Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the position and the orientation of a mobile object with respect to a fixed structure, in a disturbed magnetic environment, of the type comprising:—a first assembly of orthogonal coils (121 to 123) for emitting magnetic field(s), secured to the fixed structure, defining a reference frame;—a second assembly of orthogonal coils for receiving magnetic field(s), secured to the object, and forming a sensor (14), each of the coils belonging to a channel of the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a profile of a pavement. The method and apparatus includes determining a slope of a mobile machine as the mobile machine traverses the pavement, and determining a change in elevation of the pavement as a function of the slope and a distance from a first ground engaging member on the mobile machine to a second ground engaging member on the mobile machine, the change in elevation being indicative of a profile of the pavement.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring thread products and determining product conformance to predefined specifications are provided. The measuring system includes a measuring device electrically coupled to a computer-based component. The measuring device senses width information of a thread product and senses rotational and length information relative to the sensed width information. The computer-based component receives the sensed information, compares the sensed information to previously-defined quality specification information for the product, and determines if the product is within an uncertainty limit of the specification information based on the comparison.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a fuel tank is disclosed. A measuring device is mounted on a carriage on which at least one machine tool (e.g., saw, router) is also mounted. This carriage is operatively interconnected with a computer and may be longitudinally moved between a headstock and tailstock which are longitudinally displaced and on which various subassemblies of the fuel tank may be mounted during the assembly of a given fuel tank. Length measurements are preferably made of each fuel tank subassembly prior to any machining operation being executed thereon, as well as after each such machining operation, by monitoring/knowing the longitudinal position of the carriage via the measuring device. These length measurements may be automatically recorded on an appropriate computer-readable storage medium in relation to the subject fuel tank subassembly and the subject fuel tank.

Abstract: A distance measuring apparatus is provided which utilizes a light-section method capable of measuring both close objects and far away objects without adjusting the dynamic range of an imaging camera. The apparatus comprises: an image acquisition section for imaging reflected light which has been emitted from the apparatus, has passed through a slit, and has then been reflected off the surface of a target object; an emission control section for controlling the emission time of the slit light during the time an image is being scanned by the image acquisition section, and for changing the intensity of the received light in the image acquisition section; and a distance calculation section for calculating the distance to the object based on the image taken by the image acquisition section and a positional relationship between a light emission position of the slit light and an image position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically testing circuit boards, such as computer system boards and the like. The circuit board device under test (DUT) is loaded into an automated test apparatus (tester), which includes a mechanism for automatically connecting test electronics to various DUT circuitry and I/O ports via corresponding connectors on the DUT. A type of DUT is identified, and a corresponding set of tests are performed to verify the operation of the DUT. Appropriate power signals and sequencing are also applied to the DUT, as defined by it type. Data logging is performed to log the results of the testing. The apparatus includes replaceable probe/connector plates that are DUT-type specific and corresponding universal electronics and cabling to enable a variety of different board types to be tested with the same apparatus.

Abstract: For indirect determination of point positions and/or of surface orientations in point positions a laser tracker (1) adapted for relative and absolute distance measurement is used. A measuring device is utilised, the device including a target point (retro-reflector 3) for the laser beam of the tracker, the target point being movable along a trajectory path (A). The position and orientation of the trajectory path (A) of the target point is precisely defined relative to a reference point (R) of the device (2) and the device (2) is positionable in the region of a point position (P) to be determined such that the position of the reference point (R) relative to the point position (P) to be determined is precisely defined. For determining the point position (P), the device (2) is positioned in the region of the point position (P) to be determined, the target point is positioned in a starting position (3.1) and is detected by the tracker (1) by direction determination and absolute distance measurement.

Abstract: A passive electro-optical range and total velocity measuring system having first and second cameras positioned along a common baseline. Control systems activate the first and second cameras at a first instance to capture a target image of a target at location T1 and at a second instance to capture a target image of the target at location T2. A range computer calculates ranges from the first camera, the second camera, and a baseline midpoint to a target at location T1 and location T2. An angles computer calculates target displacement. A velocity computer calculates total total target velocity, track velocity, and cross-track velocity. The present invention also includes a method for measuring the range and total velocity of a target using a passive electro-optical system.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to measure relatively short distances between one or more moveable objects and with respect to an environment. The transponders may be affixed to other moveable objects and/or may be affixed in position within the environment. The transponders detect the query signal and respond with an acoustic response signal. A synchronized clock system establishes common timing between the transponders and the moveable objects such that the start time at which the acoustic response signal is sent is known. The moveable object detects a receipt time when the acoustic response signal is received. Knowing the start time and the receipt time, a transit time for the acoustic signal can be determined whereby a separation vector may be calculated. The system may be used to determine and transmit a table that contains the relative positions of all moveable objects in the environment.

