Scanner system for automatic measurement of parts

Abstract

Scanner system for automated measurement of a part. A scanner system (100) for a part, the scanner system (100) comprising a plurality of scanners (106) mounted to a measurement head (104), a part support (114), a transport mechanism (124) that changes a relative position of the part support (114) and the measurement head (104) along a scan path (112) during scanning, and an alignment artifact (108) positioned along the scan path (112).

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Parts inspection helps ensure the quality, reliability, and safety of mechanical parts. In many cases, trained personnel visually inspect and assess the quality, integrity, and compliance with specific parameters of various parts, identifying any defects, deviations, or anomalies. The inspection process can involve measuring parts using various tools such as tape measures, calipers, and laser measuring systems. Precise and accurate measurements are crucial because even small variations can lead to rework and time delays. Summary of the Invention

[0002] One example provides a scanner system for a part. The scanner system includes multiple scanners mounted to a measuring head and a part support. The scanner system also includes a transport mechanism for changing the relative position of the part support and the measuring head along the scan path during scanning, as well as alignment artifacts positioned along the scan path.

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a series of concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed embodiments below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that address any or all the shortcomings mentioned in any part of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0004] Figure 1 A block diagram of an exemplary scanner system for obtaining measurements of a part is shown.

[0005] Figure 2 A view of an exemplary measuring head of a scanner system for obtaining measurements of a part is shown.

[0006] Figures 3A-3B An exemplary part support is shown, comprising two part support modules, each having one or more clamps.

[0007] Figures 4A-4B Another exemplary part support is shown, which includes multiple clamps.

[0008] Figure 5 An exemplary clamp is shown in a lowered, unclamped position.

[0009] Figure 6 It shows the unclamped position in the elevated position. Figure 5 An example fixture.

[0010] Figure 7 The clamping position is shown in the elevated position. Figure 5 An example fixture.

[0011] Figures 8A-8C It shows Figure 5 An exemplary clamp that clamps onto the part.

[0012] Figure 9 A first exemplary method is shown to support the part during scanning while avoiding obscuring the measurement position on the part.

[0013] Figures 10A-10B A second exemplary method is shown that supports scanning of a part while avoiding obscuring the measurement position on the part.

[0014] Figures 11A-11B A third exemplary method is shown that supports scanning of a part while avoiding obscuring the measurement position on the part.

[0015] Figure 12 A block diagram of an exemplary scanner system, including a security system, is shown.

[0016] Figure 13 A block diagram of an exemplary computing system is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] As mentioned above, in many cases, parts inspection involves visual and manual checks. For example, calipers can be used to manually measure parts to determine their dimensions. However, maintaining accuracy when measuring parts can be challenging, especially for large and / or long parts. For instance, aircraft spans can exceed 100 feet in length. These manual measurements can be labor-intensive and require a significant amount of time to perform accurately. For example, manual inspections are typically performed at a rate of only 0.5 feet per minute, assuming they are done by experienced personnel. Therefore, inspecting a 100-foot-long aircraft span would take at least several hours.

[0018] To address the challenges of high labor and time constraints, automated processes have been used to measure parts, eliminating the need for manual measurement. This automation utilizes scanner systems equipped with laser measuring devices to determine part dimensions. However, while these scanner systems can support shorter parts, longer parts, such as aircraft longitudinal spars, wing spars, or C-shaped passageways, may not be adequately supported. This can lead to damage to elongated parts, potentially increasing costs and causing time delays.

[0019] Therefore, examples related to a scanner system for scanning parts for automated measurement are disclosed. In one example, the scanner system includes multiple scanners mounted to a measuring head and a part support supporting the part. The part support may include multiple clamps to support the part and / or part support modules, each with multiple clamps. A transport mechanism changes the relative position of the part support and the measuring head along the scanning path during scanning, thereby enabling the measurement of the entire length of the part.

[0020] The disclosed exemplary scanner system provides a method for automating the measurement of parts, including elongated components such as aircraft struts, with appropriate precision and accuracy. A part support provides support for the part while automatically measuring its features. The part support can be selectively adjusted, for example, by moving toward or away from the part, to avoid obstructing measurement locations, which may vary from part to part. Compared to manual measurement systems, the disclosed exemplary scanner system increases measurement speed and helps reduce the time required to measure parts. Furthermore, compared to other measurement systems, the part support system reduces the risk of part damage by providing sufficient support while avoiding obstruction of the measurement location by the part support.

[0021] Furthermore, the disclosed exemplary scanner system may include a safety system with safety features designed to protect technicians working with the scanner system. Before scanning a part, it must be loaded onto the scanner system, which can be done by hand or with a crane. When loading a part by hand onto a scanner system with a part support comprising multiple clamps, the clamps can pose a safety hazard to the technician loading the part, allowing them to clamp the part with maximum force. Therefore, the safety system may include one or more detectors to detect when the part is present in a protected space. If the detectors detect the presence of the part in a protected space, a controller is configured to limit the clamping force of one or more clamps of the part support. Limiting the clamping force allows the part to be safely loaded manually without posing a safety risk to the technician loading the part. Thus, the safety system strikes a balance between safety concerns and part safety requirements, ensuring the part is adequately secured in place until the technician is no longer in danger from the clamps, at which point the full clamping can be applied to the part.

[0022] Security systems can use one or more laser scanners or light curtains as detectors. Detectors may include both horizontal and vertical light curtains, or either one. Using horizontal and vertical light curtains along with a laser scanner can help reduce the size of the protected space compared to using a horizontal light curtain, vertical light curtain, or laser scanner alone. Reducing the size of the protected space advantageously allows the scanner system to occupy a smaller physical footprint.

[0023] Figure 1 An exemplary scanner system 100 for obtaining measurements of part 102 is shown. In some examples, part 102 includes an aircraft stringer. In these examples, the aircraft stringer may include aluminum, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), or any other suitable material. In other examples, part 102 may include an aircraft spar or a C-shaped channel. In further examples, the scanner system 100 can be used to measure any other suitable object. Other examples of suitable objects include conduits and pipes, which may be metallic parts (e.g., aluminum, titanium, or steel parts), composite parts (e.g., carbon fiber parts), or made of other materials. The scanner system 100 may also have applications beyond the aerospace industry, including automotive, railroad, marine, energy, construction, and engineering applications, or any other application where tolerances need to be checked during manufacturing or service and inspection.

