Automated measurement method, system, computer device and program product

Abstract

The application relates to an automatic measurement method, system, computer device and program product. The method is applied to a control device in an automatic measurement system, the automatic measurement system comprising the control device and a three-coordinate measuring instrument, the three-coordinate measuring instrument comprising a host computer and a measuring machine in communication with the host computer, and the control device and the host computer being in communication through an input-output (IO) card; the method comprising: configuring a control program containing a measurement control instruction, and sending the measurement control instruction to the host computer of the three-coordinate measuring instrument through an input terminal of the IO card; receiving a reply signal sent by the host computer through an output terminal of the IO card; the reply signal being generated by the host computer based on an operation result, the operation result being obtained by controlling the measuring machine of the three-coordinate measuring instrument to perform a measurement operation corresponding to the measurement control instruction under the condition that the host computer receives the measurement control instruction sent by the control device; and determining a measurement execution condition based on the reply signal. The method can improve measurement efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automated measurement technology, and in particular to an automated measurement method, system, computer equipment, and computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is a precision measuring instrument that can measure the spatial coordinates of parts. With the rapid development of modern manufacturing technology, CMMs have become important equipment for inspecting the geometric dimensions and positional accuracy of parts. They are characterized by high precision, large measurement range, good performance, and strong versatility, and are widely used in fields such as machinery manufacturing, electronics, automotive, and aerospace.

[0003] In traditional techniques, when using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for measurement, professional operators are often required to assist in the measurement process. Excessive human intervention can easily introduce human error and result in low measurement efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an automated measurement method, device, computer equipment, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product that can reduce human intervention and improve measurement efficiency in response to the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides an automated measurement method applied to a control device in an automated measurement system. The automated measurement system includes the control device and a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CMM includes a host computer and a measuring machine communicating with the host computer. Communication between the control device and the host computer is achieved through an input / output (I / O) card. The method includes:

[0006] Configure a control program containing measurement control commands, and send the measurement control commands to the host computer of the coordinate measuring machine through the input terminal of the IO card;

[0007] The system receives a response signal sent by the host computer through the output terminal of the IO card. The response signal is generated by the host computer based on the operation result, which is obtained by the host computer controlling the measuring machine of the coordinate measuring machine to perform the measurement operation corresponding to the measurement control command when it receives the measurement control command sent by the control device.

[0008] The measurement execution status is determined based on the response signal.

[0009] Secondly, this application also provides an automated measurement system, including a control device and a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CMM includes a host computer and a measuring machine that communicates with the host computer. The control device and the host computer communicate via an input / output (I / O) card.

[0010] The control device is used to configure a control program containing measurement control instructions, and to send the measurement control instructions to the host computer of the coordinate measuring machine through the input terminal of the IO card;

[0011] The host computer is used to control the measuring machine of the coordinate measuring machine to perform the measurement operation corresponding to the measurement control command when it receives the measurement control command, to obtain the operation result corresponding to the measurement control command; to generate a response signal corresponding to the operation result, and to send the response signal to the control device through the output terminal of the IO card;

[0012] The control device is also used to determine the measurement execution status based on the response signal.

[0013] Thirdly, this application also provides a computer device, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the automated measurement method provided in the first aspect.

[0014] Fourthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the automated measurement method provided in the first aspect.

[0015] Fifthly, this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the automated measurement method provided in the first aspect.

[0016] The aforementioned automated measurement method, system, computer equipment, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product, through the control equipment configured with a control program containing measurement control instructions, send the measurement control instructions to the host computer of the coordinate measuring machine via the input terminal of the IO card, and receive the response signal sent by the host computer via the output terminal of the IO card. This response signal is generated by the host computer based on the operation result, which is obtained by the host computer controlling the measuring machine of the coordinate measuring machine to execute the measurement operation corresponding to the measurement control instruction when it receives the measurement control instruction sent by the control equipment. Based on the response signal, the measurement execution status is determined, which can realize the fully automated measurement process based on the control equipment and the coordinate measuring machine, reduce the degree of manual intervention, and improve the overall measurement efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automated measurement system in one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an automated measurement method in one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the automated measurement system in another embodiment;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an automated measurement method in another embodiment;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an automated measurement method in another embodiment;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the automated measurement system in another embodiment;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a coordinate measuring machine in one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the host computer's I / O port function configuration interface in one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 9 This is an internal structural diagram of a computer device in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0028] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application can be used to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the first element from the second element. The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in this application, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The term "multiple" used in this application refers to two or more. The term "and / or" used in this application refers to one of the embodiments, or any combination of multiple embodiments.

[0029] The automated measurement method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 The automated measurement system shown includes a control device and a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CMM includes a host computer and a measuring machine that communicates with the host computer. Communication between the control device and the host computer is achieved through an input / output (I / O) card. The control device is configured with a predefined control program containing several control instructions. The control device sends the control instructions to the host computer via the I / O card according to the configuration order within the control program. After receiving the corresponding control instruction, the host computer parses and executes the corresponding action. Measurement control instructions, pre-check instructions, reset instructions, loading instructions, and unloading instructions, which will be described later, can all be categorized as control instructions.

[0030] Specifically, the control commands include measurement control commands. The control device can send the measurement control commands to the host computer of the coordinate measuring machine through the input terminal of the IO card. When the host computer receives the measurement control commands sent by the control device, it controls the measuring machine of the coordinate measuring machine to execute the measurement operation corresponding to the measurement control commands, obtains the operation results, and generates a corresponding response signal based on the operation results. The response signal is sent to the control device through the output terminal of the IO card. After receiving the response signal, the control device determines the measurement execution status based on the response signal.

[0031] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, an automated measurement method is provided, which can be applied to... Figure 1 The following explanation uses the control equipment in an automated measurement system as an example, including steps 202 to 206. Wherein:

[0032] Step 202: Configure a control program containing measurement control commands, and send the measurement control commands to the host computer of the coordinate measuring machine through the input terminals of the IO card.

