Abstract: A method of measuring an object using a surface sensing device mounted on a coordinate positioning apparatus. The method has the steps of measuring a single surface point of a feature of the object with the surface sensing device, moving the surface sensing device along a path around the feature at a fast speed, thereby taking measurements along the path, including at the surface point, determining the difference between the measurements of the surface point and using the difference determined to apply a correction to the object or subsequent objects having the same feature.

Abstract: An analyzing method for a sensor system determining the position of a shifting fork in a shift transmission is suggested wherein a shifting fork can be moved from a neutral position into at least one gear position. The position of the shifting fork is determined by a sensor system comprising at least one magnet and at least one magnetic field sensor that can be moved relative to the magnet. The method includes storing a base diagram for a base output signal in relation to position s and correcting the measured output signal so that the base diagram can be used for determining with high accuracy the position of the shifting fork.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for verifying the calibration status of an optical tracking system (1), wherein: a calibration apparatus (20, 40), which comprises a tracking marker configuration (27, 28; 41, 42), is moved to within the detection range of the tracking system (1); the tracking markers (27, 28; 41, 42) of the calibration apparatus (20, 40) are detected by the tracking system; the arrangement of the tracking markers (27, 28; 41, 42) is changed and/or moved into a state such that the tracking system (1) experiences a detection problem; the arrangement of the tracking markers (27, 28; 41, 42) which causes the detection problem is gauged and/or a range of arrangements for the tracking markers (27, 28; 41, 42) which causes the detection problem is gauged; and the tracking system (1) is determined to have a calibration error when the gauged arrangement and/or range of arrangements does not have a predetermined value or is not within a predetermined range of values.

Abstract: A self-calibrating sensor includes a housing, an input lever coupled to the housing and configured to contact a device to be sensed, and an actuating element configured to automatically reposition an output device to a calibrated position. The sensor also includes a cam ring that is configured to move the output device to the calibrated position based on an input received from the actuating element and a lock ring coupled to the input lever. In one exemplary embodiment, the output device is an electrical contact assembly that is slidably engaged with the cam ring. During operation, the cam ring is configured to reposition the electrical contact assembly based on the input received from actuating element.

Abstract: Kinematic parameters of a parallel kinematic machine can be estimated with high precision considering thermal displacement and error of a measuring device, in addition to deformation error caused by self-weight of each component. A DBB device is used when end effectors of a parallel kinematic mechanism machine are positioned at plural positions and in plural postures. In the DBB device, a plurality of support bars are provided with rigid balls on the both ends. One of the balls is fixed on a table and the other ball is provided with an end effector. The position, posture, and distance from a fixed position are measured and based on the measured value kinematic parameters are estimated. In estimating the kinematic parameters, any of deformation error caused by self-weight of each component, thermal displacement of each component, error of a measuring device are added for computation by linear approximation.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a distance sensor of a rotary actuator device for controlling a valve of an internal combustion engine. The rotary actuator includes an electric motor with an actuator element for actuating the valve, two energy storage means acting on the valve in opposite drive directions, and a control unit for controlling the electric motor. The electric motor is controlled such that the valve is transferred from a first end position, in which the actuator element is a metastable torque-neutral position, to a second metastable torque-neutral position. Starting from a torque-neutral position, the electric motor is controlled such that the rotor is moved out of the torque-neutral position in at least one direction by a distance, and the resulting electric motor power consumption is measured. Depending on the electric motor current values, a new rotor position for calibration of the distance signal is ascertained.

Abstract: A method and control for determining the tire diameters of a motor vehicle by comparing at least two opposite wheels. To provide the lowest possible measuring effort while simultaneously ensuring the highest possible precision, a driving maneuver including at least one cornering operation is defined as calibration drive, and the change in the vehicle orientation in the calibration drive is determined. The control includes sensors to determine the change in the vehicle orientation in a calibration drive.

Abstract: A caliper atomic force microscope (AFM) comprises two AFM probes (each comprised of an oscillator and an attached tip) that operate on a sample in a coordinated manner. The coordinated operation of the AFM probes may be spatially or temporally coordinated. The result of the coordinated operation may be an image of the sample or a dimensional measurement of an unknown sample. The probes of the caliper AFM may be tilted, or the tips may be tilted at a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the probes, so as to enable the tips to access vertical sample surfaces or to enable the tips to touch each other. The tip shapes may include conical, boot-shaped, cylindrical, or spherical and materials from which the tips are fabricated may include silicon or carbon nanotubes. The oscillators may be beveled to allow the tips to operate in close proximity or in contact without interference of the oscillators. The disclosure of the present invention is discussed in terms of an atomic force (van der Waalls) interaction.

