Abstract: Track information generating devices, methods, and programs acquire a self-contained navigation track of a vehicle indicated by time-series pieces of self-contained navigation information, acquire a matching track of the vehicle indicated by time-series pieces of information determined through a map matching process is determined as a road the vehicle is traveling, and acquire a degree of reliability of the matching track. The devices, methods, and programs acquire a GPS track that is a track of the vehicle indicated by time-series pieces of GPS information, acquire a degree of reliability of the GPS track, and set the one of the GPS track and the matching track having a higher degree of reliability as a correction target track to correct the self-contained navigation information so as to reduce a difference between the self-contained navigation track and the correction target track.

Abstract: A method for detecting a rotation and a direction of a rotation of a rotor, on which at least one damping element is positioned, wherein two sensors are arranged. The sensors are damped depending on a position of the damping element. After a standardization has been performed, the measurements are taken by observing consecutive rotational angle positions and then standardization rules are applied to the measured decay times of the sensors. Then a vector, which is entered into a coordinate system, is formed from the values. The present vector angle is determined and compared to the value of a suitable prior vector angle. From the result of the comparison, it is determined whether the rotor has performed a rotation and whether the rotation was forward or backward. By repeating the measurements in the rhythm of the scanning frequency, the rotational motions of the rotor can be detected with high accuracy.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus that acquires estimated altitude data corresponding to a position based on detection information detected by a sensor at or near the position, and corrects altitude data associated with the position based on the estimated altitude data.

Abstract: A bridge circuit includes a plurality of half-bridges formed of sensor elements, which change impedance in accordance with a rotation angle of a detection target. A control circuit acquires output signals of the half-bridges and calculates a phase correction value for correcting a phase deviation. A memory circuit stores the phase correction value. The control circuit corrects a pre-correction rotation angle by the phase correction value. Since the pre-correction rotation angle is corrected by the phase correction value, a rotation angle of the detection target is detected with high accuracy even if the sensor elements are assembled with some positional deviations.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a stage to hold an object, the stage being moveable relative to a reference structure in a motion range; a magnet structure to provide a spatially varying magnetic field in at least a part of the motion range, the magnet structure being moveable relative to the reference structure and the stage; a first position measurement system to provide a first measurement signal corresponding to a position of the stage and/or the object in a measurement direction relative to the reference structure; a second position measurement system to provide a second measurement signal corresponding to a position of the stage relative to the magnet structure; and a data processor to correct the first measurement signal with a value dependent on the second measurement signal to provide a corrected first measurement signal representative of the position of the stage and/or the object relative to the reference structure in the measurement direction.

Abstract: A method of calculating the position of a moving body includes: detecting a movement direction of the moving body; calculating a velocity vector of the moving body using a detection result of an acceleration sensor installed in the moving body; correcting the velocity vector using the movement direction; and calculating the position of the moving body using the corrected velocity vector.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for automatically aligning probe pins to the test or bond pads of semiconductor devices under changing conditions. In at least one embodiment, a dynamic model is used to predict an impact of changing conditions to wafer probing process. This reduces the need for frequent measurements and calibrations during probing and testing, thereby increasing the number of dice that can be probed and tested in a given period of time and increasing the accuracy of probing at the same time. Embodiments of the present invention also make it possible to adjust positions of probe pins and pads in response to the changing conditions while they are in contact with each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods for thermal gradient compensation for ring laser gyroscopes are provided. In one embodiment, a method for producing bias compensated angular rate measurements from a ring laser gyroscope comprises: sampling an angle measurement output from a laser block sensor to obtain an angular rate measurement; obtaining an laser block temperature measurement (Tblock) for the laser block sensor; obtaining a temperature gradient measurement (Tdiff) for at least one gradient line across a portion of the laser block sensor; calculating a rate bias error by applying parameters produced from the temperature measurement (Tblock) and the temperature gradient measurement (Tdiff) to a thermal gradient compensation model, wherein the thermal gradient compensation model includes at least one coefficient corresponding to the temperature gradient measurement (Tdiff); and calculating a difference between the angle rate measurement and the rate bias error to produce a bias compensated angular rate measurement.