[0033] An automated measurement system includes control equipment and a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CMM consists of a host computer and a measuring machine that communicates with the host computer. Communication between the control equipment and the host computer is achieved through input / output (I / O) cards. The control equipment refers to an industrial control unit with functions such as program parsing, instruction generation, signal reception and processing, and logic control. Examples of control equipment include PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), PACs (Programmable Automation Controllers), industrial PCs (Personal Computers), DCSs (Distributed Control Systems), or other dedicated controllers. The control equipment must support I / O signal transmission and reception. A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is an industrial measuring device used to accurately measure the three-dimensional dimensions, shape, and positional tolerances of a workpiece. A CMM includes a host computer and a measuring machine. The host computer is the control and data processing unit of the CMM and is typically an industrial computer with built-in dedicated measurement software. The measuring machine is the actuator of the CMM, including the XYZ three-axis motion mechanism, a contact probe, a data acquisition module, and a worktable. The measuring machine (MCM) can drive the probe along a preset path under the control of a host computer, contacting the workpiece surface to collect dimensional data, thereby realizing the physical execution of the measurement operation. Input / output (IO) cards are hardware interface modules used to realize information exchange between the control device and the host computer. IO cards typically have multiple input terminals (DI) and output terminals (DO), capable of converting digital control commands generated by the control device into level signals for transmission to the host computer, and converting feedback signals from the host computer into signals that the control device can interpret. Of course, this automated measurement method can be applied not only to coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) but also to other measuring instruments, such as image measuring instruments, trackers, and scanners.

[0034] The control device can be configured with control programs according to the actual application scenario requirements. The control program contains control instructions that are functional control instructions configured by the control device based on the measurement requirements of the controlled coordinate measuring machine. The I / O card has multiple I / O ports (each I / O port includes corresponding input terminals and output terminals). The multiple I / O ports are divided according to functional direction. Some I / O ports are allocated for configuration related to control command information, and some I / O ports are allocated for configuration related to execution result information.

[0035] Control commands can include measurement control commands to trigger the host computer to execute measurement actions. These commands can be one or more, and in the case of multiple commands, they are sent sequentially to the host computer of the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) according to their configuration order. In practical applications, the control device can send measurement control commands to the host computer as level signals via the input terminals of an I / O card. Typically, a high level is 1 and a low level is 0. The host computer can obtain the corresponding measurement program file based on the measurement control commands sent by the control device and instruct the CMM to execute the corresponding measurement according to the program file. The measurement program file is a program file compiled based on the measurement requirements of the workpiece to be measured. Typically, one measurement item corresponds to one measurement program file, such as the measurement program file corresponding to the probe movement coordinates, measurement method (e.g., contact), or data acquisition frequency. One measurement control command may require calling one or more measurement program files corresponding to measurement items. In other words, the measurement control commands configured by the control device are essentially the general commands for implementing a specific measurement function.

[0036] In practical applications, operators can configure measurement program files through the human-machine interface of a host computer. These files are compiled based on the dimensional parameters of the workpiece to be measured, measurement points, and other measurement requirements. The measurement program file includes, for example, instruction parameters such as the probe movement path, measurement trigger conditions, and data acquisition frequency. The host computer can parse this measurement program file and generate corresponding motion control commands to control the measuring machine to perform the corresponding measurement actions, such as "control the probe to move along the X-axis to coordinates (X0, Y0, Z0) and perform contact measurement." The control device can be configured with measurement control commands, which can be converted from digital signals into level signals recognizable by the I / O card. These commands are then sent to the host computer through the I / O card's input terminals. If the host computer receives a measurement control command related to starting measurement, it executes the loaded measurement program file based on the received command. The host computer then parses the measurement program file to obtain the corresponding motion control commands to control the measuring machine to perform the appropriate measurement actions.

[0037] Step 204: Receive the response signal sent by the host computer through the output terminal of the IO card; wherein, the response signal is generated by the host computer based on the operation result, which is obtained by the host computer controlling the measuring machine of the coordinate measuring machine to perform the measurement operation corresponding to the measurement control command when it receives the measurement control command sent by the control device.

[0038] The response signal is a feedback signal generated by the host computer based on the operation results of the measuring machine. The response signal can be used to characterize the measurement execution status. The operation result is the actual result obtained by the measuring machine after executing the measurement control command. For example, the operation result includes results such as data acquisition completion, probe collision, and no contact with the workpiece.

[0039] For example, after the host computer receives the level signal corresponding to the measurement control command sent by the control device through the input terminal of the IO card, it can parse the level signal to determine the corresponding action to be performed. If the measurement control command corresponds to a start measurement command, the host computer generates an action control value command based on the loaded measurement program file to control the measuring machine to perform the measurement operation. The executed measurement operation can yield corresponding operation results. The measurement operation may be, for example, driving the probe to move to the target point or collecting dimensional data after contacting the workpiece surface. The operation result may be that the measurement is completed normally or that an error occurs during the measurement process, such as the number of measurement points being collected, the probe not contacting the workpiece, or a collision occurring. The host computer generates a corresponding response signal based on the operation result. For example, if the operation result is that the measurement is completed normally, a high-level response signal can be generated at the corresponding output terminal and sent to the control device through the output terminal of the IO card. The control device receives the response signal through the IO card. It is easy to understand that the specific input or output terminals can be set according to the function of the measurement control command or response signal.

[0040] Step 206: Determine the measurement execution status based on the response signal.

[0041] The measurement execution status is the result of the measurement operation determined by the control device based on the feedback signal from the host computer. Measurement execution status includes, for example, measurement success and measurement failure. For instance, the measurement execution status can be determined based on the high or low level of the corresponding output terminal of the feedback signal. For example, if the first output terminal in the received feedback signal is high, the measurement execution status is determined to be successful; if the second output terminal in the received feedback signal is high, the measurement execution status is determined to be unsuccessful.

[0042] In the aforementioned automated measurement method, a control program containing measurement control commands is configured on the control device, and the measurement control commands are sent to the host computer of the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) via the input terminal of the IO card. The host computer receives a response signal sent by the host computer via the output terminal of the IO card. This response signal is generated by the host computer based on the operation result, which is obtained by the host computer controlling the measuring machine of the CMM to execute the measurement operation corresponding to the measurement control command when it receives the measurement control command sent by the control device. The measurement execution status is determined based on the response signal. This method enables fully automated measurement processes based on the control device and the CMM, reducing the degree of human intervention in the measurement process, avoiding measurement errors caused by human intervention, and improving overall measurement efficiency and accuracy.

[0043] In some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0044] Receive confirmation signals sent by the host computer through the output terminals of the IO card; wherein, the confirmation signal is generated by the host computer upon receiving a measurement control command (or control command); after receiving the confirmation signal, clear the output port of the control device.

[0045] The acknowledgment signal is a feedback signal generated by the host computer after successfully receiving the measurement control command (or control command) sent by the control device. Typically, after receiving the measurement control command (or control command) from the control device, the host computer immediately generates an acknowledgment signal and sends it to the control device. This signal informs the control device that the measurement control command has been received correctly, preventing the loss of the measurement control command during transmission and avoiding delays in the measurement process. The acknowledgment signal can be provided, for example, by combining the measurement control command with a high-level signal on the corresponding terminal.

