Coupling structure between chromatic range sensor optical probe and coordinate measuring machine

Abstract

To provide a configuration for coupling a chromatic range sensor (CRS) optical probe to a coordinate measurement machine (CMM) configured to reduce throughput loss.SOLUTION: A coupling configuration includes an electric auto connection and a free-space fiber optic coupling 870 with first and second coupling elements. A first coupling element 871 has a first fiber optic connector configured to couple to wavelength detector and light source elements of a CMM 810 through a first optical fiber, and is configured to mount to a probe head 813 of the CMM 810. A second coupling element 872 has a second fiber optic connector configured to couple to an optical pen 820 of a chromatic range sensor (CRS) optical probe 815 through a second optical fiber, and is configured to mount to the CRS optical probe 815. One of the coupling elements is configured to collimate light received via the first optical fiber and focus the collimated light into the second optical fiber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to precision measurement devices, and more particularly to a chromatic range sensor optical probe for a coordinate measuring machine used to determine measurements of a workpiece. [Background technology]

[0002] One type of coordinate measuring machine scans the surface of a workpiece with a probe and calculates the 3D profile of the workpiece after the scan. One type of scanning probe measures the workpiece directly by mechanically contacting the probe with various points along the workpiece surface. Often the mechanical contact is by a ball.

[0003] Other coordinate measuring machines use optical probes to measure the workpiece without contacting the workpiece surface. Some optical probes (e.g. triangulation probes) use light to measure points on the workpiece surface and combine this with a video camera (e.g. stereo vision systems or structured light systems) for image processing of two-dimensional (2D) cross-sections of the workpiece surface. Some systems use image processing software to determine the coordinates of geometrical parts of the workpiece.

[0004] Also known are "hybrid" coordinate measuring machines that use both optical and mechanical measuring detectors. One such machine is described in US Pat. No. 5,399,313 and has two spindles. One spindle is for carrying a mechanical contact probe and the other spindle holds a video camera whose beam path is used to simultaneously reflect a beam for a laser probe to perform a measurement in the Z-axis, i.e. along the optical axis of the video camera.

[0005] Patent Document 2 describes an optical three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine, in which the optical contact probe of the measuring machine sets the distal end of the contact of a standard probe as a first target. The standard probe is attached to a video camera, which images the target on the camera. The movement and position of the target in the XY coordinate system are displayed on a computer image processing device of the measuring machine. A second target is attached to the proximal end of the probe and displays the movement and position of the Z coordinate. The second target may obscure the photodetector, but is focused on the camera by a light beam parallel to the XY plane. Here, two second targets may be provided that are illuminated by beams parallel to the XY plane and perpendicular to each other. And, when star probes are used, the rotation about the Z axis is calculated by a computer. Also disclosed is an automatic exchange rack for holding a plurality of probes, a probe holder, and a plurality of lenses for selective attachment to the camera, respectively. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 4,908,951 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 5,825,666 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 7,876,456 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 7,990,522 [Patent Document 5] US Patent Publication No. 20120050723 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 8,817,240 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Measurement probes are frequently interchangeably attached to CMMs in an auto-interchangeable joint attachment mechanism (also simply called an auto-joint) contained in a variety of "probe heads". Currently, Renishaw™ probe heads are the most commonly used in the industry for specific applications. These probe heads are manufactured by Renishaw Metrology Limited, Gloucestershire, UK.

[0008] Although Renishaw type probe head systems are the most commonly used in the industry, it has been found that certain technologies are not easily integrated into Renishaw type systems. Moreover, attempts to upgrade an existing Renishaw type probe head system to a system with higher performance can be costly and / or inconvenient. For example, certain technologies that would be compatible with Renishaw type probe head systems may lack desirable features, levels of controllability and / or processing power, due to the preference for easy or automatic replacement with other types of probes that can be interfaced with the Renishaw type probe head system. The inventors have determined that certain problems with the use of Renishaw type probe head systems or similar systems are due to the limited number of signal lines for existing data and control signal connections between the measuring machine and the probes in the automatic exchange joints, and the lack of optical fiber or optical pathway connections. This creates a "bottleneck" that makes it virtually impossible to add new technologies and / or features to the probes that are attached and / or replaced for use with the probe head system. In particular, existing chromatic range sensors cannot be automatically installed and / or replaced using Renishaw type probe head systems or the like, and some existing chromatic range sensor configurations are not compatible with the data and control signal connections included in Renishaw type probe head systems.

[0009] A problem with coupling and decoupling with optical fiber connection mechanisms (e.g., in the system devices described above) is that known contact fiber couplers are prone to breakage with repeated mating cycles due to contamination of the fiber end faces. In some embodiments, typical mating cycles between optical fibers are rated at 500-1000 cycles under clean conditions. However, even a small amount of dust or dirt on the fiber core (e.g., a 50 micrometer fiber core) can result in significant throughput loss.

[0010] There is a need for a coupling structure between a chromatic range sensor optical probe and a coordinate measuring machine that can improve these problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The free space fiber optic coupling according to the present invention comprises a first coupling element and a second coupling element configured to be removably coupled to each other. The first coupling element has a first fiber optic connector configured to couple to a light source and wavelength detector of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) via an optical fiber of a first fiber optic cable and is configured to be attached to a probe head of the CMM. The second coupling element has a second fiber optic connector configured to couple to an optical pen of a chromatic range sensor (CRS) optical probe via an optical fiber of a second fiber optic cable and is configured to be attached to the CRS optical probe. One of the first and second coupling elements includes a set of optical lenses configured to collimate light received by the optical fiber of the first fiber optic cable and to focus the collimated light into the optical fiber of the second fiber optic cable. The set of lenses is configured to collimate reflected light received by the optical fiber of the second fiber optic cable and to focus the collimated reflected light into the optical fiber of the first fiber optic cable.

