METHOD FOR PLANNING MEASURING PATHS OF A MEASURING INSTRUMENT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for planning measurement paths of a measuring instrument. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a computer program product by means of which the method according to the invention can be executed on a computer.

[0002] Measuring instruments, especially coordinate measuring machines with tactile and / or optical sensors, are used in dimensional metrology to determine the shape of a workpiece surface, for example, by scanning. Since dimensional metrology is typically used in industries where very high accuracy is required, for example, for subsequent machining steps or quality assurance, error-free measurement execution is essential.

[0003] Furthermore, measuring instruments, especially microscopes (e.g., scanning electron microscopes (SEM) or atomic force microscopes (AFM)), are used, for example, to view or image the surface of a workpiece under high magnification during quality control. The surfaces under consideration exhibit structures whose scale is below the resolving power of the human eye, sometimes even at the atomic level. Microscopic measuring instruments are primarily used in the fields of biology, medicine, and materials science.

[0004] Due to the high accuracy requirements of the aforementioned measurement technology, it is desirable to ensure a highly automated and consistent measurement process, enabling, for example, the rapid and reproducible measurement of a large number of objects. In such a process, a measuring head of the instrument is preferably moved along a predefined measurement path, which is planned in advance by a software application based on the object being measured. Creating such an automated measurement process requires knowledge of the operating principles of measuring instruments and experience in the optimal methods for measuring different objects.

[0005] For example, Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology GmbH offers software called CALYPSO for creating such measurement paths or sequences and processing the resulting measurements. The fundamentals of CALYPSO are described, for instance, in a brochure entitled "Measuring Made Easy and What You Should Know - A Primer on Metrology" (Carl Zeiss order number: 61212-2400101) or in a promotional brochure from Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology GmbH entitled "Calypso. Programming Made Easy" (publication number 60-11-068).

[0006] The measurement sequence with CALYPSO is created using so-called test characteristics. A test characteristic represents a dimensional actual property of one or more geometric elements (so-called measuring elements) on a test object, such as the diameter of a bore, the roundness of a cylinder section, or the relative distance between two geometric elements. To quantify a test characteristic, several measuring points on a test object must generally be acquired and approached with the measuring head.

[0007] To create the measurement sequence, the user defines the desired test features as geometric elements using CAD data on a user interface and manually enters various parameters, including those for subsequent machine movements. This parameter input must be performed by an experienced user to adapt the measurement sequence to specific measurement conditions (e.g., a travel speed or tolerance). Parameter input and adjustment are time-consuming, as numerous parameters must be manually entered for each geometric element. Furthermore, manual parameter input requires a high level of expertise, resulting in high costs for creating measurement sequences.

[0008] A further problem arises from the fact that desired target values ​​for certain geometric properties of the elements to be created (e.g., their size, position, and / or orientation or location) must be manually defined in the 2D or 3D scene of the measurement plan generated by the measurement path planning software. This definition is time-consuming and requires precise work. Despite this precision, the user usually has to correct the geometric properties after creation by manually entering target values ​​in an input field. This results in additional time expenditure, as the user has to manually define not only element-related parameters but also geometry-related properties.

[0009] DE 10 2012 024 934 A1 relates to a method for the initial creation of a measurement program for measuring a new object with a measuring robot, wherein the measuring robot has at least one non-contact measuring sensor and this measuring sensor is to be moved by the measuring robot, controlled by the measurement program, to different positions relative to the object. It is provided that the measurement program to be created is based on an existing measurement program that exists for a known object that is as similar as possible to the new object.

[0010] A coordinate measuring machine that performs a similar method for measurement path planning is known from US 2015 / 0049186 A1.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to further develop a method and a device for planning measurement paths of a measuring instrument in such a way that the planning time and associated costs are reduced, the planning complexity is reduced and user comfort is increased.

[0012] The task is solved by a computer-implemented method for planning a measurement path of a measuring instrument for measuring a measurement object. In this method, a user is provided with a two-dimensional or three-dimensional virtual view of a measurement space on a user interface. The measurement object is displayed in the form of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional technical drawing. The user can define several geometric elements as desired inspection features to create the measurement path. The method comprises the following steps: receiving an initial input command to create a first inspection feature of the desired inspection features, which represents a dimensional actual property of a first geometric element of the measurement object, to create the measurement path.wherein the input command contains initial geometric information of the first geometric element to be created and is generated by the user creating the first geometric element on a user interface; comparing the initial geometric information with a second geometric information stored for a second geometric element to which a predefined first parameter is assigned, wherein the first and second geometric elements are each regular geometric elements comprising a straight line, a polygon, a circle, an oval, an ellipse, a plane, a sphere, a cylinder, a cone, or a torus, and wherein the predefined first parameter defines a sensor and / or probe used, a measurement strategy, a measurement speed, a measurement direction, a safety plane, a probing force, a normal direction of a probing point, and / or a detour path; outputting an initial assignment proposal.to assign the predefined first parameter to the first geometric element if a predetermined similarity criterion is met when comparing the first geometric information with the second geometric information; and to repeat the steps of receiving, comparing, and outputting for further desired test features.