[0046] In one example, the control device sends measurement control commands to the host computer via the input terminals of the I / O card. Upon receiving the measurement control command, the host computer immediately generates an acknowledgment signal. This acknowledgment signal can be achieved by setting the corresponding output terminal to a high level and then sending this signal back to the control device via the output terminal of the I / O card. After receiving the acknowledgment signal, the control device confirms that the host computer has successfully received the measurement control command (or control command). The control device then clears its output ports to avoid input interference with the execution of the sent measurement control command. When the control device clears its output ports, all the input terminals of the I / O card go low to inform the host computer that feedback has been received. When the host computer detects that all the input terminals of the I / O card are low, it clears its output terminals. This ensures stable communication between the control device and the host computer, guaranteeing the normal transmission and reception of data between them.

[0047] In one example, after the control device sends a measurement control command to the host computer through the input terminal of the IO card, it starts a timer. If no confirmation signal is received from the host computer after the timer expires, the control device determines that the measurement control command has failed to be sent and can restart the sending of the measurement control command. If no confirmation signal is received after the timer expires after a preset number of times, an alarm is triggered.

[0048] In this embodiment, by generating an acknowledgment signal when the host computer receives the measurement control command and feeding the acknowledgment signal back to the control device, and then clearing the output port of the control device after receiving the acknowledgment signal, noise signals can be avoided from interfering with the execution of the corresponding measurement control command, preventing signal crosstalk, and ensuring that the host computer definitely receives the corresponding measurement control command, reducing the risk of command loss and achieving stable measurement.

[0049] In some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0050] If the measurement execution status is "measurement failure", a failure alarm window will be displayed on the control device's display interface; if the measurement execution status is "measurement success", the next measurement control instruction will be generated in the order of the control program until the measurement execution status of all measurement control instructions in the control program is "measurement success", thus completing the measurement task corresponding to the control program.

[0051] In practical applications, when a measurement fails, a failure alarm window can be displayed on the human-machine interface of the control device. Optionally, the failure alarm window can display information such as the alarm type, measurement control command number, and the time of the failure. Alarm types include, for example, probe collision, data acquisition failure, or abnormal movement of the measuring machine. Simultaneously, a buzzer can be triggered to sound an alarm, alerting the operator to troubleshoot the fault. After troubleshooting, the operator can use the reset control on the display interface to trigger the control device to re-execute the corresponding measurement control command.

[0052] If the measurement is successful, the control equipment can automatically retrieve the next measurement control instruction from the control program and repeat the process of sending the measurement control instruction, receiving the reply signal, and confirming the measurement execution status. All measurement control instructions in the control program are executed sequentially until the measurement execution status of the last measurement control instruction in the control program is successful, thus completing the measurement task corresponding to the control program. The control equipment can display a "Measurement Completed" message on the display interface. The next measurement control instruction refers to the measurement control instruction following the currently executed measurement control instruction. It is easy to understand that the various measurement control instructions in the control program are usually executed sequentially according to the measurement requirements of the workpiece to achieve the corresponding measurement task.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the measurement execution status is a measurement failure, a failure alarm window is displayed on the display interface of the control device. When the measurement execution status is a measurement success, the next measurement control instruction is generated in the order of the control program until the measurement execution status of all measurement control instructions in the control program is a measurement success, thus completing the measurement task corresponding to the control program. This enables closed-loop management of the measurement task, improves the automation level of the measurement process, minimizes manual intervention, and improves measurement efficiency and accuracy.

[0054] In some embodiments, before configuring measurement control commands, the method further includes:

[0055] Configure a pre-check command and send it to the host computer via the input terminal of the IO card; receive the check signal sent by the host computer via the output terminal of the IO card; wherein the check signal is generated by the host computer based on the check result, which is obtained by the host computer controlling the measuring machine to perform the check operation corresponding to the pre-check command when it receives the pre-check command sent by the control device; parse the check signal, and if the check signal indicates that the check has passed, execute the step of configuring the measurement control command.

[0056] Pre-check instructions are self-check instructions generated before the measurement process begins. For example, pre-check instructions include readiness control instructions, loading control instructions, and safety check control instructions. Readiness control instructions confirm whether the coordinate measuring machine's (CMM) is ready. Loading control instructions instruct the host computer to load the associated project file (i.e., the measurement program file). Safety check control instructions confirm whether the CMM's probe is in a safe position. By performing pre-check instructions to troubleshoot equipment malfunctions before the measurement process begins, measurement errors or the impact of equipment damage on measurement execution can be reduced.

[0057] The inspection signal is a feedback signal generated by the host computer after the measuring machine completes the inspection operation corresponding to the pre-inspection command. The inspection signal can include signals indicating whether the inspection passed or failed. For example, if the terminal in the inspection signal that indicates a passed inspection is high, it means the inspection passed; if the terminal in the inspection signal that indicates a failed inspection is high, it means the inspection failed.

[0058] For example, before configuring the measurement control instructions in the control program of the control device, a pre-check process is first executed. The control device can generate or configure corresponding pre-check instructions according to the actual application scenario, and send the pre-check instructions to the host computer through the input terminal of the IO card. After receiving the pre-check instructions, the host computer controls the measuring machine to execute the check operation corresponding to the pre-check instructions, generate check results, and generate check signals based on the check results. In the case of multiple pre-check instructions, if the check results corresponding to each pre-check instruction are all passed, a check signal indicating that the check has passed is generated; if the check result corresponding to one pre-check instruction is failed, a check signal indicating that the check has failed is generated. For example, the check signal sets the corresponding output terminal to a high level to reflect the check result. The host computer sends the check signal to the control device through the output terminal. After receiving the check signal, the control device parses it. If the check passes, it executes the step of configuring the measurement control instructions. If the detection signal corresponding to a certain pre-check instruction indicates that the check has failed, it means that the current situation is not suitable for executing subsequent steps. The detection fault can be displayed on the display interface to trigger an alarm; or the corresponding pre-check instruction can be resent to adjust the coordinate measuring machine.

[0059] In one example, if the inspection signal indicates that the inspection failed, a correction instruction corresponding to the pre-inspection instruction for the failed inspection result is generated and sent to the host computer. The host computer controls the measuring machine to execute the correction operation corresponding to the correction instruction, obtains the correction result, generates a correction signal based on the correction result and sends it to the control device. The control device parses the received correction signal, and if the correction signal indicates that the correction was successful, it resends the pre-inspection instruction to obtain the corresponding inspection signal.

[0060] In one example, when a check signal indicates a failure, the control device's display screen can show the fault information for the corresponding pre-check item, triggering a fault alarm. After the operator troubleshoots the fault, the pre-check command for the corresponding pre-check item is restarted.

