Abstract: A power sensor module suitable for automotive and other high volume applications combines speed sensing and torque sensing operations into a single unit. A magnetic speed sensor is utilized for speed sensing. A power measurement can be derived from torque and speed. Combining torque sensing and speed sensing within a single module instead of using separate modules for each allows for reducing redundancies and lowering cost.

Abstract: A position transducer device is provided for detecting the position of a position transmitter. The position transducer device comprises a housing extending in a longitudinal direction and a measuring sensor arranged in the housing and extending parallel to the longitudinal direction. The position transmitter is coupled to the measuring sensor in a non-contacting manner. The outer surface of the housing is designed such that it can be enclosed at least partially by a fixing receiving means for fixing the housing to an application. The housing can be rotated relative to the position transmitter in the fixing receiving means in order to enable adjustment of the distance between the measuring sensor and the position transducer.

Abstract: A system for detecting the position of a component drivable by a control element drive, the system comprising: a position sensor housed in a position regulator housing, a movable motion representative to be driven by an actuating motion of the component, via which motion representative of a position motion of the component is transferred into the position regulator housing to the position sensor, which sensor detects the position of the component via the position of the motion representative wherein a drive for transferring and/or redirecting the actuating motion of the component to the motion representative transmits actuating motion forces from the component to the motion representative without contact.

Abstract: An actuator arrangement includes a body and at least one of a piston assembly and a rod assembly slideably disposed in the body. A sensor arrangement includes a sensor, a sensor electronics module, and an interactive element. The interactive element is moveable relative to the sensor, wherein a position of the interactive element indicative of a position of the at least one of a piston assembly and a rod assembly is communicated to the sensor electronics module through the sensor. A housing assembly is attached to an end of the body and includes a sensor pilot portion. The sensor pilot portion in the housing assembly is structured and arranged to sealably receive the sensor electronics module therein, wherein the sensor electronics module is encased within the housing.

Abstract: The invention proposes a master cylinder 1 with a device for detecting actuation of a braking system. The detection device is fixed to a body 2 of the master cylinder 1 at a pressure chamber 5. The detection device comprises a magnetic circuit 9 able to be opened and closed by a moving magnetic piece 19. The moving magnetic piece 19 is, for example, fixed to a piston 4 of the master cylinder 1. Actuation of a brake pedal causes the piston 4 and the moving piece 19 to advance in the master cylinder 1. The magnetic circuit 9 therefore changes state (opened or closed). The change in state of the magnetic field switches the brake lights on and off.

Abstract: A medical location system includes a medical device having a body and a position sensor at a portion of the body. The position sensor has a core made of a Wiegand effect material and a winding circumferentially positioned around the core. The position sensor provides signals that are used to determine temperature at the position sensor and location information of the portion of the body of the medical device. A signal processor is coupled to receive the signals from the position sensor and the signal processor determines the temperature at the position sensor and location information of the portion of the body of the medical device based on the signals received from the position sensor.

Abstract: A small, low-cost, wide-range current sensor excellent in environmental resistance and noise resistance and high in accuracy, and an application device, a DC magnetic field is applied to two magnetic elements (1a, 1b) having a magnetic impedance effect by means of a magnet (3), while a negative feedback magnetic field is applied to both elements by means of a coil (2). The variation of the magnetic field depending on the external magnetic field applied to the magnetic elements (1a, 1b) is detected by detection units (7a, 7b). The difference between the output is amplified by a differential amplifier unit (8). Thus, detection is achieved in a wide range while eliminating the influence of the noise.

Abstract: A digital eddy current proximity system including a digital impedance measuring device for digitally measuring the proximity probes impedance correlative to displacement motion and position of a metallic target object being monitored. The system further including a cable-length calibration method, an automatic material identification and calibration method, a material insensitive method, an inductive ratio method and advanced sensing characteristics.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive system is shown wherein there is included a wave guide but no return wire. The wave guide is folded and acts as the completed wire (whether solid or hollow) for conducting current for the current input pulse.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive position measuring system is provided with a waveguide and which is allocated with a magnet movable along the waveguide. An impulse generator for generating an excitation pulse and a conductive wire for guiding the excitation pulse through the waveguide to the magnet are provided, whereby a torsion wave arises in the waveguide when the excitation pulse reaches the magnet. A reel for generating a reply pulse as a function of the torsion wave and a position calculation unit for ascertaining the position of the magnet as a function of the excitation pulse and the reply pulse are provided. A processor is provided in which a table is present in which a large number of positions and excitation pulse correction values are allocated to one another. The duration of the next excitation pulse is altered as a function of the position of the magnet ascertained and the associated excitation pulse correction value from the table.

