Abstract: The invention inter alia relates to a method for monitoring the bearing current of an electrical machine (10). An electrode (100) arranged at a distance (d) to a shaft and the shaft—due to the gap (S) between the electrode and the shaft—produce a measurement capacitance (C) and an electric shift current (i) which flows through the measurement capacitance when there is a temporal change of the voltage (Ug) applied between the shaft and the housing is measured. A measurement signal (Ms) indicating a bearing current flow is generated when the shift current or a measurement variable produced by the shift current meets a predetermined trigger criterion. Preferably, the electrode has a circular inner contour so that the gap is annular. The annular inner contour results in an error compensation in the case of a balance error of the shaft because the factor dC/dt remains at least substantially constant. Due to the contactless measurement of the shift current, no contact brushes for contacting the shaft are required.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a fuel-aspect sensor having higher detection accuracy. A first electrode is inserted into a hole formed in a first housing member. A cylindrical second electrode is inserted into and firmly fixed to the first electrode by a cylindrical insulating member. A first elastic member, for example, made of rubber, is arranged between the first electrode and a second housing member. The first electrode has a large-diameter portion, which is biased by the first elastic member toward a sealing surface formed on an inner wall of the hole, so as to fluid-tightly seal a space between the first electrode and the second housing member.

Abstract: A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates flexibly connected together, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates to measure the capacitances of the sensor plates. A controller is coupled to the sensing circuit to analyze the capacitances measured by the sensing circuit. One or a plurality of indicators are coupled to the controller, and are selectively activated to identify the location of a relative high capacitance, which can be indicative of an obscured feature behind a surface.

Abstract: A device for use with a conduit having a first conduit end and a conduit second end, into which conduit a cable can be installed using a flow of air into the first conduit end, the device being suitable for confirming that the air is flowing out from the second conduit end. In an embodiment, the device includes a housing, means to enable connection of the device to the second conduit end, a detector arranged to detect an electrical property change, and an actuator for causing an electrical property change detectable by the detector, wherein in use, the air flowing into the device causes the detector and the actuator to move relative to each other, causing an electrical property change detectable by the detector.

Abstract: Provided by the invention is a sensor device for the detection of touch or approach of an object. A server circuit of the sensor device according to the invention is formed in such a manner, that the server circuit alone (i.e. without co-operation with a client circuit) may be used as approaching sensor, at the same time however also together with one or several client circuits may be implemented a sensor network, in which the client circuits preferably are fed with energy with the electric field of the server electrode.

Abstract: A signal acquisition system has a signal acquisition probe having probe tip circuitry coupled to a resistive center conductor signal cable. The resistive center conductor signal cable of the signal acquisition probe is coupled to a compensation system in a signal processing instrument via an input node and input circuitry in the signal processing instrument. The signal acquisition probe and the signal processing instrument have mismatched time constants at the input node with the compensation system having an input amplifier with feedback loop circuitry and a shunt pole-zero pair coupled to the input circuitry providing pole-zero pairs for maintaining flatness over the signal acquisition system frequency bandwidth.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus is described for measuring a sensor, comparing measured values of a sensor to a reference value, adjusting a calibration parameter in response to the comparing of measured values to a reference value and determining sensor integrity based on the value o the adjusted parameter.

Abstract: A probe for a capacitive sensor device, and a gap measuring system using the probe, is disclosed. The probe has a probe head including a measuring element with at least one measuring and front face, a first electrically non-conductive isolator element, and a first partial element of a first shield. The measuring and front face, the first isolator element, and the first partial element of the first shield are adhesively connected to one another and configured as a multilayer, where the first isolator element is disposed between the measuring element with its measuring and front face and the first partial element.