[0061] In this embodiment, by configuring a pre-inspection command and sending it to the host computer through the input terminal of the IO card, the host computer controls the measuring machine to perform the inspection operation corresponding to the pre-inspection command after receiving the pre-inspection command, obtains the inspection result, generates an inspection signal based on the inspection result and sends it to the control device. When the inspection signal indicates that the inspection has passed, the control device configures the measurement control command, which can realize the early detection of potential equipment problems and ensure measurement stability and accuracy.

[0062] In some embodiments, the automated measurement system further includes a feeding mechanism, which is communicatively connected to a host computer; the step of executing configuration measurement control commands when the inspection signal is a pass includes:

[0063] If the inspection signal indicates that the inspection has passed, a feeding instruction is generated and sent to the host computer via the input terminal of the IO card; the host computer receives the feeding signal sent via the output terminal of the IO card; the feeding signal is generated by the host computer based on the feeding result, which is obtained by the host computer controlling the feeding mechanism to perform the feeding operation corresponding to the feeding instruction when it receives the feeding instruction sent by the control device; the feeding signal is parsed, and if the feeding signal indicates successful feeding, the steps of configuring measurement control instructions are executed.

[0064] The feeding mechanism is used to automatically load and unload the workpieces to be tested. The feeding mechanism may include, for example, a conveyor belt, grippers, position sensors, and positioning grippers. Alternatively, the feeding mechanism may include a conveyor belt and a robotic arm; the conveyor belt transports the workpieces to the gripping position of the robotic arm, which then loads and unloads them. The feeding mechanism can also be a robot. Loading refers to placing the workpiece onto the measuring machine's worktable, and unloading refers to removing the workpiece from the worktable. It is easy to understand that the feeding mechanism can place different workpieces at the same position on the worktable, or remove different workpieces from the worktable to the same designated position. The feeding mechanism and the host computer can communicate via a serial port. The loading command is used to control the feeding mechanism to complete the gripping, conveying, and positioning of the workpiece. The loading signal is a feedback signal generated by the host computer after controlling the feeding mechanism to complete the loading operation. The loading result is the actual operational result of the feeding mechanism after executing the loading command.

[0065] For example, a schematic diagram of the structure of an automated measurement system is shown below. Figure 3 As shown. The automated measurement system also includes a feeding mechanism, which is connected to a host computer. The host computer can control the feeding mechanism to feed materials onto the measuring machine's worktable and to unload materials from the worktable.

[0066] For example, the feeding mechanism includes a conveyor belt, a pneumatic gripper, and a position sensor. After receiving a pass inspection signal from the host computer, the control device generates a feeding instruction. This feeding instruction includes, for example, operational parameters such as starting the conveyor belt, having the pneumatic gripper pick up the workpiece, and transporting the workpiece to a predetermined position on the measuring machine's worktable for positioning. The feeding instruction is sent to the host computer via the input terminal of the I / O card. After receiving the feeding instruction, the host computer controls the feeding mechanism to execute the feeding operation corresponding to the instruction. The feeding operation includes, for example, starting the conveyor belt; when the position sensor detects that the workpiece has reached the gripping position, the conveyor belt stops; the pneumatic gripper picks up the workpiece and moves it to the positioning fixture on the measuring machine's worktable; the fixture clamps the workpiece to complete the positioning, thus obtaining the feeding result. If the workpiece is successfully positioned, a feeding signal indicating successful feeding is generated; if the workpiece is not picked up or the positioning deviation exceeds the allowable range, a feeding signal indicating feeding failure is generated. For example, the feeding signal sets the corresponding output terminal to a high level to reflect the feeding result. The host computer sends the generated feeding signal to the control device. The control device analyzes the feeding signal. If feeding is successful, it executes the steps of configuring measurement and control commands. If feeding fails, a feeding fault will be displayed on the screen, triggering an alarm.

[0067] In this embodiment, a loading command is generated when the inspection signal indicates that the inspection has passed. This loading command is then sent to the host computer via the input terminal of the IO card. Upon receiving the loading command, the host computer controls the feeding mechanism to execute the loading operation corresponding to the loading command, obtains the loading result, and generates a loading signal based on the loading result, which is then sent to the control device. The control device parses the loading signal and, if the loading is successful, configures a measurement control command. This enables automated loading, minimizes manual intervention, improves loading accuracy, ensures the consistency of measurement results, and simultaneously increases the measurement efficiency of batch workpieces while reducing labor costs.

[0068] In some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0069] After completing the measurement task corresponding to the control program, a reset command is generated and sent to the host computer through the input terminal of the IO card; the host computer receives the reset signal sent by the host computer through the output terminal of the IO card; the reset signal is generated by the host computer based on the reset result, which is obtained by the host computer controlling the measuring machine to perform the reset operation corresponding to the reset command when it receives the reset command sent by the control device; the reset signal is parsed, and if the reset signal indicates a successful reset, the measurement process is completed.

[0070] The reset command is used to control the measuring machine to return to a measurement-ready state. Reset commands may include, for example, returning the probe to its initial position, zeroing the three axes, and shutting down the data acquisition module. After a measurement task is completed, a reset command is generated to ensure the measuring machine is in a measurement-ready state, preparing for the next measurement task. The reset signal is a feedback signal generated by the host computer after the measuring machine completes the reset operation. For example, the reset signal may set the corresponding output terminal to a high level to reflect the reset result. The reset result is the status result of the measuring machine after executing the reset command; typically, the reset result includes reset success and reset failure.

[0071] In practical applications, the control device executes all measurement control commands in the control program, and all corresponding measurement executions are successful (i.e., the measurement task is completed). It then generates a reset command and sends it to the host computer via the input terminal of the I / O card. Upon receiving the reset command, the host computer controls the measuring machine to execute the corresponding reset operation and obtain the reset result. If all reset operations are completed, the host computer generates a reset signal indicating a successful reset; if a reset operation corresponding to a reset command fails, a reset signal indicating a failed reset is generated. The host computer can send the reset signal to the control device via the output terminal of the I / O card. The control device can parse the reset signal; if the reset is successful, the measurement process is completed; if the reset fails, a reset failure message can be displayed on the screen, triggering a reset fault alarm.

[0072] In this embodiment, after completing the measurement task corresponding to the control program, a reset command is generated and sent to the host computer through the input terminal of the IO card. After receiving the reset command, the host computer controls the measuring machine to perform a reset operation according to the reset command, obtains the reset result, generates a reset signal based on the reset result, and sends the reset signal to the control device. The control device parses the reset signal, and when the reset signal is a successful reset signal, the measurement process is completed. This enables automatic reset of the measuring machine, improves reset efficiency, reduces labor costs, and also saves preparation time for the next measurement process, improving the continuity of the measurement process.