[0024] The scanner system 100 includes a measuring head 104, which includes a plurality of scanners 106 mounted to it. In some examples, the scanners may include a laser line scanner. In other examples, any other suitable scanner capable of obtaining measurements of the part may be used.

[0025] In further examples, the scanner may include depth sensors other than laser line scanners. In some such examples, the depth sensor may include a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor. In other such examples, the depth sensor may include a time-of-flight (ToF) depth camera, a structured light depth camera, or a stereo camera device.

[0026] The scanner system 100 also includes an alignment artifact 108 and a calibration verification artifact 110 positioned along a scan path 112. The alignment artifact 108 is configured to align each of the plurality of scanners 106 with a global reference frame. The alignment artifact 108 has multiple features, each defining a corresponding reference point relative to the global reference frame. Each of the plurality of scanners can determine the position of the corresponding scan reference point for each feature based on the scan of the alignment artifact and compare the scanned reference point with the expected position of the feature. Appropriate geometric transformations can be calibrated for each scanner to adjust the position of the scanned reference point to the expected position of the reference point. Each transformation can then be applied to the scanned image data of the respective scanner to transform the scanned image data to the global reference frame.

[0027] The calibration verification artifact 110 is configured to calibrate measurements obtained by the scanner system 100 of part 102 by determining whether the measurements obtained from the calibration verification artifact 110 are within the expected range. The calibration verification artifact may include substructures that match different scaling features to different scales (e.g., the thickness and / or height of the part) of one or more parts being measured. These features may represent the minimum scale, maximum scale, and typical scale of the components of the part being measured. The calibration verification artifact can calibrate measurements obtained using different scaling features to determine whether the measurements match the expected values.

[0028] In some examples, the measuring head 104 may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can monitor the temperature of the part being measured and the measuring head to compensate for thermal expansion that may occur due to temperature changes. For example, for every 15°F increase in temperature, the width of a 5-inch wide aluminum stringer may expand by approximately 0.001 inches. Therefore, compared to a scanner system that does not consider temperature changes, the temperature sensor can compensate for expansion to improve the accuracy and precision of the measurement. In some examples, the measuring head 104 may include a material with low thermal expansion to minimize the effect of temperature changes on the measuring head. In these examples, materials with low thermal expansion may include carbon fiber and 64FeNi (Invar alloy). In other such examples, any other suitable material with low thermal expansion may be used.

[0029] The scanner system 100 also includes a part support 114 comprising a body 116. The body 116 supports a plurality of clamps 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, and 118E with increasing spacing. The body 116 and the clamps 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, and 118E can support a part 102, allowing the measuring head 104 to measure the part.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, in some examples, the part support may include a single structure. In other examples, the part support may include multiple part support modules. In these examples, each part support module may include a body supporting multiple fixtures. In such examples, the number of part support modules can be determined based on the length of the part to be measured and the length of each part support module. The modularity of the part support modules allows the scanner system 100 to be expanded to measure parts of different lengths.

[0031] exist Figure 1In the illustrative example, the scanner system includes five clamps. However, the scanner system according to this disclosure can have any suitable number of clamps to securely support the part being scanned, such as fewer or more than five (e.g., two, four, ten or more clamps). The clamps can be spaced apart in increasing increments. In some examples, the increment can be in the range of 6 inches to 5 feet. In other examples, any other suitable increment capable of supporting the part can be used.

[0032] The spacing of the clamps can be determined based on factors such as the structural characteristics of the part being measured (e.g., weight, length, strength, center of gravity, stability, and / or stiffness) and the maximum clamping force of multiple clamps. When greater force is required to hold the part, more clamps can be used with a smaller spacing on the part support. When less force is required to hold the part, fewer clamps can be used with a larger spacing on the part support. In other examples, the clamp spacing can be determined by other factors, such as the location on the part where measurements are needed to obtain precise and accurate values. In these examples, smaller or larger spacing may be required to enable the scanner system to obtain measurements of the part's measurement location.

[0033] In some examples, any one, some, or all of fixtures 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, and 118E can be selectively and individually removed from the body 116 and replaced selectively. This simplifies part replacement because it eliminates the need to replace the entire part support; only one fixture needs to be replaced. Furthermore, this reduces the amount of downtime for the scanner system, as it can scan the part once a single fixture has been replaced.

[0034] In some examples, the multiple clamps 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, and 118E may include non-destructive contact surfaces. In some such examples, the clamps may be formed of a polymer with a hardness lower than that of the part being measured. Examples of such polymers include polyamides (such as nylon), acetal polymers (such as polyoxymethylene homopolymer), and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW). In other examples, the clamps may include any other suitable material that is softer than the part being measured.

[0035] In some examples, each of the multiple fixtures 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, and 118E may include a fine-threaded indexing element (not shown) on each side of the fixture to facilitate closure of the sides of the fixture in the same plane of part 102. In some examples, part 102 may include a first side and a second side. Tolerances may vary between each fixture in the multiple fixtures, therefore, calibration can be performed to calibrate each fixture to obtain a more accurate part plane on the first or second side of the part. After performing calibration measurements, each fixture can be adjusted using the fine-threaded indexing element to align each side of the fixture to the same plane. As a specific example, to help ensure that the left side of the fixture is clamped in the same plane as the first side of the part, the left side of the fixture can be adjusted using the fine-threaded indexing element on the left side after performing calibration measurements. As another specific example, to help ensure that the right side of the fixture is clamped in the same plane as the first side of the part, the right side of the fixture can be adjusted using the fine-threaded indexing element on the right side after performing calibration measurements.

[0036] The scanner system 100 also includes a part end stop 120 configured to indicate the position of one end of the part to be measured relative to the part support 114. In some examples, the part end stop is lowered before the scanner system begins measuring the part so that it does not obstruct the multiple scanners performing the measurement. In these examples, a pneumatic system can be used to lower the part end stop, as described below. Alternatively or additionally, in other such examples, an electromechanical system can be used to lower the part end stop, as described below. The part end stop 120 may include a non-damaging contact surface, as described above for multiple clamps. In some examples, the part end stop may include a linear axis configured to reposition the part end stop. In these examples, the part end stop can be repositioned to facilitate positioning of the part relative to the part support so that the scanner system can obtain a measurement of the part's measurement position.

