive rails and is configured to transfer charging current or data to the smart labels.

Abstract: An autonomous traverse tire changing bot includes a carriage having a carriage frame with a carriage drive section effecting autonomous traverse of the carriage, along a traverse path, relative to a traverse surface or a floor on which the bot rests, and a bot frame including at least one actuator mounted to the carriage and a bot drive section with a motor defining an actuator degree of freedom, wherein the at least one actuator has an end effector having a tire engagement tool disposed so that articulation of the at least one actuator with the actuator degree of freedom effects engagement contact of the tire engagement tool and a tire mounted on a vehicle, and a controller effects traverse of the bot along the traverse path effecting dynamic positioning of the at least one actuator relative to a variable position of the vehicle with the tire mounted thereon.

Abstract: A fitting method includes (a) detecting a first position as a position where fitting of a first object and a second object is determined, (b) moving the first object from the first position toward a determination direction different from a fitting direction and detecting a second position as a position where magnitude of a force applied to the first object reaches a predetermined reference value, and (c) determining that a fitting condition of the first object and the second object is good when a predetermined determination condition including a condition that the second position is within an acceptable position range set according to the first position is satisfied.

Abstract: A robot control system includes a robot that screw-fastens a sub-component placed in a main-component to the main-component, a robot control unit that controls the robot, and a display as an output unit through which the robot control unit outputs a message to an operator. The robot control unit determines whether or not the robot can screw-fasten the sub-component to the main-component by itself. Then, when the robot control unit determines that the robot cannot screw-fasten the sub-component to the main-component by itself, the robot control unit outputs a cooperation message to an operator through the display.

Abstract: An external device, such as a head-mountable device, can be operated with a ring input device worn on a finger of a user. Such devices can be operated to provide inputs that are received and acted upon by the external device. The inputs can be provided as rotating, tilting, and/or sliding at least a portion of the ring input device with another finger of the user. The ring input device can provide feedback to the user as confirmation that the inputs are being received. A feedback system can also be operated to limit or otherwise provide a force on the finger and/or another portion of the hand to simulate sensations perceived by the user.

Abstract: A tooling system for assembling a hybrid vehicle transmission includes a positioning device, support structure, gripper, clutch actuator, rotational actuator, and controller. The positioning device positions a hybrid module relative to a transmission housing. The gripper grips an input shaft of the hybrid module. The clutch actuator actuates the clutch of the hybrid module. The rotational actuator rotates the gripper about an assembly axis. The controller controls operation of the clutch actuator, positioning device, gripper, and rotational actuator such that an operation is performed that includes the clutch actuator actuating the clutch, the gripper gripping the input shaft of the hybrid module, the rotational actuator rotating the gripper to rotate the input shaft of the hybrid module relative to an input shaft of the transmission module, and the positioning device translating the hybrid module toward the transmission module to seat a housing of the hybrid module on the transmission housing.

Abstract: A stemming system includes a computing device and a stemming device. The computing device includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware. The data processing hardware includes a transmitter and a receiver. The stemming device is communicatively-coupled to the computing device. The stemming device includes a base portion and a valve-engaging portion. The valve-engaging portion includes a transducer that obtains a measurement communicated to the receiver of the computing device. The measurement includes at least one physical parameter associated with installing a tire-wheel assembly valve to a wheel throughout a process of disposing the valve within a valve hole of the wheel. The processor analyzes a data signature associated with the measurement for determining if the valve has been adequately or inadequately installed by the stemming device.

Abstract: An access control apparatus having a protective covering configure to cover at least one of a subject or an object inside said protective covering is provided, where an opening is configured to provide access to the at least one of a subject or an object and a covering element configured to selectively cover said opening. A receiving element is provided on the protective covering and an activating device with an activating element is provided external to the protective covering.