[0073] In some embodiments, the automated measurement system further includes a feeding mechanism, which is communicatively connected to a host computer; when the reset signal indicates a successful reset, the measurement process is completed, including:

[0074] If the reset signal indicates a successful reset, a feeding command is generated and sent to the host computer via the input terminal of the IO card. The host computer receives the feeding signal sent via the output terminal of the IO card. The feeding signal is generated by the host computer based on the feeding result, which is obtained by the host computer controlling the feeding mechanism to execute the feeding operation corresponding to the feeding command when it receives the feeding command sent by the control device. The feeding signal is parsed, and if the feeding signal indicates a successful feeding, the measurement process for the current workpiece is completed.

[0075] The unloading command is used to control the feeding mechanism to complete the unloading and conveying of the workpiece. The unloading signal is the feedback signal generated by the host computer after the feeding mechanism completes the unloading operation. A schematic diagram of the automated measurement system in this embodiment can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 3 As shown, the unloading signal sets the corresponding output terminal to a high level to reflect the unloading result. The unloading result includes, for example, unloading success and unloading failure. The unloading result is the actual operational result after the feeding mechanism executes the unloading command. For example, the unloading result includes the workpiece being successfully unloaded into the designated bin, or the workpiece falling to the ground.

[0076] For example, after receiving a reset signal from the host computer indicating a successful reset, the control device generates a feeding instruction. This instruction might include actions such as the pneumatic gripper grasping the workpiece from the positioning fixture on the measuring machine's worktable, conveying the workpiece to the feeding area, and releasing the workpiece. The feeding instruction is converted into a corresponding level signal and sent to the host computer via the input terminal of the I / O card. Upon receiving the feeding instruction, the host computer controls the feeding mechanism to execute the feeding operation corresponding to the instruction, obtaining the feeding result. For example, the feeding operation might include actions such as the pneumatic gripper extending to grasp the workpiece from the worktable fixture, the gripper releasing itself, the pneumatic gripper moving the workpiece to the conveyor belt feeding area, releasing the workpiece, and the conveyor belt starting to transport the workpiece to the designated bin. If the workpiece is successfully transported to the bin, the host computer generates a high-level feeding signal; if the workpiece falls or is not transported to the designated position, a low-level feeding signal is generated. The host computer sends the feeding signal to the control device through the output terminal of the IO card. The control device parses the feeding signal. If feeding is successful, the entire measurement process for the current workpiece is completed. If feeding fails, feeding fault information can be displayed on the display interface, triggering a feeding fault alarm. The feeding command can be re-executed after the operator has troubleshooted the feeding fault.

[0077] In this embodiment, a feeding command is generated when the reset signal indicates a successful reset, and the feeding command is sent to the host computer through the input terminal of the IO card. The host computer controls the feeding mechanism to execute the feeding operation corresponding to the feeding command, obtains the feeding result, generates a feeding signal based on the feeding result, and sends the feeding signal to the control device. When the control device parses the feeding signal and confirms successful feeding, it completes the measurement process of the current workpiece. This enables complete automation of the measurement process, significantly improves measurement efficiency, and reduces labor costs and human intervention errors.

[0078] In one example, the pre-check instructions include ready control instructions, loading control instructions, and safety check control instructions. A flowchart of the automated measurement method is shown below. Figure 4 As shown. Before configuring measurement control commands, the control device generates a ready control command and sends it to the host computer. The host computer controls the measuring machine to execute the coordinate measuring machine check operation corresponding to the ready control command to confirm whether the coordinate measuring machine is ready. The check result is obtained. If the check result indicates that the coordinate measuring machine is ready, a check signal indicating that the check has passed is generated and sent to the control device. After receiving the check signal indicating that the coordinate measuring machine is ready, the control device continues to configure a loading control command to instruct the host computer to load the associated project file. Based on a similar execution flow to the ready control command, after the host computer completes loading the corresponding file, it sends a file loading completion check signal to the control device. After receiving the file loading completion check signal, the control device continues to configure a safety check control command to instruct the host computer to confirm whether the coordinate measuring machine's probe is in a safe position. Based on an execution flow similar to that of the ready control command, after the host computer controls the measuring machine to confirm that the coordinate measuring machine's probe is in a safe position, it sends a check signal indicating that the probe is in a safe position to the control device. Upon receiving this check signal, the control device begins measurement, i.e., executes the step of configuring the measurement control command. If the host computer controls the measuring machine to confirm that the probe is not in a safe position, the control device can configure a movement control command to instruct the host computer to move the measuring machine's probe to a safe position.

[0079] If all measurement control commands in the control program are executed successfully, the measurement task corresponding to the control program is completed (i.e., measurement is complete). The control device can then generate (or configure) a reset command. Taking a reset command that includes a move safety position command as an example, the control device can send the generated move safety position command to the host computer. The host computer controls the measuring machine to move the probe to the safety position. When the control device receives the reset signal indicating that the probe has moved to the safety position (i.e., reset is successful), the measurement process is completed (i.e., ends).

[0080] In this example, by configuring pre-inspection instructions before formal measurement to automate troubleshooting, and automatically resetting the equipment after measurement, it is possible to automatically identify potential equipment problems and automatically reset the equipment, thereby further improving the automation level of the measurement process, reducing manual intervention and labor costs, and improving measurement accuracy and efficiency.

[0081] In one example, the automated measurement system also includes a feeding mechanism that communicates with a host computer. A flowchart of the automated measurement method is shown below. Figure 5 As shown. With Figure 4 Compared to the implementation process of the above example, this example adds the execution process of the feeding and unloading instructions of the feeding mechanism. After receiving a high-level check signal indicating that the probe of the coordinate measuring machine is in a safe position, the control device generates a request feeding instruction (i.e., feeding instruction). After receiving a feeding signal from the host computer indicating successful feeding, it executes the step of configuring the measurement control instruction. When the control device receives a reset signal indicating that the probe has moved to the safe position (i.e., successful reset), the measurement process is completed (i.e., ends). The control device can then generate a request unloading instruction (i.e., unloading instruction). Upon receiving a unloading signal from the host computer indicating successful unloading, the measurement process is completed (i.e., ends). The application scenario corresponding to this example can be the measurement scenario of batch workpieces to be measured. The workpieces can be transported to the worktable of the measuring machine for measurement according to the execution process of the feeding instruction, and after the measurement is completed, the workpieces on the worktable can be removed according to the execution process of the unloading instruction. Then, the feeding, measurement, and unloading process of the next workpiece can continue to be executed to complete the batch workpiece measurement. The feeding mechanism can include a conveyor belt and a robotic arm. The conveyor belt transports workpieces to the working position of the robotic arm, which then loads and unloads them. The feeding mechanism ensures that workpieces are placed on the worktable at similar angles, improving measurement consistency.