Abstract: A property of a magnetic sensor, deployed on a micro machined optical element and exposed to a magnetic field, changes as the position of the micro machined optical element changes with respect to a magnetic field or, alternatively, when the magnetic field changes with respect to the micro machined optical element. The electrical, optical and/or mechanical change in sensor property varies according to the position, and a measurement of the property change tracks the change in orientation of a moveable portion of the optical element.

Abstract: In order to provide a position transducer device for detecting the position of a position transmitter, comprising a housing extending in a longitudinal direction and a measuring sensor arranged in the housing and extending parallel to the longitudinal direction, the position transmitter being coupled to this measuring sensor without contact, which is variable in its use for a user it is suggested that an outer surface of the housing be designed such that it can be enclosed at least partially by a fixing receiving means for fixing it to an application and that the housing can be rotated in the fixing receiving means.

Abstract: A device for measuring magnetic field(s). The device includes at least one measurement acquisition pathway including a measurement current generator, a coil, a measurement resistor, at least one amplifier, and at least one antialiasing filter, delivering a measurement voltage. The device for measuring magnetic field(s) includes a device for determinating at least one electrical quantity representative of the acquisition pathway. The device for determining includes a mechanism for injecting a predetermined calibration current, including at least two frequency terms at at least two frequencies distinct from those of a measurement current, the calibration current being superimposed on the measurement current. The device for measuring magnetic field(s) also includes a calculation device delivering an estimate of the at least one electrical quantity at the frequency or frequencies of the measurement current.

Abstract: A circuit for sensing the presence of an inductive load that is particularly applicable to sensing when a solenoid is being driven by a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. The circuit includes a high side connected transistor having an output driving a load, with the transistor driven by a PWM signal. A circulating diode is coupled to the driving output of the transistor. The circuit further comprises an operational amplifier (op amp) circuit that is coupled to the circulating diode and operates as an inverting operational amplifier (op amp). The op amp circuit charges a first capacitor when the transistor releases driving an inductive load.

Abstract: A sensor device for measuring a physical value includes a sensor element for generating an output signal in response to measuring a physical value. A processor is operable with the sensor element for comparing the output signal to a reference signal in order to generate a primary signal indicative of the measured physical value. The processor is further operable with the sensor element for generating a secondary signal based on the output signal which is indicative of the operating condition of the sensor device. A switch or logic block is operable for receiving the primary and secondary signals from the processor. The switch and the logic block are switchable between a first state in which the primary signal is output and a second state in which the secondary signal is output.

Abstract: A method of tuning an input signal (S) is described. The method comprises the steps of amplifying the input signal (S) by a gain element (14) having a variable impedance (22) associated therewith and thereby generating an output signal (C), comparing the output signal (C) with a reference voltage (V), tuning the variable impedance (22) such that the impedance is increased if the amplitude of the output signal (C) is smaller than the reference voltage (V), and that the impedance is decreased if the amplitude of the output signal (C) is greater than the reference voltage (V).

Abstract: This invention discloses a position detecting apparatus that can suppress the decrease of position detection accuracy. The position detecting apparatus includes a position sensor outputting position detecting signals which have different phases respectively that change periodically according to the movement of an object, and a phase converting unit generating phase converted signals which have different phases respectively by giving predetermined phase differences to the plurality of position detecting signals. In addition, the position detecting apparatus further includes a first calculating unit obtaining first position data corresponding to a position of the object based on the plurality of position detecting signals, and a second calculating unit obtaining second position data corresponding to a position of the object based on the plurality of phase converted signals.