Abstract: Hub lifting and pick-and-place equipment includes a fixed plate. The lower portion of the fixed plate is connected with a vertical plate. One side of the bottom of the vertical plate is fixedly connected with a fixed frame. The bottom of the vertical plate is hinged with a safety plate. The safety plate and the vertical plate are also connected with each other through shielding oil cylinders. A wire holder is mounted on one side of the vertical plate.

Abstract: An autonomous traverse tire changing bot includes a carriage having a carriage frame with a carriage drive section effecting autonomous traverse of the carriage, along a traverse path, relative to a traverse surface or a floor on which the bot rests, and a bot frame including at least one actuator mounted to the carriage and a bot drive section with a motor defining an actuator degree of freedom, wherein the at least one actuator has an end effector having a tire engagement tool disposed so that articulation of the at least one actuator with the actuator degree of freedom effects engagement contact of the tire engagement tool and a tire mounted on a vehicle, and a controller effects traverse of the bot along the traverse path effecting dynamic positioning of the at least one actuator relative to a variable position of the vehicle with the tire mounted thereon.

Abstract: A method for assembling a brazing ring on a return tube constituting a refrigerant passage of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes performing a pipe shrinking process on a straight portion of the return tube, coupling the brazing ring on the return tube through a return tube assembly device, and performing a pipe expanding process on the straight portion of the return tube to which the brazing ring is coupled. The coupling of the brazing ring on the return tube is performed using the return tube assembly device.

Abstract: A robot causes an image capturing device to capture an image of a container in which a plurality of targets are placed to overlap in part with one another, the plurality of targets including components whose types are different from each other among the component and a component kit in which two or more of the components are assembled with one another, detects types, positions and poses of the plurality of targets based on the captured image captured by the image capturing device, determines a priority order of one or more of component kits being assembled using the targets placed in the container according to the detected types, the detected positions and the detected poses, and assembles the component kit selected based on the determined priority order.

Abstract: A system and method of receiving a cassette to a console of a phacoemulsification system. The system and method may include receiving the cassette in close proximity to a cassette receptacle comprising a receiving surface, sensing variations in at least two variable resistances mounted respectively diagonally about the receiving surface, and comparing the variations as between the at least two variable resistances to assess an attitude of the cassette. The system and method may optionally include clamping the cassette responsively to the comparing step.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an object holding apparatus includes a suction device, a suction pad, and a proximal sensor. The suction device is configured to suction gas. The suction pad is connected to the suction device, and is configured to hold an object based on suction by the suction device. The proximal sensor is configured to detect that the object is in close proximity to the suction pad. The suction device is controlled to perform suction when the proximal sensor detects that the object is in close proximity to the suction pad.

Abstract: A method of connecting a first threaded tubular to a second threaded tubular includes engaging the threads of the tubulars and rotating the first tubular relative to the second tubular to makeup a threaded connection. The method further includes, during makeup of the threaded connection: measuring time, measuring torque applied to the connection, and measuring turns of the first tubular. The method further includes using a programmable logic controller for: evaluating at least one of the measured turns, measured torque, and measured time for at least one of a discontinuity, a torque spike, and a torque drop and accepting or rejecting the connection based on the evaluation.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprises a position and orientation estimation unit configured to estimate each of positions and orientations of a first part and a second part, based on an image including the first part and the second part to which the first part is assembled; and a determination unit configured to determine assembly success/failure of the first part with respect to the second part based on each of the positions and orientations of the first part and the second part.

Abstract: A robot control apparatus that controls a robot having a movable part provided with a force detection unit includes a robot control part that performs force control on the movable part based on output of the force detection unit, wherein, when an insertion job of moving at least one of a first object and a second object having an insertion portion and inserting the first object into the insertion portion is performed by the movable part, the robot control part performs the force control on the movable part at least in a part of the insertion job, and a first target force of the force control for the movable part to position the first object in a first position and a second target force of the force control for the movable part to position the first object in a second position different from the first position are different.