[0037] The scanner system 100 also includes a controller 122 configured to selectively engage or disengage each of a plurality of grippers 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, and 118E for scanning. The controller 122 communicates with the part support 114 and the measuring head 104 to facilitate the scanner system 100 in measuring the part 102 without the grippers obstructing the measurement position. In some examples, each of the plurality of grippers 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, and 118E is individually controllable to selectively move each gripper toward or away from the part. In these examples, moving each gripper toward or away from the part may respectively include moving the gripper up or down. In other examples, moving each gripper toward or away from the part may include moving the gripper to the left or right, respectively. In further examples, moving each gripper toward or away from the part may include moving the gripper to the right or left, respectively. Moving the grippers toward or away from the part can help avoid the grippers obstructing the measurement position.

[0038] In other examples, each of the multiple clamps 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, and 118E is individually controllable to selectively clamp or release the part. Since different parts can have different features and / or shapes, clamping and releasing each clamp can help secure the part for measurement, regardless of these differences. Furthermore, the scanned part having a known size, shape, weight, and / or dimensions can have an associated measurement plan, as described below, that specifies the clamp configuration to avoid obstructing the part's measurement location. In some examples, the associated measurement plan can be stored in a database and retrieved for the part being scanned (e.g., by scanning a barcode on the part before performing a measurement). In other examples, the associated measurement plan can be manually entered.

[0039] In some examples, in addition to controller 122, manual clamping controls may be provided to control multiple clamps on the body. For example, in a scanner system with more than one part support module, each part support module may include manual clamping controls to control multiple clamps located on that particular part support module. In these examples, a technician can use the manual clamping controls on each part support module to manually load or unload parts.

[0040] In a further example, body 116 may include a pneumatic cabling assembly configured to move each gripper toward or away from a part for a pneumatic system. In other examples, scanner system 100 may include a cable cabling assembly for an electromechanical system. In these examples, the cable cabling assembly enables remote I / O access so that a technician can remotely control the grippers (e.g., using servo motors and linear actuators) and access scanned measurements. In other examples, any other suitable component may be used to move each gripper toward or away from a part.

[0041] In a further example, body 116 may include a pneumatic wiring assembly and a cable wiring assembly, as described above. In these examples, the pneumatic wiring assembly and the electrical wiring assembly may be pre-assembled and, after assembly, installed as a unit within the body.

[0042] The scanner system 100 also includes a transport mechanism 124 configured to change the relative position of the measuring head 104 and the part support 114 along the scanning path 112. The scanner system 100 also includes tracks 126A and 126B positioned on the body 116, allowing the measuring head 104 to travel along tracks 126A and 126B to change its relative position. Tracks 126A and 126B are appropriately smoothed so that the measuring head travels along a straight path. This can help avoid potential measurement errors due to unnecessary movement of the measuring head during measurement. In some examples, the tracks may be linear, such as when measuring parts with a straight configuration. In other examples, the tracks may be curved, such as when the measuring system is configured to scan curved parts.

[0043] In some examples, the measuring head 104 is supported by an actuator (not shown) that actuates the measuring head 104 along the scan path 112 along tracks 126A and 126B. In some such examples, the actuator may include a bracket. In other examples, the measuring head 104 may be supported by any other suitable structure.

[0044] Any suitable transfer mechanism can be used to actuate the measuring head 104 relative to part 102. In some examples, the transfer mechanism 124 may include a driver, such as one with a multi-turn encoder. In other examples, the transfer mechanism 124 may include a linear motor. In these examples, the magnet array may be located below the track, such that the motor runs over a thin air gap above the magnet array. In a further example, the transfer mechanism 124 may be a helical rack and pinion with a servo motor.

[0045] In some examples, the transport mechanism 124 can be configured to operate in both directions, such that the measuring head can be in the starting orientation, travel along the scan path 112, and then travel in the opposite direction toward the starting orientation.

[0046] In other examples, part 102 can be conveyed such that the measuring head is stationary, and part 102 is actuated along the scanning path by the measuring head 104 during scanning. In some such examples, part support 114 can be moved to convey part 102 through the measuring head 104.

[0047] The transport mechanism 124 may include an encoder, such as a precision linear encoder 128. The precision linear encoder 128 is configured to determine the relative position of the measuring head along the scan path 112 during scanning. This helps to accurately track the movement of the measuring head 104 along the part 102 during scanning, and thus allows for precise determination of the measurement position on the part.

[0048] In some examples, the measuring head 104 may include a safety sensor to stop actuation of the measuring head if an object obstructs the scanning path, preventing the measuring head from passing through the object without contact. The safety sensor can help avoid damage to the scanner system 100, including component 102 and the measuring head 104, thereby helping to avoid costly and time-consuming delays due to damage. The number and location of the safety sensors can vary depending on the measuring head configuration and / or scanner system configuration.

[0049] Figure 2 A view of an exemplary measuring head 200 for obtaining measurements of part 202 is shown. The measuring head 200 includes multiple scanners 204A, 204B, 204C, and 204D. Figure 2 In the example, the scanner system includes four scanners. In other examples, any other suitable number of scanners can be used, fewer than four or more (e.g., two, three, five, ten or more scanners). Multiple scanners can be selected to fully image the desired measurement location of the part, depending on the number of scanners required. As mentioned above, in some examples, the scanners may include laser line scanners. In other examples, any other suitable scanner capable of obtaining measurements of the part can be used.

[0050] In the depicted example, scanners 204A, 204B, 204C, and 204D are mounted in a ring 206 that at least partially surrounds part 202. Scanners 204A, 204B, 204C, and 204D are positioned in a fixed orientation relative to each other. The orientation of scanners 204A, 204B, 204C, and 204D is selected such that scanners 204A, 204B, 204C, and 204D can effectively and reliably image the part.

[0051] In some examples, scanners 204A, 204B, 204C, and 204D are movable relative to part 202. For example, a ring 206 is mounted on tracks 208A and 208B, allowing the ring 206 to move along scan path 210. Tracks 208A and 208B enable the ring 206 to be positioned at a predetermined cross-section of part 202 along scan path 210. In this way, scanners 204A, 204B, 204C, and 204D can acquire measurement data along the length of part 202.

[0052] Figures 3A-3B Side and top views of an exemplary part support 300 including two part support modules 302 and 304 are shown, each part support module having one or more clamps. Part support module 302 includes a body 306 and a plurality of clamps 308A, 308B, 308C, 308D, 308E, 308F, 308G, 308H, 308I, and 308J supported by the body 306. Part support module 304 includes a body 310 and a plurality of clamps 312A, 312B, 312C, 312D, 312E, 312F, 312G, 312H, 312I, and 312J supported by the body 310. In other examples, part support modules 302 and 304 may include any other suitable number of clamps.