Abstract: Each device of a group of devices, in particular voice-controlled devices, is equipped with sound receivers and emitters and a short-range radio communication subsystem. Each device is caused to emit a test sound and, via its communications subsystem, a related timing-reference signal. Each device receiving a test sound and related timing-reference signal determines the transit time of the test sound. Using the measured transit times, the devices determine their distances one from another and, by exchanging these distances, the devices, or at least one of them, calculates the relative locations of all devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing security in a wireless network using distance measurement techniques provides an additional layer of security and privacy in wireless communications. A distance measurement or location-finding is performed between two devices by transmitting and receiving one or more signals and computing a distance between the two devices or a location of a connecting device. The resulting computed distance or location is used to determine whether or not to permit pairing, secure connection or secure transactions between the two devices. The computed distance or location can be further used in combination with a signal strength measurement to link to locate and measure nearby devices first, reducing the time required to initialize network communications.

Abstract: A method for making a determination of a required separation distance between each of a plurality of potential explosive sites and its associated exposed site. When an actual separation distance is less than the required separation distance mitigation procedures or options are available to resolve a separation distance violation between a potential explosive site and an exposed site.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for determining the weight of a probe of a coordinate measuring machine wherein the probe is connected to a probe head (1) of the machine. The machine includes a control unit and the weight of the probe (3) is preferably statically determined without active control of the movement of the probe. Signals from the probe (3) and/or the probe head (1) are supplied to the control unit (51).

Abstract: A method for non-destructively inspecting the wall thickness of a component, where the dimensions of the component or of the component surface are measured, substantially without making any contact, and are described by digital data. In accordance with the present invention, a multiplicity of the component's surface points, which substantially completely describe the component, is automatically calculated in a three-dimensional coordinate system. Starting from each of the surface points, going out in one direction that runs perpendicularly to the surface point into the material, one scans for at least one opposite surface point. The wall thickness of the component at the surface point is ascertained as the distance between the surface point and the at least one opposite surface point. The component is visually displayed and, in the visual display, surface points are highlighted for which the wall thickness falls below and/or exceeds one or more predefined values.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring angles and/or distances includes a sensing head with sensors for determining absolute values and incremental values. The incremental values are provided between two successive absolute values. The apparatus further includes a scale embodiment, which is assigned to the sensing head, and a device for forming a total absolute value from an absolute value determined by a sensor and an incremental value determined by a sensor and for providing this total absolute value in binary/digital form over the entire operating range. The entire signal processing is therefore carried out in the sensing head, so that the complicated signal transmission can be simplified significantly, and complicated peripheral electronics can be dispensed with. A method of measuring angles and/or distances is also provided.

Abstract: A method for assessing whether an animal has a total body fat or protein composition falling within a desired range, the method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a range of animal weight and a value selected from the group comprising pelvic height, frame score and animal size, such that animals having a weight and value within said range will have a total body fat or protein corresponding to the desired total body fat or protein, (b) measuring the pelvic height of said animal and if said value is frame score, further obtaining the age of the animal and calculating the frame score and where said value is animal size, further measuring the length of the animal and estimating the volume from the height and length measurements, (c) obtaining the weight of said animal and (d) comparing the value obtained in step (b) and the weight obtained in step (c) with the values obtained in step (a) and determining whether said obtained weight and value (c) and (d) fall within the range obtained in step (a) and if the ob

Abstract: An improved set of calipers or dividers having a pair of measurement jaws for measuring the distance between points, a display, and a calculation module which performs calculations or retrieves values for any one or more of the following functions: scaling, nominal values, basic geometry, and complex geometry. The scaling function is performed in one of two ways: numerical input or a calculated scaling factor. The nominal values function displays the nominal value which corresponds to the measured value of any preprogrammed table of values. Common tables would include tables of drill sizes, wire gauge, sheet metal gauge, screw size, font size, paper weight, hole size, etc. The basic geometry function calculates geometric values based on one or more measured inputs. For example, the user can measure the opposite and adjacent legs of a triangle and the caliper will calculate and display the angle.

