Abstract: A system for testing the accuracy of an electronic compass is disclosed. The system includes a circular track, a compass seat, an electromagnetic element, a driver, a power source, a calculator, and a magnetic shielding chamber. The electromagnetic element is disposed on the circular track and powered by the power source to generate a magnetic field. The electronic compass is installed on the compass seat and surrounded by the circular track. As such, the electronic compass can measure the magnetic field of the electromagnetic element and calculate direction relative to the electromagnetic element at different points of the circular track when the electromagnetic element is driven by the driver to move along the circular track. The magnetic shielding chamber is for shielding the electromagnetic element and the electronic compass from interference of external magnetic fields.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a stage apparatus which includes a stage movable in a first direction, a linear motor configured to drive the stage in the first direction, a magnet unit having first magnets disposed on the stage and second magnets disposed at both ends of a stroke of the stage such that the same poles of the first and second magnets face each other, and a supporting member supporting the second magnets. The supporting member is supported movably in the first direction.

Abstract: In a magnetic data processing device, an input part sequentially inputs magnetic data outputted from a two-dimensional or three-dimensional magnetic sensor. The magnetic data is two-dimensional or three-dimensional vector data that is a linear combination of a set of fundamental vectors. The magnetic data processing device stores a plurality of the inputted magnetic data as a data set of statistical population in order to update an old offset of the magnetic data with a new offset. An offset derivation part derives the new offset based on the old offset and the data set of statistical population under a constraint condition that the new offset be obtained as the sum of the old offset and a correction vector.

Abstract: A portable phone has a CPU and a magnetic sensor unit including an X-axis magnetic sensor, a Y-axis magnetic sensor, and a temperature sensor. CPU measures at first and second temperatures the influence of a magnetic field of permanent magnets upon an output Sx of the X-axis magnetic sensor and an output Sy of the Y-axis magnetic sensor, and stores the influence data together with the first and second temperature data. CPU estimates at the present temperature the influence upon the output Sx of the X-axis magnetic sensor and the output Sy of the Y-axis magnetic sensor, from the present temperature detected with the temperature sensor and the stored influence data. CPU corrects the outputs Sx and Sy in accordance with the estimated influence and determines the direction of the portable phone from the corrected outputs Sx and Sy.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the alignment of large machinery, including a tool for supporting each corner of the machine during alignment. The tool during the alignment operation is substantially frictionless and is capable of limited, controlled movement to accomplish the alignment within small fractions of an inch, both vertically and horizontally. The alignment is accomplished by placing a tool in position, elevating the machine until it is totally supported by a plurality of tools and accomplishing the alignment guided by a precision measuring instrument.

Abstract: When the body of an automobile equipped with a stand-alone navigation system is magnetized by an external magnetism, an unknown magnetization vector is determined by correcting the known magnetization vector. Even very small changes in the magnetization vector can be corrected without putting a burden on the user of the automobile. A magnetization vector directed from a reference position toward the center of a magnetic circle which indicates the magnetized condition of the automobile body is detected, and a geomagnetic vector which is directed from the reference position in the direction in which the mobile body progresses is detected. An instantaneous direction vector which is directed from the center of the magnetic circle in the direction in which the mobile body progresses and which has a direction angle is calculated.

Abstract: A magnetic compass comprises: a gimbal mounted direct read card supported on a bearing in the equatorial plane of the compass in a compass bowl; and a housing having a base to which the compass bowl and corrector magnets are mounted; the corrector magnets being positioned above the base beside the bowl for access without moving the compass; means for supporting the corrector magnets located on three axes, one axis parallel to the lubber line and the equatorial plane of the compass in a horizontal orientation of the housing, a second normal to the lubber line and parallel to the equatorial plane and a third normal to the equatorial plane in a horizontal orientation of the housing and parallel to the lubber line and the equatorial plane in a vertical orientation of the housing; said corrector magnets mounted on two of said axes, said second axis and the one of said first and third axes parallel to said lubber line in the horizontal or vertical orientation selected for mounting said compass; the compass card ass

Abstract: Compensating magnets are located on the article being tested which are adjustable to provide a range of magnetic moments. In a first version, each compensating magnet consists of an annular permanent magnet received on a rod-like element positioned on the surface of the article, which magnet is adjustable with respect to the article surface. In a second version, the magnet is located at a fixed spacing with respect to the article surface and a shunt is adjustable to vary the compensating field.

Abstract: In a magnetic data processing device, an input part sequentially inputs magnetic data outputted from a two-dimensional or three-dimensional magnetic sensor. The magnetic data is two-dimensional or three-dimensional vector data that is a linear combination of a set of fundamental vectors. The magnetic data processing device stores a plurality of the inputted magnetic data as a data set of statistical population in order to update an old offset of the magnetic data with a new offset. An offset derivation part derives the new offset based on the old offset and the data set of statistical population under a constraint condition that the new offset be obtained as the sum of the old offset and a correction vector.