Abstract: A bulk component supply system which includes a bulk component supply device which is moved together with a mounting head; and a method for replenishing bulk components to that bulk component supply device are disclosed. A passage-equipped component case of a bulk component supply device which is moved together with a mounting head is removed, held by the empty one of case holding sections of a slide in the bulk head component case exchange region. Bulk components are replenished and a passage-equipped component case held on the other of the case holding sections is held on the mounting head. The slide is moved to a bulk component replenishment region, and components are automatically replenished from bulk component storage vessel to the passage-equipped component case received from the mounting head which is empty. After replenishment, the slide is moved to a bulk component case exchange region.

Abstract: A system and method of receiving a cassette to a console of a phacoemulsification system. The system and method may include receiving the cassette in close proximity to a cassette receptacle comprising a receiving surface, sensing variations in at least two variable resistances mounted respectively diagonally about the receiving surface, and comparing the variations as between the at least two variable resistances to assess an attitude of the cassette. The system and method may optionally include clamping the cassette responsively to the comparing step.

Abstract: A system for distortional clamping of a flexible member may include a dimensional reader and a positioning fixture. The dimensional reader may have a plurality of reader pogos that may be axially movable into contacting relation with a detail to measure a detail contour. The positioning fixture may have a plurality of positioning pogos and at least one clamping finger configured to mechanically clamp a flexible member between the positioning pogos and the clamping finger. The positioning pogos may be axially movable to deflect the flexible member into a contour that may be complementary to the detail contour.

Abstract: A position adjusting device includes a movable mechanical arm, suction, an adjusting mechanism, a bottom plate, a first camera, a second camera, and a processor. The processor controls the movable mechanism arm and the suction to move to a top of the first camera in response to a user operation, switches the first camera from a disabled state to the enabled state, acquires the first image captured by the first camera, and calculates a first angle between the first image and a first predetermined image. The processor adjusts the position of a second element based on the first angle and acquires a second angle between a second image of the second element and a second predetermined image. The processor adjusts the position of the second element until the first angle is the same as the second angle when the first angle is not the same as the second angle.

Abstract: Methods for forming interconnects in microelectronic workpieces and microelectronic workpieces having such interconnects are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a method for manufacturing a microelectronic workpiece having a plurality of microelectronic dies. The individual dies include an integrated circuit and a terminal electrically coupled to the integrated circuit. In one embodiment, the method includes forming an opening in the workpiece in alignment with the terminal. The opening can be a through-hole extending through the workpiece or a blind hole that extends only partially through the substrate. The method continues by constructing an electrically conductive interconnect in the workpiece by depositing a solder material into at least a portion of the opening and in electrical contact with the terminal. In embodiments that include forming a blind hole, the workpiece can be thinned either before or after forming the hole.

Abstract: A pick-and-place tool configured to pick and place at least one die on a workpiece includes a mounting head. The mounting head includes a die position determining unit configured to one of measure and detect an actual position of at least one die during a time between the placement of the at least one die on the workpiece and the picking up of a subsequent die for placement on the workpiece.

Abstract: A pipe fitting system to fit a selected one of one or more pipes, one or more flanges and one or more fittings that includes one or more fitting cradles, a fitting rest with a pair of apertures, the fitting rest is removably secured to the bottom fitting bed and a plurality of cinch chains each with a first end, the cinch chains are used to secure one or more fitting cradles to a fitting beam. The system also includes a high tensile steel racquet wrench to loosen and to tighten the bolts of the pipe fitting system.

Abstract: A control unit of an electronic component mounting apparatus controls a component imaging unit so as to image an electronic component that is held by the holding unit when the holding unit is subjected to an acceleration movement or a deceleration movement by a movement mechanism unit.