Abstract: Determination of the actual position of the rotation axis of a transportation mechanism relative to a reference axis, in particular relative to gravity, is performed with at least one inclination sensor mounted to the transportation mechanism having at least one measurement axis, and comprises the measurement of the inclination of at least the one inclination sensor along the at least one measurement axis in a first rotation position of the transportation mechanism, and the measurement of the inclination of the at least one inclination sensor along the at least one measurement axis in a second rotation position. The actual position of the rotation axis of the transportation mechanism may be determined from the measurement values of the inclination sensor and the angular separation between the rotation positions. The process is suitable in particular for a process to align the rotation axis of a transportation mechanism and for a process for replacing a transportation mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating measuring system (1) which is based on a camera (4) and is used for determining an object (2) position in a reference three-dimensional co-ordinate system (3), wherein the external and internal parameters of the camera are calibrated in various steps and the camera (4) position (6) is determined with the aid of external measuring means. In order to optimise a calibration process, the inventive method comprises at least three steps consisting in determining the internal parameters of said camera (4) and firmly assigning said parameters thereto, in determining the position (6) of the camera (4) mounted on the measuring system (1) and in determining the orientation (7) of the camera (4) in the reference three-dimensional co-ordinate system (3) by evaluating the images thereof.

Abstract: A method is proposed for determining a clutch application point in a transmission of a vehicle having a spring-actuated clutch system in which the clutch application point is adapted according to at least one adequate regulated quantity of the clutch system.

Abstract: A positioning and calibration system are provided for use in calibrating a single or multi axis sensitive instrument, such as an inclinometer. The positioning system includes a positioner that defines six planes of tangential contact. A mounting region within the six planes is adapted to have an inclinometer coupled thereto. The positioning system also includes means for defining first and second flat surfaces that are approximately perpendicular to one another with the first surface adapted to be oriented relative to a local or induced reference field of interest to the instrument being calibrated, such as a gravitational vector. The positioner is positioned such that one of its six planes tangentially rests on the first flat surface and another of its six planes tangentially contacts the second flat surface. A calibration system is formed when the positioning system is used with a data collector and processor.

Abstract: There is provided a scanning probe microscope employing a positioning apparatus M1 including a unit to be driven in XY direction having a substantially square form in plane geometry at the center of the plane in the XY directions and having a first elastic support that bends in the X-axis direction at least on one side of the square form and a second elastic support that bends in the Y-axis direction at least on one side orthogonal to the side and a support unit that supports a stage unit 1 in the XY directions such that the facing surface can face in parallel against the facing surface of the unit to be driven in the XY directions. The positioning apparatus has a space of a predetermined thickness between the surface corresponding to the unit to be driven in the XY directions at least and the facing surface of the support unit that faces against it, and the space is filled with a viscosity agent.

Abstract: An adjustable position sensor is provided suitable for use with a clutch actuation control system. The position sensor includes: a rotatable shaft adapted to engage a control gear of the clutch actuation control system; and an encoder having a position indicator adjustably coupled to the shaft and operable to detect the position of the shaft over a range of motion that is less than the range of movement exhibited by the control gear. The position indicator of the encoder is adjustable in relation to the shaft so that the range of motion detected by the encoder can be correlated to an area of interest within the range of motion exhibited by the control gear.

Abstract: A vehicle floor tray is molded from a multiple extrusion thermoplastic polymer sheet such that it has high shear and tensile strength, an acceptable degree of stiffness and a high coefficient of friction on its upper surface. The floor tray design is digitally fitted to a foot well of a particular model of vehicle such that a lower surface of the tray is no more than one-half of an inch from a digitally acquired model of the foot well surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for setting an occupant classification system threshold for a vehicle occupant detection system, the method comprising collecting occupant classification system data for a seat, the data being indicative of occupant weight, analyzing the data to determine where a separation exists between an occupant for which a restraint should be suppressed and an occupant for which the restraint should be deployed, and analyzing the data to determine a worst case child suppression weight and shape, which is based at least on where the separation exists. The worst case child suppression weight and shape define the occupant classification system threshold.