[0012] Also, a chromatic range sensor (CRS) optical probe includes an optical pen and a fiber optic cable connected to the optical pen. The optical pen has a confocal optical path including at least a confocal aperture and a chromatic dispersion optical system, and is configured to focus light of different wavelengths at different distances along a measurement axis near a measured surface of a workpiece. The CRS optical probe includes a coupling element of a free-space fiber optic coupling, which is connected to the fiber optic cable and attached to the CRS optical probe. The coupling element is configured to receive the focused light transmitted to free space by the focusing lens. The focusing lens is a focusing lens provided on the other coupling element of the free-space fiber optic coupling attached to a probe head of the CMM. The CRS optical probe also includes an auto-exchange joint element that can be attached to the CMM via an auto-exchange joint connection mechanism.

[0013] The CMM also includes light generating circuitry, wavelength detecting circuitry, CMM control circuitry, a fiber optic cable coupled to the light generating circuitry and the wavelength detecting circuitry, and a probe head having an auto-change joint connection mechanism configured to couple to an auto-change element of a CRS optical probe. The CMM also includes a free space fiber optic coupling coupling element attached to the probe head. The coupling element includes a free space lens system coupled to the fiber optic cable and having a pair of lenses configured to collimate received light of the fiber optic cable and focus the collimated light into an optical fiber of a fiber optic cable of another coupling element of the CRS optical probe.

[0014] The system apparatus according to the present invention includes a CMM and a CRS optical probe. The CMM includes a light generating circuit configuration, a wavelength detecting circuit configuration, a CMM control circuit configuration, a probe head with an automatic exchange joint connection mechanism, and a first coupling element of a free-space type optical fiber coupling attached to the probe head. The CRS optical probe includes an optical pen having a confocal optical path including at least a confocal aperture and a chromatic dispersion optical system, and the optical pen is configured to focus light of different wavelengths at different distances along a measurement axis near a workpiece surface to be measured. The CRS optical probe also includes a second coupling element of a free-space type optical fiber coupling attached to the CRS optical probe, and an automatic exchange joint element that can be attached to the CMM via the automatic exchange joint connection mechanism. One of the first and second coupling elements of the free-space type optical fiber coupling includes a free-space lens system having a pair of lenses, and the other of the first and second coupling elements of the free-space type optical fiber coupling is configured to receive the focused light transmitted to free space by the pair of lenses.

[0015] The method includes automatically coupling the CMM to the CRS optical probe, the automatic coupling step including attaching an auto-exchange joint element of the CRS optical probe to an auto-exchange joint interface of the CMM, and connecting a first coupling element of a free-space fiber optic coupling attached to the CMM to a second coupling element of a free-space fiber optic coupling attached to the CRS optical probe. One of the coupling elements of the free-space fiber optic coupling includes a pair of optical lenses. Light is generated using the CMM. The generated light is transmitted to the CRS optical probe via the free-space fiber optic coupling, where the pair of optical lenses collimates the light generated by the CMM and focuses the light into an optical fiber of the second coupling element of the free-space fiber optic coupling. The reflected light from the CRS optical probe is transmitted to the CMM via the free-space fiber optic coupling, where the pair of optical lenses collimates the reflected light and focuses the reflected light into an optical fiber of the first coupling element of the free-space fiber optic coupling. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary CRS system apparatus having an optical pen according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a coordinate measuring system apparatus including a coordinate measuring machine, a CRS optical probe including an optical pen, a controller and a user interface. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the CRS optical probe of FIG. 2 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the CRS optical probe of FIG. 2 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of an optical pen including the exchange mount and exchangeable optical mechanism of FIGS. 3A and 3B. [Figure 4B]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of an optical pen including the exchange mount and exchangeable optical mechanism of FIGS. 3A and 3B. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the probe controller of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the probe data cable of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 7 is a list of connections and / or signaling schemes for one embodiment using the connection pins and cables of the automatic joint connection mechanism of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of another coordinate measurement system apparatus including a coordinate measuring machine, a CRS optical probe with an optical pen, a controller, and a user interface. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a first embodiment of the CRS optical probe of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 9 is a block diagram illustrating optical connection paths of an embodiment of the system device of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a typical free-space fiber coupling configuration of the system apparatus of FIG. 8. [Figure 12A] FIG. 9 is a detailed diagram of an exemplary kinematic mount for the free-space fiber coupling of FIG. 8. [Figure 12B] FIG. 9 is a detailed diagram of an exemplary kinematic mount for the free-space fiber coupling of FIG. 8. [Figure 13] A possible configuration of a lens system for free-space fiber coupling. [Figure 14] FIG. 9 is a typical configuration diagram of a lens system of the free space type fiber coupling of FIG. 8. [Figure 15] FIG. 9 is a typical configuration diagram of a lens system of the free space type fiber coupling of FIG. 8. [Figure 16] FIG. 9 illustrates a typical alignment setup for the free-space fiber coupling of FIG. 8. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a procedure for providing and operating an automatically exchangeable CRS optical probe system apparatus on a CMM according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a representative chromatic range sensor (CRS) system 100 with a desired operating principle for use in a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CRS system 100 is similar to the sensors described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,433 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,433. The CRS system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a chromatic point sensor system that includes an optical element 120 and an electronics unit 160 and measures one point at a time. Hereinafter, the optical element in FIG. 1 is also referred to as an optical pen 120. However, in various embodiments, alternative chromatic range systems, such as a chromatic line sensor, are preferably configured to operate in accordance with the configuration and method of operation disclosed herein.