Abstract: Position sensing control of the displacement of a first member relative to a second member particularly in a vehicular environment is aided by having a ratiometric relationship between the voltage supply for the sensor and the measuring/control portion of the apparatus. In an embodiment, the relative position of a rear view mirror to its housing is controlled. To facilitate the return of a mirror to a preferred position, the conversion of sensor voltage output to a current and the storage of the current of one or more preferred positions allows for the repeatable setting of the rear view mirror. Over and under voltage protection of the sensor supply voltage provides for consistent measurement and control characteristics.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for use in a vehicle seat cushion for detecting the presence of an occupant includes a mat adapted to be installed in the vehicle cushion. The mat includes first mounting structure and a first sensor device attached to the mat. A first member has a second mounting structure adapted to be attached to the first mounting structure for attaching the first member to the mat. A second member is movably mounted relative to the first member about an axis. A second sensor device is mounted in the second member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear distance sensor for motor vehicles which comprises a displaceable element and a stator. The displaceable element includes a magnetic encoder. Sensor modules that operate according to the AMR principle, GMR principle, or Hall principle are linked stationarily to the stator. The displaceable element is guided by way of a bearing that is connected to the stator and embraces and axially guides the displaceable element. The sensor module(s) is/are linked stationarily to the stator. The field-generating means is/are positively connected to the displaceable element along the longitudinal axis of the displaceable element. The present invention further relates to the use of the linear distance sensor for measuring the pedal or lever position in an actuating device for brakes of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive-based sensor is disclosed which obtains higher return signals through the use of multiple consecutive input pulses.

Abstract: A level detection apparatus includes a wave guide or discrete sensors mounted in an outer flexible housing. A weight is attached to a distal end of the outer housing. A biasing spring is coupled to the opposite end of the outer housing for exerting a force on the outer housing to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the outer housing to maintain the weight in close proximity to the bottom surface of an enclosure in which the apparatus is mounted.

Abstract: A securement feature for axially aligning a rotor and a stator of a non-contacting rotary position sensor having over all sensor containment. The stator has a cylindrical hub axially centered on the rotation axis of the rotor. A sensor cavity is located in the hub whereat a magnetosensitive device is located. The rotor has a cylindrical socket and a pair of magnets proximal the socket which are transversely aligned with the magnetosensitive device. The hub is received by the socket, wherein the hub has a distal end portion which protrudes beyond an end face of the rotor. The distal end portion has a slot oriented transverse to the rotation axis. A clip is received by the slot and thereby interferingly abuts the end face so as to hold the stator in alignment with the rotor, and as a direct consequence, aligns the magnets with respect to the magnetosensitive device.

Abstract: The invention discloses a low profile input device for moving a cursor, scrolling a page, or selecting a function on a display of a handheld device. In an embodiment of the invention, a planar joystick (402,940) for use moving a cursor on the display of a handheld device comprises a movable sliding button having a first magnet M1 embedded therein. The button is slid by a user's finger over a second magnet M2, an action that distorts the magnetic flux 418 which is detected by a plurality of magnetic flux sensors 420. The direction and magnitude of the cursor movement on the display correspond to the change in flux caused by the movement of the sliding button.

Abstract: A current target angle stored in a target angle register is subtracted from the immediately preceding target angle stored in a register by a subtracting device. As a result, the length (amount) and direction between the immediately preceding target angle to the current angle are generated. With the generated length and direction, a model acceleration generating circuit generates model acceleration data. With a count value of a current velocity detecting counter and a velocity data sequence that is output from a model velocity generating circuit, velocity error data is generated. With a count value of a current position detecting counter and a position data sequence that is output from a model position generating circuit, position error data is generated. The model acceleration data, the velocity error data, and the position error data are added by an adding device. The added result is supplied to a driver. The driver outputs a current that drives a pan motor.

Abstract: A low impedance encoder generally comprises a clock source and a switch. The clock source operates according to a predetermined duty cycle. The switch has a first position, closed, and a second position, opened. The duty cycle controls a current flow the switch. A high current flow through the switch indicates that the switch is closed and that the consumption of a utility as registered by the utility meter has occurred; the switch will continue to open and close throughout the process of metering. A low current flow through the switch indicates that the switch is open.