[0082] The following describes a specific implementation process. The related operations described below can also be applied to the aforementioned automated measurement method without excessive limitations. In an exemplary embodiment, such as... Figure 6As shown, the automated measurement system includes a control device and a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CMM includes a host computer, a motion controller, and a measuring machine. The control device is implemented through a PLC controller, and communication between the PLC controller and the host computer is achieved through an I / O card. The host computer of the CMM can be an industrial computer, equipped with measurement software. This software allows for the configuration of measurement programs and the evaluation of measurement results. The motion controller coordinates and controls the motor-driven measuring machine based on the measurement program in the host computer, enabling the measuring machine to move and measure along a predetermined work trajectory and to feed back measurement signals to acquire measurement data. The measuring machine typically includes a probe, a motion system, and a marble table. The motion system includes mutually perpendicular X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis drive structures, which control the relative movement of the probe and the marble table in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. During the measurement process, the workpiece to be measured can be placed on the marble table, and the probe is controlled to move along the predetermined work trajectory to contact and measure the workpiece. The position of the contact point when the probe contacts the workpiece is recorded to acquire measurement data. An exemplary structural diagram of the CMM is shown below. Figure 7 As shown in the figure, this automated control system uses I / O as its hardware interface (i.e., I / O port), which has extremely high versatility and can be applied to various hardware devices of users; moreover, the operation commands are simple, requiring no complex code writing, and the requirements for users are low.

[0083] The control device can connect to the I / O card via an I / O hardware interface. The I / O card and the host computer are connected via a serial port or network cable, enabling communication between the control device and the host computer. For example, the I / O card may include 16 I / O ports, with corresponding 16-bit logical channels in the registers. Taking a unidirectional transmission terminal as an example, it has input terminals IN0~IN15 and output terminals OUT0~OUT15, which are connected to the output and input interfaces of the control device, respectively. The control device can input control commands to the I / O card through the input terminals IN0~IN15. The host computer detects the signal changes corresponding to the input terminals (sampled from the register) through a serial port or network cable to obtain the control commands and executes the corresponding actions based on the control commands. The host computer can generate corresponding response signals based on the control commands or execution results and send them to the I / O card, which are then input to the control device via the I / O card's output terminals OUT0~OUT15. The control device can use the response signals to determine whether the task is completed or failed (i.e., measure the execution status). The output and input of an I / O port are generally a high or low level. High and low levels are the simplest signal forms. Most devices have this type of interface by themselves, or if they do not have it by themselves, they can be quickly implemented by configuring an I / O card, which can easily connect to various existing devices.

[0084] The control device serves as the user command port for the automation system. Even if the user is unfamiliar with the measurement software or measuring machine in the host computer, they can communicate and control the measurement software configured in the host computer through the interface (or terminal) provided by the IO card. They do not need to be concerned with the internal implementation process of this type of control, which simplifies the operation process.

[0085] The control device has a built-in control program. Upon receiving a start signal, it executes the program sequentially. The control device sends relevant control commands (i.e., configuration measurement control commands) according to the program and transmits them to the host computer via the input terminals of the I / O card. Upon receiving the control command, the host computer immediately replies with the same command (i.e., an acknowledgment signal) and executes the associated actions. After completing the actions, it generates a reply signal based on the execution result (i.e., the operation result) and sends it back to the control device. For each control command, the host computer uses two replies to inform the control device that the command has been received and the processing result, ensuring stable communication between the host computer and the control device. While the control device waits for the second reply from the host computer to obtain the execution result, this waiting time may be relatively long. During this period, the control device can also send other control commands to the host computer. The host computer can decide whether to execute the control command based on the current execution status. If the control command does not affect the current execution action, it can also be executed. If the previous control command requests the start of the measurement program from the beginning, this process may take a long time. The control device waits for a response from the feedback device to send the next control command to check if the program is running. This control command only checks the status and does not affect the previous action. Therefore, the host computer can execute this control command and return a corresponding response signal. However, this is not the only possibility; the control device may also wait for a second response before proceeding to the next action, such as executing the next program step or reporting an error.

[0086] For example, after receiving a control command, the host computer immediately replies with the same command (i.e., ACK (Acknowledgment Frame), or acknowledgment signal) to the control device through the output terminal of the IO card, informing the control device that the control command has been received. Upon receiving this reply, the control device can empty the output interface, causing all connected IO card input terminals to go low, thus informing the host computer that feedback has been received. When the host computer detects that all input terminals are low, it also emptys the output terminals to achieve stable communication between the host computer and the control device, ensuring normal data transmission and reception. The host computer also executes matching actions based on the control command through processes such as table lookup translation or parsing (specifically, the configuration in the IO port management module), such as loading the corresponding measurement program or executing the measurement program to control the measuring machine to measure the workpiece in the industrial field. After completing the corresponding action, the host computer replies with the execution result of the command, i.e., generating a corresponding reply signal based on the execution result (specifically, the configuration in the IO port management module), and transmits it to the control device through the IO card, informing the control device that the task is completed (i.e., measurement successful) or failed (i.e., measurement failed), such as measurement error or measurement completion. If the task is completed, the control device can continue to execute the next step of the program; if the task fails, the control device can generate an alarm window to notify the user and stop running the control program. It should be noted that the execution results corresponding to each action must be configured in the software; otherwise, there may be no response.

[0087] In this embodiment, the I / O card typically has multiple I / O ports. To better enable the host computer and control device to configure and recognize instructions, the multiple I / O ports are specifically divided according to functional directions. I / O ports that do not belong to the same functional direction can be directly set to an unselectable state by default during configuration. For example, selecting certain I / O ports can be used only to represent control instruction-related information, and selecting certain I / O ports can be used only to represent execution result-related information. For example, a schematic diagram of the I / O port function configuration interface in the host computer's measurement software is shown below. Figure 8 As shown, for example, in the configuration page corresponding to the control command related functions, only I0-I7 are displayed, meaning only I0-I7 can be selected. I8-I14 cannot be selected because I8-I13 are used to configure functions related to replying to execution results. The IO card can include 16 IO ports, divided according to function. For the host computer and control device, IO ports I0~I7 are used for transmitting control commands; IO ports I8~I13 are used for transmitting execution results; IO port I14 is used as a heartbeat bit to detect whether the communication link is normal; considering the need to inform the receiver that the current command word has arrived completely and can be sampled, the last IO port I15 is used as a command confirmation bit. That is, I15 is added to each command (I15 is set to 1 by default) to indicate that the current command is complete, ensuring that the receiver samples the complete command.

