Abstract: An apparatus for providing a bias current to a hall sensor includes: a bias provider configured to provide the bias current to the hall sensor; and a processor configured to produce a bias current control value based on a node voltage between the hall sensor and the bias provider, wherein the bias provider is configured to vary the bias current based on the bias current control value.

Abstract: A rotation detection device includes a sensor unit including plural magnetic sensors and a housing portion covering the magnetic sensors together. The magnetic sensors each include a plate-shaped detection portion including a magnetic detection element to detect a magnetic field from a detection target member and connection terminals extending out of the detection portion. The magnetic sensors are arranged such that the detection portions are aligned in a plate thickness direction thereof. The magnetic detection element is configured to detect a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction. The sensor unit is positioned such that fore-end portions of the detection portions of the magnetic sensors face toward an axial end face of the detection target member, the fore-end portions being end portions located opposite to the side where the connection terminals extend out.

Abstract: A semiconductor device formed on a semiconductor substrate of a P type includes: a vertical resistor circuit including a resistor of an N type, the resistor forming a current path in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the semiconductor substrate; a Hall element provided on the semiconductor substrate, the Hall element being configured to supply a voltage proportional to a magnetic flux density in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the semiconductor substrate; an amplifier configured to amplify the voltage supplied from the Hall element, and supply the amplified voltage; a current/voltage conversion circuit configured to supply, as a comparison reference voltage, a voltage containing a product of a reference current IREF flowing through the vertical resistor circuit and a resistance value RREF of the vertical resistor circuit; and a comparator configured to receive the voltage supplied from the amplifier and the comparison reference voltage.

Abstract: An ultrasound system employs an ultrasound probe (31), a strain sensor (33) and a workstation (20). The ultrasound probe (31) includes an ultrasound transducer for acquiring ultrasound images (40) of an anatomical region. The strain sensor (33) is arranged on the ultrasound probe (31) to measure a longitudinal strain applied by the anatomical region to the ultrasound probe (31) as the ultrasound transducer acquires ultrasound images (40) of the anatomical region. The strain sensor (33) encircles a longitudinal axis of the ultrasound probe (31) and is spaced from the ultrasound transducers relative to the longitudinal axis of the ultrasound probe (31).

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) for generating protocol data for an injection pen (2). The device (1) comprises a motion sensing unit (13) including one or more of a gyroscope and an accelerometer in order to generate one or more of a gyro signal and an acceleration signal. The device comprises a signal processing unit (14) which implements an analyser which is configured to analyse one or more of the gyro signal and the acceleration signal and to generate protocol data reflecting an adjusted dosage of a medicament. Optionally, the analyser is configured to generate protocol data reflecting delivery of the adjusted dosage of the medicament.

Abstract: An angle sensor may comprise a sensing element including a first half bridge, where magnetic reference directions of resistors of the first half bridge are along a first reference axis. The sensing element may include a second half bridge, where magnetic reference directions of resistors of the second half bridge are along a second reference axis. The sensing element may include a third half bridge, where magnetic reference directions of resistors of the third half bridge are along a third reference axis. At least two of the first reference axis, the second reference axis, or the third reference axis may be non-orthogonal to each other.

Abstract: This application provides a medical guidance device with an inertial measurement unit and a mechanical interface. This device can provide accurate and precise orientation of insertable medical tools is critical in surgical procedure, such as for placement of a needle-like instrument according to plan based on medical images (e.g., computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)) in percutaneous interventions.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for contactless wideband current sensing. A combination of magnetoresistive (MR) sensor and Rogowski coil outputs can be combined to provide current sensing from DC to 10 MHZ or more. In one example, a system includes a MR sensor that can provide an MR output voltage corresponding to a magnitude of the current through a trace; a Rogowski coil sensor that can provide a Rogowski output voltage corresponding to a magnitude of the current; and processing circuitry configured to generate an output current signal by aggregating the MR and Rogowski output voltages. In another example, a method includes conditioning an output from a MR sensor disposed adjacent to a trace carrying a current; conditioning an output from a Rogowski coil disposed adjacent to the trace; and aggregating the first and second conditioned signals to provide an output current signal corresponding to the current passing through the trace.