[0013] Furthermore, the task is solved by a measuring device for measuring a measurement object, wherein a user is provided with a two-dimensional or three-dimensional virtual view of a measuring space on a user interface, in which the measurement object is displayed in the form of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional technical drawing, on which the user can define several geometric elements as desired test features to create the measurement path, wherein the measuring device has a measuring sensor and an evaluation and control unit which is configured to receive a first input command for creating a first test feature of the desired test features, which represents a dimensional actual property of a first geometric element of the measurement object, in order to create the measurement path.wherein the input command contains initial geometric information of the first geometric element to be created and is generated by the user creating the first geometric element on a user interface; to compare the initial geometric information with a second geometric information stored for a second geometric element to which a predefined first parameter is assigned, wherein the first and second geometric elements are each regular geometric elements comprising a straight line, a polygon, a circle, an oval, an ellipse, a plane, a sphere, a cylinder, a cone, or a torus, and wherein the predefined first parameter defines a sensor and / or probe used, a measurement strategy, a measurement speed, a measurement direction, a safety plane, a probing force, a normal direction of a probing point, and / or a bypass path; and an initial assignment proposal,to assign the predefined first parameter to the first geometric element, and to output it if a predetermined similarity criterion is met when comparing the first geometric information with the second geometric information; wherein the evaluation and control unit is further configured to repeat the steps of receiving, comparing, and outputting for further desired test characteristics.

[0014] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a computer program product with program code that is configured to execute the method according to the invention when the program code is executed on a computer.

[0015] The method according to the invention is preferably used in a software application (e.g., CALYPSO) for measurement path planning. A direct connection to a measuring device is not required. Using such software, the user is provided with a two-dimensional or three-dimensional view (scene) of the measurement space, for example, on a computer screen. In the virtual measurement space scene, the user is shown a measurement object to be measured in the form of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional technical drawing (e.g., a CAD image).

[0016] To create a measurement sequence or measurement path, the user defines a desired first inspection feature (e.g., the first measuring point to be approached on the object) in the form of the first geometric element, for example, using the mouse. An inspection feature represents a dimensional actual property (geometric information) of the first geometric element to be created on the object. The measurement sequence preferably plans how the measuring head of the measuring device is to be moved along a measurement path or a multitude of different measurement paths around the object during a subsequent measurement, in order to, for example, capture the geometry and / or surface finish of the object.

[0017] When the first geometric element is created and / or defined on the user interface, the software generates the first input command, which contains the first geometric information for the first geometric element to be created. This first geometric information preferably includes one or more geometric properties of the first geometric element.

[0018] After the first geometric element is created or the input command is received, the first geometric information is compared with a stored second geometric information. The first parameter, preferably non-geometry-related, is assigned to the second geometric element. The second geometric information and / or the first parameter may have been stored, for example, during manual creation or input of the second geometric element by the user, whereby the second geometric element was created before the first geometric element, i.e., it was either already included in the inspection plan or at least linked to it.

[0019] For example, the stored second geometric information can be provided in a database linked to the inspection plan. This advantageous database can comprise a large number of geometric elements, each associated with geometric information and a parameter.

[0020] When comparing the first and second pieces of geometric information, the system examines their direct similarity (absolute similarity) and / or their relationship to other pieces of geometric information (relative similarity). If the predetermined similarity criterion (depending on the type of comparison) is met, the first suggested assignment is displayed to the user, for example, in a pop-up window. This allows the user to assign the predefined first parameter to the newly created geometric element without having to enter it manually.

[0021] An advantage of the method or device according to the invention is that the first assignment suggestion provides the user with support in defining a parameter to be assigned to the first geometric element, provided the predetermined similarity criterion is met. This support means that, unlike in the prior art, the user does not necessarily have to define a parameter for the first geometric element themselves, but instead receives a suggestion. This results in less planning time and increased user convenience, which is a further advantage. Furthermore, the user does not necessarily need to be an expert in path planning, as the first assignment suggestion reduces the complexity of parameter definition compared to a purely manual parameter definition.The reduced time expenditure leads to lower costs.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the procedure further includes the step of assigning the predefined first parameter to the first geometric element if the user accepts the first assignment proposal.

[0023] One advantage of this design is that by accepting the suggested assignment (e.g., by clicking an "OK" button), the first parameter is automatically assigned to the first geometric element, eliminating the need for the user to manually enter a parameter for the first geometric element (e.g., via a keyboard). Alternatively, the user can reject the first suggested assignment (e.g., by clicking a "Cancel" button), which then hides the first suggested assignment. This is advantageous if, although the first and second elements meet the similarity criterion, the user wants to define a specific parameter for the first geometric element that differs from the first parameter.In other words, if the user has access to the second geometric element, which serves as the reference element when the similarity criterion is met, the parameter of the first geometric element does not need to be adjusted to match a desired target parameter. Instead, the first parameter can be directly transferred from the second geometric element to the first geometric element by accepting the initial assignment suggestion.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the procedure also includes the step of: outputting a first adaptation proposal to adapt at least part of the first geometry information to the stored second geometry information if the comparison of the first geometry information with the stored second geometry information fulfills the predetermined similarity criterion.

[0025] One advantage of this design is that the user receives support in adjusting the geometric properties of the first geometric element through the initial adaptation suggestion.