Abstract: In a quick-change system for exchangeable machine elements, particularly in a container processing machine in which the machine element (E) can be brought into a target position and can be localized in a target position by a securing unit comprising at least one securing element, at least a second securing unit (P2) is provided with which a machine element that either has not been brought into the target position or that has moved out of the target position (X) can be localized in a securing position. The securing position is detected and evaluated as grounds for a corrective action before commencing an operation or during the operating sequence before a corrective action is initiated and executed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a joint guarantee system for vehicle assembly. The disclosed joint guarantee system for vehicle assembly manages a joining history of a joined component joined to a plurality of join points of a joining target, and includes: i) a tool detecting unit installed at a joining tool for joining the joined component to the joining target, and configured to detect movement displacements and angles of the joining tool for the join points based on a zero point of the joining tool; ii) a tool controller configured to receive a joining completion signal of the joining tool for each join point, and transmit a movement displacement value, an angle value, and a joint value for each join point of the joining tool detected by the tool detecting unit; and iii) a main controller configured to determine joining operation patterns for the join points based on the movement displacement value of the joining tool obtained from the tool controller.

Abstract: A method of aligning the rotors of a Roots-type blower includes the steps of immobilizing an idler gear with reference to a housing of a Roots-type blower. A drive rotor is fixedly disposed on a drive shaft inside the housing with an idler rotor engaged with the drive rotor and fixedly disposed on an idler shaft. A drive gear is rotatably disposed on the drive shaft and the idler gear is engaged with the drive gear and fixedly disposed on the idler shaft. The drive shaft is rotated in opposite directions to first and second extents of travel. Each extent of travel is defined by contact of the drive rotor against the idler rotor. The drive shaft is positioned at a determined rotational angle between the first and second extents of travel and the drive gear is then fixed to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A system for aligning and connecting components including a support structure and a measuring apparatus coupled to the support structure. The measuring apparatus is arranged to spatially analyze a first tubular component with respect to a second tubular component for determining an adjustment vector therebetween. An alignment apparatus is coupled to the support structure and in data communication with the measuring apparatus. The alignment apparatus includes a plurality of actuators operatively arranged in parallel for moving at least one of the first or second tubular components relative to the other for coaxially arranging the first and second tubular components in accordance with the adjustment vector. A connection apparatus is coupled to the support structure and operatively arranged for connecting the first and second tubular components together.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a substrate; an optical component having a first surface on which light from the substrate is incident and a second surface from which the incident light goes out after the incident light is refracted; an adjustment unit that adjusts a position of the substrate and a position of the optical component by moving the substrate and the optical component relatively with the first surface of the optical component and the substrate being opposed to each other; an imaging unit that is arranged in an optical path of the light that goes out from the second surface; and a control unit that controls an amount by which the adjustment unit moves the substrate and the optical component relatively according to image data which is captured by the imaging unit, and that mounts the optical component on the substrate.

Abstract: A control apparatus generally performs a control such that a robot picks up components from a component loading tray in order according to an assembling sequence and assembles the components. Meanwhile, when the robot fails to pick up the components according to the assembling sequence, the control apparatus controls the operation of the robot such that the robot first picks up a component having a high picking-up possibility and first assembles the corresponding picked-up components according to the assembling sequence between the corresponding picked-up components. Thereafter, the control apparatus changes a picking-up condition and controls the operation of the robot such that the robot picks up the components before assembling based on the changed picking-up condition and assembles the components.

Abstract: An obstruction detection device for use with a truss fabrication system including a table having spaced accessways. The obstruction detection device includes a support structure configured for movable attachment to a table having spaced accessways. An obstruction sensor is connected to the support structure and configured to detect obstructions in the spaced accessways of the table. The obstruction sensor has an activated state and a deactivated state. A control system is operatively connected to the obstruction sensor to activate and deactivate the obstruction sensor in response to a position of the obstruction sensor relative to the spaced accessways. The control system activates the obstruction sensor when the obstruction sensor is aligned with one of the spaced accessways of the table and deactivates the obstruction sensor when the obstruction sensor is out of alignment with the spaced accessways of the table.