[0018] The optical pen 120 includes a fiber optic connector 109, a housing 131 (e.g., an assembly hollow tube), and a color dispersion optics (color dispersion optical configuration) 150. The fiber optic connector 109 is attached to an end of the housing 131. In various embodiments, the fiber optic connector 109 may be oriented perpendicular to the housing 131. The fiber optic connector 109 holds an input / output optical fiber (not shown in detail) through an integrated input / output fiber optic cable 112. The input / output optical fiber outputs measurement light from a light source through a fiber aperture 195 and receives reflected measurement signal light through the fiber aperture 195.

[0019] During the measurement operation, the broadband measurement light (e.g., white light) emitted from the end of the fiber through the fiber aperture 195 is focused by the chromatic dispersion optics 150. The chromatic dispersion optics 150 includes a single lens or a compound lens that promotes axial chromatic dispersion. Axial chromatic dispersion is a phenomenon in which the focal point along the optical axis OA occurs at different distances depending on the wavelength of the measurement light, as is well known in confocal chromatic point sensor devices. The source light forms the measurement light 196, which includes wavelengths of light that are focused on the work surface 190 in the Z-axis direction from the optical pen 120. The reflected light from the work surface 190 is again focused on the fiber aperture 195 by the chromatic dispersion optics 150. The measurable measurement light and reflected light are bounded by limiting rays LR1 and LR2. Due to the axial chromatic dispersion, only certain wavelengths of light exhibit a front focal distance FF that corresponds to the measurement distance from the optical pen 120 to the work surface 190. The optical pen 120 is configured so that the wavelength of measurement light best focused at the work surface 190 matches the wavelength of reflected light best focused at the fiber aperture 195. The aperture 195 spatially filters the reflected light so that the best focused wavelength of light passes through the aperture 195 and into the core of the fiber optic cable 112. As described in more detail below, the fiber optic cable 112 transmits the reflected light to a wavelength detector 162 which is used to determine the wavelength of predominant intensity that corresponds to the measurement distance to the work surface 190.

[0020] FIG. 1 also shows an optional reflective element 155 shown in dashed lines. A reflective element as described in US Pat. No. 5,399,633 may be disposed in the path of the measurement beam SB of the present invention. In such an embodiment, rather than having the measurement axis MA coaxial with the optical axis OA, the reflective element may direct the measurement beam 196' along the measurement axis MA' in a different direction (e.g., orthogonal to the optical axis) as required by the measurement application. Such orthogonal measurement axis conversion is used in the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 4A, as described in more detail below.

[0021] The electronics 160 includes a fiber coupler 161, a wavelength detector 162, a light source 164, a signal processor 166, and a memory 168. In various embodiments, the wavelength detector 162 includes a spectrometer or spectrometer arrangement in which dispersive optics (e.g., a diffraction grating) receive the reflected light via the fiber optic cable 112 and transmit the resulting spectral intensity profile to the detector array 163. The wavelength detector 162 may also include associated signal processing functions (e.g., as provided by the signal processor 166 in some embodiments), such as removing or compensating for detector-related errors in the profile data. As such, aspects of the wavelength detector 162 and the signal processor 166 may be integrated and / or may be indistinguishable.

[0022] The white light source 164 is controlled by a signal calculator 166 and is connected to the fiber optic cable 112 by an optical coupler 161 (e.g., a 2×1 optical coupler). As described above, when light passes through the optical pen 120, the optical pen 120 generates axial chromatic aberration because its focal length varies with the wavelength of the light. When passing backward through the optical fiber, the wavelength of light that is most efficiently transmitted is the wavelength that is focused on the work surface 190 in the Z-axis direction. The wavelength-dependent reflected light intensity is then passed again through the fiber coupler 161 such that approximately 50% of the light is directed to a wavelength detector 162. The wavelength detector 162 is operative to receive the spectral intensity profile distributed on the pixel array along the measurement axis of the detector array 163 and provide corresponding profile data. In brief, sub-pixel resolution distance indicating coordinates of the profile data, such as peak position coordinates, are calculated by the signal calculator 166. The distance indication coordinate (DIC) corresponding to the wavelength peak determines the measured distance to the surface 190 via a distance calibration lookup table. The calibration lookup table is stored in the memory unit 168. The distance indication coordinate (DIC) can be determined in various ways, such as by determining the center of gravity of the profile data included in the peak region of the profile data.

[0023] Typically, the optical pen 120 has a measurement range R defined by a minimum and maximum distance ZMIN and ZMAX in the Z-axis direction. In some known examples of optical pens, the measurement range R is preferably approximately 1 / 10 of the nominal standoff or operable distance from the end of the pen (e.g., in the range of tens of microns to a few millimeters). Figure 1 shows that, when a reflective element 155 is used, the measurement range R' is determined along a measurement axis MA' defined by the placement of the reflective element 155 (e.g., the x-axis). In this case, the measurement range R' is defined by a minimum and maximum distance XMIN and XMAX in the X-axis direction.