[0026] According to this design, in addition to the initial assignment suggestion, the user can also be shown (e.g., graphically) a first adaptation suggestion. This suggests that the user adopt at least part of the second geometric information of the second geometric element for the first geometric element as well. Thus, preferably at least part of the second geometric information serves as a reference for the first geometric information.

[0027] The suggested adjustment can also be displayed, for example, even if the user has only just begun creating the first geometric element. For instance, the suggestion can be displayed as soon as the user defines an initial point for a line to be created, and if the comparison of the first piece of geometric information (e.g., the geometry type of the geometric element to be created, such as a line, and / or the coordinates of the first point) with the stored second piece of geometric information meets the predetermined similarity criterion (e.g., same geometry type and / or at least partially identical coordinates). In this case, the suggested adjustment can be displayed, for example, by showing the user a second point for defining the line to be created.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the procedure also includes the step of: adapting the first geometry information based on the first adaptation proposal and saving the adapted first geometry information if the first adaptation proposal is accepted.

[0029] After the user accepts the first adaptation proposal, the process preferably automatically assigns a portion of the second geometric information to the first geometric element, thus eliminating the need for the user to manually adjust the geometry of the first geometric element (e.g., via a keyboard). This preferably transfers one or more geometric properties of the second geometric element to the first. For example, a dimension (e.g., length, width, height, and / or diameter) of the second geometric element, stored as second geometric information, can be at least partially transferred to the first geometric element without the user having to manually enter the dimensions when the first adaptation proposal is accepted.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the first and second geometric information define at least a geometric dimension, a regular geometric geometry type and / or a spatial position of the first and second geometric element.

[0031] The first and second geometric information can therefore represent not just one, but a multitude of different geometric properties of the first or second geometric element. For example, the first or second geometric information can specify a dimension of the first or second geometric element, such as its length, width, height, and / or diameter.

[0032] The term "geometry type" is understood here to mean that the geometric information includes, for example, information about the type and geometric characteristics of the geometric element, e.g., whether it is a regular geometric element, and if so, which regular geometric element it is.

[0033] The spatial position of the first and / or second geometric element is preferably specified in relation to a coordinate system of the two-dimensional or three-dimensional virtual measurement space scene. For example, the spatial position of the first and / or second geometric element in relation to a fixed point on the user interface can be specified, for example, in pixel values.

[0034] The first set of geometric information is generated based on user input when the first geometric element is created, whereas the second set of geometric information is pre-stored. For example, before creating the first geometric element, the user can select its desired geometry type from a number of different, known basic geometries.

[0035] According to the invention, the first and second geometric elements are each regular geometric elements comprising a straight line, a polygon, a circle, an oval, an ellipse, a plane, a sphere, a cylinder, a cone or a torus.

[0036] These standard geometric patterns are preferably available to the user when creating the first geometric element. Thus, the user can, for example, select the basic geometric type "straight line" before creating the first geometric element. On the user interface, the user can then draw a straight line, i.e., create the first geometric element, for example, by clicking with the mouse.

[0037] According to the invention, the predefined first parameter defines a sensor and / or probe used, a measurement strategy, a measurement speed, a measurement direction, a safety level, a probing force, a normal direction of a probing point, and / or a bypass path. This configuration applies equally to the second parameter.

[0038] The first parameter preferably does not specify purely geometry-related properties of the second geometric element, but rather properties that are related to the subsequent measurement process during the execution of the measurement plan on the measuring device.

[0039] According to the invention, the input command is generated by a user placing the first geometric element on a user interface.

[0040] The input command is therefore preferably generated by the user selecting the first geometric element from a predefined catalog of elements on the user interface and then initiating its creation on the user interface, e.g. by a mouse click, thereby generating the input command.

[0041] According to a further formulation, the similarity criterion defines that a comparison between the first and the second geometric information must show at least one predefined similarity.

[0042] In this configuration, the first and second pieces of geometric information are compared for absolute similarity. For example, it is checked whether at least a predetermined part of the first piece of geometric information matches the second piece of geometric information. This means that the first and second pieces of geometric information do not have to be identical, but should at least be similar enough that the first assignment suggestion can be generated based on this similarity.

[0043] According to a further embodiment, the predefined similarity is fulfilled if the first and second geometric elements have the same regular geometric geometry type, and if a dimension and / or spatial position of the first and second geometric elements differs from each other by a predefined value.

[0044] According to this configuration, the predefined similarity is fulfilled if, for example, both the first and second geometric elements are straight lines. If, for example, the first geometric element is a circle, but the stored second geometric element is a straight line, the predefined similarity cannot be fulfilled. If the first and second geometric elements are of the same geometry type, the system further checks whether their respective dimensions (length, width, height, and / or diameter, etc.) and / or their respective spatial positions differ by the predefined value, e.g., ± 40%. If, for example, a first straight line, used as an example of a first geometric element, is twice as long as a second straight line, which is stored as an example of a second geometric element, the predefined similarity is not fulfilled because the length deviation is, for example, more than 40%.