Abstract: A sensor is provided in one illustrative embodiment that includes a microcontroller that executes a program that generates quadrature output signals that indicate the change in a parameter being measured. As an example, the sensor could comprise a linear position transducer. The quadrature output signals can comprise square wave signals that are ninety degrees out of phase, each transition of the signals representing a unit of change in position of the measured mass. According to another aspect, the quadrature signals can be placed into phase with one another to indicate an error condition. In another aspect, user inputs can be provided to allow the user to select parameters such as frequency, update rate, and/or resolution. Moreover, at least one of the sensor inputs can be utilized to load calibration factor data for the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a position sensor for oil-operated piston/cylinder units and adapted for installation inside the cylinder of the unit. The sensor comprises a cursor mounted for displacement inside a linear potentiometer that is associated with one piston end to provide an indication of the piston travel. Advantageously, the potentiometer and cursor are housed inside an armored case. A magnetic actuator is associated to the piston and slidable along the outer surface of the armored case in magnetic coupling relationship with the cursor. The steel structure of the case is sealed to enable use of the sensor under very high pressures.

Abstract: An improved coordinates input apparatus for designating a particular set of coordinates in three-dimensional space comprises a first magnet and a second magnet disposed so that respective, identical magnetic poles thereof are opposite each other with a gap therebetween. The second magnet is disposed so as to be tiltable in response to forces acting thereupon. The forces include a repulsive force arising between the first magnet and the second magnet and a pressing force exerted on the second magnet. A plurality of magnetoelectric transducers are disposed opposite the second magnet and surrounding the gap, and produce output voltages having values that vary according to a change in the gap between the magnetoelectric transducers and the second magnet, such that the differential voltage values of the transducer outputs indicate a set of X,Y coordinates in two-dimensional space.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive application probe is disclosed wherein the probe includes a preassembled sensor element mounted as an application housing installation as an installable unit. The modular nature allows interchanging with various electronic assemblies, and may be an explosion proof installation.

Abstract: A digital eddy current proximity system including a digital impedance measuring device for digitally measuring the proximity probes impedance correlative to displacement motion and position of a metallic target object being monitored. The system further including a cable-length calibration method, an automatic material identification and calibration method, a material insensitive method, an inductive ratio method and advanced sensing characteristics.

Abstract: An electronic controller for a motor vehicle automatic transmission and method for calibrating a position detection sensor in an electronic controller for a motor vehicle automatic transmission includes a controller having a position detection sensor supplying an analog output signal dependent upon the position of a selector slide. During the fabrication of a vehicle or after a replacement part is installed, the position detection sensor is statically calibrated in the electronic control system using a calibration program.

Abstract: A pulse signal generator comprises a magnetic element (1) capable of producing large Barkhausen jumps; a generating unit for generating a magnetic field, which is changed by the object to be detected (5) to cause the magnetic element to produce the large Barkhausen jumps; the generating unit consists of a pair of elongated magnet/yoke combinations (3,6 and 4,7) provided on opposite sides of the magnetic element (1) such that their poles are oriented in opposite directions, forming a detecting area at an end thereof (3A, 4A); a detecting unit (2) for detecting the large Barkhausen jumps to produce a corresponding pulse signal; the magnetic element (1) having a first length between a second length of the magnet/yoke combinations and a half of the second length and provided toward the detecting area; and an adjusting yoke (8) movable along one of the elongated magnet/yoke combinations (3, 6).

Abstract: A vehicle suspension strut is disclosed that includes a housing having a chamber and a piston slidably disposed in the chamber. A piston rod is connected to the piston and extends out of the housing. The piston rod includes a bore extending longitudinally therein. A magnetostrictive transducer provides an output signal indicative of the piston position with respect to the housing. The magnetostrictive transducer includes a magnetostrictive waveguide disposed in the bore and a magnet joined to the housing that is operably coupled to the magnetostrictive waveguide and the magnetostrictive waveguide abruptly terminates at one end.

Abstract: An electric system utilizes dynamic impedance changes in windings of an electric motor to measure/monitor mechanical position. The method employs a bridge amplifier to measure voltage at a center node or windings against a voltage derived from a reference network. When a winding of the motor is driven, the winding forms a voltage divider across the center node. Impedance changes in windings occur as rotor poles pass by stator poles. The center node voltage varies with these impedance changes in legs on either side; this variation with respect to the reference network corresponds to measurement of rotational position. These measurements provide position/velocity feedback to a servo controller as long as current runs through a winding. This position sensing also applies to controlling commutation for brushless DC motor. Impedance measurement use normal motor-drive current for excitation without additional sensing signals, extra “sense” windings, or external sensors.