Abstract: A common method for providing user-input to an electronic system consists of tracking the position and motion of an object moved by the user and conveying this information to the electronic system. One embodiment of a positional tracking system for an object has an external and stationary magnetic-field emitter, a magnetic-field sensor which moves with the tracked object, and a microprocessor that compares magnetic-field intensity measurements taken by the sensor and compares it to magnetic-field characteristics defined for the external magnetic field emitter. A nonlinear equation solver, particle filter, or other method is used to determine the position of the sensor in the magnetic field. In this way the position of an object can be tracked using a single magnetic field emission source. This positional information can be combined with an inertial tracking system to mitigate drift errors.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor can include a magnetic field sensor can include a substrate having a major surface in an x-y plane with an x axis and a y axis. The magnetic field sensor can also have an external field sensing circuit disposed upon the substrate and responsive to an external magnetic field generated outside of the magnetic field sensor. The external field sensing circuit can include one or more magnetoresistance elements, each having a respective reference layer with a magnetic direction parallel to the y axis and in the x-y plane. The one or more magnetoresistance elements can be operable to generate a magnetoresistance element signal responsive to the external magnetic field.

Abstract: A rotational angle detection apparatus is provided with a magnet disposed so as to be rotatable integrally with an axis of rotation, having a substantially circular shape when viewed along the axis of rotation, and including a magnetization vector component in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation; a magnetic sensor that outputs a sensor signal on the basis of change in a magnetic field accompanying rotation of the magnet; and a rotational angle detector that detects a rotational angle of the rotating body on the basis of the sensor signal output by the magnetic sensor; wherein the magnet has a curved inclined surface with a concave shape along the axis of rotation from a prescribed position on the outer side in a radial direction toward the axis of rotation, and when a circular virtual plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation and centered at the axis of rotation is established at a position opposed to the curved inclined surface, the magnetic sensor is disposed at a position at which the amplitudes

Abstract: A magnetic angle sensor device is suggested comprising a shaft that is arranged rotatably around a rotation axis, at least one permanent magnet, a stator and two magnetic angle sensors, which are fixed to the stator, wherein the shaft is arranged rotatably against the stator, wherein the at least one permanent magnet is connected to the shaft, and wherein the at least one permanent magnet is arranged to apply magnetic fields at the two magnetic angle sensors with different directions of diametrical magnetic field components.

Abstract: A rotation angle detection apparatus includes a magnet that is provided to a rotating shaft of a rotating body and rotates with the rotating shaft to generate magnetic flux and a magnetic sensor that is provided at a distance from the magnet and detects a magnetic flux interlinked with the magnetic sensor. The rotation angle detection apparatus has a magnet magnetic flux detection circuit that detects a magnet magnetic flux generated from the magnet, a disturbance magnetic flux detection circuit that detects a disturbance magnetic flux, which is a magnetic flux other than the magnet magnetic flux and is interlinked with the magnetic sensor, and a correction circuit that corrects a result of detection of the magnetic sensor based on a result of detection of the magnet magnetic flux detection circuit and a result of detection of the disturbance magnetic flux detection circuit.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes built-in self-test coils in a configuration to provide magnetic field stimulation along three axes, with a high field factor, and thus, reduce a power budget of the sensor and physical size of the self-test coils. The magnetic field sensor comprises a first bridge circuit including a plurality of sense elements configured to sense a magnetic field. The magnetic field sensor further comprises re-configurable self-test current lines coupled to a self-test source to perform high field, high power wafer and die level testing and trim, as well as low power in-situ characterization and calibration of the sensor. The self-test current lines may be routed to form a coil with multiple turns around the TMR elements.