[0024] The electronics 160 is typically separate from the optical pen 120. It is known to mount an optical pen similar to the optical pen 120 of FIG. 1 on a CMM using a custom designed bracket and route optical fibers similar to the fiber optic cable 112 along temporary paths external to the CMM apparatus to remote electronics similar to the electronics 160. This unsatisfactory and inconvenient approach has persisted for many years because a desirable combination of components to achieve an automatically replaceable CRS optical probe system apparatus has not yet been provided, limiting the use of CRS systems with CMMs.

[0025] 2, 3A, and 3B, in order to provide a combination of desirable components that allows a technically and economically attractive automatic exchange type CRS optical probe system device, it is desirable to include a portion of the electronics unit 160 in the CRS probe assembly that is attached to the CMM through an automatic joint connector. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the components of the light source / wavelength detector unit 160A (e.g., the wavelength detector 162 and the light source 164) may be included in the CRS optical probe assembly. A group of components in the measurement signal processing control circuit 160B (e.g., the signal processor 166 and the memory unit 168) may be located outside the CRS optical probe assembly if necessary (e.g., to maintain the light weight and compact size of the probe).

[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a three-dimensional coordinate measuring system apparatus 200 and a CRS optical probe system 215 that can be automatically connected and replaced. That is, the CRS optical probe system 215 can be automatically replaced with another type of CMM probe. Here, the CRS optical probe system is simply called a CRS optical probe. Unless otherwise specified in the specification, a reference numeral having a similar suffix in a plurality of drawings (for example, a reference numeral 2XX having the same suffix XX as a reference numeral 1XX) basically has a similar configuration. And, a change to a configuration 2XX based on a description of a similar configuration 1XX is generally easily inferred from a well-known technique. However, despite such an inference, it is obvious that different aspects of various configurations naturally exist in different embodiments, so the configuration of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to one of the well-known techniques.

[0027] The three-dimensional coordinate measuring system device 200 includes a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine (CMM) controller 202, a computer user interface 206, a probe signal processing and control circuitry 207, and a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine (CMM) 210. The CMM controller 202 includes a probe head controller 203, a position latch 204, and a motion controller 205. The CRS optical probe 215 includes an auto-exchange joint element 236 and is connected to the CMM 210 via a mating joint element of a probe auto-exchange joint interface 230 (also referred to as an auto-exchange joint interface).

[0028] The CMM 210 communicates with all of the other components through a data transfer line 201 (e.g., a bus). The data transfer line 201 is connected by a connector 208 (e.g., a "micro-D" connector) to a probe head cable 211 which carries input and output signals to the CRS optical probe 215. The CRS optical probe 215 is controlled by a probe signal processing control circuit 207 including a measurement signal processing control unit 260B, as described for component 160B in FIG. 1, and exchanges data with this control circuit 207, while the CMM 210 is controlled by a CMM controller 202. A user can control all of the components through a computer user interface 206.

[0029] 3A and 3B, the CRS optical probe 215 includes a probe electronics unit 275 including a light source and wavelength detector unit 260A (e.g., including a light source and a wavelength detector as described for component 160A in FIG. 1) and an optical pen 220 for irradiating a measurement light 296 onto a surface 290 to be measured. In one particular embodiment, the surface 290 to be measured is the inner surface of a screw hole. Such surfaces are difficult or impossible to measure completely and reliably using known CMM probes (e.g., contact probes). The CRS optical probe of the present invention allows such surfaces to be scanned and measured with improved measurement completeness, accuracy, and versatility.

[0030] 5, in one embodiment, data relating to the optical pen 220 and / or replaceable optical mechanism 280 (e.g., identification data, calibration data, compensation data, etc.) is preferably stored external to the CRS optical probe 215 (e.g., in the probe signal processing and control circuitry 207). Alternatively, some of such data may be stored within the CRS optical probe 215 or as other coded data.

[0031] 3A and 3B are diagrams of the CMM 210 and the CRS optical probe 215', specifically illustrating the configuration of the CRS optical probe 215 in FIG. 2. FIG. 3A is a front view, and FIG. 3B is a view of the CMM 210 and the CRS optical probe 215 from different angles. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the CMM 210 includes a probe head 213. The probe head 213 transmits and receives a probe signal through a probe head cable 211. The probe head 213 is fixed to the main shaft (quill) 217 ​​of the CMM. The probe 215' is connected to the probe head 213 using a probe automatic joint connection mechanism 230. See FIG. 6.

[0032] In one embodiment, the probe head 213 rotates 360 degrees in a horizontal plane and includes a suitable type of U-shaped joint. The probe autojoint connection mechanism 230 is an electromechanical connection mechanism that mechanically clamps the CRS optical probe 215' to the probe head 213, allowing the probe to be removed from the probe head 213 and another probe to be attached. In one embodiment, the probe autojoint connection mechanism 230 includes first and second auto-exchange joint elements 234, 236, with the first auto-exchange joint element 234 attached to the probe head 213 and the second auto-exchange joint element 236 attached to the CRS optical probe 215'. In one embodiment, the probe autojoint connection mechanism 230 includes mating electrical contacts or electrical connections 235 that are formed such that attachment of the probe automatically closes the electrical contacts and establishes an electrical connection. In some embodiments, this connection method introduces a relatively large amount of signal noise into the CRS system. As will be described in more detail below, it will be appreciated that the use of the inventive device configuration and its operating procedures, which function effectively in relatively noisy environments, is highly advantageous in that they avoid the effects of signal noise.