Abstract: A method for verifying a portable consumer device. The method includes receiving an authorization request message associated with a transaction conducted using a portable consumer device. The portable consumer device includes a portable consumer device fingerprint. The authorization request message includes an altered portable consumer device fingerprint and an algorithm identifier. The method also includes selecting an algorithm from among a plurality of algorithms using the algorithm identifier, determining the portable consumer device fingerprint using selected algorithm and the altered portable consumer device fingerprint, determining if the portable consumer device fingerprint matches a stored portable consumer device fingerprint, and sending an authorization response message after determining if the portable consumer device fingerprint matches the stored portable consumer device fingerprint.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring fluid in a fluid line are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first capacitor and a processor in communication with the first capacitor. The first capacitor is configured to sense the capacitance of the fluid line at the first capacitor. The processor is configured to compare the sensed capacitance at the first capacitor with a reference capacitance to determine the composition of the fluid in the fluid line at the first capacitor. In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes a second capacitor. The second capacitor is configured to sense the capacitance of the fluid line at the second capacitor. The processor is configured to compare the sensed capacitance at the second capacitor with a reference capacitance to determine the composition of the fluid in the fluid line at the second capacitor.

Abstract: An obscured feature detector operates from a stationary position on a surface being examined. The detector includes a plurality of sensor plates positioned in an array on the underside of the device, which sense the examined surface. The sensor plates are connected to a capacitance sensing circuit, which connects to indicators positioned on the back side of the detector through additional circuitry. A handle positioned on the back of the detector allows the user to grasp the device and place it in a stationary position on the surface being examined while also observing the indicators on the back side of the detector. Increases in capacitance caused by the presence of features behind or within the surface being examined are detected by the sensor plates and the capacitance sensing circuit. The indicators identify locations of larger capacitances, associated with the presence of a feature, such as a stud, beam, or electrical wiring.

Abstract: A signal acquisition system has a signal acquisition probe having probe tip circuitry coupled to a resistive center conductor signal cable. The resistive center conductor signal cable of the signal acquisition probe is coupled to a compensation system in a signal processing instrument via an input node and input circuitry in the signal processing instrument. The signal acquisition probe and the signal processing instrument have mismatched time constants at the input node with the compensation system providing pole-zero pairs for maintaining flatness over the signal acquisition system frequency bandwidth.

Abstract: A passive alignment structure is provided that includes at least one rigid post being coupled to a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one in-plane clamp is associated with a respective at least one rigid post. The at least one in-plane clamp receives a clamping force to lock the respective at least one rigid post. A plurality of pins allows the top surface to align to the bottom surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a workpiece includes a capacitance probe mounted to a probe housing and a non-conductive spacer. The capacitance probe includes a probe tip with a sensor surface that emits an electric field. The non-conductive spacer extends between a probe contact surface and a workpiece contact surface. The probe contact surface covers the sensor surface, and the workpiece contact surface contacts the workpiece during the measuring of the radius.

Abstract: An improved system for capacitive testing electrical connections in a low signal environment. The system includes features that increase sensitivity of a capacitive probe. One feature is a spacer positioned to allow the probe to be partially inserted into the component without contacting the pins. The spacer may be a collar on the probe that contacts the housing of the component, contacts the substrate of the circuit assembly, or both. In some other embodiments, the spacer may be a riser extending beyond the surface of the sense plate that contacts the component, a riser portion of the component, or a combination of both. The spacer improves sensitivity by establishing a small gap between a sense plate of the probe and pins under test without risk of damage to the pins. A second feature is a guard plate of the probe with reduced capacitance to a sense plate of the probe. Reducing capacitance also increases the sensitivity of the probe.

Abstract: In a fuel property sensor, a pair of first and second electrodes is arranged in a fuel chamber to measure an electric capacitance, thereby detecting a mixing ratio of alcohol to gasoline in a fuel of the fuel chamber. An outer wall surface of the first electrode is exposed in the fuel, and a sensing portion contacts an inner wall surface of the first electrode to detect a temperature of the fluid via the first electrode. One end portion of a lead is connected to the sensing portion and the other end portion thereof is connected to a plate portion attached to a housing. Furthermore, an elastic deformation portion is provided as a part of the lead to be elastically deformed, and to cause the sensing portion to be biased in a direction on which the sensing portion contacts the inner wall surface of the first electrode.

Abstract: A measurement arrangement for measuring and/or monitoring a physical property, comprising a measurement device comprising: at least one primary sensing element to be exposed to a product at a measurement site, a remotely located secondary measurement device, and transmission lines connecting said primary sensing elements to said secondary measuring device, suitable for applications wherein the primary sensing elements may be exposed to strong vibrations at the measurement sites, is described, wherein said secondary measurement device is mounted above all primary sensing elements and wherein said transmission lines comprise an inner core, an outer tubular protection conduit enclosing said core, and a vibration absorbing medium filling an interior of said outer protection conduit surrounding said inner core.