[0045] According to a further embodiment, the procedure also includes the following steps: comparing the first geometric information with a stored third geometric information for a stored third geometric element to which a predefined second parameter is assigned, and outputting a second assignment proposal to assign the predefined second parameter to the first geometric element if the predetermined similarity criterion is met when comparing the first geometric information with the stored third geometric information.

[0046] In this configuration, the first geometric piece of information for the first geometric element is compared not only with the second piece of geometric information, but also with the third piece of geometric information. If, for example, the first and second pieces of geometric information do not match—for instance, if the first geometric element is a circle and the second is a straight line—the first piece of geometric information is also compared with the third piece of geometric information. If the third geometric element is, for example, a circle that meets the predetermined similarity criterion, the second matching suggestion can be displayed to the user.

[0047] This has the advantage that a comparison is possible not only with a single pre-stored geometric element, but with multiple pre-stored geometric elements. This increases the user's likelihood of receiving a suggested assignment for the first geometric element created. The third geometric element, with its third piece of geometric information and second parameter, can be understood here as representative of a multitude of further geometric elements with associated geometric information and parameters. For example, implementations with more than two geometric elements are included. The newly created geometric element (the first geometric element) is then preferably compared with all previously stored geometric elements.

[0048] According to a further formulation, the similarity criterion defines whether the first and second geometric information are more similar to each other than the first and third geometric information.

[0049] In this configuration, a comparison is made for relative similarity between the first and second, and the first and third, pieces of geometric information. For example, if the first, second, and third geometric element are each a straight line, this relative similarity comparison checks which of the two lines is more similar to the first line.

[0050] According to a further embodiment, the procedure includes the following step: outputting the first assignment proposal if the first and second geometric information are more similar to each other than the first and third geometric information, and outputting the second assignment proposal if the first and third geometric information are more similar to each other than the first and second geometric information.

[0051] Depending on the outcome of the aforementioned relative similarity comparison, either the first or the second assignment suggestion is displayed to the user. This has the advantage that, in the case of multiple identical geometric elements, an assignment suggestion is displayed for the geometric element that bears the greatest similarity to the first geometric element currently being created.

[0052] According to a further embodiment, the procedure also includes the step of assigning the predefined second parameter to the first geometric element if the second assignment proposal is accepted by a user.

[0053] According to a further embodiment, the procedure also includes the step of: outputting a second adaptation proposal to adapt at least part of the first geometry information to the stored third geometry information if the comparison of the first geometry information with the stored third geometry information fulfills the predetermined similarity criterion.

[0054] According to a further embodiment, the procedure also includes the step of: adapting the first geometry information based on the second adaptation proposal and saving the adapted first geometry information if the second adaptation proposal is accepted.

[0055] It is understood that the advantages, clarifications and other explanations given regarding the second geometric element, the second geometric information and / or the first parameter also apply to the third and every subsequent geometric element, the third geometric information and / or the second parameter, without needing to be explicitly mentioned.

[0056] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention, since the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the pending claims. Furthermore, it is understood that the embodiments of the method according to the invention relate equivalently to the device according to the invention, without needing to be explicitly mentioned in connection with the device according to the invention.

[0057] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig. 1 a measuring device with an embodiment of the device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a first schematic representation of an assignment proposal; Fig. 3 a second schematic representation of an adaptation proposal; Fig. 4 a flowchart of a first embodiment of the method according to the invention; Fig. 5 a first schematic representation for adapting geometric properties of a geometric element; Fig. 6 a second schematic representation for adapting geometric properties of a geometric element; and Fig. 7 a schematic representation of parameter transfer.

[0058] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an exemplary measuring instrument with an embodiment of a device according to the invention, on which the method according to the invention can be carried out. The measuring instrument as a whole is designated by reference numeral 100. The device as a whole is designated by reference numeral 200.

[0059] The measuring instrument 100 is, in this case, a coordinate measuring machine in a so-called portal design. In other embodiments, the measuring instrument 100 can also be a microscope, for example, a scanning electron microscope or an atomic force microscope.

[0060] The coordinate measuring machine 100 has a base 10. The base 10 is preferably a stable plate, made, for example, of granite. A workpiece holder 12 is arranged on the base 10, designed to hold or accommodate a measuring object 14. For this purpose, one or more fastening elements 16 (e.g., clamps or screw clamps) are provided on the workpiece holder 12, by means of which the measuring object 14 is preferably detachably attached to the workpiece holder 12. The measuring object 14 is, for example, a gauge ring, such as those used for calibrating coordinate measuring machines.

[0061] A portal 18 is arranged on base 10 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction. The portal 18 serves as a movable support structure. The portal 18 has two columns projecting upwards from base 10, which are connected by a crossbeam and together form an inverted U-shape.

[0062] The direction of movement of the portal 18 relative to the base 10 is usually referred to as the Y-direction and is effected by a first motor drive 20 (e.g., an actuator). The first drive 20 is located in an end region of one of the projecting columns facing the base 10 and is configured to move the portal 18 along the Y-direction. A carriage 22 is arranged on the upper crossbeam of the portal 18 and can be moved laterally by a second motor drive 24. This transverse direction is usually referred to as the X-direction. In this case, the second drive 24 is integrated into the carriage 22. The carriage 22 carries a quill 26, which can be moved in the Z-direction, i.e., perpendicular to the base 10, by a third motor drive 28. The third drive 28 is integrated into the carriage 22. It should be noted that the drives 20, 24, and 28 do not necessarily have to be arranged in the positions mentioned. For example,The third drive 28 can be installed in the quill 26.