Abstract: A method for calculating a distance between a first point and a second point using linear interpolation is provided. The first point and the second point are located between a first latitude and a second latitude. An interpolated prime vertical radius of curvature value for a point between the first point and the second point is calculated based on a first prime vertical radius of curvature value for the first latitude and a second prime vertical radius of curvature value for the second latitude. An interpolated meridian radius of curvature value for the point between the first point and the second point is calculated based on a first meridian radius of curvature value for the first latitude and a second meridian radius of curvature value for the second latitude. An interpolated cosine value for the point between the first point and the second point is calculated based on a value representing a cosine of the first latitude and a value representing a cosine of the second latitude.

Abstract: When a vehicle travels on an approximately straight lane, a distance data diagnosing section determines a distance measuring capability in a survey area in which the field of view of a laser radar overlaps that of an image as to a three-dimensional object. Then, the distance data diagnosing section determines whether or not the image-measured (laser-measured) distance data of the three-dimensional object exists, and when the image-measured (laser-measured) distance data thereof does not exist, the three-dimensional object is counted to the number of three-dimensional objects without image (without laser radar) and calculates three-dimensional object non-detecting ratios of image (laser radar) from the total number of three-dimensional objects to be determined and the number of three-dimensional objects without image (without laser radar).

Abstract: A distance tracking control system, for use with a working member such as a robotic head, includes a non-contact distance sensor for sensing a distance of the working member from a surface. An actuator is provided for making positional adjustments of the working member in response to changes in the distance sensed by the non-contact distance sensor. A controller is connected to the distance sensor and the actuator. The controller receives data from the non-contact distance sensor and then sends signals to the actuator to make positional adjustments of the working member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method for determining length, area, and/or volume using a distance measuring device 10 having a transmit unit 18 and a receive unit 20 in one housing, having a keypad 28 for operating the measuring device 10, and having an integrated computer 22 for evaluating measured data, and a display panel 26 for displaying the measurement results.

Abstract: A distance measuring device is provided with regulating circuit for removing offset voltages. Before conducting distance measurement, the regulating circuit outputs a reference voltage on the basis of offset voltages of an amplifier and an integrating circuit used to amplify and integrated reflected light from an object. The regulating circuit comprises a D/A converter for outputting an analog voltage. A value representing the offset voltages is stored and, at the time of distance measurement, the reference voltage is set based on the stored value. The integrating circuit integrates two outputs of the amplifier based on near-side and far-side light receiving means, and uses a calculating device to find a distance to the object based on the integrated output voltages of the integrating circuit.

Abstract: A first laser beam is transmitted through the actuation of the gun trigger, the trajectory of the virtual projectile is calculated, and the deviations of the trajectory from the target direction at the firing time are determined. The first laser beam is pivoted corresponding to the trajectory deviations, and the transit time of the laser pulses of the first laser beam reflected by the target is measured, and used to determine the target range. For this target range, the trajectory of the fired virtual projectile is calculated, and compared to the time that has passed between the firing time and the reception of the reflected laser pulses. If the two match within a tolerance range, a second laser beam comprising encoded laser pulses is transmitted in the transmission direction of the first laser beam, which is received at the target, where the impact damage is calculated.

Abstract: A method for storing odometer reading data in a vehicle having control units which are connected via a data bus. The odometer reading data, which is determined at a particular time by an odometer, is stored in a storage means of a first control unit. This provides an alternative method for tamper-proof storage of odometer reading data and, in particular, improved protection against errors during the transmission of the odometer reading data. The current odometer reading data of at least one further control unit is then stored on the data bus in a storage means. The control units transmit the odometer reading data, which is stored at a particular time, onto the data bus at specific time intervals, and a control unit accepts the odometer reading transmitted onto the data bus if that reading is higher than its stored value, and uses that value for the further counting and storage in the particular control unit.

Abstract: A horizontal reference marker and method of using the horizontal reference marker to determine the exact position on the ground of a ground slot for a standard freight container. At least two horizontal reference markers are fixed to the ground or any substantially horizontal stacking surface and arranged in a known position relative to a ground slot on the ground. The horizontal reference markers are shaped suitable for detection by laser means mounted on container cranes. The advantage is precise and parallel positioning of a container placed on the ground, which ensures that container stacks have sufficient clearance between them and simplifies container handling.