Abstract: For optical chassis measurement of motor vehicles at a testing site that has at least one measuring unit having at least two imaging devices associated with one another in position and location, the measuring units are oriented with respect to the testing site with reference characteristics located fixedly at the testing site, evaluation in an evaluation device is effected on a basis orientation data and associated data obtained, for determining chassis data of a motor vehicle, in addition to the reference characteristics located fixedly at the testing site, at least one reference device is positioned which is usable in mobile fashion at the testing site with reference characteristics, and with a totality of reference characteristics in the evaluation device, the orientation data and the association data of the measuring units are obtained, and thus a common measuring station coordinate system is defined.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining physical properties of micromachined cantilevers used in cantilever-based instruments, including atomic force microscopes, molecular force probe instruments and chemical or biological sensing probes. The properties that may be so determined include optical lever sensitivity, cantilever spring constant and cantilever sample separation. Cantilevers characterized with the method may be used to determine fluid flow rates. The apparatus measures cantilever deflection resulting from drag force as the cantilever is moved through fluid. Unlike other methods for determining such physical properties of cantilevers, the method described does not depend on cantilever contact with a well-defined rigid surface. Consequently, the apparatus may be employed in situations where such contact is undesirable or inconvenient.

Abstract: A method for global calibration of a multi-view vision-based touch probe measurement system is provided which encompasses calibrating camera frame distortion errors as well as probe form errors. The only required features in the calibration images are the markers on the touch probe. The camera frame distortion calibration comprises an iterative process that depends on a portable calibration jig and the touch probe, but that process is unaffected by probe form distortion errors in the touch probe and/or tip. The probe tip position calibration depends on applying the results of the camera frame distortion calibration. When the same probe tip is used throughout the global calibration, the probe tip position calibration uses images from the set of images used by the camera frame distortion calibration. The global calibration method is particularly advantageous for low cost portable versions of multi-view vision-based touch probe measurement systems.

Abstract: A method for removing position-dependent bias from tracking systems computes invertible transformations between a tracking system and a reference system, and applies an inverse of the transformation to measurements in the tracking system to estimate the locations of reference points in the reference system and to determine relative bias at the measured points.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a device (1) for automatic detection of a possible incorrect measurement, wherein the device (1) comprises at least one reflected light illumination apparatus (14) and/or a transmitted light illumination apparatus (6) and at least one imaging optical system (9) and one detector (11) of a camera (10) for imaging structures (3) on a substrate (2), wherein a first program portion (17) is linked to the detector (11) of the camera (10), said detector being provided for determining the position and/or dimension of the structure (3) on the substrate (2), wherein the device (1) determines and records a plurality of measurement variables Mj, j ? {1, . . . , L}, from which at least one variable G can be determined, wherein a second program portion (18) is linked to the detector (11) of the camera (10), said program portion calculating an analysis of the measurement variables Mj with regard to a possible incorrect measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for calibrating measuring instruments, such as bore gauges and the like, comprises means (12) for supporting the apparatus and calibrating means having contact means for the respective measuring ends (15, 17) of the instrument to be calibrated, these means being, for each measuring end of the instrument to be calibrated, in the form of a first and a second contact surface (31, 33d). The apparatus also comprises at least one adapter element (50) on at least one of the contact surfaces of the calibrating apparatus, this adapter element (50) being designed to receive and support a respective end of the measuring instrument by adjusting to its profile. The adapter element (50) comprises means which engage a respective end of the measuring instrument and which are made in such a way that they can receive different measuring instruments.

Abstract: The restaurant and bar industry is in dire need for an easy, affordable and efficient way of counting bottled liquid inventory. Gen-X Posi-Count Automatic Tilt/Tip-Over Bottled Liquid Pour Counter is an automatic counter that counts, records and displays each time a bottle is tilted or tipped over to the point of which the liquid is poured, for the purpose of keeping an accurate count of how many drinks or pours are supplied out of each bottle. Gen-X Posi-Count Automatic Tilt/Tip-Over Bottled Liquid Pour Counter is equipped with a tilt/tip-over switch that counts the tilts/tip-overs from 1 to 9999 tilts/tip-overs. The device is equipped with a reset button when pushed, is reset to 0. The device is equipped with a push button light that when pressed it illuminates the four digit display for viewing the recorded count in a dark environment. The device attaches to the subject liquid bottle and counts, records and displays each time the bottle is tilted or tipped over to the pouring position.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a cotton module builder having a compactor frame, the system including an electronic controller configured to move the compactor frame to a plurality of positions, to read a compactor frame position sensor or sensors in the first and second positions, and to calibrate the sensor or sensors based on the sensor readings.