Abstract: Methods for making and systems employing pressure and temperature sensors are described. Embodiments include a capacitive element including a first conductor plate and a second conductor plate. Each plate includes a conductor layer formed on a substrate. In a pressure sensor embodiment, seal is positioned at or near the edges of the conductor plates, and a gas retained in a gap defined between the plates. In a temperature sensor embodiment, the gap defined between the plates is in fluid communication with the external environment.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring external loads acting on a pin assembly includes a pin having an axial interior bore defined therein and having a length defined from a first end to an opposed second end thereof. A core pin is mounted axially within the interior bore of the pin spaced radially inwardly from the interior bore for relative displacement with respect to the pin. A capacitor is provided having an inner capacitor plate mounted to the core pin, and an outer capacitor plate mounted to the pin, such that relative displacement of the core and the pin due to external loading on the pin results in relative displacement of the inner and outer capacitor plates. The capacitor is configured and adapted to be connected to an electrical circuit to produce signals indicative of external loading on the pin based on relative displacement of the inner and outer capacitor plates.

Abstract: A film thickness measurement device, which measures the film thickness of an oil film of lubricating oil, formed in a gap between a piston ring and an electrode provided flush with a piston ring sliding surface of a cylinder liner, by detecting the electrostatic capacitance across the gap, employs an electrostatic capacitance detection portion, which charges the electrostatic capacitance by supplying a constant current to the electrode, detects the electrostatic capacitance based on changes in the charging voltage accompanying the charging, and outputs a detection signal indicating the electrostatic capacitance, and a film thickness computation portion, which calculates the film thickness of the oil film based on the electrostatic capacitance indicated by the detection signal input from the electrostatic capacitance detection portion.

Abstract: A method for servicing, especially checking, an apparatus for capacitive ascertaining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium, wherein the apparatus has at least one probe unit with a probe electrode and an auxiliary electrode. The probe electrode and/or the auxiliary electrode are/is supplied at least with one test signal or connected with at least one electrical potential, that at least one response signal is tapped from the probe unit, and that, at least from the response signal and a predeterminable desired value, information is obtained concerning the apparatus.

Abstract: In detecting a displacement of a cantilever (2) by a displacement detecting mechanism (5) and allowing a probe (1) and a sample (8) to approach each other by at least one of a coarse-movement mechanism (13) and a vertical direction fine-movement mechanism (11) at the same time, an excitation mechanism (4) excites the cantilever (2) with a first excitation condition and the probe (1) and the sample (8) are allowed to approach each other with a first stop condition, and then the cantilever (2) is excited with a second excitation condition different from the first excitation condition, a second stop condition is set, and the probe (1) and the sample (8) are allowed to approach each other by the at least one of the vertical direction fine-movement mechanism (11) and the coarse-movement mechanism (13) until the second stop condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Sensing a change in motion proximate to a body part of a person via one or more sensing elements disposed on a flexible substrate and having a sufficient mechanical coupling to the body part. A proximity of the sensing element(s) to the body part is detected, and power is coupled to or decoupled from the sensing element(s) based at least in part on the detected proximity.

Abstract: A transfer point of a transfer arm is detected accurately and stably by using a position detecting wafer having an electrostatic capacitance sensor. A position detecting wafer S is formed in a wafer shape transferable by a transfer arm 20 and includes an electrostatic capacitance sensor 50 for detecting a relative position with respect to a reference object by detecting an electrostatic capacitance in relation with the reference object for a position detection. The electrostatic capacitance sensor 50 includes a detection electrode 52 for forming the electrostatic capacitance in relation with the reference object, and the detection electrode 52 is installed on a rear surface of a main body of the wafer shape. Installed on the main body is a guard electrode 100 covering the detecting electrode 52 when viewed from a front surface thereof, for blocking an electric field oriented toward the detection electrode 52 from the front surface.