Abstract: A method for calculating a distance between a first point and a second point using linear interpolation is provided. The first point and the second point are located between a first latitude and a second latitude. An interpolated prime vertical radius of curvature value for a point between the first point and the second point is calculated based on a first prime vertical radius of curvature value for the first latitude and a second prime vertical radius of curvature value for the second latitude. An interpolated meridian radius of curvature value for the point between the first point and the second point is calculated based on a first meridian radius of curvature value for the first latitude and a second meridian radius of curvature value for the second latitude. An interpolated cosine value for the point between the first point and the second point is calculated based on a value representing a cosine of the first latitude and a value representing a cosine of the second latitude.

Abstract: A method for making a determination of a required separation distance between each of a plurality of potential explosive sites and its associated exposed site. When an actual separation distance is less than the required separation distance mitigation procedures or options are available to resolve a separation distance violation between a potential explosive site and an exposed site.

Abstract: To measure the distance to targets, local maxima exceeding a threshold (&egr;) and being associated with a correlation function (f) are determined, the reference values of which are obtained from scalar products of a received signal (e), produced by reflections of an optical pulse by the targets, and number of comparison functions, copies of a reference function (r) which are shifted as a function of time, and the transit times of the reflections are derived from the time-related shifts of the corresponding comparison functions. By interpolation with respect to the time-related shifts or optimization thereof, for example by adjusting them so that the orthogonal distance of the received signal (e) from the vector space which is spanned by the corresponding comparison functions is a minimum, the transit times can be determined even more accurately.

Abstract: A main unit (21) attached onto rear side (opposite to a side equipped with a digital display) of a slider (14) and accommodating a transmission circuit inside to transmit measurement data by wireless, and an attachment module (40) to retain the main unit attachably and detachably to the slider are provided. Front profile of the main unit (21) is formed at least not to protrude beyond front profile of the slider. The attachment module (40) is constituted to be plugged into and unplugged from an output connector (18) on the slider (14), and has a connector (44) to connect the output connector and the transmission circuit in the main unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for visual measurement is provided, which can measure a plurality of portions on a work at a high speed. An image pick-up system (3), including an optical system (5, 6) and a CCD camera (4), picks up an image of a work (2) to obtain image data. The image pick-up system (3) is driven in the Z axial direction by a driving motor (7). A displacement of the image pick-up system (3) in the Z axial direction is measured by a scale counter (8). A computer (10) reads image data from the CCD camera (4) and a Z value from the scale counter (8) into respective memories (11, 9) with a constant time interval. A contrast arithmetic unit (12) computes a contrast value at each of a plurality of different regions of image data obtained at each z axial position by the image pick-up system (3). It determines a measure for the each region based on the position of the image pick-up system (3) in the z axial direction when the contrast value comes to the maximum in the each region.

Abstract: A control unit box and one of standard point members are provided close to a connection of first and second bars. A standard plane is defined by the standard point members. A loop antenna is provided in a mount unit situated on the top surface of the control unit box. The box is positioned such that a ratio of a second distance to a first distance is less than tan 8°. The first distance is from the point member to the mount unit, along the standard plane, and the second distance is from the standard plane to the top surface of the mount unit, along a direction perpendicular to the standard plane. The antenna is connected to an oscillator of 310 MHz. With respect to the antenna, the total length is approximately 0.48 m, a height from the top surface of the unit box is approximately 9.5 mm, and the inner diameter is approximately 25 mm.

Abstract: A system and method for ascertaining the range of a noise-jamming target. The inventive system includes a receiver; a data processor coupled to the receiver; and software adapted for execution by the data processor for computing range to a target transmitter using first and second assumptions with respect to the output power level thereof and interpolating with respect to a error term calculated with respect thereto. The inventive method includes the steps of: making assumptions with respect to an output power level of a transmitter located at the target; measuring a level of power received from the transmitter by a receiver at first and second distances relative to the transmitter; calculating an error term with respect to the assumptions; interpolating with respect to the error term to make a range calculation; and outputting the range calculation when the error term reaches a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: This invention converts a toolhead of a computer numerical controlled machine into a locating fence by installing a fence guard on the toolhead. Since there is an indexing program in a computer numerical controlled machine to monitor a real time location of a spindle relative to a worktable, the true location of the locating fence can be easily obtained by adding an offset value indicative of the characteristic of the fence guard to numerical data indicative of the real time location of the spindle.