Abstract: An automatic calibration method for a motor vehicle camshaft sensor, the vehicle having at least one camshaft, a toothed encoded target (or magnetic encoder) associated with this camshaft, and a magnetic field sensor placed near the target to detect magnetic field variations caused by the passage of the teeth of the target near the sensor, the sensor delivering signals corrected by a predetermined detection threshold K, the method including: continuously measuring the value of the magnetic field during at least one revolution of the target, determining the maximum amplitude Amax of the field measured during this revolution, determining the minimum amplitude Amin of the field measured during this revolution, finding the ratio of the amplitudes A min A max and determining an auto-adaptive correction coefficient K? to be applied to the signal received from the magnetic sensor, with allowance for the geometrical imperfections of the target, according to the following formula: K ? = A min A

Abstract: A method and tools for virtually aligning object detection sensors on a vehicle without having to physically adjust the sensors. A sensor misalignment condition is detected during normal driving of a host vehicle by comparing different sensor readings to each other. At a vehicle service facility, the host vehicle is placed in an alignment target fixture, and alignment of all object detection sensors is compared to ground truth to determine alignment calibration parameters. Alignment calibration can be further refined by driving the host vehicle in a controlled environment following a leading vehicle. Final alignment calibration parameters are authorized and stored in system memory, and applications which use object detection data henceforth adjust the sensor readings according to the calibration parameters.

Abstract: A dynamically self-adjusting magnetometer is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first sample module periodically generates an electronic signal related to at least one magnetic field characteristic of a monitored environment. A second sample module periodically generates an electronic signal related to at least one magnetic field characteristic of a monitored environment. A summing module sums the absolute value of the electronic signal from the first sample module and the electronic signal from the second sample module. A delta comparator module receives the electronic signals from each of the first sample module, the second sample module and the summing module and compares each of the electronic signals with a previously received set of electronic signals to establish a change, wherein an output is generated if the change is greater than or equal to a threshold.

Abstract: A gaze tracking device is calibrated to a display unit by presenting graphical guide objects on an active area thereof, which designate distinctive features reflecting how the device may be positioned n a first side of a frame of the display unit. User commands move the objects on the display's active area in a first direction parallel to the first side of the frame. A position value designating an actual position for the gaze tracking device on the first side of the frame is assigned based on a current position of the graphical guide objects on the active area. An offset value is calculated based on the assigned position value and a known measure of the active area. The offset value represents a distance in the first direction between a well-defined point of the gaze tracking device and a well-defined point of the first side.

Abstract: A location measurement system including a GPS receiver for attachment to a person and for determining earth location of the person; a display for attachment to the person; memory for storing map data; a processor configured to process earth location and the map data to instruct display the person's current location with a map on the display.

Abstract: A CPU of a game apparatus sequentially obtains, from a gravity center position detection device, gravity center position data indicative of the gravity center position of a user, and detects a variation range of the gravity center position of the user during a predetermined period to the current time, based on previously obtained gravity center position data. In addition, the CPU executes a predetermined information process based on a relative position of a gravity center position, indicated by a latest gravity center position data, with respect to the variation range detected thus.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously determining strain and temperature characteristics of an object comprising: (i) at least one optical fiber having at least two Brillouin peaks; (ii) at least one connector securing the optical fiber to the object to be monitored; (iii) a laser positioned to provide laser light to said at least one optical fiber; (iv) a device measuring frequencies of said at least two Brillouin peaks, and determining frequency shifts of said at least two Brillouin peaks for said at least one optical fiber along the length of fiber; and (v) a system calculating strain and temperature characteristics along said fiber, based on the coefficients of strain and temperature as well as the measured Brillouin frequency shifts for said optical fiber along the length of said optical fiber.

Abstract: A processing apparatus including one or more processors and memory obtains one or more sensor measurements generated by one or more monitoring sensors of one or more devices, including one or more monitoring sensor measurements from a respective monitoring sensor of a respective device and obtains one or more system signals including a respective system signal corresponding to current operation of the respective device. The processing apparatus determines device context information for the respective device based on the one or more sensor measurements and the one or more system signals and adjusts operation of the device in accordance with the device context information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating multiple electronic devices are described herein. Such methods may include obtaining, by a processor, data from a plurality of reference electronic devices, analyzing, by a processor, the data and calibrating, by the processor, the electronic device based on the analyzed data obtained from the plurality of reference electronic devices.