[0063] Reference numerals 30, 32, and 34 denote measuring devices used to determine the X, Y, and Z positions of the portal 18, the carriage 22, and the quill 26. Typically, these measuring devices 30, 32, and 34 are glass scales. These scales, in conjunction with corresponding read heads (not shown here), are designed to determine the current position of the portal 18 relative to the base 10, the position of the carriage 22 relative to the upper crossbeam of the portal 18, and the position of the quill 26 relative to the carriage 22.

[0064] A measuring head 36 is arranged at a lower, free end of the quill 26. The measuring head 36 is configured to detect measurement points on the object 14. The measuring head 36 is part of a measuring sensor, the measuring sensor of which can be arranged separately from the measuring head 36 or integrated into it and connected to it via one or more cables or wirelessly. The measuring head 36 has a tactile probe 38 projecting in the Z-direction towards the base 10. The probe 38 is configured to scan a surface of the object 14 by means of a probe 40. The probe 40 is, for example, a ruby ​​sphere.

[0065] When scanning the surface of the object 14, the probe 40 generates an electrical measurement signal, based on which the dimensional properties of the object 14 can be determined. To approach the measuring point on the object 14, the probe 36 is moved relative to the workpiece holder 12 or to the object 14 by means of the drives 20, 24, 28. For this purpose, the drives 20, 24, 28 receive control commands from an evaluation and control unit 42, based on which the drives 20, 24, 28 are controlled individually or collectively (e.g., via CNC control).

[0066] The evaluation and control unit 42 is in Fig. 1 The evaluation and control unit 42 is arranged as a separate unit at a distance from the coordinate measuring machine 100 and connected to the base 10 of the coordinate measuring machine 100 via several cables. A connection via a single cable or wirelessly is also possible. Furthermore, the evaluation and control unit 42 can be integrated into the coordinate measuring machine 100 (e.g., in the base 10). The evaluation and control unit 42 also includes the device 200, which is shown here in the form of a computer 44. The computer 44 is arranged separately from the evaluation and control unit 42. The control commands for controlling the drives 20, 24, 28 are preferably provided by a software application that runs on the desktop or laptop computer 44. The computer 44 can also, in principle, be integrated into the evaluation and control unit 42.

[0067] An exemplary software application is the CALYPSO software distributed by the applicant. CALYPSO is software for planning measurement paths and evaluating measurement points, preferably designed to execute the method according to the invention. Using CALYPSO, a user creates, for example, a test plan according to which the measurement of the object 14 is to be carried out. To generate the test plan, the user defines several test features in the form of geometric elements on the object 14. For this purpose, the user is provided, for example, with a two-dimensional or three-dimensional virtual view (scene) of a measuring space on a user interface 46 (e.g., the screen) of the computer 44. In the virtual measuring space scene, the object 14 is preferably displayed to the user in the form of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional technical drawing (e.g., CAD drawing), on which he can define one or more geometric elements as test features.Based on the geometric elements, CALYPSO creates the control commands, which are preferably transmitted to the evaluation and control unit 42 via one or more cables or wirelessly.

[0068] It should be noted that in Fig. 1 A coordinate measuring machine 100 in portal design is explained as an example. Coordinate measuring machines 100 can also be used in cantilever, bridge, or stand designs. Depending on the design of the coordinate measuring machine 100, the relative movement of the base 10 and the measuring head 36 along one, two, or all three spatial directions can be achieved by moving the base 10 or the workpiece holder 12. Alternatively, the coordinate measuring machine 100 can also be designed as an articulated arm system (e.g., of a robot) with a large number of degrees of freedom. For example, the coordinate measuring machine 100 can be designed as a component of a robot, e.g., as a robot arm, on whose end effector (not shown) the measuring head 36 is arranged. The term "coordinate measuring machine" should therefore be interpreted broadly as any type of system suitable for acquiring the coordinates of a measured object.

[0069] Furthermore, in other embodiments not shown, the measuring head 36 can also have several tactile and / or optical measuring heads, which, for example, can project in different spatial directions. It should be noted that the measuring head 36 can be spaced apart from its measuring sensors, or that both the measuring head and the measuring sensors are arranged in a common housing. In other embodiments, the geometry of the object 14 to be measured can be optically determined by one or more cameras, which, for example, are arranged at the free end of the quill 26 and look out from there in different spatial directions. If the measuring device 100 is a microscope, the measuring head can, for example, also have microscope optics and be configured to magnify the surface of the object many times.

[0070] In Fig. 2 und Fig. 3 Exemplary schematic views of the user interface 46 of the computer 44 are shown. Based on the Figuren 2 und 3 The inventive method and advantageous embodiments thereof are explained, with the following for better orientation in Fig. 4 A process flowchart is shown.