[0053] In some examples, some or all of the fixtures on part support modules 302 and 304 can be individually controlled to selectively engage parts for scanning. In these examples, each individually controllable fixture can be individually controlled to selectively move each fixture toward or away from the part being measured, for example, moving each fixture up or down. Furthermore, in these examples, each individually controllable fixture on part support modules 302 and 304 can be individually controlled to selectively clamp or release the part being measured.

[0054] In other examples, some or all of the fixtures on part support modules 302 and 304 can be individually removed from the part support modules and replaced individually. As described above, compared to part supports without fixtures that can be individually removed or replaced, individually removing and replacing some or all of the fixtures makes it easier to replace parts and can reduce the amount of downtime required to maintain the part support.

[0055] Each of component support modules 302 and 304 also includes at least one track segment located on each component support module 302, 304. In the depicted example, component support module 302 includes tracks 314A and 314B. Tracks 314A and 314B extend beyond the edge of the body 306 of component support module 302 and extend above the body 310 of the adjacent component support module 304. Thus, tracks 314A and 314B extend beyond the point where component support modules 302 and 304 contact each other, as shown in 316. Since tracks 314A and 314B extend beyond the edge of the body 306 of component support module 302, component support module 304 includes segments of tracks 314A and 314B. Furthermore, component support module 304 includes segments of tracks 318A and 318B. As shown in 320A and 320B, the tracks are connected to the top of component support module 304. By connecting the rails to the top of the part support module 304, rather than at the point where the part support modules 302 and 304 are connected, the joint between the rails is securely supported. This configuration helps to avoid potential measurement errors caused by unnecessary movement of the measuring head during measurement due to discontinuities in the rails.

[0056] Part support modules 302 and 304 further include multiple supports 322 and 324, respectively. A body 306 is mounted on the multiple supports 322, and a body 310 is mounted on the multiple supports 324. Both supports 322 and 324 may be adjustable (e.g., by pneumatic and / or mechanical mechanisms) to allow adjustment of their respective part support modules 302 and 304 during installation and subsequently as needed (e.g., by leveling).

[0057] Figures 4A-4B Another exemplary part support 400 is shown in the side and top views, respectively. Unlike the modular nature of the part support module in Figure 3, Figures 4A-4B The part support 400 includes a single part support body. The part support 400 includes a body 402 and multiple clamps 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D, 404E, 404F, 404G, 404H, 404I, 404J, 404K, 404L, 404M, 404N, 404O, 404P, 404Q, 404R, 404S, and 404T. In other examples, any other suitable number of clamps may be used. The body 402 is mounted on multiple supports 406. The part support 400 also includes tracks 408A and 408B located on top of the body 402.

[0058] Figure 5An exemplary clamp 500 is shown in a lowered and unclamped orientation. In some examples, clamp 500 may be used in scanner system 100. Clamp 500 is Figure 1 Examples of multiple clamps are shown in Figures 3 and 4. Clamp 500 includes a first side 502, a second side 504, and a contact surface 506. The first side 502 and the second side 504 are configured to move toward each other to clamp onto a part, thereby securing the part for measurement using a scanner system. In some examples, the first side 502 and the second side 504 may include non-damaging contact surfaces. As described above, the non-damaging first side 502 and the second side 504 may be made of a material with a hardness less than that of the part, such as a polymer.

[0059] Contact surface 506 is configured to contact and support the part being measured. In some examples, contact surface 506 may include a non-damaging contact surface, as described above with respect to the first side 502 and the second side 504.

[0060] The fixture 500 also includes support guides 508A and 508B that move vertically via guide 510, a lifting cylinder 512 that moves vertically via base 514, and a rod locking cylinder 516. The lifting cylinder 512 is configured to selectively raise or lower the first side 502, the second side 504, and the contact surface 506 away from the guides 510 and base 514. Support guides 508A and 508B are configured to rise together with the lifting cylinder 512, thereby providing support for the lifting cylinder 512. Support guides 508A and 508B can facilitate the vertical, straight-line rise of the lifting cylinder, thereby maintaining the flatness of the contact surface 506 relative to the part being measured. Having a flat contact surface 506, compared to an angled contact surface, can help obtain appropriately accurate and precise measurements of the part.

[0061] Next reference Figure 6 The clamp 500 is in the raised and unclamped position, with the lifting cylinder 512 and support guides 508A and 508B in the raised position. As described above, in some examples, the clamp 500 can be raised using a pneumatic system. Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, as described above, the clamp can be raised using an electromechanical system.

[0062] When the clamp 500 is in the raised position, the lever locking cylinder 516 locks the clamp 500 in the raised position. Therefore, the lever locking cylinder 516 prevents the clamp from returning to the lowered position in the event of air or power loss. Preventing the clamp from returning to the lowered position helps ensure that the part is adequately secured. A properly secured part reduces the risk of damage compared to an inadequately secured part.

[0063] In some examples, clamp 500 can be raised vertically within a range of 1 inch to 2 feet. In other examples, clamp 500 can be raised vertically by an amount beyond that range. Furthermore, in some examples, the clamp can be controlled by one or more linear actuators that can be directed to move to a programmed height, rather than simply moving up and down. This allows the clamp to more easily support parts with arcs / radii or other contours.

[0064] In some examples, clamp 500 includes a lifting force of 100 pounds. In other examples, clamp 500 includes a lifting force greater than or less than 100 pounds.

[0065] In some examples, the first side 502 and the second side 504 can be actuated independently, as described below. In this example, the sides of the fixture can be calibrated so that one side of the fixture aligns with one side of the part being measured. The other side of the fixture can then hold the aligned part in place.

[0066] In some examples, the first side 502 and the second side 504 may include the same maximum clamping force. In other examples, the first side 502 may include a different maximum clamping force than the second side 504. In some examples, the clamping side with the higher maximum clamping force can be used to align the fixture with a selected side of the part. As described above, aligning the fixture with one side of the part being measured can help the scanner system obtain appropriately accurate, precise, and consistent measurements of the part.

[0067] In some examples, clamp 500 may include one or more sensors configured to determine when clamp 500 is in an unclamped or clamped position and / or when clamp 500 is in a lowered or raised position. In these examples, the sensors (one or more) can allow a technician to know the orientation of the clamp without the technician needing to be near the clamp. This can help ensure that the part being measured is adequately secured, as the sensors (one or more) indicate whether the clamp is no longer clamped or is in a raised position.