Abstract: Inductive elements comprising anisotropic media and biasing coils for magnetically biasing thereof and methods of manufacture and operation for use in applications such as microelectronics. Application of an electrical current through the bias coils generates a magnetic field that biases the magnetic material such that a desirable orientation of anisotropy is achieved throughout the magnetic core and enables modulation of the inductive response of the device. Electrical conductors coupled to interconnects are magnetically coupled to magnetic core layers to produce self and/or mutual inductors.

Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) receiver system for measuring EM signals. The EM receiver system includes a survey EM transmitter for generating survey EM signals within a first frequency range; a tracking EM transmitter for generating tracking signals within a second frequency range; and a receiver section including a receiver that measures both the survey EM signals and the tracking signals.

Abstract: A medical system includes a sensor location module, a first module, and a second module. The sensor location module determines a location of a magnetic field sensor within a magnetic field. The first module determines an acceleration of the magnetic field sensor. The second module indicates a modified location of the magnetic field sensor in an image of a medical patient based on the acceleration and one or more previously determined locations.

Abstract: The embodiments of the tracking device for the ultrasound imaging diagnostic apparatus include a predetermined combination of an ultrasound probe, an operator and a patient to be tracked, a space measuring device for measuring at least distance and angle of the probe based upon emitted electromagnetic radiation that is emitted towards the probe and reflected electromagnetic radiation that is reflected from the probe; and a processing device connected to the space measuring device for determining a change in distance and angle of the probe in space based upon on the emitted electromagnetic radiation and the reflected electromagnetic radiation. The space measuring device is used to track movement in a combination of a probe, a patient and an operator.

Abstract: A steering torque-steering angle sensor comprising a steering torque sensor module and a steering angle sensor module, wherein the steering torque sensor module operates with a magnetic effective principle and has in this respect a first magnetic encoder and at least one first magnetic field sensor element, wherein the steering angle sensor module has at least a second magnetic field sensor element and a third magnetic field sensor element, wherein the second magnetic field sensor element directly or indirectly senses the magnetic field of the first magnetic encoder, that is to say of the magnetic encoder of the steering torque sensor module, and wherein the third magnetic field sensor element senses the magnetic field of an additional, second magnetic encoder.

Abstract: A circuit includes a magnetic logic unit including input terminals, output terminals, a field line, and magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). The field line electrically connects a first and a second input terminal, and is configured to generate a magnetic field based on an input to at least one of the first and the second input terminal. The input is based on an analog input to the circuit. Each MTJ is electrically connected to a first output terminal and a second output terminal, and is configured such that an output of at least one of the first and the second output terminal varies in response to a combined resistance of the MTJs. The resistance of each of the MTJs varies based on the magnetic field. The circuit is configured to generate an analog output based on the output of at least one of the first and the second output terminal.

Abstract: An encoder is configured for detection of rotational movement of a rotatable shaft in relation to a part of a machine, and a method is provided for generating a reference signal by an encoder.

Abstract: A method for measuring a location of a user terminal, using a magnetic field includes receiving information on a map of the magnetic field; acquiring a first measured value from a magnetic field sensor provided in the user terminal; acquiring a second measured value from another sensor provided in the user terminal and distinguished from the magnetic field sensor; and measuring a location of the user terminal based on the information on the map of the magnetic field, the first measured value and the second measured value.

Abstract: A blowout preventer for sealing a tubular of a wellbore is provided. The blowout preventer has a housing having a bore therethrough for receiving the tubular, at least one ram slidably positionable in the housing (each of the rams having a ram block for sealing engagement about the tubular), an actuator for selectively driving the ram block (the actuator comprising a piston slidably positionable in a cylinder), and a monitor for detecting the piston therein. The monitor has a visual indicator on an exterior of the cylinder. The visual indicator is operatively coupled to the piston for displaying a position of the piston as the piston travels within the cylinder whereby a position of the ram may be determined.