[0071] On user interface 46, in the Figuren 2 und 3 For the sake of clarity, no measurement object 14 is shown. A two-dimensional measurement space scene is depicted in which the user can preferably create a first geometric element 48 manually. This creation can be done, for example, by one or more mouse clicks. The user can preferably select a desired geometry type (e.g., line, circle, polygon, plane, cylinder, etc.) from a variety of predefined, regular geometric geometry types. The geometry types are preferably selectable from a drop-down menu bar in the user interface 46.

[0072] Initial geometry information is available for the first geometric element 48. This initial geometry information defines, by way of example, that the selected geometry type is a circle with a diameter defined by the user during creation. The software receives this initial geometry information for the first geometric element 48 as an input command (e.g., initiated by a mouse click) (see step S100 in...). Fig. 4 ).

[0073] In addition to the first geometric element 48, the user interface 46 also displays other pre-stored geometric elements. A second geometric element 50 is displayed in the upper left corner of the user interface 46, spaced apart from the first geometric element. This second geometric element 50 contains additional geometric information, specifying, for example, that it is a circle (as a geometry type) with a predefined diameter. Furthermore, a predefined first parameter is assigned to the second geometric element 50, such as a travel speed that the measuring head 36 should maintain while moving along a measurement path defined by the second geometric element.

[0074] The stored second geometric element 50 was created by the user in the test plan prior to the creation of the first geometric element 48 and saved at that time. The first parameter for the second geometric element 50 was defined manually by the user. The second geometric element 50 is preferably stored in permanent data storage (e.g., SSD hard drive) of the computer 44, but can also be stored in temporary cache (e.g., main memory or RAM).

[0075] After the user has created the first geometric element 48 or the first input command has been received, a comparison of the first geometric information with a stored second geometric information is performed in step S110 according to the invention. If this comparison fulfills a predetermined similarity criterion (e.g., same geometry type and diameter deviation of less than 40%), a first assignment proposal 52 is output to the user in step S120, assigning the predefined first parameter to the first geometric element 48. The first assignment proposal 52 is preferably displayed to the user graphically and / or textually as a pop-up window and preferably refers to the first geometric element in a clearly identifiable way. The first assignment proposal 52 can, for example,By clicking an "OK" button, the predefined first parameter is assigned to the first geometric element 48 in the optional step S130. The first assignment suggestion can also be displayed audibly or in another format.

[0076] In Fig. 2 Additionally, a stored third geometric element 54 and a stored fourth geometric element 56 are arranged on the user interface 46 and were created and saved by the user, similar to the second geometric element 50, prior to the creation of the first geometric element 48. The third geometric element 54 has a third piece of geometric information and a predefined second parameter, which was defined by the user during creation. The fourth geometric element 54 has a fourth piece of geometric information and a predefined third parameter, which was defined by the user during creation.

[0077] Preferably, during the creation of the first geometric element, its initial geometric information is also compared with the stored third and / or fourth geometric information. In the present case, the comparison between the first and fourth geometric elements 48 and 56 leads to the predetermined similarity criterion not being met, since the first geometric element 48 is a circle, while the fourth geometric element 56 is a straight line.

[0078] The similarity criterion defines, for example, whether the first and second pieces of geometric information are more similar to each other than the first and third pieces of geometric information. In this case, the first three geometric elements are each a circle, so a similarity comparison is performed based on a diameter comparison. If the first and second pieces of geometric information are more similar to each other than the first and third pieces of geometric information, the first matching suggestion is output, as in this case. This is the case here because the diameter comparison of the first and second circles (48, 50) yields a higher similarity than the diameter comparison of the first and third circles (48, 54).If, on the other hand, the first and third geometric information are more similar to each other than the first and second geometric information are to each other, a second assignment suggestion (not shown) can preferably be output, assigning the second parameter to the first geometric element.

[0079] Additionally, according to Fig. 3 In addition to the first assignment proposal 52, a first adjustment proposal 58 is issued (optional step S140 in Fig. 4 The first adaptation suggestion (58) is issued if the comparison of the first geometry information with the stored second geometry information meets the predetermined similarity criterion, and suggests to the user that at least part of the first geometry information be adapted to the stored second geometry information. Alternatively, a second adaptation suggestion can also be issued if an optional comparison of the first geometry information with the third geometry information meets the predetermined similarity criterion.

[0080] The first amendment proposal 58 is in Fig. 3 Similar to the first assignment suggestion, the next step is displayed as a pop-up window, prompting the user to choose whether to adopt the geometry of the second geometric element (50) for the first geometric element. This option is preferably displayed directly next to the first geometric element, for example, by a dashed outline corresponding to the geometry of the second geometric element. The user can accept the prompt by clicking an "OK" button. This triggers the optional step (S150), which adjusts the first geometric information based on the initial adaptation suggestion and saves the adjusted first geometric information as the adapted first geometric element (60). The adjustment is performed in Fig. 3 by adjusting the diameter of circle 48 to the diameter of circle 50, without changing the position of a circle center of circle 48.

[0081] In Fig. 5A und 5B An example of adjusting the orientation or spatial alignment of the first geometric element 48, e.g., based on the first adjustment proposal 58, is shown. The user thus receives not only the assignment proposal to assign the first parameter belonging to the second geometric element 50 to the first geometric element, but also the first adjustment proposal.