[0088] For example, the format of the response signal can be "control command | corresponding execution result". That is, in the I / O port information corresponding to the response signal, I8~I13 (i.e., OUT8~OUT13) represent the execution result of the current action, and I0~I7 (i.e., OUT0~OUT7) indicate the specific control command corresponding to the execution result. This accurately tells the control device which control command the response is for, reducing the risk of errors in the entire automation process. During I / O port configuration, I / O ports can be combined. For example, I0+I1+I15 configures the function of interrupting measurement (stopping the executing measurement program), and I0+I2+I15 configures the function of continuing measurement (the measurement program continues to execute). This increases the number of configurable functions of the I / O ports, improving usability for instruments with complex functions and significantly reducing the number of required I / O ports.

[0089] For example, the configurable functions of the control instructions may include one or more of the following: querying whether the coordinate measuring machine is ready, loading a project file (or measurement program file), querying whether the current probe is in a safe position, requesting the probe to move to a safe position, starting the measurement program from the beginning, executing the program from the current command, querying whether the coordinate measuring machine is moving, querying whether the program is running, requesting to pause the execution of the measurement program, requesting to continue the execution of the measurement program, and requesting to stop the execution of the measurement program. The corresponding functions can be associated with the control instructions by configuration.

[0090] The actions corresponding to functions related to the coordinate measuring machine's status are pre-set within the software. Upon receiving a control command, the corresponding checks are executed by default, such as checking if the coordinate measuring machine is ready, checking if the current probe is in a safe position, starting the measurement program from the beginning, checking if the coordinate measuring machine is moving, checking if the program is running, requesting to pause the measurement program, requesting to continue the measurement program, and requesting to stop the measurement program. Besides functions related to the coordinate measuring machine's status, users can configure the actions for functions such as loading project files (measurement program files), moving to a safe position, and executing the program from the current command (i.e., using the selected program as the starting program). This includes setting the loading address of the project file, setting the specific coordinates of the safe position, and selecting a specific starting program. In the I / O port management module, the same function can correspond to multiple different control commands, especially for functions with configurable actions. In this case, the control commands can be directly changed to execute different actions to match different workpieces being measured.

[0091] After receiving the control command from the control device, the host computer executes the corresponding action according to the configuration of the I / O port management module and returns a response signal containing the execution result. The configurable functions corresponding to the execution result include request rejection, request approval, measurement completion, and measurement error. Among them, measurement completion / measurement error can be the execution result after executing the measurement program action. Measurement completion indicates that the measurement program has been executed sequentially, and measurement error indicates that an error occurred during the execution of the measurement program (such as a probe mis-touch alarm). Request rejection / request approval can be the execution result of other actions (such as inspection operation, reset operation, loading operation, unloading operation, etc.). Request rejection indicates a negative response to the control command, and request approval indicates a positive response to the control command. For example, when querying whether the coordinate measuring machine is ready, if the host computer performs the detection and finds that the measuring machine is not ready, it will reply with request rejection; if it finds that the measuring machine is ready, it will reply with request approval.

[0092] The control instructions corresponding to each step in the control program of the control equipment can be matched with the configuration in the IO port management module to realize automated measurement of the automated control system.

[0093] In the above embodiments, communication between the control device and the host computer in the coordinate measuring machine is realized through an IO card. The control device generates control commands to instruct the coordinate measuring machine to execute them, obtains the corresponding execution results, and provides real-time feedback to the control device. This realizes closed-loop control of the measurement process of the control device, which can reduce the degree of manual intervention in the measurement process, improve the degree of automation of the measurement, thereby improving measurement efficiency and accuracy, and reducing labor costs.

[0094] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages in other steps. It is understood that the steps in different embodiments can be freely combined as needed, and all non-contradictory solutions formed by such combinations are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0095] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides an automated measurement system for implementing the automated measurement method described above. The solution provided by this system is similar to the implementation scheme described in the above method; therefore, the specific limitations in one or more automated measurement system embodiments provided below can be found in the limitations of the automated measurement method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0096] In one exemplary embodiment, an automated measurement system is provided, referring to Figure 1 The system includes a control device and a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CMM includes a host computer and a measuring machine that communicates with the host computer. The control device and the host computer communicate via input / output (I / O) cards.

[0097] The control device is used to configure the control program containing measurement control commands and to send the measurement control commands to the host computer of the coordinate measuring machine through the input terminals of the IO card;

[0098] The host computer is used to control the measuring machine of the coordinate measuring machine to perform the measurement operation corresponding to the measurement control command when it receives the measurement control command, obtain the operation result corresponding to the measurement control command, generate a reply signal corresponding to the operation result, and send the reply signal to the control device through the output terminal of the IO card;

[0099] The control equipment is also used to determine the measurement execution status based on the response signal.

[0100] In some embodiments, the host computer is also used to generate an acknowledgment signal upon receiving a measurement control command, and send the acknowledgment signal to the control device through the output terminal of the IO card;

[0101] The control device is also used to receive confirmation signals sent by the host computer through the output terminal of the IO card. After receiving the confirmation signal, the output port of the control device is cleared.

[0102] In some embodiments, the control device is further configured to display a failure alarm window on the display interface of the control device when the measurement execution status is measurement failure; and to generate the next measurement control instruction in the order of the control program when the measurement execution status is measurement success, until the measurement execution status corresponding to all measurement control instructions in the control program is measurement success, thereby completing the measurement task corresponding to the control program.

[0103] In some embodiments, the control device is further configured to configure a pre-check instruction before configuring a measurement control instruction, and send the pre-check instruction to the host computer via the input terminal of the IO card;

[0104] The host computer is also used to control the measuring machine to perform the inspection operation corresponding to the pre-inspection instruction when it receives the pre-inspection instruction sent by the control device, obtain the inspection result, and generate an inspection signal based on the inspection result; and send the inspection signal to the control device through the output terminal of the IO card;

[0105] The control equipment is also used to analyze the inspection signal and execute configuration measurement control commands when the inspection signal indicates that the inspection has passed.

[0106] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 As shown, the automated measurement system also includes a feeding mechanism, which is connected to the host computer. The control device is also used to generate a feeding command when the inspection signal is a pass signal, and send the feeding command to the host computer through the input terminal of the IO card.

[0107] The host computer is also used to control the feeding mechanism to perform the feeding operation corresponding to the feeding instruction when it receives the feeding instruction sent by the control device, obtain the feeding result, and generate a feeding signal based on the feeding result; and send the feeding signal to the control device through the output terminal of the IO card;

[0108] The control equipment is also used to analyze the feeding signal, and execute configuration measurement and control commands when the feeding signal indicates successful feeding.