Abstract: A sensor system determines an absolute angular position of a to-be-sensed rotating member. The sensor system may include a rotor with a first magnet coupled to the rotor and a shaft having threads thereon. The sensor system may further include a sleeve with a second magnet and threads complementary to the threads of a shaft. The sleeve may be configured to travel axially along the shaft as a function of rotation of the rotor. The sensor system may also include a first transducer configured to sense orientation of the first magnet and at least one second transducer configured to sense a location of the second magnet along the shaft. Through use of the sensor system, an absolute number of turns and, consequently absolute angular position, of the rotating member can be determined.

Abstract: A discrete magnetic angle sensor device according to an embodiment includes a first magnetic field gradiometer and a second magnetic field gradiometer. The first magnetic field gradiometer and the second magnetic field gradiometer are of different types of a group of gradiometer types. An embodiment may improve an accuracy of a determination of a rotation angle.

Abstract: Device for measuring the rotating angle of two objects rotating in relation to each other, with a transmitter which is assigned to one of the objects and which emits light that is either polarized or becomes polarized by means of a polarization filter, and with a polarization-sensitive analyzer such that the transmitter and the analyzer rotate relative to each other as dependent on the rotating angle, and with a receiver which measures the intensity of light passing through the analyzer in order to create a signal that is dependent on the rotating angle, where a magnetized element is positioned on one of the objects and a sensor for detecting a magnetic field is positioned on the other object.

Abstract: A method for measuring an angular position of a rotating shaft, the method including providing a magnetic field which rotates with the shaft about an axis of rotation, positioning an integrated circuit having first and second magnetic sensing bridges within the magnetic field at a radially off-center position from the axis of rotation, the first and second magnetic sensing bridges respectively providing first and second signals representative of first and second magnetic field directions, the integrated circuit having a set of adjustment parameters for modifying attributes of the first and second signals, modifying values of the set of adjustment parameters until errors in the first and second signals are substantially minimized, and determining an angular position of the shaft based on the first and second signals.

Abstract: A valve control system includes a valve control device and a hand-held actuating apparatus for triggering operating actions within the valve control device. The hand-held actuating apparatus includes a magnet arrangement and the valve control device includes a magnetic field sensor arrangement adapted to the magnet arrangement of the hand-held actuating apparatus. The magnet arrangement includes one or more magnets and an actuating means. The magnetic fields of the magnets are individually variable by the actuating means without movement of the hand-held actuating apparatus relative to the magnetic field sensor arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sensor with a body and a magnetic field sensor. The body includes a plurality of structures arranged in a first direction to effect a periodically varying magnetic field upon movement of the body in the first direction. The magnetic field sensor is configured to detect components of the magnetic field in a second direction and in a third direction, wherein the magnetic field sensor is arranged adjacent to the body such that the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and such that the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and to the second direction.

Abstract: In an abnormality detection system for a rotation angle sensor, a fact that an abnormality has occurred in one of sine signals (S1, S2) or in one of cosine signals (S3, S4) is detected based on a sum of the electrical signals (S1, S2), and a sum of the electrical signals (S3, S4) (first detection result). A fact that an abnormality has occurred in one of the positive sine and cosine signals (S1, S3) or in one of the negative sine and cosine signals (S2, S4) by comparing a first temperature computed using a correlation between an amplitude and a temperature and based on the electrical signals (S1, S3), a second temperature computed using a correlation between the amplitude and a temperature and based on the electrical signals (S2, S4), and a third temperature detected by a temperature sensor with each other (second detection result). A microcomputer identifies which of the electrical signals is abnormal by comparing the first and second detection results with each other.