[0033] The CRS optical probe 215' receives power and control signals through an automatic joint connection mechanism 230. Signals sent through the automatic joint connection mechanism 230 to the CRS optical probe 215' pass through an electrical connection 235 as described in more detail in FIG. 6 below. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the CRS optical probe 215' includes a probe assembly 216 and an automatic exchange joint element 236 attached to the probe assembly 216 for automatically connecting the probe to the CMM using the probe automatic joint connection mechanism 230. The probe 215' may also include a protective cover or probe housing 269 (shown diagrammatically). The probe assembly 216 includes an optical pen 220 and a probe electronics section 275 having a light source 264 and a wavelength detector 262, all of which are supported by various structural members of the probe assembly 216.

[0034] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the structural member extends from a base member 218 secured to an auto-interchange joint element 236. An optical pen 220 (or an optical element similar to the optical pen 120) includes a fiber optic connector 209 and a confocal optical path having an aperture 295 and chromatic dispersion optics 250, and outputs a measurement light 296. In some embodiments, the optical pen 220 may include a repeatable, rapid-interchangeable exchange mount 285 to allow for replacement of the chromatic dispersion optics 250. A powered light source 264 (e.g., a broad spectrum LED light source) may be powered through the auto-interchange joint element and interfaced with known circuitry (e.g., circuitry used in commercially available chromatic distance measurement systems) included in a probe power and signal control circuitry 276 of the probe electronics 275. In several embodiments, the probe electronics unit 275 includes a serial converter 277S that serializes various data signals and transmits them to a parallel converter (e.g., included in the probe signal processing control circuit 207) over a relatively small number of wires in the automatic joint connection mechanism 230.

[0035] 3A, the serializer 277S is included in the probe power supply and signal control circuitry 276. However, in other configurations, where most of the serialized data to be transmitted is measured spectral profile data generated in the CRS wavelength detector 262, it may be better to include the serializer 277S in the CRS wavelength detector 262. In general, the serializer 277S should be located in a desired position in the probe electronics section 275, i.e., a position that can provide sufficiently low noise levels and crosstalk characteristics.

[0036] The light source 264 generates the light required by the CRS optical probe assembly 216. The light has an input spectral profile in the wavelength range that is transmitted to the optical pen 220 through the optical fiber 212. The CRS wavelength detector 262 may include known circuitry (such as that used in commercially available chromatic distance measuring systems) that is coupled to the spectrometer arrangement 262' and the detector array 263. The detector array 263 is comprised of a number of pixels distributed along the detection axis of the CRS wavelength detector 262, which are illuminated with the respective wavelengths of light reflected from the surface to be measured back into the optical path of the confocal system, so that the CRS wavelength detector 262 can provide output spectral profile data.

[0037] As described above, the configuration of the present invention allows the CRS optical probe assembly 216 to perform the functions of generating measurement light and processing reflected light from a workpiece, thereby enabling the self-contained and automatic replacement operation of the CRS optical probe assembly 216. In conclusion, such a CRS optical probe system device does not require or include an optical fiber connection from the CRS optical probe assembly through the automatic joint connector to an external element, or an optical fiber connection along any other temporary path such as one provided parallel to the automatic joint connector. In other words, such a CRS optical probe assembly is not connected to or does not include an optical fiber extending from the CRS optical probe assembly to the outside.

[0038] In various embodiments, the CRS optical probe assembly 216 is configured by mounting an optical pen 220 to a distal end of the CRS optical probe assembly 216 relative to the probe head 213. In the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B, the CRS optical probe 215' includes a base member 218, a wavelength detector mounting member 219A coupled to the base member 218, and an optical pen mounting member 219B coupled to the base member 218. The optical pen mounting member 219B holds the optical pen 220 without holding the wavelength detector 262. This allows heat and mass associated with flexing and vibration to be isolated from the optical pen 220. In some embodiments, one or both of the mounting members 219A and 219B may include a hollow tube (e.g., a carbon fiber tube) extending from the base member 218 toward the distal end of the CRS optical probe assembly 216.

[0039] In one embodiment, the center of mass of the optical pen 220 is located on or near an axis defined by the center of mass CMPA of the rest of the CRS optical probe 215' and the central axis CAJ of the probe automatic joint connection mechanism 230. Using this configuration, the CRS optical probe 215' can be moved to allow smooth operation of the probe head 213 (e.g., avoidance of unnecessary additional torque, vibration, deflection, etc.). In one aspect of the invention, the optical pen 220 is mounted relative to the probe automatic joint connection mechanism 230 such that the central axis CAOP (e.g., reference axis for measurement) of the optical pen 220 is coaxial with the central axis CAJ of the automatic exchange joint connection mechanism 230. In such a configuration, when the CMM rotates the probe automatic joint connection mechanism 230 about its axis, the optical pen 220 can be rotated about its axis without lateral movement of the measurement reference axis in the XY plane. Such a configuration provides advantages such as improved mechanical stability and simplified calculation of the measurement position of the optical pen 220 relative to the positioning by the CMM.

[0040] 4A and 4B are diagrams specifically illustrating the configuration of the optical pen 220 of FIGS. 3A and 3B described above, and will be used to describe an embodiment including a representative replacement mount 285. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the optical pen 220 includes a base member 282 and a replaceable optical mechanism 280. The replaceable optical mechanism 280 includes a front plate 286, a hollow tube 231, and a color dispersion optical system 250. The base member 282 of the optical pen includes a base housing 282A that includes a surface that becomes a first engagement half member 285A of the replacement mount 285.