[0068] Figure 7 It shows the positions of elevation and clamping. Figure 5 An example fixture 500. Figure 7 The orientation shows the position of clamp 500 when the part (not shown) is actively clamped.

[0069] Figures 8A-8C It shows Figure 5 An exemplary clamp 500 clamps onto part 800. Although shown in a lowered position, it should be understood that the clamp 500 can be in a raised position when clamping the part. Figure 8AAs shown, part 800 can be loaded onto fixture 500 (e.g., by a person or equipment) by placing part 800 on contact surface 506. In this example, fixture 500 may also include indexing feature 802. Indexing feature 802 is configured to create a repeatable stop position on a first side 502. For example, in a scanner system with multiple fixtures, this repeatable stop position can help align the fixture with one side of the part to the same plane.

[0070] like Figure 8B As shown, the first side 502 can be independently controlled to move to the clamping position. In this example, the clamping position of the first side 502 is determined by the indexing feature 802. The indexing feature 802 can create a gap 804 between the first side 502 and the part 800.

[0071] like Figure 8C As shown, the second side 504 can be independently controlled to move the second side 502 to the clamping position. In this example, when the second side 504 moves to the clamping position, the part 800 moves slightly toward the first side 502, thereby closing the gap 804. In some examples, the first side 502 will have a greater maximum clamping force than the second side 504, so that the first side 502 remains stable when the second side 502 moves into the clamping position.

[0072] As mentioned above, providing adequate support for a part when measuring it can help avoid damage and the resulting increase in cost and time. Therefore, exemplary methods for measuring parts are described below. These methods utilize a measurement plan to configure multiple fixtures for one or more scans to obtain measurements at all desired measurement locations on the part. The measurement plan can provide adequate support for the part while avoiding obstruction of measurement locations on the part.

[0073] Figure 9 A first exemplary method is shown for supporting part 900 during scanning while avoiding obscuring the measurement position on part 900. For example, Figure 9 The exemplary method can be implemented on the scanner system 100. Here, a part support 901, including a body 902 supporting multiple clamps 904A, 904B, 904C, 904D, 904E, 904F, 904G, 904H, 904I, and 904J, supports part 900. It should be understood that the number of clamps 904 can vary, and the total number can be more or less. The part support 901 is... Figure 1An example of part support 114. Part support 901 also includes a track 906 located on the body 902, a plurality of supports 908 supporting the body 902, and a part end stop 910. In some examples, as described above, the part end stop 910 may include a linear shaft configured to reposition the part end stop.

[0074] The controller 912 is configured to selectively engage or disengage each of a plurality of clamps 904A, 904B, 904C, 904D, 904E, 904F, 904G, 904H, 904I and 904J based on a measurement plan. Figure 9 The measurement plan includes optimizing the positions of fixtures 904A, 904B, 904C, 904D, 904E, 904F, 904G, 904H, 904I, and 904J so that the fixtures do not obstruct the measurement position of the part when the scanner system (e.g., scanner system 100) scans the part. This enables a single scan of part 900, reducing the amount of time required to measure part 900 compared to measurement plans that require multiple scans.

[0075] exist Figure 9 In the example, clamps 904A, 904E, and 904I are in an elevated clamping orientation around part 900, while clamps 904B, 904C, 904D, 904F, 904G, 904H, and 904J are in a lowered, unclamped orientation to support part 900 without obstructing the part's measurement position. In other examples, any other measurement scheme can be used that includes appropriate configurations of clamps that do not obstruct the part's measurement position (i.e., other combinations or elevated and lowered clamps).

[0076] Figures 10A-10B A second exemplary method is shown to support the part 900 while avoiding obscuring the measurement position on the part 900. Figures 10A-10B The second exemplary method can be implemented on the scanner system 100. Figures 10A-10B The measurement plan shown includes clamping a first set of fixtures onto part 900, performing a first scan on part 900, alternating with a second set of fixtures clamping part 900, and performing a second scan on part 900.

[0077] First refer to Figure 10AThe first set of fixtures (fixtures 904A, 904C, 904E, 904G, and 904I) is in a raised clamping orientation around part 900, while the second set of fixtures (fixtures 904B, 904D, 904F, 904H, and 904J) is in a lowered, unclamped orientation. A first scan can be performed to obtain measurements of the part's unobstructed measurement position. In other examples, any other measurement scheme can be used that includes appropriate configurations of fixtures that do not obstruct the part's measurement position (i.e., other combinations of raising and lowering fixtures).

[0078] Next reference Figure 10B After the first scan, the first set of fixtures disengages, while the second set engages, placing fixtures 904B, 904D, 904F, 904H, and 904J in a raised clamping position around part 900, while fixtures 904A, 904C, 904E, 904G, and 904I are in a lowered, unclamped position. By alternating the raised positions of the fixtures, the second scan obtains measurements of the previously obscured part's location.

[0079] Figures 11A-11B A third exemplary method is shown for supporting part 900 to perform scanning while avoiding obscuring the measurement position on part 900. Figures 11A-11B The exemplary method can be implemented on the scanner system 100. In this example, the position of part 900 is offset between the first and second scans relative to the orientation of fixtures 904A, 904B, 904C, 904D, 904E, 904F, 904G, 904H, 904I, and 904J. The position of part 900 relative to fixtures 904A, 904B, 904C, 904D, 904E, 904F, 904G, 904H, 904I, and 904J can be determined by the position of the part end stop 910.

[0080] First refer to Figure 11A Fixtures 904A, 904B, 904C, 904D, 904E, 904F, 904G, 904H, 904I, and 904J are positioned in an elevated clamping orientation around part 900. As shown in 1100, the part end stop is in a first position, and one end of part 900 is configured to be located at the part end stop. Part 900 extends beyond the edge of fixture 904J, as shown in 1102. A scan can be performed to obtain measurements of the part's position not obstructed by the fixtures.

[0081] Next, as Figure 11BAs shown, after the first scan, part 900 moves relative to fixtures 904A, 904B, 904C, 904D, 904E, 904F, 904G, 904H, 904I, and 904J. The position of the part end stop has moved to a second position further to the left than the first position, as shown in 1104. Part 900 has moved to the left such that one end of the part is still configured at the position of part end stop 910. As shown in 1106, the extent to which part 900 extends beyond the edge of fixture 904J is less than that shown in 1102. By moving the position of the part, a second scan can obtain a measurement of the previously obscured position of the part.