Abstract: A method for performing a functional test of a position measuring system, which in the course of scanning a scale by a position measuring unit generates position values. The method includes generating a control value in the position measuring system, the control value having a defined mathematical interrelationship with one of the position values and into which a correction value stored in the position measuring system is entered as a parameter. Transmitting the control value and an associated position value to an evaluation unit located downstream of the position measuring system. Making a check in the evaluation unit to determine whether there is a mathematical interrelationship between the control value and the associated position value. Storing the correction value in the position measuring system under a first memory address and a second memory address.

Abstract: First, it is confirmed that the contactor 1a is not damaged. Next, an initial preset signal PR is supplied at the state in which the contactor 1a is contacted to the master work MW. For this reason, CPU stores the reference value in EEPROM. If the timing signal is supplied at the state in which the contactor 1a is contacted to the non-defective object W, the CPU obtains the measurement value and corrects the measurement value by the reference value. When the difference between the reference value obtained during the measurement of the actual object W and the previous reference value stored in EEPROM is more than a predetermined value, it is judged that the contactor 1a is damaged, and warning signal is output. As this warning signal, the judgment signal Hi and the judgment signal Lo become from a low level to a high level.

Abstract: A calibration system for a rotary encoder comprises a rotary encoder disposed on a manufacturing substrate, the rotary encoder including an encoder pattern. The calibration system also includes a calibration pattern written onto a surface of the substrate, the calibration pattern comprising a ring that includes a grating pattern, where a radial position of the grating pattern corresponds to an error value of the position of the encoder pattern. A method of calibrating the errors of a rotary encoder and a method of fabricating a high resolution rotary encoder on a surface of a manufacturing substrate are also provided.

Abstract: A position-measuring device for detecting the relative position of two bodies capable of motion relative to each other includes a measurement standard with a scale division connected to one of the bodies and a scanning head (MK) connected to the other body for reading the scale division, wherein the scanning head is connected to an electronic evaluation unit. The electronic evaluation unit has a nonvolatile memory in which correction values for the measurement values recorded by the scanning head are stored, wherein the correction values are determined during a preceding calibration of the position-measuring device together with the use of at least one other scanning head to scan the same measurement standard.

Abstract: In a coordinate measuring machine or any other kind of machine having at least one translational movement axis, correction values are determined by moving the mobile head of the machine along a defined path of movement. First and second position data are recorded by means of first and second position measuring devices. The first position data originate from position measuring devices of the machine. The second position data result from a reference measurement. The correction values are determined as a function of the first and second position data. A defined number of correction values is determined for each section of the path of movement, with the defined number varying in the sections as a function of the error profile defined by the correction values.

Abstract: Concepts presented herein relate to a portable device that includes a frame and a fixture for engaging a mechanical probe to be calibrated. The fixture can be a platform of hard material that receives pushing action of the mechanical probe. A displacement sensor senses position of the platform with respect to the frame. An actuator is coupled to the displacement sensor and a controller is coupled to the actuator. The controller operates the actuator to cause the platform to move to a position (as indicated by the displacement sensor), while the force required to cause the displacement is measured with a force sensor.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a measurement an inspection system used in the LCD industry is presented. An assembly is created including two substrates coupled by a transducer. Two fixtures also adhere to the substrates and are connected to an interferometer. An inscription is created by marking at least one of the substrates using a reference point on a support table of the measurement and inspection system as a reference. The transducer is then operated to simulate an LCD glass process such as a thermal process or a glass cutting process. Operating the transducer also generates signals that are measured by the interferometer and represent a first distortion measurement. The inscription is then compared to reference mark to determine a second distortion measurement. A comparison of the first distortion measurement and the second distortion measurement are then used to calibrate the measurement and inspection device.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a distance sensor of a rotary actuator device for controlling a charge cycle valve of an internal combustion engine. The rotary actuator device includes a controllable electric motor having an actuator element for actuating the charge cycle valve, two energy storage means acting in opposite drive directions on the charge cycle valve, a control and regulating device which controls the electric motor with regard to its rotor angle according to a stored setpoint path and a distance sensor for detecting the rotor position. At least one state variable of the electric motor is measured, the at least one state variable being compared with a reference variable. If there is a deviation between the variables being compared, the stored setpoint path and/or the distance sensor signal detected is/are altered as a function of the state variable.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating a resolver are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment receives at least one output signal from the resolver, the resolver detecting a current position of a rotor coupled to the resolver; determines if the current position of the rotor is detected by a first pole-pair of the resolver or if the current position is detected by a second pole-pair of the resolver; in response to determining that the current position of the rotor is detected by the first pole-pair, synchronizes the output signal from the resolver with a first resolver angle error information; and in response to determining that the current position of the rotor is detected by the second pole-pair, synchronizes the output signal from the resolver with a second resolver angle error information.