Abstract: Techniques for estimating resistance and capacitance of metal interconnects are described. An apparatus may include an interconnect, a set of pads, a set of isolation circuits, and a test circuit. The set of pads may be coupled to the interconnect and used for simultaneously applying a current through the interconnect and measuring a voltage across the interconnect. The current and voltage may be used to estimate the resistance of the interconnect. The test circuit may charge and discharge the interconnect to estimate the capacitance of the interconnect. The isolation circuits may isolate the pads from the interconnect when the test circuit charges and discharges the interconnect. The apparatus may further include another interconnect, another set of pads, and another set of isolation circuits that may be coupled in a mirror manner. Resistance and/or capacitance mismatch between the two interconnects may be accurately estimated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to a sensor are discussed herein. The sensor can include a sensing element having a sensing path, the sensing element coupled to a sensing channel, and a processor configured to interpret a signal generated by the sensing channel indicative of a capacitance between the sensing path and a system ground. The processor can have a first mode configured to set a parameter to a desired value. The desired value can be related to a first position of an object sensed along the sensing path and a range of parameter values mapped to a length of the sensing path. A second mode can adjust the parameter based on a displacement of the object along the sensing path.

Abstract: The invention concerns a probe with at least two test prods, which are provided on a changing device connected to the probe and which can be alternately connected to an electric waveguide running inside the probe.

Abstract: The capacitive measuring probe has the following: two electrodes, a plastic casing which encapsulates the two electrodes, the plastic casing having at least one section made of a conductive plastic, which is electrically connected to one of the two electrodes.

Abstract: A passive alignment structure is provided that includes at least one rigid post being coupled to a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one in-plane clamp is associated with a respective at least one rigid post. The at least one in-plane clamp receives a clamping force to lock the respective at least one rigid post. A plurality of pins allows the top surface to align to the bottom surface.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the moisture and salinity of a material is disclosed herein. The sensor preferably includes a soil moisture circuit, a soil salinity circuit and a probe structure. The soil moisture circuit includes a high frequency oscillator, a voltage meter and a reference capacitor. The soil salinity circuit includes a low frequency oscillator, a voltage meter and a reference resistor. A third voltage meter allows for voltage outputs to be measured to calculate soil moisture and soil salinity values.

Abstract: A high voltage capacitance probe has a central conductor rod forming one capacitor electrode which is fixed to an elongated dielectric support and has a probe tip extending beyond the edge of the dielectric support. A conductive layer defining a second capacitor electrode is formed on a surface of the dielectric support and is capacitively coupled to the central conductor rod.

Abstract: A probe for a capacitive sensor device, and a gap measuring system using the probe, is disclosed. The probe has a probe head including a measuring element with at least one measuring and front face, a first electrically non-conductive isolator element, and a first partial element of a first shield. The measuring and front face, the first isolator element, and the first partial element of the first shield are adhesively connected to one another and configured as a multilayer, where the first isolator element is disposed between the measuring element with its measuring and front face and the first partial element.

Abstract: A velocity-detecting device is mainly based on detection of charge, including a circuit board provided thereon with at least two capacitance sensors with potential difference. The two capacitance sensors are provided at different locations for detecting the time difference when a living thing moves and has its charge respectively reaching the critical one preset by the two capacitance sensors for calculating the moving velocity of the living thing, able to detect and calculate the moving velocity of a living thing for carrying out relative reaction to a machine.

Abstract: A variable capacitance circuit includes a capacitance changing structure constructed by connecting a first construction unit, a second construction unit, a third construction unit, and a fourth construction unit, which each include a first electric element that hinders transmission of a direct current (DC) signal and has a capacitance that changes in accordance with the magnitude of an absolute value of an applied voltage, in the mentioned order in a ring. A voltage measuring apparatus measures the voltage of a measured object and includes a detection electrode capable of being disposed facing the measured object and the variable capacitance circuit described above. A power measuring apparatus includes a current measuring apparatus that measures current flowing in a measured object and the voltage measuring apparatus that measures the voltage of the measured object.

Abstract: A capacitive touch sensor is provided having sensing path for setting a color parameter to a desired value within a range, the color parameter being color hue, color saturation or color temperature. The sensor includes a sensing element having a sensing path, a terminal connecting the sensing element to a sensing channel, and a processor configured to interpret a signal indicative of a capacitance of the terminal. The processor has a first mode configured to set a parameter to a desired value. The desired value is related to a first position of an object sensed along the sensing path and a range of parameter values mapped to a length of the sensing path. A second mode adjusts the parameter based on a displacement of the object along the sensing path.