[0082] In other examples, any other suitable method can be used to support the part during scanning while avoiding obstruction of measurement positions on the part. In some exemplary methods, multiple clamps can be moved during scanning. In these examples, as the measuring head travels along the scanning path, a clamp located in front of the measuring head can be detached from the part being measured and repositioned to a lower position, while other clamps (e.g., clamps behind the measuring head and / or below the scanning path) can be positioned in an elevated clamping position to secure the part. As the measuring head moves along the scanning path, different clamps can be lowered and released so as not to obstruct measurement positions, thus allowing measurements to be obtained for all measurement positions in a single scan.

[0083] As described above, a technician can manually load parts onto a scanner system. When loading parts manually onto a scanner system with a part support including clamps, providing safety features can help the technician load the parts safely onto the scanner system. As an example, a scanner system with a safety system is described below.

[0084] Figure 12 A scanner system 1200 with an exemplary security system is shown. The scanner system 1200 includes a measuring head 1202 and a part support 1203, the part support including a body 1204 supporting a plurality of clamps 1206A, 1206B, 1206C, 1206D, 1206E, 1206F, 1206G, 1206H, 1206I and 1206J. Figure 1 The scanner system 100 is an example of the scanner system 1200. It should be understood that the number of fixtures 1206 can vary, and the total number can be more or less. The scanner system 1200 includes alignment artifacts 1208 and calibration verification artifacts 1210 positioned along the scan path 1212. The scanner system 1200 also includes a transport mechanism 1214 configured to change the relative position of the measuring head 1202 and the part support 1203 along the scan path 1212. The transport mechanism can include any suitable transport mechanism, such as... Figure 1Those described in the text concerning the transmission mechanism 124.

[0085] In addition, the scanner system 1200 includes tracks 1216A and 1216B located on the body 1204, allowing the measuring head 1202 to travel along tracks 1216A and 1216B to change the relative position of the measuring head 1202 and the part support 1203 along the scanning path 1212.

[0086] The scanner system 1200 also includes a safety system comprising a protected space 1218, physical barriers 1220A and 1220B, and one or more detectors for detecting when an object is present in the protected space 1218. For example, the object could be a technician loading a part onto a part support 1203. Physical barriers 1220A and 1220B are configured to physically block the object from entering the protected space 1218. One or more detectors may include light curtains 1222A and 1222B. In some examples, light curtains 1222A and 1222B may include horizontal light curtains configured to detect when an object is present in the protected space 1218 by detecting when a horizontal beam is blocked. In other examples, light curtains 1222A and 1222B may include vertical light curtains configured to detect when an object is present in the protected space 1218 by detecting when a vertical beam is blocked. In a further example, light curtains 1222A and 1222B may include both vertical and horizontal light curtains. In the example using both vertical and horizontal light curtains, the size of the protected space 1218 can be reduced compared to examples using only horizontal or only vertical light curtains, while still remaining within safety standards (e.g., ANSI / RIA 15.06, ISO 13855, etc.). Therefore, when both horizontal and vertical light curtains are used simultaneously, the footprint required by scanner system 1200 can be reduced compared to scanner systems using only horizontal or vertical light curtains.

[0087] One or more detectors also include laser scanners 1224A, 1224B, 1224C, and 1224D. Each of the laser scanners 1224A, 1224B, 1224C, and 1224D is configured to detect the presence of an object within a specific detection radius of the laser scanner. In some examples, the detection radius of each laser scanner can range from 2 meters to 15 meters. In other examples, any other suitable detection radius can be used. In some examples, the detection radius of the laser scanners 1224A, 1224B, 1224C, and 1224D can be variable, providing flexibility in terms of the size of the protected space. Providing flexibility in the size of the protected space, compared to scanner systems with fixed protected space sizes, helps the scanner system 1200 measure a variety of parts with different configurations.

[0088] The scanner system 1200 also includes a controller 1226 configured to limit the clamping force of one or more of a plurality of grippers 1206A, 1206B, 1206C, 1206D, 1206E, 1206F, 1206G, 1206H, 1206I, and 1206J when an object is detected within the protected space 1218. The controller 1226 may also be configured to enable the full clamping force of the plurality of grippers 1206A, 1206B, 1206C, 1206D, 1206E, 1206F, 1206G, 1206H, 1206I, and 1206J when no object is detected within the protected space 1218.

[0089] Therefore, when a technician loads parts onto multiple fixtures 1206A, 1206B, 1206C, 1206D, 1206E, 1206F, 1206G, 1206H, 1206I, and 1206J within a protected space, the clamping force is limited to prevent potential injury to the technician. Limiting the clamping force, rather than prohibiting fixture clamping, allows parts to be safely loaded onto multiple fixtures 1206A, 1206B, 1206C, 1206D, 1206E, 1206F, 1206G, 1206H, 1206I, and 1206J while avoiding potential injury to the technician loading the parts. When the technician loads the part and leaves the protected space 1218, the clamps 1206A, 1206B, 1206C, 1206D, 1206E, 1206F, 1206G, 1206H, 1206I and 1206J can clamp the part at full force while the measuring head 1202 performs a scan.

[0090] The scanner system 1200 may also include an operator console 1228 configured to enable technicians to operate the scanner system 1200 outside the protected space 1218. In some examples, the operator console 1228 may include an alarm to indicate the presence of an object within the protected space 1218.

[0091] Figure 13 The illustrations represent non-limiting embodiments of the computing system 1300 that can implement one or more of the examples described above. For example, scanner system 100 and / or scanner system 1200 can utilize computing system 1300 to perform suitable functions.

[0092] The computing system 1300 is shown in a simplified form. The computing system 1300 may take the form of one or more personal computers, server computers, tablet computers, network computing devices, mobile computing devices, mobile communication devices (e.g., smartphones), and / or other computing devices. In some examples, Figure 1 The scanner system 100 and / or scanner system 1200 may include one or more aspects of the computing system 1300.

[0093] The computing system 1300 includes a logic subsystem 1302, a storage subsystem 1304, and an optional display subsystem 1306. The computing system 1300 may optionally include an input subsystem 1308, a communication subsystem 1310, and / or... Figure 13 Other calculation-related components are not shown in the diagram.

[0094] Logic subsystem 1302 includes one or more physical devices configured to execute instructions. For example, logic subsystem 1302 may be configured to execute instructions that are part of one or more applications, services, programs, routines, libraries, objects, components, data structures, or other logical constructs. Such instructions can be implemented to perform tasks, implement data types, transition the state of one or more components, achieve technical effects, or otherwise achieve desired results. For example, logic subsystem 1302 can be used to execute instructions to implement… Figure 1 Controller 122.