[0109] In some embodiments, the control device is further configured to generate a reset command after completing the measurement task corresponding to the control program, and send the reset command to the host computer through the input terminal of the IO card;

[0110] The host computer is also used to control the measuring machine to perform the reset operation corresponding to the reset command when it receives a reset command sent by the control device, obtain the reset result, generate a reset signal based on the reset result, and send the reset signal to the control device through the output terminal of the IO card;

[0111] The control equipment is also used to analyze the reset signal, and complete the measurement process if the reset signal indicates a successful reset.

[0112] In some embodiments, the automated measurement system further includes a feeding mechanism that is communicatively connected to a host computer; the control device is also used to generate a feeding command when the reset signal indicates a successful reset, and to send the feeding command to the host computer through the input terminal of the IO card;

[0113] The host computer is also used to control the feeding mechanism to execute the feeding operation corresponding to the feeding instruction when it receives the feeding instruction sent by the control device, obtain the feeding result, generate a feeding signal based on the feeding result, and send the feeding signal to the control device through the output terminal of the IO card;

[0114] The control equipment is also used to analyze the unloading signal, and if the unloading signal indicates successful unloading, it completes the measurement process for the current workpiece.

[0115] It should be noted that the meanings of the terms or steps in the above-mentioned automated measurement system can be found in the descriptions of the corresponding terms or steps in the automated measurement methods in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0116] In one exemplary embodiment, a computer device is provided, which may be a terminal, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the computer device includes a processor, memory, input / output interfaces, a communication interface, a display unit, and an input device. The processor, memory, and input / output interfaces are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface, display unit, and input device are also connected to the system bus via the input / output interfaces. The processor provides computational and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The input / output interfaces are used for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. The communication interface is used for wired or wireless communication with external terminals; wireless communication can be achieved through Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks, Near Field Communication (NFC), or other technologies. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements an automated measurement method. The display unit is used to form a visually visible image and can be a display screen, a projection device, or a virtual reality imaging device. The display screen can be an LCD screen or an e-ink screen. The input device of the computer device can be a touch layer covering the display screen, or buttons, trackballs, or touchpads set on the casing of the computer device, or external keyboards, touchpads, or mice, etc.

[0117] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 9 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0118] In one exemplary embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps in the above-described method embodiments.

[0119] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0120] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0121] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use and processing of the relevant data must comply with relevant regulations.

[0122] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, artificial intelligence (AI) processors, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0123] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this application.

[0124] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automated measurement method, characterized by, A control device applied in an automated measurement system, the automated measurement system including the control device and a coordinate measuring machine (CMM), the CMM including a host computer and a measuring machine communicating with the host computer, the control device and the host computer communicating via an input / output (I / O) card; the method includes: Configure a control program containing measurement control commands, and send the measurement control commands to the host computer of the coordinate measuring machine through the input terminal of the IO card; The system receives a response signal sent by the host computer through the output terminal of the IO card. The response signal is generated by the host computer based on the operation result, which is obtained by the host computer controlling the measuring machine of the coordinate measuring machine to perform the measurement operation corresponding to the measurement control command when it receives the measurement control command sent by the control device. The measurement execution status is determined based on the response signal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: The system receives an acknowledgment signal sent by the host computer through the output terminal of the IO card; the acknowledgment signal is generated by the host computer upon receiving the measurement control command; after receiving the acknowledgment signal, the output port of the control device is cleared.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: If the measurement fails, a failure alarm window will be displayed on the control device's display interface. If the measurement execution status is successful, the next measurement control instruction is generated in the order of the control program until the measurement execution status of all measurement control instructions in the control program is successful, thus completing the measurement task corresponding to the control program.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Before configuring the measurement control command, the method further includes: Configure a pre-check instruction and send the pre-check instruction to the host computer through the input terminal of the IO card; The host computer receives an inspection signal sent through the output terminal of the IO card; the inspection signal is generated by the host computer based on the inspection result, and the inspection result is obtained by the host computer controlling the measuring machine to perform the inspection operation corresponding to the pre-inspection instruction when it receives the pre-inspection instruction sent by the control device; The inspection signal is parsed, and if the inspection signal indicates that the inspection has passed, the step of configuring the measurement control command is executed.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The automated measurement system further includes a feeding mechanism, which is communicatively connected to the host computer; the step of executing the configuration of the measurement control command when the inspection signal is a pass includes: If the inspection signal indicates that the inspection has passed, a loading command is generated and sent to the host computer through the input terminal of the IO card; The host computer receives a feeding signal sent through the output terminal of the IO card; the feeding signal is generated by the host computer based on the feeding result, which is obtained by the host computer controlling the feeding mechanism to perform the feeding operation corresponding to the feeding instruction when it receives the feeding instruction sent by the control device; The feeding signal is analyzed, and if the feeding signal indicates successful feeding, the step of configuring the measurement control command is executed.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: After completing the measurement task corresponding to the control program, a reset command is generated and sent to the host computer through the input terminal of the IO card; The host computer receives a reset signal sent through the output terminal of the IO card; the reset signal is generated by the host computer based on the reset result, which is obtained by the host computer controlling the measuring machine to perform the reset operation corresponding to the reset command when it receives the reset command sent by the control device; The reset signal is analyzed, and if the reset signal indicates a successful reset, the measurement process is completed.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The automated measurement system also includes a feeding mechanism, which is communicatively connected to the host computer; the measurement process is completed when the reset signal indicates a successful reset, including: If the reset signal indicates a successful reset, a material unloading command is generated and sent to the host computer via the input terminal of the IO card. The host computer receives a feeding signal sent through the output terminal of the IO card; the feeding signal is generated by the host computer based on the feeding result, which is obtained by the host computer controlling the feeding mechanism to perform the feeding operation corresponding to the feeding instruction when it receives the feeding instruction sent by the control device; The material feeding signal is analyzed, and if the material feeding signal indicates successful feeding, the measurement process for the current workpiece is completed.

8. An automated measurement system, characterized in that, The system includes a control device and a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CMM includes a host computer and a measuring machine that communicates with the host computer. The control device and the host computer communicate via input / output (I / O) cards. The control device is used to configure a control program containing measurement control instructions, and to send the measurement control instructions to the host computer of the coordinate measuring machine through the input terminal of the IO card; The host computer is used to control the measuring machine of the coordinate measuring machine to perform the measurement operation corresponding to the measurement control command when it receives the measurement control command, to obtain the operation result corresponding to the measurement control command; to generate a response signal corresponding to the operation result, and to send the response signal to the control device through the output terminal of the IO card; The control device is also used to determine the measurement execution status based on the response signal.

9. A computer device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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