Abstract: A rotation sensor assembly includes a rotated component rotatably coupled with a base. The rotation sensor assembly includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is coupled with the base or the rotated component. The transmitter generates a magnetic field including a sinusoidally time-varying dipole near-field corresponding to an excitation signal having a first phase value. The receiver is coupled with the other of the rotated component or the base. The receiver detects the magnetic field and generates a reception signal based on the magnetic field with a second phase value corresponding to a rotation angle of the rotated component relative to the base. The receiver is mechanically isolated from the transmitter. A rotation angle module is coupled with the transmitter. The rotation angle module, for instance a phase detector, measures the rotation angle of the rotated component based on the phase difference in the first and second phase values.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for sensing an angular position of a rotating object over an angular position range that includes up to 360 degrees using an arc position encoder comprising a substantially 180-degree angular position sensing range. The encoder may include a base comprising an arc length defined by a first and a second end, one or more magnetic field sensors disposed within the base between the first and second ends, and one or more polarity transition sensors also disposed within the base between the first and second ends. The encoder may further include a magnetic target that includes first and second magnetic poles disposed on opposite ends so as to generate a uniform magnetic field, wherein the magnetic target is coupled to the rotating object so as to rotate about an axis of rotation located substantially in a center of a circle defined by the base.

Abstract: An encoder includes a rotary disc, a magnetic detection mechanism, an optical detection mechanism, a first detection signal generator, a second detection signal generator, and a multiple turn detector. The magnetic detection mechanism is to magnetically detect rotation of the rotary disc. The optical detection mechanism is to optically detect the rotation of the rotary disc. The first detection signal generator is configured to generate a first detection signal based on an output from the magnetic detection mechanism. The second detection signal generator is configured to generate a second detection signal having a predetermined phase difference from the first detection signal based on an output from the optical detection mechanism. The multiple turn detector is configured to detect a multiple turning amount of the rotary disc based on the first and second detection signals.

Abstract: A system and method for performing object localization based on the emission of electromagnetic fields. The electromagnetic fields are simultaneously emitted from different transmitters. One electromagnetic field is emitted at a base frequency; the remaining waves are emitted at frequencies that are harmonics of the base frequency. The composite magnetic fields are measured by sensors. The signal generated by each sensor is subject to a Fourier analysis to determine the strengths of the individual electromagnetic fields forming the composite electromagnetic field. These individual measure field strength data are then used to determine the position and orientation of the sensors relative to the transmitters.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for sensing an angular position of a rotating object over a 360-degree angular position range using an arc position encoder comprising a 180-degree angular position sensing range. The encoder may include a base defined by first and second ends, one or more magnetic field sensors disposed within the base between the first and second ends, one or more of first and second base extensions disposed on the first and second ends, and one or more polarity transition sensors disposed within the one or more of the first and second base extensions. The encoder may further include a magnetic target having first and second magnetic poles disposed on opposite ends so as to generate a uniform magnetic field, wherein the magnetic target is coupled to the rotating object so as to rotate about an axis of rotation located in a center of a circle defined by the base.

Abstract: An apparatus includes circuits, a field line configured to generate a magnetic field based on an input, a sensing module configured to determine a parameter of each circuit, and a magnetic field direction determination module configured to determine an angular orientation of the apparatus relative to an external magnetic field based on the parameter. Each circuit includes multiple magnetic tunnel junctions. Each magnetic tunnel junction includes a storage layer having a storage magnetization direction and a sense layer having a sense magnetization direction configured based on the magnetic field. Each magnetic tunnel junction is configured such that the sense magnetization direction and a resistance of the magnetic tunnel junction vary based on the external magnetic field. The parameter varies based on the resistances of the multiple magnetic tunnel junctions. The magnetic field direction determination module is implemented in at least one of a memory or a processing device.

Abstract: A control system for use in safety critical human/machine control interfaces is described, more particularly a joystick type control system and particularly a joystick type control system utilizing magnetic positional sensing. The control system provides a control input device having a movable magnet, a pole-piece frame arrangement positioned about the magnet, at least three magnetic flux sensors being positioned in said pole-piece frame arrangement and a monitoring arrangement for monitoring the output signal of each of said at least three sensors.