[0095] Logic subsystem 1302 may include one or more processors configured to execute software instructions. Alternatively, logic subsystem 1302 may include one or more hardware or firmware logic machines configured to execute hardware or firmware instructions. The processor of logic subsystem 1302 may be single-core or multi-core, and the instructions executed thereon may be configured for sequential, parallel, and / or distributed processing. Components of logic subsystem 1302 may optionally be distributed across two or more separate devices that may be remotely located and / or configured for coordinated processing. Multiple aspects of logic subsystem 1302 may be virtualized and executed by remotely accessible networked computing devices configured in a cloud computing configuration.

[0096] Storage subsystem 1304 includes one or more physical devices configured to store instructions executable by logical subsystem 1302 to implement the methods and processes described herein. When these methods and processes are implemented, the state of storage subsystem 1304 can be transformed, for example, to store different data.

[0097] Storage subsystem 1304 may include removable and / or built-in devices. Storage subsystem 1304 may include optical storage devices (e.g., CD, DVD, HD-DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.), semiconductor storage devices (e.g., RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.), and / or magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, magnetic tape drives, MRAM, etc.). Storage subsystem 1304 may include volatile devices, non-volatile devices, dynamic devices, static devices, read / write devices, read-only devices, random access devices, sequential access devices, location-addressable devices, file-addressable devices, and / or content-addressable devices.

[0098] Those skilled in the art will understand that, without excessive experimentation, the storage subsystem 1304 includes one or more physical devices. However, aspects of the instructions described herein may alternatively be propagated via a communication medium (e.g., electromagnetic signals, optical signals, etc.) that is not stored by the physical device for a finite duration.

[0099] Various aspects of the logic subsystem 1302 and the storage subsystem 1304 can be integrated together into one or more hardware logic components. For example, such hardware logic components may include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable and application-specific integrated circuits (PASIC / ASIC), programmable and application-specific standard products (PSSP / ASSP), system-on-a-chip (SOC), and complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs).

[0100] When included, the display subsystem 1306 can be used to present a visual representation of the data stored by the storage subsystem 1304. This visual representation can take the form of a graphical user interface (GUI). Since the methods and processes described herein change the data stored by the storage subsystem 1304, thereby changing the state of the storage machine, the state of the display subsystem 1306 can also be translated into an intuitive representation of the changes in the underlying data.

[0101] When included, display subsystem 1306 may include one or more display devices utilizing virtually any type of technology. Such display devices may be combined with logic subsystem 1302 and / or storage subsystem 1304 in a shared housing, or such display devices may be peripheral display devices.

[0102] When included, the input subsystem 1308 may include or interact with one or more user input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, or joystick. In some embodiments, the input subsystem 1308 may include or interact with a selected Natural User Input (NUI) component. Such a component may be integrated or peripheral, and the transduction and / or processing of input actions may be controlled on-board or off-board. Exemplary NUI components may include a microphone for speech and / or voice recognition; an infrared, color, stereo, and / or depth camera for machine vision and / or gesture recognition; and a head tracker, eye tracker, accelerometer, and / or gyroscope for motion detection and / or intent recognition.

[0103] When included, and disregarding the aforementioned dynamic and reconfigurable communication systems, the communication subsystem 1310 can be configured to communicatively couple the computing system 1300 to one or more other computing devices. The communication subsystem 1310 may include wired and / or wireless communication devices compatible with one or more different communication protocols. As a non-limiting example, the communication subsystem may be configured to communicate via a wireless telephone network, a wired or wireless local area network, or a wide area network. In some embodiments, the communication subsystem 1310 may allow the computing system 1300 to send and / or receive messages from other devices via a network such as the Internet. For example, the communication subsystem 1310 can be used to receive data or send data to another computing system.

[0104] Furthermore, this disclosure includes configurations as described in the following examples.

[0105] Example 1. A scanner system for a part, the scanner system comprising: a plurality of scanners mounted to a measuring head; a part support; a transport mechanism for changing the relative position of the part support and the measuring head along a scanning path during scanning; and alignment artifacts positioned along the scanning path.

[0106] Example 2. The scanner system according to Example 1, wherein the part support includes a plurality of clamps.

[0107] Example 3. The scanner system according to Example 2, wherein at least some of the plurality of grippers are individually controllable to selectively engage the parts for scanning.

[0108] Example 4. The scanner system according to Example 3, wherein at least some of the plurality of grippers are individually controllable to selectively move each gripper toward or away from the part.

[0109] Example 5. The scanner system according to Example 3, wherein at least some of the plurality of clamps are individually controllable to selectively clamp or release the part.

[0110] Example 6. The scanner system according to Example 2, wherein the part support includes a plurality of part support modules, each part support module having one or more of the plurality of clamps.

[0111] Example 7. The scanner system according to Example 6 further includes at least one track segment located on each part support module.

[0112] Example 8. The scanner system according to Example 7, wherein the at least one track segment extends beyond the edge of the body of the part support module and extends above the body of an adjacent part support module.

[0113] Example 9. The scanner system according to Example 1, wherein the transport mechanism includes a precision encoder for determining the relative position of the measuring head along the scan path during scanning.

[0114] Example 10. The scanner system according to Example 1 further includes a safety system comprising: one or more detectors for detecting when an object is present in the protected space, and a controller configured to limit the clamping force of one or more clamps of the part support when the object is detected in the protected space.

[0115] Example 11. The scanner system according to Example 10, wherein the one or more detectors include one or more of a light curtain or a laser scanner.

[0116] Example 12. A scanner system for a part, the scanner system comprising: a plurality of scanners mounted to a measuring head; a part support including a plurality of clamps, wherein at least some of the clamps are individually controllable to selectively engage or disengage with the part being scanned; a transport mechanism for changing the relative position of the part support and the measuring head along a scanning path during scanning; and alignment artifacts positioned along the scanning path.

[0117] Example 13. The scanner system according to Example 12 further includes a controller configured to selectively engage or disengage each of the plurality of grips that can be individually controlled, at least based on a measurement plan.

[0118] Example 14. The scanner system according to Example 13, wherein the measurement plan includes selectively disengaging one or more of the plurality of individually controllable fixtures, performing a first scan using the plurality of scanners, selectively engaging the one or more individually controllable fixtures, and performing a second scan.