Abstract: An assembly mechanism for assembling an annular workpiece to a fixture, includes a base seat, a fetching assembly, a guiding assembly, and a releasing assembly. The base seat defines a feeding hole and an uploading groove. The fetching assembly includes a first driving member and fetching subassembly. The fetching subassembly includes a sliding member and a fetching member, the handing member defines a fetching hole. The guiding assembly includes a guiding rod. The releasing assembly latches with the handing member. Wherein the first driving member drives the sliding member to slide from the uploading groove to the feeding hole, thereby fetching the workpiece from the uploading groove to the feeding hole, the guiding rod extends into the workpiece to position it, the releasing assembly releases the workpiece, then the workpiece is blown away from the guiding rod and is positioned on a top of the fixture.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive cover installer includes a base, a fixing body defining a recessed portion for receiving a main body, a support portion, an air cylinder movably connected to the support portion, a positioning fixture defining a number of through holes therein, and for receiving a number of covers, a controller, a motor for controlling movement of the air cylinder, a pressure sensing member fixed below the air cylinder, and a display. The air cylinder is forced by the motor to drive the pressure sensing member to press the covers onto the main body; the main body resists the pressure sensing member to generate a pressure of a resistance. The pressure sensing member senses the pressure of the resistance to generate a pressure signal to the controller. The controller analyzes the pressure signal to generate a pressure value to be displayed on the display.

Abstract: Errors in work in a bolt or nut tightening process are reduced to an extremely low level. Further, the process of the work is accurately recorded and quality of production processes is improved. A production management device receives information on a production instruction from a superordinate device, optically displays, according to the information, a socket to be selected for work to tighten a bolt or a nut, automatically recognizes a nut taken out from a socket holder, and alarms when the recognized socket and the displayed socket do not agree.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing a cable into a tube with the assistance of a fluid drag acting on the cable within the tube with an installation device, the apparatus including a driving mechanism comprising a driving surface arranged to contact the cable substantially along the full driving surface length, for driving the cable into the tube, a first measurement device for obtaining a first value indicative of a rate at which the installation device is driving the cable into the tube, a second measurement device for obtaining a second value indicative of a rate at which the cable is travelling through the apparatus, a processor for detecting when the first value exceeds the second value, and for reducing the rate at which the installation device is driving the cable into the tube for the duration when the first value exceeds the second value.

Abstract: Provided are a clamping method and a clamping device that enable automatic mount and fixation of a boot to a constant velocity universal joint with a band. A boot band (11) for fixing a boot (10) that is mounted to a constant velocity universal joint (S) is clamped. The boot band (11) and the constant velocity universal joint (S) are aligned in phase with each other in a circumferential direction, and an axial position of a clamping portion (13) of clamping means (12) is thereafter aligned with an axial position of the boot band (11). Then, the boot band (11) is clamped by the clamping means (12).

Abstract: A panel carrying vacuum holder includes an attachment part, a frame supporting the attachment part, and a printed circuit board (“PCB”) holder. The attachment part is configured to attach to the panel to fix the panel. The board holder includes a supporting part connected to the frame, and a pressing part. The supporting part supports a PCB connected to the panel. The pressing part is configured to press the PCB and to fix the PCB.

Abstract: A device for feeding and attaching corrective elements for unbalance correction on propeller shafts in a balancing machine includes an attachment device positionable longitudinally to the rotor axis, with a receptacle for receiving a corrective element attachable to the outer rotor circumference. Associated with the balancing machine is a supply unit supplying corrective elements measured for the individual unbalance correction. A feeding device feeds supplied corrective elements to the attachment device and includes a transfer shuttle for performing reciprocating movements between the supply unit and the attachment device on a guideway parallel to the rotor axis via a controllable motion drive mechanism.

Abstract: Roots-type blowers with helical cycloidal rotors exhibit variation in leakback flow with angular position intrinsic to these rotor geometries. Calibration of individual blowers using a combination of high-resolution alignment and enhanced detection of residual noise phenomena permits noise in as-produced blowers to be significantly attenuated. Intrinsic lower limits of noise induced by leakback variation are associated with manufacturing tolerances, necessary clearances, and particular geometric considerations. Gross alignment errors (excluding contact between rotors) produce a characteristic noise pulse rate that is three times the shaft rate. Proper alignment suppresses this and reveals a pulse sequence at double this rate and at about half of the amplitude of faulty alignment. The novel process explains the error mechanisms and defines repeatable calibration methods for a mass-production environment, introducing appropriate gauges and methods for the task.