[0041] Corresponding to this surface, the front plate 286 also includes a surface that becomes the second engagement piece 285B of the exchange mount 285. In one embodiment, the second engagement piece 285B is forcibly attached to the first engagement piece 285A by a retention arrangement formed by a permanent magnet 285C attached to one or both of the first and second engagement pieces 285A, 285B. More generally, the retention arrangement may be a known mechanism such as a spring-loaded mechanical tab. In such an arrangement, the second engagement piece 285B may be automatically connected to and disconnected from the first engagement piece 285A under program control (e.g., under control of the computer user interface 206). For example, in one embodiment, the optical pen 220 may be provided with a collar 232 or the like that is guided by program control. This allows the optical pen 220 to be inserted into the arm of the engagement fork provided on the probe rack within the movable range of the CMM. Next, the CMM moves the CRS optical probe 215' so that the arm of the engagement fork hooks the collar 232, and the exchangeable optical mechanism 280 is hooked onto the probe rack, and the two half members 285A, 285B of the exchange mount 285 can be separated. Also, by performing the reverse operation, the exchangeable optical mechanism 280 can be attached again to the base member 282. Furthermore, with such a configuration, in the event of a side collision with the workpiece, the exchangeable optical mechanism 280 separates from the base member 282, so that damage to the exchangeable optical mechanism 280 can be prevented.

[0042] In one embodiment, the exchange mount 285 may include three spheres or balls 285D secured to the first half 285A in a first triangular pattern (e.g., an equilateral triangle). The exchange mount 285 may include three radial V-grooves 285E formed in the same engagement pattern on the second half 285B. With the exchange mount 285 configured in this manner, the exchangeable optical mechanism 280 may be mounted such that the measurement light 296 directed horizontally from the exchangeable optical mechanism 280 is oriented in a direction selected from three directions spaced 120 degrees apart around the axis. The above embodiment is a representative configuration, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Various other known exchange mount configurations may be employed to provide an exchange mount with suitable mounting and dismounting repeatability.

[0043] The interchangeable optical mechanism 280 includes a chromatic dispersion optic 250 (e.g., similar to the chromatic dispersion optic 150 of FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the base member 282 includes an end of an optical fiber 212 that is connected to the LED light source 264 and the spectrometer arrangement 262′ through a fiber connector 261. The end of the optical fiber is typically located near the confocal aperture 295, which is fixed relative to a first half 285A of the exchange mount 285 that is positioned around the confocal aperture 295. In some embodiments, the end of the optical fiber forms the confocal aperture 295. In some embodiments, the confocal aperture 295 can be a thin aperture that is bonded to a position adjacent to the optical fiber end (e.g., on a holder or connector that supports the optical fiber) or a thin aperture adjacent to the optical fiber end. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the base member 282 includes an optical fiber end positioning mechanism 283 that has an optical fiber holding member (e.g., an optical fiber connector that is connected to the connector 209 in this embodiment). The optical fiber holding member is fixed (eg, glued) to the base member 282 located adjacent to the first half member 285A of the exchange mount 285.

[0044] In this embodiment, the optical fiber end positioning mechanism 283 includes an optical fiber holding member that holds the optical fiber (e.g., the optical fiber passing through the connector 209). The optical fiber holding member fixes the optical fiber end and the confocal aperture 295 in a position relative to the first half member 285A of the exchange mount 285. However, in other embodiments, the confocal aperture 295 is fixed to the base member 282, and the end of the optical fiber may be fixed in a position adjacent to the confocal aperture 295 separately by a suitable optical fiber end positioning mechanism 283 as needed.

[0045] The interchangeable optical mechanism 280 receives the measurement light from the confocal aperture 295 and reflects the measurement light back to the confocal aperture 295. It provides on-axis chromatic dispersion of the measurement light at each measurement distance along the measurement axis. In one embodiment, the chromatic dispersion optical system 250 also includes a reflective element 294 for irradiating the measurement light in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the optical pen 220 (e.g., transverse to the central axis of the hollow tube 231).

[0046] Figure 5 is a block diagram of the computer user interface 206 and the probe signal processing control circuit 207 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 5, the probe signal processing control circuit 207 includes a parallel converter 277D, a position latch 515, a CRS probe ID 520, and an optical pen ID 525. Each component of the probe signal processing control circuit 207 is connected to each other and to the computer user interface 206 by a data transfer line 201. The parallel converter 277D works in conjunction with the serial converter 277S of Figure 3A to serialize various data signals and transmit them through the automatic joint connection mechanism 230, which consists of a relatively small number of wires.

[0047] The serializer 277S and the deserializer 277D are related to the use of low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) for use in some embodiments. See FIG. 7. Briefly, a synchronization signal is provided between the serializer and the deserializer to ensure synchronization between the serializer and the deserializer. After the associated data signal is provided to the signal line, a clock signal (e.g., a clock signal opposite to the previous clock signal) is sent to the corresponding signal line until the deserializer operation is completed, at which point the synchronization signal is asserted.

[0048] The position latch 515 is associated with the XYZ latch signals shown in FIG. 7, which will be described below. Briefly, the XYZ latch signals are provided to synchronize the measurement positioning operations of the CRS optical probe with the measurement positioning operations of the CMM controller 202 (e.g., as described in FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the position latch 515 communicates with the position latch 204 of the CMM controller 202 to ensure that the coordinate positions of the CMM 210 are properly synchronized. In other words, the position latch 515 and the position latch 204 are coupled to ensure that all of the derived measurements have their measurement accuracy. This ensures that the CMM machine coordinates (which reflect the position of the CRS optical probe during a particular measurement) are properly coupled to the CRS optical probe measurements (which are measurements related to the CRS optical probe position).