Abstract: A controller for use with a nondestructive inspection system communicates with the nondestructive inspection system and with a robot for moving an inspection probe of the nondestructive inspection system relative to an object under inspection. The controller is configured to periodically generate estimated position information of the probe moving relative to the object under inspection and communicate the estimated position information to the nondestructive inspection system as the nondestructive inspection system collects inspection data from the probe. The controller receives actual position information from the robot, the actual position information indicating an actual position of the probe, and corrects the estimated position information based on the actual position information.

Abstract: A method and a video game system that maintain the readings of the accelerometer sensor of the remote controller used in conjunction with the video game system consistent over different controllers and different styles of play. The video game system looks at a predetermined time period, when the largest difference in the acceleration vectors for each frame is within a small limit, indicating that the player is holding the controller relatively idle. Then, the video game system averages the acceleration vectors over this time period, and the inverse of the magnitude of this average is used as a normalization constant.

Abstract: This invention proposed a new algorithm. By multiply the proposed weight coefficients of this invention, CSP and CSS can be computed without computing for the mean(s) of the data. After the proposed weight coefficients of this invention undergo factorization, it can promote a new recursive and real time updatable computation method. To test the accuracy of the new invention, the StRD data were separately tested using SAS ver 9.0, SPSS ver15.0 and EXCEL 2007 for comparison. The results showed that the accuracy of the results of the proposed invention exceeds the level of accuracy of SAS ver9.0, SPSS ver15.0 and EXCEL 2007. Aside from an accurate computation, this new invented algorithm can also produce efficient computations.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electron beam writing apparatus and an image placement error correcting method each capable of calculating a high-accuracy correction amount relative to an image placement error in consideration of a difference in required unit area of height distribution data between the shape of a back surface of an EUV mask and the shape of a surface of a pin chuck. Of back surface shape data of the EUV mask necessary to perform an image placement error correction of each pattern, the back surface shape data of a position brought into contact with each pin of the pin chuck is extracted. The image placement error is calculated only from the extracted back surface shape data.

Abstract: Measuring devices each include a rotating body arranged between a wheel and a wheel hub with rotation centers aligned with each other, and an optical detector fixed to a body frame. The rotating body is formed of a disk portion attached between the wheel and a mounting surface of the wheel hub, and a cylindrical portion extending from the disk portion to the body frame and encompassing an outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub. In a circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, there are provided elongate holes as light-transmitting portions that transmit light therethrough. The optical detector includes a light-emitting element serving as a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving element serving as a light-receiving portion, which are fixed to the body frame by a mounting bracket.

Abstract: This method determines an angular position of a rotary element rotating with respect to a stationary element where a magnetic ring rotatably fastened with the rotary element is arranged with respect to a set of N regularly distributed sensors, with N?3. Each sensor is suitable for issuing a unitary electric signal representative of a magnetic field generated by the magnetic ring. In this method, one computes a first sum of the signals issued by all N sensors and compares this sum to a first reference value. If the first sum equals the first reference value, one uses the signals of all N sensors to compute a signal representative of an instantaneous value of an angle representative of the angular position of the rotary element. If the first sum does not equal the first reference value, a series of defined steps to optionally obtain the instantaneous value are provided.

Abstract: An electronic system for compensating the dimensional accuracy of a 4-axis CNC machining system includes a CNC machining system configured to machine a plurality of features into a part, a dimensional measuring device configured to measure a plurality of dimensions of the part, and to provide an output corresponding to the measured dimensions and a compensation processor in communication with the CNC machining system and dimensional measuring device. The CNC machining system includes a global coordinate system, and at least one feature being defined relative to a local coordinate system that is translated from the machine coordinate system. Additionally, the compensation processor is configured to receive the output from the dimensional measuring device, to calculate a plurality of CNC offsets, including at least one local offset, and to provide the offsets to the CNC machining system.

Abstract: An audio processing system processes an audio signal that may come from one or more microphones. The audio processing system may use information from one or more non-acoustic sensors to improve a variety of system characteristics, including responsiveness and quality. Especially those audio processing systems that use spatial information, for example to separate multiple audio sources, are undesirably susceptible to changes in the relative position of any audio sources, the audio processing system itself, or any combination thereof. Using the non-acoustic sensor information may decrease this susceptibility advantageously in an audio processing system.