Abstract: A contactless sensing device comprises a magnetic stripe fixed on a tested object, a detector and a processor. The magnetic stripe has arranged plurality of N-pole and S-pole blocks. The detector includes a fixed magnetic layer with fixed magnetic direction, a free magnetic layer with changeable magnetic direction influenced by external magnetic field, and an insulating layer separated the fixed magnetic layer from the free magnetic layer. While the object is moving to make the magnetic stripe pass through the detector, the magnetic direction of the free magnetic layer is influenced by the N-pole and S-pole blocks, such that the magnetic direction of the free magnetic layer is parallel or anti-parallel to the fixed magnetic layer. The induced change of the magnetoresistance further result in the obvious change of the output signal to the processor, and then the information of the object is sensed and calculated from the processor.

Abstract: A balanced bridge variable-reluctance sensor with no internal circuit components, springs, or dielectric for performing vibration analysis in high-vibration, high-temperature, and other extreme environments. The present invention includes a variable-reluctance sensor in a vibration-sensing capacity. The present invention has inherently high reliability due to its simplicity. The sensor is solidly mounted to a structure that is being monitored and allows a vibration wave to pass through a floating sensor bridge. The sensor vibrates at the same frequency as the application being measured.

Abstract: In a magnetic-field angle detection device and a rotation angle detection device in which the accuracy of the measured angle is not degraded even if the MR ratio of the tunneling magnetoresistance element is increased. In a magnetic-field-angle measurement apparatus including a magnetic-field-angle detection circuit and a magnetic sensor having a tunneling magnetoresistance element with a pinned magnetic layer, the magnetic-field-angle detection circuit has a power-supply unit that outputs a constant voltage as a bias voltage to the tunneling magnetoresistance element of the magnetic sensor and a current-detection unit that detects an output current of the tunneling magnetoresistance element.

Abstract: A transmission actuator for a transmission includes a split sensor configured to detect a switching position of a split phase rod of the transmission that can be longitudinally displaced in a split sensor measuring direction. The transmission actuator further includes a gate sensor configured to detect a gate rod position of a gate rod of the transmission that can be longitudinally displaced in a gate sensor measuring direction, and a gear sensor configured to detect a gear rod position of a gear rod of the transmission that can be longitudinally displaced in a gear sensor measuring direction. Two measuring directions extend substantially parallel and span a measuring direction plane, and a third measuring direction forms an obtuse angle with the measuring direction plane.

Abstract: A magnetic pole position detecting device correctly acquires magnetic pole position even if two magnetic sensors are arranged at an arbitrary interval. The magnetic pole position detecting device receives the input of sensor outputs “a” and “b” of two magnetic sensors arranged at a predetermined interval L along a magnetic pole arraying direction and a phase difference ? between the two sensor outputs “a” and “b”. When sin ?>?, the magnetic pole position detecting device divides a·sin ? by b?a·cos ? to calculate tan ? and outputs a magnetic pole position ?=tan?1 {a·sin ?/(b?a·cos ?)}. When sin ???, because a=sin ? and b=cos(?+?), the magnetic pole position detecting device outputs magnetic pole position ?={sin?1(a)+sin?1(b)??}/2. Because ?=2?×L/(a magnetic pole pitch or the number of poles), by using ? as a correction coefficient for the two sensor outputs “a” and “b”, magnetic pole position error can be canceled even when the interval L is different from a theoretical value.

Abstract: There is described an arrangement for detecting a change in a position between two parts which can be displaced in relation to one another. The arrangement has at least one electromechanical registering device having a monitoring chamber, which is shielded from manipulations taking effect from the outside, a number of monitoring bodies in the monitoring chamber, the number comprising at least two components and these components differing from one another in terms of a physical parameter, motion transfer means, which, in the event of the change in the positioning being returned to an initial state, cause the monitoring bodies to be moved from a first monitoring arrangement into a second monitoring arrangement. A sensor device has sensors which generate a sensor signal corresponding to the physical parameter of a monitoring body associated with each sensor in the first and second monitoring arrangement, and each sensor signal is fed to an evaluation unit.