Abstract: A probe system includes a probe head and a transceiver element. The probe head has a feeler and a sensor element. Moreover, the probe head is able to be transferred from a passive state to an active state, a sensor signal being able to be generated by the sensor element in the active state. The probe head and the transceiver element are configured such that a wireless data transmission is possible between them in a manner that the sensor signal is convertible in the probe head into a switching signal which is transmittable from the probe head to the transceiver element. During the active state, a control command is able to be transmitted continuously in wireless fashion by the transceiver element, the active state of the probe head being able to be maintained by the continuously transmitted control command. Furthermore, the switching signal is able to be transmitted without collision with respect to the transmission of the control command.

Abstract: A system including a processor, a high-energy density system linked to the processor, and a communicator linked to the processor. The communicator comprehensively integrates a plurality of hardware and software functions associated with operating the high-energy density system into a single, convenient interface. In one exemplary embodiment, the communicator comprises a wireless communicator. In operation, the communicator generates a command signal whereby the command signal is received by the processor. Accordingly, the processor controls the high-energy density system based on the command signal. In one aspect, the communicator interfaces with a security system for selectively limiting user access through a restricted system. In another aspect, the communicator is used for object information storage and retrieval associated with operating a high-energy density system, such as an ultrasonic laser system. In another aspect, the communicator is used to control a robotic device.

Abstract: A calibration method is provided for calibrating a parallel kinematic mechanism that has an end effecter. The method includes setting an adjustment tool attached to the end effecter in predetermined postures in a reference coordinate system by taking coordinates of the posture of the adjustment tool each time the adjustment tool is placed in the posture and recording coordinates of driver shafts manipulated by a numerical control device in accordance with the inverse kinematics each time the adjustment tool is placed in the posture. The method continues by calculating kinematic parameters necessary for the kinematics of the parallel kinematic mechanism based on the taken coordinates of the postures of the driver shafts and the recorded coordinates of the driver shafts. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain accurate posture information of the end effecter and relative coordinates of the driver shafts.

Abstract: A re-calibration method and device for a three-dimensional visual sensor of a robot system, whereby the work load required for re-calibration is mitigated. While the visual sensor is normal, the visual sensor and a measurement target are arranged in one or more relative positional relations by a robot, and the target is measured to acquire position/orientation information of a dot pattern etc. by using calibration parameters then held. During re-calibration, each relative positional relation is approximately reproduced, and the target is again measured to acquire feature amount information or position/orientation of the dot pattern etc. on the image. Based on the feature amount data and the position information, the parameters relating to calibration of the visual sensor are updated. At least one of the visual sensor and the target, which are brought into the relative positional relation, is mounted on the robot arm.

Abstract: The present methods and systems include aligning at least two sensors with one or more known locations, selecting at least two of the at least two sensors, electrically driving the probe, based on signals received by the selected sensors, determining whether the probe is aligned with the known location(s), and, optionally adjusting the probe position based on the determination. The methods and systems also include repeatedly returning to electrically driving and positioning the probe until the probe is aligned with the selected sensors, and/or repeatedly returning to selecting at least two of the at least two sensors. The relative position of the probe with respect to the selected sensors may also be determined.

Abstract: A device for use with a surgical navigation system includes a body with an inner and outer wall that is shaped to envelope an extremity of a patient, a tracking device associated with the body in a fixed relation to the outer wall of the body, and a filler that fixably conforms to the space between the inner wall of the body and the extremity. The device can be used in orthopedic surgery.

Abstract: A method for generating a scanplan for inspection of a component is provided. The method includes loading a geometric model of the component and generating the scanplan of the component based on the geometric model and at least one scanning parameter. A method of inspecting a component is also provided and includes loading a geometric model of the component, generating a scanplan of the component based on the geometric model and at least one scanning parameter, mounting the component on an inspection system manipulator and inspecting the component including moving an inspection probe relative to the component using the scanplan.