Abstract: A calibrated, low-profile magnetic sensor and method for forming such a sensor are described herein. Generally, a magnetic sensing device is formed within a housing, wherein the magnetic sensing device comprises at least one magnet. The magnetic sensor includes a compact integrated circuit package such as, for example, a small outline integrated circuit package (SOIC). A magnetic sensing element is generally mounted to the compact integrated circuit package. The magnetic sensing device can be configured to additionally incorporate a printed circuit board (PCB) having a hole formed therein such that the compact integrated circuit package can be surface mounted off-center on the printed circuit board, so that the hole can be located within the printed circuit board to match a shape of the magnet, allowing the magnet to pass through the circuit board adjacent to the SOIC to complete the magnetic circuit.

Abstract: A cylinder position sensing system includes a cylinder housing which slidably receives a rod or shaft element. The cylinder housing has an end piece which slidably receives the shaft element. A first axial groove is formed in the shaft element, and a first magnet member is mounted in the first groove. A second helical groove is formed in the shaft element and is spaced apart from the first groove. A second magnet member is mounted in the second groove. A magnetic field sensor is mounted in the cylinder housing so that the sensor generates an output signal as a function of a relative distance between the first and second magnet members as the second element moves with respect to the first element. Preferably, the shaft element includes a central cylindrical shaft and a hollow cylindrical sleeve mounted over and receiving the shaft. Preferably, the first and second grooves are formed in an inner surface of the sleeve, and the sleeve and the end piece are formed of nonferrous material.

Abstract: Magnetic field sensors, each generating an electrical output signal in proportion to the local magnetic field, are lithographically fabricated on a semiconductor substrate with a small spatial separation. The lateral dimension of the sensors and the separation length are the order of the minimum lithographic feature size. Comparing the electrical signals of the sensors results in a measurement of the local magnetic field gradient. Large field gradients, that vary on a small spatial scale, may be associated small magnetic structures such as microscopic magnetic particles. Detection of a field gradient can be used to infer the presence of a magnetic particle.

Abstract: A non-contacting magnetic position sensor that produces a magnetic field having improved linear characteristics over an extended sensing range. The magnetic position sensor includes a pair of magnets, a pair of pole pieces extending between the magnets and spaced apart to define an air gap, and a magnetic flux sensor operable to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density along the length of the air gap. The pole piece segments form a stepped interface with each of the magnets and cooperate with the magnets to provide a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density that varies in a substantially linear manner along substantially the entire length of the air gap. The magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the magnetic field and is operable to sense a magnitude of the varying magnetic flux density along the air gap and to provide an output signal representative of a position of the magnetic flux sensor relative to the magnetic field.

Abstract: A pulse signal generator comprises a pair of magnets (3a, 3b) for producing a magnetic field, a magnetic element wire (5) provided in the magnetic field and capable of producing large Barkhausen jumps, a wire coil (2) provided around the magnetic element wire (5) to output a pulse signal. The magnetic element wire (5) is embedded in a coil bobbin (6) as a unit.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension strut is disclosed that includes a housing having a chamber and a piston slidably disposed in the chamber. A piston rod is connected to the piston and extends out of the housing. The piston rod includes a bore extending longitudinally therein. A magnetostrictive transducer provides an output signal indicative of the piston position with respect to the housing. The magnetostrictive transducer includes a magnetostrictive waveguide disposed in the bore and a magnet joined to the housing that is operably coupled to the magnetostrictive waveguide and the magnetostrictive waveguide abruptly terminates at one end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electromagnetic navigation of a surgical probe near a metal object. The electromagnetic navigation system includes a transmitter coil array and a shield. The transmitter coil array has a plurality of transmitter coils and is operable to generate the electromagnetic field to navigate the probe. The shield is positioned adjacent the metal object and is operable to shield the metal object from the electromagnetic field generated by the transmitter coil array, such that the shield substantially reduces distortion of the electromagnetic field by the metal object.