Abstract: A method for verifying a portable consumer device. The method includes receiving an authorization request message associated with a transaction conducted using a portable consumer device. The portable consumer device includes a portable consumer device fingerprint. The authorization request message includes an altered portable consumer device fingerprint and an algorithm identifier. The method also includes selecting an algorithm from among a plurality of algorithms using the algorithm identifier, determining the portable consumer device fingerprint using selected algorithm and the altered portable consumer device fingerprint, determining if the portable consumer device fingerprint matches a stored portable consumer device fingerprint, and sending an authorization response message after determining if the portable consumer device fingerprint matches the stored portable consumer device fingerprint.

Abstract: A measuring unit applies a dc voltage causing an inversion layer to be formed on an interface between a semiconductor substrate and an insulating film to the semiconductor substrate while changing a change speed of a level of the dc voltage, and measures a current flowing through the insulating film. An arithmetic unit obtains a straight line showing a relationship between the current flowing through the insulating film and the change speed of the dc voltage on the basis of a relationship between the current measured by the measuring unit and the dc voltage, and calculates a slope of the obtained straight line as surface capacitance of the insulating film. The arithmetic unit calculates permittivity of the insulating film on the basis of the calculated surface capacitance, an area of contact between a probe and the insulating film and a thickness of the insulating film.

Abstract: A capacitive proximity switch has an electrically conductive sensor surface, which is covered by an electrically non-conductive covering plate and which serves as a part of a capacitor with a capacitance that varies with proximity. The proximity switch includes a reference sensor surface for generating a reference signal for determining an actuation state of the proximity switch. Signal portions of the reference signal are proportional to the capacitance of a reference capacitor formed with the reference sensor surface, and the capacitance of the reference capacitor is determined by surrounding conditions of the sensor surface.

Abstract: A capacitive proximity switch includes an electrically conductive sensor area, which is covered by an electrically-insulating cover plate, as part of a capacitor having a capacitance which varies as a result of proximity. An associated evaluation circuit is provided, and an electrically-conducting body, via which the sensor area is connected to the evaluation circuit and which is arranged between the electrically-insulating cover plate and a mount disposed at a distance therefrom. A domestic appliance includes such a proximity switch. At least one electronic component of the evaluation circuit is arranged on the mount such that it protrudes into a cavity, which is surrounded by the electrically conductive body.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the electric properties of a sample. The apparatus includes a probe having an input, an output, and an effective resistance, inductance and/or capacitance dependent upon the properties of the sample; a pulse generator for producing pulses connected to the input of the probe, each pulse having a period of a sufficient duration to allow the probe to reach steady state; and a measuring device connected to the output of the probe and configured to output a representation of the sample properties based on the effective resistance, inductance and/or capacitance of the probe.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for probing interfaces between electrodes and conductive solutions. In one aspect, devices can include a time variable source of power configured to output power that varies in time over a pair of output conductors, an electrode connected to a first of the conductors, an extrinsic inductive impedance connected between the pair of output conductors, and an impedance sensor connected to one or both of the output conductors and configured to measure net impedance between the pair of output conductors based on a known current or voltage output by the time variable power output. The measured net impedance includes the extrinsic inductive impedance and an impedance of the interface. The electrode is configured to be submersed in a conducting solution and form an interface with the conducting solution.

Abstract: A method and system for improving power distribution and/or current measurement on a printed circuit board is disclosed. According to the invention, a first power plane adapted for current measurement includes a first segment to which a current source is connected and a second segment to which other devices may be connected, forming the current load. A third segment is used to measure the current between the first segment and the second segment through two vias that link two points of the third segment to, preferably, two pads of the external layer. In a preferred embodiment, vias are connected to the first segment so that current flow in the third segment is linear, to improve and simplify current determination. The resistivity between the pair of vias may be computed or estimated using calibrated currents.