Abstract: An in-vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) for correcting an error introduced to a sensor output signal as a result of amplification is provided. An output voltage of first and second voltage generators and after-amplification voltages of such output voltages are respectively A/D converted for input into a linear function. A microcomputer adjusts the output voltage of the first and second voltage generators which are amplified by the amplification circuit so that the output signals of the first and second voltage generators are adjusted to increase a voltage difference between the two. The increased voltage difference allows accurate identification of the linear function and removal of the error that is introduced to the sensor output signal during the course of processing by the amplification circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a calibration apparatus for calibrating an optical apparatus, which has a scanning member and scans light on an object by rotating the scanning member, including a target member including a region irradiated with light from the scanning member, an obtaining unit configured to obtain a light amount of light reflected by the region, and a processing unit configured to execute processing for calculating a calibration value required to calibrate a rotation angle of the scanning member, wherein the region is configured to be nonplanar so that a light amount obtained by the obtaining unit changes according to a light irradiation position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide not only a technical solution for calibrating a positioning device but also a technical solution for characterizing an area of interest in a space. Specifically, there is provided a system, which may include: a tag capable of emitting ranging signals, placed at location points which are selected as space feature points in the space; a positioning device in the space, configured to obtain relative coordinates of the space feature points in relation to the positioning device based on the ranging signals from the tag; and a server, configured to determine location parameters of the positioning device in the space based on the relative coordinates, so as to calibrate the positioning device. The positioning device can be calibrated automatically, fast and accurately using the system.

Abstract: A bias value associated with a sensor, e.g., a time-varying, non-zero value which is output from a sensor when it is motionless, is estimated using at least two, different bias estimating techniques. A resultant combined or selected bias estimate may then be used to compensate the biased output of the sensor in, e.g., a 3D pointing device.

Abstract: An angle detection device formed in the shape of a disk includes: a graduation plate having a plurality of graduation lines being provided radially from the center toward the circumference thereof; and two detectors being disposed along the circumference of the graduation plate in a manner to be opposite to each other in a radial direction, the detectors detecting the graduation lines. The angle detection device is configured to calculate a center error based on angles detected by the detectors.

Abstract: Selecting devices from which to receive data for adjusting the performance of a positioning system. The positioning system infers the location of the devices based on beacons observed by the devices. The performance of the positioning system is compared to performance targets. One or more of the devices are selected based on the comparison. Data collection from the devices is adjusted to affect performance of the positioning system (e.g., improved or reduced). For example, if the positioning system predicts positions poorly for a particular area, data collection from selected devices within the particular area may be increased.

Abstract: A system may be provided for limiting false detections of occupancy caused by air flow. The system may include control unit and sensors that detect motion in one or more areas, where the control unit and the sensors are connected by a network. The control unit may determine that the area or areas are unoccupied, and autotune parameters of the sensors so that the sensors indicate that the area or areas are unoccupied.

Abstract: A positioning method and an electronic device utilizing the same are disclosed. The positioning method, adopted by an electronic device for positioning a mobile device, includes: determining a preliminary plane location of the mobile device; obtaining a tilt angle of the mobile device; and correcting an error in the preliminary plane location based on the tilt angle, to obtain the correct plane location of the mobile device.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of using feedforward to control a system component may include determining if a feedforward term exists in a feedforward table for a received operating set point. If a feedforward term does not exist, the system component may be incremented until the system is within a first acceptable tolerance of the desired set point. In some embodiments, a measure of steady state error may be determined and compared to a second acceptable tolerance. If within the acceptable tolerance, the corresponding feedforward term may be recorded in the feedforward table. In some embodiments, if the feedforward term exists for the operating set point, the system component may be controlled using controller output that corresponds to the feedforward term. When a change to the system is detected that is associated with possible changes to the feedforward values, new feedforward values may be generated for the feedforward table.