Abstract: Device for measuring the rotating angle of two objects rotating in relation to each other, with a transmitter which is assigned to one of the objects and which emits light that is either polarized or becomes polarized by means of a polarization filter, and with a polarization-sensitive analyzer such that the transmitter and the analyzer rotate relative to each other as dependent on the rotating angle, and with a receiver which measures the intensity of light passing through the analyzer in order to create a signal that is dependent on the rotating angle, where a magnetized element is positioned on one of the objects and a sensor for detecting a magnetic field is positioned on the other object.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sensor with a body and a magnetic field sensor. The body includes a plurality of structures arranged in a first direction to effect a periodically varying magnetic field upon movement of the body in the first direction. The magnetic field sensor is configured to detect components of the magnetic field in a second direction and in a third direction, wherein the magnetic field sensor is arranged adjacent to the body such that the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and such that the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and to the second direction.

Abstract: Methods for accurately tracking position and orientation of a magnetic-field sensor in a tracking volume when a large magnetic-field distorter is present in the tracking volume. In some of the methods, magnetic field data is collected from within the tracking volume both with and without the large magnetic-field distorter present in the tracking volume. This data is used to obtain correction information that is subsequently used during real-time operation of the magnetic-field sensor to correct the position and orientation solutions for the sensor for magnetic-field distortions caused by the presence of the large magnetic-field distorter in the tracking volume. Others of the methods involve modeling the large magnetic-field distorter using dipole and multipole modeling. Magnetic tracking systems for implementing the methods include hardware and software for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: A compact sensing device capable of sensing a rotational angle and a rotational velocity, or a rectilinear moving distance and a moving velocity. A displacement sensing device that senses a rotational angle of a moving member rotation and a distance of a linear movement of the moving member, or senses an angular velocity of the moving member rotation and a velocity of a linear movement of the moving member, includes: a first movable member, moved together with the moving member by a linear movement of the moving member; a second movable member holding the first movable member in a rotatable manner, and rotated together with the moving member by rotation of the moving member; a first sensor outputting a signal in accordance with a linear movement of the first movable member; and a second sensor outputting a signal in accordance with a rotation of the second movable member.

Abstract: An inductive proximity sensor and related method for sensing a presence/position of a target, with mounting effect compensation, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method includes providing a proximity sensor having first and second coils that are both at least indirectly in communication with control circuitry. The method also includes receiving respective first and second signals at least indirectly indicative of respective first and second electromagnetic field components respectively experienced by the first coil as influenced both by a target and a structure supporting the sensor and the second coil as influenced by the supporting structure. The method further includes determining by way of the circuitry a third signal based at least in part upon the first signal, as modified based at least in part upon the second signal, whereby the third signal is indicative of the presence or position of the target relative to the sensor.

Abstract: A balanced bridge variable-reluctance sensor with no internal circuit components, springs, or dielectric for performing vibration analysis in high-vibration, high-temperature, and other extreme environments. The present invention includes a variable-reluctance sensor in a vibration-sensing capacity. The present invention has inherently high reliability due to its simplicity. The sensor is solidly mounted to a structure that is being monitored and allows a vibration wave to pass through a floating sensor bridge. The sensor vibrates at the same frequency as the application being measured.

Abstract: A position detection device includes a magnet and a magnetic detector. The magnet includes a first pole, a second pole, a third pole and a fourth pole. The first pole and the second pole are arranged spaced apart from each other and have a same magnetic polarity. The third pole and the fourth pole are arranged spaced apart from each other and have a magnetic polarity different from the magnetic polarity of the first pole and the second pole. The first pole faces the third pole. The second pole faces the fourth pole. The magnetic detector is configured to detect magnetism of the first pole, the second pole, the third pole, and the fourth pole.