[0082] The first geometric element 48, like the second geometric element 50, is a first straight line. The first straight line 48 is in Fig. 5A The first line is not aligned parallel to the second line 50. This can result from the user not having worked precisely when creating the first line, for example. The first adaptation suggestion 58 can now be displayed to the user, for example, as a dashed line. Additionally, the first assignment suggestion can be represented by the dashed line. Thus, the user can, for example, accept the first adaptation suggestion and the first assignment suggestion together by clicking (or double-clicking) the dashed line, so that in addition to the suggested geometry transfer, the first parameter is also automatically applied to the first geometric element. Alternatively, it is also possible for the user to accept only the first assignment suggestion with a single click, and only accept both the first assignment and adaptation suggestions with a double-click.Basically, the first assignment proposal 52 can also be displayed as a pop-up window and the first adjustment proposal 58 as a dashed line.

[0083] If adaptation proposal 58 is accepted, the adaptation process is preferably initiated by means of a procedure or software change. This involves rotating the first straight line 48. A reference coordinate system 64 valid for the first straight line 48 can preferably be selected for the rotation. The plane in which the rotation is performed is preferably the plane of the reference coordinate system 64 whose normal direction is closest to a current viewing direction (into the plane of the sheet) (in this case, the XY plane of the reference coordinate system 64). As soon as an angle between a normal direction of the first straight line 48 and one of the principal axes of the reference coordinate system 64 falls below a predetermined value, a new normal direction of the first straight line 48 is aligned parallel to this principal axis. The normal direction of the first straight line 48 only changes again when the predetermined value is exceeded once more.For aligning the first line 48 parallel to one of the three principal axes of the reference coordinate system 64, preferably not the normal direction itself is used, but rather a direction in which the first line 48 was created / defined, e.g., by a user. In this case, the normal direction is, by definition, also parallel to another of the three principal axes of the reference coordinate system 64. In some cases, it may be advantageous to use the definition direction of the first line 48 to describe the method. After adjustment, the first line 48 is preferably aligned parallel to the Y-axis of the coordinate system 62. When orienting to a reference system, the geometric elements can preferably be aligned not only parallel to the principal axes. Intermediate steps (or intermediate angles) are also possible. When using optical sensors, this principle can also be applied to a so-called...Region of Interest (ROI) is not only defined by geometric elements.

[0084] In the Fig. 6A und 6B In addition to the first assignment proposal 52 for parameter transfer, the first adjustment proposal 58 for adjusting the spatial position of the first geometric element 48 with respect to a part of the second geometric information of the second geometric element 50 is also shown as an example. The first assignment and adjustment proposal 58 are represented here as a dashed line, which, in addition to the parameter transfer option, indicates a position to which the first geometric element 48 is to be adjusted. If the first assignment and adjustment proposal 58 is accepted, the first parameter for the first geometric element 48 is adopted and the position of the first geometric element is entered into the Fig. 6B The displayed position has been moved or adjusted (indicated by an arrow in) Fig. 6A ). A change in the dimensions of the first geometric element 48 takes place in the Figuren 6A und 6B not. In other embodiments, adaptation proposal 58 can also be used to suggest adjusting both the orientation or position and the spatial position as well as the size of the second geometric element 50 for the first geometric element 48.

[0085] In the Figuren 7A, 7B und 7C Each figure shows an exemplary measurement object 14, as depicted, for example, in the two-dimensional measurement room scene of the measurement path planning software CALYPSO. The user has previously defined the second geometric element 50, a straight line, and specified the first parameter for it, i.e., properties (e.g., a measurement direction, a sensor and measuring head to be used, a measurement strategy, a measurement speed, a safety level, and / or a maximum permissible probing force). Fig. 7A The second geometric element 50 was assigned a direction of movement 64 and a normal direction 66 to individual touch points as its first parameter. The second geometric element was also stored.

[0086] The user then defines the first geometric element 48 of the same geometry type, i.e., as a straight line. During the definition of this first geometric element 48, certain properties, such as its length and orientation / position, are compared with all existing geometries of the same type. The direction in which the element is defined is not considered in this case. Therefore, it is irrelevant whether the user creates the straight line by clicking from left to right or from right to left. As soon as the properties of the first geometric element 48 match those of, for example, the second geometric element 50 within a certain tolerance (e.g., the angle between the two lines, their lengths), the first assignment suggestion 52 proposes to create the first geometric element 48 with the first parameter.Preferably, at least a selected part of the first parameter defined for the second geometric element 50 is adopted.

[0087] The definition direction in which the first and / or the second element 48, 50 is placed can also be included (see Fig. 7B ), whereby during the definition of the first geometric element 48, certain properties, e.g., length and position, are compared with all existing geometric elements. As soon as the properties of the first geometric element 48 match the properties of a stored geometric element (e.g., the second geometric element 50) within a certain range, the user is prompted to create the first geometric element 48 with the same first parameter, whereby individual parameter properties, e.g., a direction of the measurement strategy, are preferably adjusted based on the definition direction.

[0088] In Fig. 7C It is further shown that it is also possible to mirror or rotate all properties that appear "meaningful" based on the definition direction of the geometric elements, e.g., the normal direction of the probing points, the selection of the stylus, the safety plane, and / or the paths around interference contours. Fig. 7C The normal direction 66 of the touch points of the first geometric element 48 is mirrored with respect to the second geometric element 50.