[0049] The CRS probe ID 520 is utilized to identify the CRS optical probe 215′, for example, by reading and processing an identification signal obtained from an identification element included in the CRS optical probe 215′. The optical pen ID 525 is also utilized to identify the replaceable optical mechanism 280, for example, by reading and processing an identification signal obtained from an identification element included in the replaceable optical mechanism 280. Proper identification of the CRS optical probe 215′ and the replaceable optical mechanism 280 allows for the use of appropriate configuration and calibration data to verify correct operation and resulting accurate measurements from the CRS optical probe 215′ and the replaceable optical mechanism 280.

[0050] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the probe head cable 211 of Figure 2. As shown in Figure 6, the probe head cable 211 has a protective tube 605, a sealing tape layer 610, an outer electrically insulating layer 615, and a coaxial cable 620 including a central conductor "1" and an inner insulating layer 625. Additional conductors 2-14 are arranged to surround the coaxial cable 620. These are arranged according to a conventional Renishaw (trademark) arrangement, as shown in detail in Figure 7.

[0051] Figure 7 is a table 700 illustrating one exemplary connection and / or signal schedule that may be used with the probe head cable 211 of Figure 6 and / or the automatic joint connection mechanism 230 shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The connection numbers in the "Wire Number" column refer to the wire numbers of the cable 211 that are connected to the automatic joint pin (e.g., some standard Renishaw™ automatic joint connection equipment) unless otherwise stated.

[0052] As shown in table 700, in this embodiment, the power and signal ground connections, the low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) serializer signals (SERDES+, SERDES-, and SERDES Lock / Sync), the CRS signal for spectrometer / detector reset, the CRS control clock signal, and the CRS data signal (e.g., I 2 C clock signal and I 2 C data signals are provided to various wires and associated automatic joint pins. A number of wires may be used in conjunction with the power supply to the CRS-CMM probe to meet certain standard automatic joint and / or CMM controller design requirements (e.g., no more than 300 mA drawn on any single conductor). For example, using two wires of 12V, 300 mA each, would provide a 7.2 watt delivery capability within the specifications of a standard automatic joint and / or CMM controller.

[0053] Typically, the various signals are sent to the appropriate wires and / or auto-joint pins. The serializer signals SERDES+, SERDES- run through the signal lines / pins connecting the deserializer 277D and the serializer 277S. For experimental and / or analytical use, it is necessary to select and / or verify a connection mechanism that provides reliable signal transmission. In various embodiments, it is particularly advantageous to use the wire (COAX / 1) to carry the CRS detector signal (i.e., the output spectrum profile data or measurement signal, including the pixel value signal of the spectrometer) while the inner and outer shields are connected to the CRS ground, as shown in FIG. 7. In a CRS system, it is relatively important that the spectrometer signal undergoes a minimum amount of distortion or additional noise. By utilizing the COAX portion of the cable 211 (i.e., the No. 1 wire), signal degradation is minimized, thereby providing a reliable connection mechanism for the transmission of the spectrometer signal.

[0054] With regard to the LVDS serializer signals SERDES+, SERDES-, these signals run on two wires, with a third wire connected to ground. Additionally, the SERDES Lock / Sync signal runs on an additional wire. With regard to the serialization sequence, in one embodiment, position D0 is for the detector pixel clock. Position D1 is for the spectral profile measurement data profile start signal. Position D2 is for the spectrometer ready signal. Position D3 is for the XYZ latch signals, designated, for example, as described with respect to position latch 515 of FIG. 5. Position D4 is for the detector temperature alarm. Position D5 is for the spectrometer temperature alarm. Positions D6-D9 are undesignated and not explicitly assigned in this embodiment.

[0055] In one aspect, the LVDS serialization rate may utilize the fastest available digital signal (e.g., a detector pixel clock signal at several MHz). The serializer can extract the digital signals at a relatively high speed (e.g., twice the rate of the detector pixel clock). In one embodiment, the LVDS serializer can extract up to 10 digital signals per sampling cycle. The serializer can then transmit the combined signal at a very high speed rate (e.g., twice the rate of the detector pixel clock "10 digital signals + 2 sync bits"). In some embodiments, that rate will be a bit rate of 100 MHz or more.

[0056] The use of low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) serializers is particularly advantageous when the number of ports is limited, because a standard auto-joint connector can be used as the connector for the limited number of ports. In other words, a standard auto-joint connector can only provide a limited number of ports (e.g., 13 pins). In contrast, a standard CRS system may use a much larger number of conductors (e.g., 24 conductors), for example when connecting the controller to the spectrometer. The number of conductors can be reduced in part by avoiding non-essential signals. However, for the remaining signals, the LVDS serializer technique can provide more signals to the controller using only two signal lines, as illustrated in Figure 7.

[0057] Such LVDS serialization technique can provide at least three or more different signals using only two connections / conductors of the auto-switching joint element. In other embodiments, up to ten digital signals or information in digital form can be provided using only two conductors of the auto-switching joint element. The signal is robust because the differential signal ignores common mode noise. The technique can send low power (e.g., signals at + / - 500 mV with 1 V offset in one embodiment), which is important in the application of CMM probes. High speeds can be achieved (e.g., a jump in operating speed from 100 MHz to GHz). The signals run on relatively long wires. With the appropriate terminations, for example, several meters of wire can be used. In one embodiment, the LVDS serialization technique can use the SN65LV1023 serializer and SN67LV1224 parallelizer from Texas Instruments, Dallas, Texas, USA. The above signaling protocols or other well-known LVDS exhibiting protocols can be used.