Abstract: A tuning fork gyroscope that is insensitive to magnetic field gradients is provided. The tuning fork gyroscope includes a first electrically conducting proof mass and a second electrically conducting proof mass connected through electrically conducting suspensions to anchors attached to one or more insulating substrates, and an electrical-resistance mid-point electrically connected to opposing ends of the first electrically conducting proof mass and to opposing ends of the second electrically conducting proof mass. The tuning fork gyroscope provides an input to a sense charge amplifier. The sense charge amplifier generates an output signal indicative of a rotation of the tuning fork gyroscope. The output signal is independent of a magnetic field gradient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide not only a technical solution for calibrating a positioning device but also a technical solution for characterizing an area of interest in a space. Specifically, there is provided a system, which may include: a tag capable of emitting ranging signals, placed at location points which are selected as space feature points in the space; a positioning device in the space, configured to obtain relative coordinates of the space feature points in relation to the positioning device based on the ranging signals from the tag; and a server, configured to determine location parameters of the positioning device in the space based on the relative coordinates, so as to calibrate the positioning device. The positioning device can be calibrated automatically, fast and accurately using the system.

Abstract: Positioning systems and methods comprise a network of transmitters that broadcast positioning signals comprising ranging signals and positioning system information. A ranging signal comprises information used to measure a distance to a transmitter broadcasting the ranging signal. A reference sensor array comprising at least one reference sensor unit is positioned at a known location. A remote receiver includes an atmospheric sensor collecting atmospheric data at a position of the remote receiver. A positioning application is coupled to the remote receiver and generates a reference pressure estimate at the position of the remote receiver using the atmospheric and reference data from the reference sensor array. The positioning application computes the position of the remote receiver using the reference pressure estimate and information derived from at least one of the positioning signals and satellite signals that are signals of a satellite-based positioning system. The position includes an elevation.

Abstract: A method of calibration and a calibration machine is provided for calibrating sensory controls of an ultrasonic navigation system. It can include an enclosure for containing a paired device group to minimize air flow therein, one or more holder mechanisms for rigidly mounting the paired devices at specific and adjustable orientations, and a rail system for holding the one or more holder mechanisms at specific locations within the enclosure. A computer communicatively coupled to the calibration machine can precisely adjust actuators for configuring the distances and orientations of the holding mechanisms and control a transmission and reception of the paired devices for calibrating the paired devices.

Abstract: An example information processing device calculates an attitude of an input unit having a magnetic sensor. The information processing device repeatedly obtains detected magnetic vectors detected by the magnetic sensor. The information processing device repeatedly estimates a center position of a spherical body having a curved surface which is estimated based on end point positions of the detected magnetic vectors. The attitude of the input unit is calculated based on a direction vector representing a direction from the center position to the end point position of the detected magnetic vector. The information processing device calculates the attitude while relatively decreasing an influence of a newly-obtained detected magnetic vector as the end point position of the newly-obtained detected magnetic vector is farther away from the end point positions of the detected magnetic vectors used for the estimation of the center position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a medical device operable in at least one axis of movement, such as a footpedal or footswitch, is provided. The design includes instructing a user to operate the device to a first predetermined position in a first axis of movement while concurrently monitoring movement of the device to establish a set of movement responses, prompting the user to indicate when the first predetermined position in the first axis is attained modifying the set of movement responses when movement response irregularities are detected, thereby establishing a modified set of movement responses, and employing the modified set of movement responses during a medical procedure.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for estimating a baseline of a proximity sensor on an electronic device comprising: collecting proximity sensor data at the electronic device using the proximity sensor; collecting second data using a second source at the electronic device; obtaining a sample of the proximity sensor data at the electronic device when it is determined that no object is proximal to a first face of the electronic device based on the proximity sensor data and based on the second data; and approximating the baseline of the proximity sensor using the obtained sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile terminal capable of measuring an altitude and an altitude measurement method using the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal capable of measuring an altitude includes a barometric pressure information reception unit for receiving barometric pressure information, a barometric pressure correction unit for calculating a bias barometric pressure using the barometric pressure information received by the barometric pressure information reception unit, and a barometric pressure sensor for outputting a corrected barometric pressure to which the bias barometric pressure is applied.