Abstract: A system for determining the longitudinal position of a displaceable element positioned between two substantially orthogonally laterally opposing displacement sensors measures a distance from each displacement sensor to the displaceable element. The displaceable element has a tapered thickness along its length. A change in the longitudinal position of the displaceable element causes the proximity sensors to each detect their distance to the displaceable element, which distances then correspond directly to the local thickness and thus the longitudinal position of the displaceable element. The system calculates the position of the displaceable element. The system can easily factor out errors in measured lateral proximity position of the displaceable element, since an erroneous proximity to one sensor is equal and opposite to an erroneous proximity to the other.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the spring constant of a scanning probe microscope cantilever mechanically coupled to a MEMs actuator may be determined in-situ using a displacement method.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the spring constant of a scanning probe microscope cantilever mechanically coupled to a MEMs actuator may be determined in-situ by application of a force to the scanning probe microscope cantilever.

Abstract: An adjustable position sensor is provided suitable for use with a clutch actuation control system. The position sensor includes: a rotatable shaft adapted to engage a control gear of the clutch actuation control system; and an encoder having a position indicator adjustably coupled to the shaft and operable to detect the position of the shaft over a range of motion that is less than the range of movement exhibited by the control gear. The position indicator of the encoder is adjustable in relation to the shaft so that the range of motion detected by the encoder can be correlated to an area of interest within the range of motion exhibited by the control gear.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus and method include a sensor configured on an integrated circuit, which includes a current limiting open collector output stage configured in association with the integrated circuit. The current limiting open collector output stage reduces a fall time and a di/dt associated with an output signal of the sensor and a ringing produced thereof in order to improve EMC and conducted emissions required of the sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically determining a feedback setpoint for use in operating an atomic force microscope (AFM) are provided. The setpoint may be determined by modulating a feedback setpoint while monitoring for a change in a detector signal. In an effort to avoid tip damage and remain in non-contact, attractive mode during use, a setpoint just above a setpoint corresponding to a detected change in a parameter of the detector signal, such as an abrupt change in phase, may be used to operate the AFM.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for eliminating the effect of the thermal drift and other variances and to improve the observing or manipulating accuracy of a scanning probe microscope or atom manipulator by using the technique to correct the aforementioned change in the relative position of the probe and the sample due to heat or other factors during the observation or manipulation. To obtain an image of the sample surface at the atomic level or perform a certain manipulation on an atom on the sample surface, the present invention can be applied to a probe position control method for controlling the relative position of the probe and the sample while measuring an interaction between the objective atom on the sample surface and the tip of the probe. In the present method, the relative position of the probe and the sample are changed while the probe is oscillated relative to the sample in two directions parallel to the sample surface at frequencies of f1 and f2 (S1a).

Abstract: A method of calibrating a circular portion of an object, such as to determine the center point of the object, is provided. The method includes determining spatial coordinates of at least two points on a circumferential edge of the circular portion of the object, and calculating the center point of the circular portion using the spatial coordinates of the two points and a geometric parameter representative of the diameter of the circular portion. A calibration device and system are also provided for use with a computer tracking system in order to calibrate such an object having a circular portion.

Abstract: The invention related to a method for checking or calibrating the angle-dependent alignment of a reference structure on a high-precision test-piece. After arrangement of the test-piece on a retainer piece, a pre-alignment of an optical unit and/or the reference structure of the test-piece is carried out, such that the test-piece beam is at least partly incident on a detector and generates at least one point there. The position of the at least one point on the detector is evaluated by means of a control/regulation unit.

Abstract: To be able to detect a displacement amount of a moving object by a resolution of from micrometer to nanometer by a simple structure. An excitation coil 23 and a detection coil 25 are arranged to align and a magnetic body probe 27 in a conical shape a sectional area of which is change in a longitudinal direction is arranged in a state of being inserted into an air core portion of the excitation coil 23. An output terminal from the detection coil 25 is connected to an amplifier 33 and a phase shifting circuit 35 is provided between the amplifier 33 and an input terminal of the excitation coil 23. When the probe 27 of the magnetic body is moved at inside of the air core portion of the excitation coil 23, inductance of the excitation coil 23 is changed, a phase difference is produced between an input signal inputted to the excitation coil 23 and an output signal outputted from the detection coil 25 and the phase shifting circuit 35 changes a frequency to nullify the phase difference.