Abstract: A polygon of an electronic map is prepared for dividing into quarter sections and tests are applied to determine if the polygon is too irregular for quarter sectioning. To prepare for quarter sectioning, a representative rectangle is defined having corners matching corners of the polygon. Tests to determine if the polygon should be quartered begin with a first test to weed polygons too triangular in shape. In the first test, ratios of the shortest to the longest length of opposite sides of the representative rectangle are taken. If either ratio is less than a predetermined number, the polygon is rejected from quarter sectioning. In a second test an angle difference is determined by measuring the angle each side of the representative quadrilateral makes with respect to the x-axis. If the difference in angles between two opposite sides is greater than a predetermined value, the polygon is rejected from quartering.

Abstract: A security apparatus and a method for determining the distance between a computer (72) and a token (70) carried by a user (52) for allowing the user (52) to access the computer (72). The computer (72) is connected to a first transceiver (16) having at least one antenna for emitting and detecting a radio frequency (RF) signal, and to a microphone (76) for detecting an audio signal (24). The computer (72) is also connected to a counter (26) for measuring a time interval (28) between a transmitted RF signal (20) and audio signal (24) from the token (70). The token (70) is connected to a second transceiver (30) having at least one antenna for emitting and detecting a RF signal (20) and a loudspeaker (74) for emitting an audio signal (24).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring the amount by which the centerline of a shaft disposed in a vessel is offset from the central vertical axis of the vessel, and for measuring the height of such shaft above the inside bottom of the vessel. Apparatus includes a shaft centerline offset measurement device, a shaft height measurement device, and a control/display console. Each measurement device includes a transducer or optical encoder for sensing a displaced position of a biased plunger to which a code strip is mounted. The devices may be combined into a single shaft offset and height measurement device. Improved methods include calculating shaft offset based on a plurality of readings from the transducer, and applying trigonometric relationships. The apparatus and methods are particularly useful in the verification of paddle or basket shafts utilized in dissolution testing stations, so that the dissolution testing protocol complies with government agency guidelines.

Abstract: Relative vector between an observation receiver located at an object and a reference receiver are divided into long period variation components not dependent on object displacements and short period variation components dependent on object displacements, and the short period variation component are represented by x, y and z axis components of unit vectors from the reference receiver toward the satellite. Then, carrier phases between at least three GPS satellites and the receivers are measured, and these measurement data are passed through a band pass filter to extract short period phase components corresponding to the short period variation components of the relative vectors. Next, at least three receiver to receiver single differences between the receivers and the GPS satellites are found for the short period phase components, and axial components of the short period variation components of the relative vectors are found by computation based on said at least three receiver to receiver single differences.

Abstract: In a distance measure system, an autofocus integrated circuit is furnished with a power source voltage and an integrating capacitor is preliminarily charged to a reference voltage VREF. A temperature sensor detects ambient temperature. Thereafter, under the control of a CPU, an infrared emitting diode emits pulsed infrared light and the integrating capacitor discharges by a voltage level corresponding to a distance to an object to be measured. On the occasion of integration by an integrating unit of a signal output from an arithmetic unit, discharging of the integrating capacitor is performed multiple times, corresponding to the ambient temperature measured by a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically measuring a railroad track condition using a railroad truck with metal track engaging wheels as a reference platform from which a line of sight reference plane spaced from the track is created. Measurements are successively taken between the track and the reference plane as the railroad truck moves along the track.

Abstract: A curve radius of a roadway is determined by measuring the difference in wheel speed of at least two vehicle wheels and the rate of yaw of the vehicle, and hence the curve radius, is determined therefrom. The wheel speeds are determined by measuring the time required for the wheel to rotate by a fixed rotational angle, based on a fixed number of pulses produced by a pulse transmitter which is part of an ABS or ASR system for the vehicle. The method provides considerably improved accuracy using simple, vehicle-contained components and various parameters can be taken into account simultaneously.

Abstract: A distance measuring apparatus is provided which utilizes a light-section method capable of measuring both close objects and far away objects without adjusting the dynamic range of an imaging camera. The apparatus comprises: an image acquisition section for imaging reflected light which has been emitted from the apparatus, has passed through a slit, and has then been reflected off the surface of a target object; an emission control section for controlling the emission time of the slit light during the time an image is being scanned by the image acquisition section, and for changing the intensity of the received light in the image acquisition section; and a distance calculation section for calculating the distance to the object based on the image taken by the image acquisition section and a positional relationship between a light emission position of the slit light and an image position.