Abstract: An electronic oil pump has at least one lubricant inlet, at least one lubricant outlet, at least one piston being movable between a full stroke position and a fully retracted position, an electrical actuator operatively connected to the at least one piston, a first electrical lead connected to a first element of the pump for electrically connecting the first element to an electronic control unit (ECU), and a second electrical lead connected to a second element of the pump for electrically connecting the second element to the ECU. When the at least one piston is in the full stroke position, an electrical path between the first and second electrical leads is closed. When the at least one piston is in a position other than the full stroke position, the electrical path is opened. A method of controlling an engine having the oil pump is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining a value of a physical variable in a position transducer system includes the steps of providing a computation model, which maps a response of the position transducer system, wherein the computation model includes a model function and one or multiple parameter(s); ascertaining a value of at least one system variable at one or multiple points in time; determining the parameters of the computation model from one or multiple value(s) of the at least one system variable determined at different points in time; and determining the value of the physical variable as a function of the one or the multiple determined parameters.

Abstract: A method of measuring an altitude in a portable terminal is provided. The method includes receiving a reference altitude from an information providing device fixed and installed at a certain point, measuring a current atmospheric pressure of the certain point, calculating an altitude of the certain position using the measured current atmospheric pressure and a reference atmospheric pressure, and storing a difference between the reference altitude and the calculated altitude of the certain point as an altitude error.

Abstract: In a method for controlling an operation of a coordinate measuring device, at least one operational parameter is determined. One value of the operational parameter is allocated to a plurality of components. A sequence for determining the operational parameter is provided for the majority of the components. The method for determining the operational parameter in the predetermined sequence for each component is now described. It starts with the component that is first in the sequence: i) if the value of the operational parameter is allocated to the component, the value is adopted as a value of the operational parameter that is available for the operation, ii) if no value of the operational parameter is allocated to the components, one available value of the operational parameter that was available until then still remains available, iii) if another component is provided in the sequence, the method is carried out with the component.

Abstract: In a method for determining an offset of measured values of a multiaxial directional sensor using a superposed signal, a large number of multiaxial measured values are recorded first. Measured values, which are recorded in different orientations of the directional sensor, form a geometric figure in a coordinate system resulting from the measuring axes of the sensor, the ideal form of the geometric figure being known and the ideal center point of which being located at the origin of the measuring axes. In the case of a biaxial sensor, the geometric figure is a circle; in the case of a triaxial sensor, it is a sphere around the origin. The superposition caused by the interference is reflected in that the center point of the geometric figure is shifted in relation to the origin of the measuring axes. The offset is measured by determining this shift.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for determining a target variable to be measured in a mobile device. A first physical variable is measured with the aid of a first sensor and a second physical variable with the aid of a second sensor. The second physical variable is different to the first physical variable, or is measured using a different technique. The value of the target variable is calculated with the aid of the measurement of the first and second physical variables. An estimate for the target variable is determined with the aid of at least the measurement of the first physical variable. At least a first error estimate is determined, which depicts the accuracy of the measurement of the first physical variable. The estimate of the target variable is filtered using both the first error estimate and the measurement of the second physical variable.

Abstract: An angle detection unit including first to third arithmetic units receives first and second signals that are associated with intensities of components of a rotating magnetic field in mutually different directions. The first arithmetic unit generates a sum of squares signal made up of the sum of squares of the first and second signals. Based on the sum of squares signal, the second arithmetic unit calculates a first error component estimate which is an estimated value of a first error component included in the first signal and a second error component estimate which is an estimated value of a second error component included in the second signal. The third arithmetic unit generates a first corrected signal by subtracting the first error component estimate from the first signal, generates a second corrected signal by subtracting the second error component estimate from the second signal, and calculates a detected angle value based on the first and second corrected signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for ascertaining the relative position of a first tire and a second tire in a multiple tire. The apparatus may include a first electromechanical transducer providing a first sensor signal indicating a contact area length of the first tire in the multiple tire, and a second electromechanical transducer providing a second sensor signal indicating a contact area length of the second tire in the multiple tire. The apparatus includes a reception unit configured for receiving the first and second sensor signals; a contact area characteristic ascertainment unit ascertaining the contact area lengths characteristic of the first and second tires based on the first and second sensor signals; and a position finding unit ascertaining the position of the first tire relative to the second tire by evaluating the contact length characteristics of the first and second tires during cornering.