Abstract: Micro magnetic position sensor apparatus includes a magnet for producing a magnetic field, a fixed contact, and a cantilever having magnetic material positioned therein to produce a torque on the cantilever in the magnetic field, the torque tending to align the cantilever with magnetic field lines in the magnetic field. The cantilever is mounted to provide it with a first position in electrical connection with the fixed contact and a second position in electrical disconnect with the fixed contact. The cantilever is further mounted so as to be normally in one of the first and second positions and movable to the other of the first and second positions when the magnetic field lines in the magnetic field are altered relative to the cantilever by proximity of an external object.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive application probe is disclosed wherein the probe includes a preassembled sensor element mounted as an application housing installation as an installable unit. The modular nature allows interchanging with various electronic assemblies, and may be an explosion proof installation.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive position measuring system is provided with a waveguide and which is allocated with a magnet movable along the waveguide. An impulse generator for generating an excitation pulse and a conductive wire for guiding the excitation pulse through the waveguide to the magnet are provided, whereby a torsion wave arises in the waveguide when the excitation pulse reaches the magnet. A reel for generating a reply pulse as a function of the torsion wave and a position calculation unit for ascertaining the position of the magnet as a function of the excitation pulse and the reply pulse are provided. A processor is provided in which a table is present in which a large number of positions and excitation pulse correction values are allocated to one another. The duration of the next excitation pulse is altered as a function of the position of the magnet ascertained and the associated excitation pulse correction value from the table.

Abstract: A pulse signal generator comprises a detection assembly including a magnetic field generator and a magnetic element wire able to cause a large Barkhausen jump such that it produces a pulse signal responsive to the movement of the object to be detected; a case for housing the detection assembly; an attaching member; and a positioning guide provided on the inside surface of the case to position the detection assembly at the desired position with respect to the object to be detected.

Abstract: A magnetic-based sensor is disclosed which can detect a linear and rotary position of a shaft whose movement is to be measured. Such sensor can operate to yield linear displacement as well as rotation. A position magnet is mounted on the shaft for measuring linear motion. A spirally wound magnet is mounted on the shaft to detect rotational motion. Both of such motions are detected by a single magnetic-based sensor.

Abstract: A magneto-strictive sensor 82 for determining a position of a valve 70 and/or a rotor 68 of an electromechanical valve assembly 46 is provided. In particular, the magneto-strictive sensor 82 is utilized to determine a rotational position of the rotor 68 and/or an axial position of the valve 70. The sensor 82 includes a sonic conduit 144 extending around a portion of a circumference of the rotor 68 of the valve assembly 46. The sensor 82 further includes a sonic wave generator 150 generating a sonic wave in the conduit 144 responsive to a transmit signal. The sonic wave propagates to a localized stress boundary 156 in the conduit 144 which is induced by a sensor magnet 80 rotating with the rotor 68. The sonic wave is reflected in the conduit 144 from the stress boundary 156. The sensor 82 further includes a sonic wave receiver 152 receiving the reflected sonic wave from the conduit 144 and generating a received signal responsive to the sonic wave.

Abstract: A sensor device for detecting a physical measurement variable is proposed including a sensor module as well as an electronic circuit module, wherein each value of the measurement variable is determined by comparison of an electrical voltage signal generated in the sensor module with a reference voltage generated in the circuit module and each value is output as a digital or analog coded signal at an output. Such a sensor device should solve the technical problem of making information about the amplitude of an internal electrical voltage signal accessible at all times for evaluation of the current tolerance situation. This is achieved in that the amplitude of this electrical voltage signal is represented by the period of a delay between the activation of the supply voltage for the sensor device and the output of the first valid measurement value.

Abstract: In order to improve a sensor assembly for detecting the position of a magnet which is movable in relation to the sensor assembly, with a sensor housing, in which a sensor element sensitive to magnetic fields is arranged, it being possible to generate a digital output signal, the switching state of which is dependent on the relative position between the sensor element and the magnet, in such a way that it has an extended range of uses, the sensor element is provided with at least one field directing device of a magnetizable material which is arranged with respect to the sensor element, and varies in its geometrical dimensions transversely in relation to a direction of relative movement between the magnet and the sensor element, in such a way that an amplified analog sensor signal which characterizes the relative position between the sensor element and the magnet can be generated, at least in a specific relative positional range.