Claims

1. Computer-implemented method for planning a measurement path of a measurement device (100) for measuring a measurement object (14), in which a user is provided with a two-dimensional or three-dimensional virtual view of a measurement space, in which the measurement object is displayed in the form of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional technical drawing, on a user interface, on which the user can define a plurality of geometric elements as desired test features in order to create the measurement path, wherein the method has the following steps: - receiving (S100) a first input command for creating a first test feature of the desired test features, which represents a dimensional actual property of a first geometric element (48) of the measurement object (14), for the purpose of creating the measurement path, wherein the input command has first geometry information relating to the first geometric element (48) to be created and is generated by the user by creating the first geometric element (48) on a user interface (46); - comparing (S110) the first geometry information with second geometry information which is stored for a second geometric element (50), to which a predefined first parameter is assigned, wherein the first and second geometric elements (48, 50) are each a regular geometric element comprising a straight line, a polygon, a circle, an oval, an ellipse, a plane, a sphere, a cylinder, a cone or a torus, and wherein the predefined first parameter defines a used sensor and / or probe, a measurement strategy, a measurement speed, a measurement direction, a safety level, a probing force, a normal direction of a probing point and / or a bypass path; - outputting (S120) a first assignment suggestion (52) to assign the predefined first parameter to the first geometric element (48) if a predetermined similarity criterion is met when comparing (S110) the first geometry information with the second geometry information; and - repeating the receiving (S100), the comparing (S110) and the outputting (S120) steps for further ones of the desired test features.

2. Computer-implemented method according to Claim 1, which further comprises the step of: - assigning (S130) the predefined first parameter to the first geometric element (48) when the assignment suggestion (52) is accepted by a user.

3. Computer-implemented method according to Claim 1 or 2, which further comprises the step of: - outputting (S140) a first adaptation suggestion (58) to adapt at least a part of the first geometry information to the second geometry information if the comparison of the first geometry information with the second geometry information meets the predetermined similarity criterion.

4. Computer-implemented method according to Claim 3, which further comprises the steps of: - adapting (S150) the first geometry information based on the first adaptation suggestion and storing the adapted first geometry information when the first adaptation suggestion is accepted.

5. Computer-implemented method according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and the second geometry information defines at least one geometric dimension, a regular geometric geometry type and / or a spatial position of the first and the second geometric element.

6. Computer-implemented method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the similarity criterion defines that a comparison between the first and the second geometry information must have at least a predefined similarity.

7. Computer-implemented method according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the predefined similarity is satisfied when the first and the second geometric element (48, 50) have the same regular geometric geometry type, and when a dimension and / or spatial position of the first and the second geometric element (48, 50) differs from each other by a predefined value.

8. Computer-implemented method according to Claim 1, which further comprises the steps of: - comparing the first geometry information with third geometry information stored for a third geometric element (56), to which a predefined second parameter is assigned, and - outputting a second assignment suggestion to assign the predefined second parameter to the first geometric element (48) if the predetermined similarity criterion is met when comparing the first geometry information with the third geometry information.

9. Computer-implemented method according to Claim 8, wherein the similarity criterion defines whether the first and the second geometry information is more similar to each other than the first and the third geometry information.

10. Computer-implemented method according to Claim 9, which comprises the steps of: - outputting the first assignment suggestion (52) if the first and the second geometry information is more similar to each other than the first and the third geometry information, and - outputting the second assignment suggestion if the first and the third geometry information is more similar to each other than the first and the second geometry information.

11. Computer program product comprising program code configured to carry out a computer-implemented method according to one of Claims 1 to 10 when the program code is executed on a computer (44).

12. Measurement device (100) for measuring a measurement object (14), wherein a user is provided with a two-dimensional or three-dimensional virtual view of a measurement space, in which the measurement object is displayed in the form of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional technical drawing, on a user interface, on which the user can define a plurality of geometric elements as desired test features in order to create a measurement path of the measurement device, wherein the measurement device (100) comprises a measurement sensor (36) and an evaluation and control unit (42) configured to receive a first input command for creating a first test feature of the desired test features, which represents a dimensional actual property of a first geometric element (48) of the measurement object (14), for the purpose of creating the measurement path, wherein the input command has first geometry information relating to the first geometric element (48) to be created and is generated by the user by creating the first geometric element (48) on a user interface (46); to compare the first geometry information with second geometry information which is stored for a second geometric element (50), to which a predefined first parameter is assigned, wherein the first and second geometric elements (48, 50) are each a regular geometric element comprising a straight line, a polygon, a circle, an oval, an ellipse, a plane, a sphere, a cylinder, a cone or a torus, and wherein the predefined first parameter defines a used sensor and / or probe, a measurement strategy, a measurement speed, a measurement direction, a safety level, a probing force, a normal direction of a probing point and / or a bypass path; and to output a first assignment suggestion to assign the predefined first parameter to the first geometric element (48) if a predetermined similarity criterion is met when comparing the first geometry information with the second geometry information; wherein the evaluation and control unit is further configured to repeat the receiving, the comparing and the outputting steps for further ones of the desired test features.