Abstract: A device for mounting a vehicle instrumental panel has an assist machine and work robots. The assist machine has an instrument panel holding mechanism for holding an instrument panel, conveys the instrument panel, and has an assist function for holding the weight of the instrument panel. The work robots have connection mechanisms removably connected to the instrument panel holding mechanism and operate the instrument panel holding mechanism to place the instrument panel in a vehicle interior.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting component attachment of the present invention includes a detection head for detecting presence or absence of a component or whether or not a component is attached, and a driving mechanism for driving the detection head in an attachment direction of the component. The detection head includes a movable element having a distal end portion capable of being brought into contact with a predetermined portion of the component, a guide passage for guiding the movable element in the attachment direction so as to be capable of reciprocal motion, a fluid passage for passing a fluid when the distal end portion is brought into contact with the predetermined portion and pushed and the movable element is moved to a predetermined position, and a detection portion for detecting a pressure or a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the fluid passage.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a supply unit, a holding unit, first and second sensors, and a controller. The supply unit is configured to supply an electronic component. The holding unit is configured to hold the electronic component supplied from the supply unit and mount the electronic component on a substrate. The first and second sensors are configured to detect a component depletion of the electronic component supplied from the supply unit. The controller performs a first component depletion determination process in which whether the component depletion of the electronic component is caused is determined on the basis of an output from the first sensor, and when it is determined that the component depletion is caused in the first component depletion determination process, perform a second component depletion determination process in which whether the component depletion is caused is determined on the basis of an output from the second sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a press-fit modular work piece is described that includes a surface member having a central opening. A hatch member is disposed on one side of the surface member, and is moveable between a first position where it does not cover the opening and a second position covering the opening. A work piece receiving member is disposed proximate the other side of the surface member across from the central opening for receiving components of the press-fit modular work piece. An actuator moves the work piece receiving member toward the opening so components of the work piece press against the hatch member when the hatch member is moved into the second position. The actuator moves the work piece receiving member to a position to receive components of the work piece when the hatch member is in the first position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pinion assembly preloading systems. Disclosed are systems including a press actuator configured to apply an axial force against a pinion assembly; a force sensor configured to measure a reaction force at the pinion assembly; and a controller configured to control the press actuator according to a change in the reaction force.

Abstract: An anti-tipping clamp that is used as an intermediary support for a die tool. The clamp includes a body with a rail engagement section designed to engage with a rail on a conventional forming machine for securing the clamp to the rail. The clamp also includes a die tool holding section with two spaced apart lateral arms that extend upward from a body and which provide support for a die tool.

Abstract: A manual tool for inserting a clip (10) with elastic coupling in a seat, having a body (23) from which protrudes a pusher (32) for the clip and a sensor (34) for detecting the thrust force of the pusher. An electronic controller (24) receives a force signal from the sensor (34) and emits a signal (25, 26) reporting correct or incorrect insertion depending on the pattern of the force signal detected during the insertion of a clip. A movable gauging element is advanced during the insertion thrust of the clip to detect the correct expansion of the clip at the end of insertion.

Abstract: A device for the automatic rotational orientation of a tube head (16) relative to a preferably stationary tube body (14), wherein the device has a sensor (18) for sensing a current rotated position of the tube head or tube body having a position indicator (21), the device further includes a positioning device (12, 20) which interacts with the sensor and is designed to effect a rotary movement of the tube head or of the tube body in reaction to a control signal from a control unit (22). The sensor is designed to generate a sensing signal corresponding to a rotary moment of the tube head or tube body and the control unit correlates the sensing signal with a reference signal and for generating a control signal from a characteristic value corresponding to a degree of correlation, in particular a maximum correlation or minimum correlation, for the positioning device.