Abstract: A measuring unit applies a dc voltage causing an inversion layer to be formed on an interface between a semiconductor substrate and an insulating film to the semiconductor substrate while changing a change speed of a level of the dc voltage, and measures a current flowing through the insulating film. An arithmetic unit obtains a straight line showing a relationship between the current flowing through the insulating film and the change speed of the dc voltage on the basis of a relationship between the current measured by the measuring unit and the dc voltage, and calculates a slope of the obtained straight line as surface capacitance of the insulating film. The arithmetic unit calculates permittivity of the insulating film on the basis of the calculated surface capacitance, an area of contact between a probe and the insulating film and a thickness of the insulating film.

Abstract: A sensitivity analysis system has a memory device in which an interconnect structure data indicating an interconnect structure included in a semiconductor device is stored. The interconnect structure has: a main interconnection; and a contact structure electrically connected to the main interconnection and extending toward a semiconductor substrate. Parameters contribute to parasitic capacitance of the interconnect structure, and variation of each parameter from a design value caused by manufacturing variability is represented within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A method of modifying the heat transfer coefficient profile of an electrostatic chuck by configuring the areal density of a mesa configuration of an insulating layer of the chuck is provided. A method of modifying the capacitance profile of an electrostatic chuck by adjustment or initial fabrication of the height of a mesa configuration of an insulating layer of the chuck is further provided. The heat transfer coefficient at a given site can be measured by use of a heat flux probe, whereas the capacitance at a given site can be measured by use of a capacitance probe. The probes are placed on the insulating surface of the chuck and may include a plurality of mesas in a single measurement. A plurality of measurements made across the chuck provide a heat transfer coefficient profile or a capacitance profile, from which a target mesa areal density and a target mesa height are determined.

Abstract: Current Voltage and Capacitance Voltage (IV and CV) measurements are critical in measurement of properties of electronic materials especially semiconductors. A semiconductor testing device to accomplish IV and CV measurement supports a semiconductor wafer and provides a probe for contacting a surface on the wafer under control of an atomic Force Microscope or similar probing device for positioning the probe to a desired measurement point on the wafer surface. Detection of contact by the probe on the surface is accomplished and test voltage is supplied to the semiconductor wafer. A first circuit for measuring capacitance sensed by the probe based on the test voltage and a complimentary circuit for measuring Fowler Nordheim current sensed by the probe based on the test voltage are employed with the probe allowing the calculation of characteristics of the semiconductor wafer based on the measured capacitance and Fowler Nordheim current.

Abstract: A liquid property sensor for detecting property of liquid includes a semiconductor board, a first electrode and a second electrode, and a protection film. The first and second electrodes are disposed on the semiconductor board to be spaced from each other at a predetermined distance. The protection film has resistance relative to the liquid, and is exposed to the liquid. The first and second electrodes detect a capacitance therebetween as the property of the liquid in accordance with a relative permittivity of the liquid. A capacitance-voltage conversion circuit of the semiconductor board converts the capacitance into a voltage value.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a clearance between rotor blade tips of rotor blades mounted on a rotor and a stator lining mounted on a stator casing. The stator lining is movable radially relative to the stator casing. The stator lining comprises an abradable material. At least one probe is arranged to measure the clearance between blade tips and stator lining. A first portion of the at least one probe is arranged within the stator lining and a tip of the first portion of the at least one probe is arranged flush with the surface of the abradable material. The tip of the first portion of the at least one probe comprises an abradable material. A second portion of the at least one probe is secured to the stator casing. A wire-less and connector-less coupling transmits a measurement signal from the first portion to the second portion of the at least one probe to allow radial movement of the stator lining relative to the stator casing.

Abstract: A method of determining the air gap distance between an air bearing pad and an apparatus floating on the air bearing pad comprises coupling a first probe to the air bearing pad; coupling a second probe to the apparatus floating on the air bearing pad, wherein the first and second probes provide the capacitance level between the air bearing pad and the apparatus; converting the capacitance level to a frequency; converting the frequency to a voltage level proportional to the air gap distance; and calculating the air gap distance based on the voltage level.

Abstract: A system for measuring clearance between a stationary object and a movable object is provided. The system includes at least one sensor configured to be disposed on the stationary object and configured to measure an operating parameter corresponding to the movable object and a controller coupled to the at least one sensor, wherein the controller is configured to control an operating mode of the sensor based upon the measured operating parameter.