Abstract: In a method for firing simulation with a gun, to attain greater ranges, a first laser beam comprising laser pulses is transmitted through the actuation of the trigger on the gun, the trajectory of the fired virtual projectile is calculated, and the deviations of the trajectory from the target direction at the firing time are determined. The first laser beam is pivoted corresponding to the trajectory deviations, and the transit time of the laser pulses of the first laser beam reflected by the target is measured, and used to determine the target range. For this target range, the trajectory, for example, of the fired virtual projectile is calculated, and compared to the time that has passed between the firing time and the reception of the reflected laser pulses. If the two match within a tolerance range, a second laser beam comprising encoded laser pulses is transmitted in the transmission direction that was last traversed by the first laser beam.

Abstract: A borehole probe and related method and apparatus that enables information related to the depth of the probe to be determined and utilized by the probe to perform tasks. The probe, comparing its sense of depth and other sensed physical and temporal information to pre-defined procedural and conditional constraints, causes a physical action to be performed, or signals another device, or signals the surface. Generally, the probe uses sensed benchmarks within the borehole that have an associated depth as a depth framework. Within the distances between the benchmarks, the probe uses inertial or other distance measuring devices to measure distance from the benchmarks. With accurate and constant knowledge of its own depth, the probe can perform tasks autonomously and at the correct depth.

Abstract: A remaining distance meter for easily assuring detection of the remaining distance up to the destination from the current position and for recognizes intuitively and visually whether the vehicle is running closer toward the destination or becoming far from the destination. A remaining distance meter is displayed on the display area of the navigation apparatus to realize a graphic display which expands and compresses depending on the distance up to the destination from the current position. In the remaining distance meter, the reference distance mark is previously given and the distance up to the destination from the current position is displayed at the starting time by defining the reference distance mark as the starting point. When the distance up to the destination from the current position is increased or decreased after the running of vehicle, the display of the remaining distance meter expands or compresses depending on an increase or a decrease of the remaining distance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring the amount by which the centerline of a shaft disposed in a vessel is offset from the central vertical axis of the vessel, and for measuring the height of such shaft above the inside bottom of the vessel. Apparatus includes a shaft centerline offset measurement device, a shaft height measurement device, and a control/display console. Each measurement device includes a transducer or optical encoder for sensing a displaced position of a biased plunger to which a code strip is mounted. The devices may be combined into a single shaft offset and height measurement device. Improved methods include calculating shaft offset based on a plurality of readings from the transducer, and applying trigonometric relationships. The apparatus and methods are particularly useful in the verification of paddle or basket shafts utilized in dissolution testing stations, so that the dissolution testing protocol complies with government agency guidelines.

Abstract: A method for determining the wheel base of steerable vehicles when cornering, in which the wheel base is determined from at least one defined track width, measured wheel circumference speeds and/or measured steering angles.

Abstract: The custom-made footwear manufacturing system and method using Internet may rapidly and simply realize the footwear comfortable and suitable for a customer.

Abstract: When the user inputs at least four points that designates the path on the surface of a three-dimensional shape represented by three-dimensional shape data, groups of three points in which two points are commonly included in two groups are formed from the input points. Each group of three points defines a plane including the three points. The line of intersection of each plane and the surface of the three-dimensional shape is obtained to calculate lengths of the line of intersection between the adjacent two points of the three points in each of the groups. Two lengths between the two points that are commonly included in two groups along two different lines of intersection are obtained for one length of the path between the two points. As a result, the average of the two lengths is estimated as the length of the path between the two points. The total length of the path is obtained according to the estimated lengths and lengths along lines of intersection.

Abstract: An improved set of calipers or dividers having a pair of measurement jaws for measuring the distance between points, a display, and a calculation module which performs calculations or retrieves values for any one or more of the following functions: scaling, nominal values, basic geometry, and complex geometry. The scaling function is performed in one of two ways: numerical input or a calculated scaling factor. The nominal values function displays the nominal value which corresponds to the measured value of any preprogrammed table of values. Common tables would include tables of drill sizes, wire gauge, sheet metal gauge, screw size, font size, paper weight, hole size, etc. The basic geometry function calculates geometric values based on one or more measured inputs. For example, the user can measure the opposite and adjacent legs of a triangle and the caliper will calculate and display the angle.

Abstract: A device for registering the displacement travel and/or the displaced position of a sliding component, which is moved free of torsion, of a linear drive is intended to be implemented on a small scale and with display precision. For this purpose, the device is equipped with at least two magneto-resistive sensors which act within a separate magnetic field, respectively assigned to the displacement component in different regions located one behind the other.