[0119] Example 15. The scanner system according to Example 12, wherein at least some of the plurality of grippers are individually controllable to selectively move each gripper toward or away from the part.

[0120] Example 16. The scanner system according to Example 12, wherein at least some of the plurality of clamps are individually controllable to selectively clamp or release the part.

[0121] Example 17. The scanner system according to Example 12, wherein the part support further includes a plurality of part support modules, each part support module including one or more of the plurality of clamps.

[0122] Example 18. A scanner system for a part, the scanner system comprising: a plurality of scanners mounted to a measuring head; a part support including a plurality of clamps; a transfer mechanism for changing the relative position of the part support and the measuring head along a scanning path during scanning; alignment artifacts positioned along the scanning path; one or more detectors for detecting when an object is present in a protected space; and a controller configured to limit the clamping force of one or more of the plurality of clamps when the presence is detected in the protected space.

[0123] Example 19. The scanner system according to Example 18, wherein the controller is further configured to enable the full clamping force of the plurality of clamps when no presence is detected within the protected space.

[0124] Example 20. The scanner system according to Example 18, wherein the one or more detectors include one or more of a light curtain or a laser scanner.

[0125] This disclosure is presented by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Components, processing steps, and other elements that may be substantially the same in one or more drawings are corroborated and described with minimal repetition. However, it is worth noting that corroborated elements may also differ to some extent. It should also be noted that some drawings may be schematic rather than drawn to scale. Various drawing scales, aspect ratios, and numbers of parts shown in the drawings may be deliberately distorted to make certain features or relationships easier to see.

[0126] The term “and / or” used in this article is defined as containing or ∨, as shown in the truth table below: As used herein, the term "one or more of A or B" includes A, B, or a combination of A and B. The term "one or more of A, B, or C" is equivalent to A, B, and / or C. Therefore, as used herein, "one or more of A, B, or C" includes A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0127] It should be understood that the configurations and / or methods described herein are exemplary in nature, and these specific embodiments or examples should not be considered limiting, as many variations are possible. The particular routines or methods described herein may represent one or more of any number of processing strategies. Therefore, the various actions shown and / or described may be performed in the order shown and / or described, in other orders, in parallel, or omitted. Similarly, the order of the above processing may be changed.

[0128] The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various processes, systems and configurations disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof.

[0129] Parts list: Scanner System 100 Part 102 Measuring head 104 Multiple scanners 106 Aiming at artifact 108 Calibration verification artifact 110 Scan path 112 Part support 114 Main body 116 Multiple clamps 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, 118E Part end stop 120 Controller 122 Transmission mechanism 124 Tracks 126A and 126B Precision linear encoder 128 Measuring head 200 Part 202 Multiple scanners 204A, 204B, 204C, 204D Ring 206 Tracks 208A and 208B Scan path 210 Part support 300 Part support module 302 Part support module 304 Main body 306 Multiple clamps 308A, 308B, 308C, 308D, 308E, 308F, 308G, 308H, 308I, 308J Main body 310 Multiple clamps 312A, 312B, 312C, 312D, 312E, 312F, 312G, 312H, 312I, 312J Tracks 314A and 314B Tracks 318A and 318B Multiple support components 322 Multiple support components 324 Part support 400 Main body 402 Multiple clamps made of 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D, 404E, 404F, 404G, 404H, 404I, 404J, 404K, 404L, 404M, 404N, 404O, 404P, 404Q, 404R, 404S, 404T Multiple support components 406 Tracks 408A and 408B Fixture 500 First side 502 Second side 504 Contact surface 506 Support guide 508A / 508B Guide component 510 Lifting cylinder 512 Base 514 Rod locking cylinder 516 Parts 800 Indexing feature 802 Gap 804 900 parts Part support 901 Main body 902 Multiple fixtures 904A, 904B, 904C, 904D, 904E, 904F, 904G, 904H, 904I, 904J Track 906 Multiple support components 908 Part end stop 910 Controller 912 Scanner System 1200 Measuring head 1202 Part support 1203 Main body 1204 Multiple clamps 1206A, 1206B, 1206C, 1206D, 1206E, 1206F, 1206G, 1206H, 1206I, 1206J Aiming at artifact 1208 Calibration verification artifact 1210 Scan path 1212 Transmission mechanism 1214 Tracks 1216A and 1216B Protected Space 1218 Physical barriers 1220A, 1220B Light screens 1222A and 1222B Laser scanners 1224A, 1224B, 1224C, 1224D Controller 1226 Operator console 1228 Computing System 1300 Logic Subsystem 1302 Storage Subsystem 1304 Display Subsystem 1306 Input Subsystem 1308 Communication subsystem 1310.

Claims

1. A scanner system (100) for parts, the scanner system (100) comprising: Multiple scanners (106) are mounted on the measuring head (104). Part support (114); A transfer mechanism (124) for changing the relative position of the part support (114) and the measuring head (104) along the scanning path (112) during scanning; and Alignment artifacts (108) located along the scan path (112).

2. The scanner system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the part support (114) includes a plurality of clamps (118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, 118E).

3. The scanner system (100) according to claim 2, wherein at least some of the plurality of clamps (118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, 118E) are individually controllable to selectively engage the part (102) for scanning.

4. The scanner system (100) according to claim 3, wherein at least some of the plurality of clamps (118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, 118E) are individually controllable to selectively move each clamp toward or away from the part (102).

5. The scanner system (100) according to claim 3, wherein at least some of the plurality of clamps (118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, 118E) are individually controllable to selectively clamp or release the part (102).

6. The scanner system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the part support (114) includes a plurality of part support modules (302, 304), each part support module (302, 304) having one or more of the plurality of clamps (118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, 118E).

7. The scanner system (100) of claim 6 further includes at least one track segment (314A, 314B) located on each part support module (302, 304).

8. The scanner system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one track segment (314A, 314B) extends beyond the edge of the body (306) of the part support module (302) and extends above the body of the adjacent part support module (304).

9. The scanner system (100) of claim 1, wherein the transfer mechanism (124) includes a precision encoder (128) for determining the relative position of the measuring head (104) along the scanning path (112) during scanning.

10. The scanner system (100) of claim 1 further includes a security system, the security system comprising: One or more detectors are used to detect when an object is present within the protected space (1218), and A controller (1226) is configured to limit the clamping force of one or more clamps (118A, 118B, 118C, 118D, 118E) of the part support (114) when the presence of the object is detected in the protected space (1218).

Images