[0058] 8-17, in order to provide a combination of desirable components that realizes another technically and economically attractive auto-changeable CRS optical probe system apparatus, instead of including the above-mentioned light source / wavelength detector section 160A (e.g., including wavelength detector 162 and light source 164) in a CRS optical probe assembly that is engaged with a CMM by an auto-joint connector, an auto-connectable free-space fiber coupling 870 is adopted. This allows light used in the CRS optical probe assembly 816 to propagate in free space within the fiber coupling 870 via optical elements attached in a fixed relationship to the fiber coupling 870.

[0059] For example, in some embodiments, the light source and wavelength detector section 160A (e.g., including wavelength detector 162 and light source 164) may be removed from the CRS optical probe assembly and instead may be located external to the CRS optical probe assembly (e.g., to maintain a light weight probe, probe balance, and compact probe size). In some embodiments, the light source and wavelength detector section 160A may be located with the measurement signal processing and control circuitry 160B. In some embodiments, the light source and wavelength detector section 160A may be located in a CMM controller (see CMM controller 202 in FIG. 2).

[0060] Physical contact fiber couplers are prone to breakage during repeated mating cycles due to contamination on the fiber surface. Even a small amount of dust can lead to a large loss of throughput. Therefore, physical contact fiber couplers can only provide a limited number of operational cycles. In one embodiment, an auto-interchangeable CRS optical probe system apparatus is provided that is suitable for a large number of auto-mating cycles and reduces the risk of contamination by using an auto-connectable free-space fiber coupling.

[0061] FIG. 8 illustrates a coordinate measuring system apparatus 800 and a CRS optical probe system apparatus 815 that is automatically connected and exchanged for other types of CMM probes. The coordinate measuring system apparatus 800 includes a CMM controller 802, a computer user interface 806, a probe signal processing and control circuitry 807, and a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) 810, where the controller 802 includes a probe head controller 803, a position latch 804, and a motion controller 805. The CRS optical probe 815 includes a probe assembly 816 and an auto-exchange joint element 836, and is connected to the CMM 810 via both a mating joint element of a probe auto-joint interface 830 (also referred to as an auto-exchange joint interface) and a free-space fiber coupling 870.

[0062] The CMM 810 communicates with other components through a data transfer line 801 (e.g., a bus). The data transfer line 801 is connected via a connector 808 (e.g., a "micro D" connector) to a probe head cable 811 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from a CRS optical probe 815. In various embodiments, the data transfer line 801 is also connected by a connector 808' to a cable 811' (e.g., as described in more detail in FIG. 9 below) for additionally or alternatively providing power and / or communications to and from the CRS optical probe 815. The CMM 810 is controlled by a CMM controller 802, while the CRS optical probe 815 is controlled by and exchanges data with a probe signal processing and control circuit 807 (e.g., in one embodiment, the probe signal processing and control circuit includes a light source and wavelength detector section 860A and a detector measurement signal processing and control section 860B, similar to components 160A, 160B of FIG. 1 described above). A user may control the entire configuration through a computer user interface 806. In some embodiments, the light source and wavelength detector section 860A and the detector measurement signal processing control section 860B may be included in the CMM controller 802, as represented by the dashed box in FIG.

[0063] 9, the CRS optical probe 815 includes a free-space fiber coupling 870 and an optical pen 820 that projects measurement light 896 onto a surface to be measured 890. In a specific embodiment, the surface to be measured 890 is the inner surface of a screw hole as described in FIG.

[0064] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of some of the components of the CMM 810 and CRS optical probe 815 of Figure 8. As shown in this figure, the CMM 810 includes a probe head 813 (only the connector portion is shown in Figure 9). The probe head 813 transmits and receives probe signals through a probe head cable 811 and is configured similarly to the probe head 213 of Figure 2. The probe head 813 is connected to the probe 815 at a probe automatic joint connection mechanism 830. The probe head cable 811 is configured similarly to the probe head cable 211 of Figures 2, 3A, 3B, 3A and 6 above.

[0065] The probe head 813, in one embodiment, rotates 360 degrees in a horizontal plane and includes a suitable type of U-shaped joint. The probe automatic joint connection mechanism 830 is an electromechanical connection mechanism that mechanically clamps the CRS optical probe 815 to the probe head 813, allowing the probe to be removed from the probe head 813 and another probe to be attached. In one embodiment, the probe automatic joint connection mechanism 830 includes first and second auto-exchange joint elements 834, 836, with the first auto-exchange joint element 834 attached to the probe head 813 and the second auto-exchange joint element 836 attached to the CRS optical probe 815. In one embodiment, the probe automatic joint connection mechanism 830 includes mating electrical contacts or electrical connections 835, such that when the probe is attached, the electrical contacts automatically connect to each other to form an electrical connection.

[0066] Additionally, in various embodiments, a motorized auto-connect mechanism 830' may also or alternatively be used to provide power and / or communication to and from the CRS optical probe 815. The motorized auto-connect mechanism 830' may be an electro-mechanical connection mechanism that couples the CRS optical probe 815 to the cable 811' such that the probe can be removed from the cable 811' and another probe can be attached. The motorized auto-connect mechanism 830' may include first and second auto-exchange joint elements 834', 836', where the first auto-exchange joint element 834' is attached to the probe head 813 and the second auto-exchange joint element 836' is attached to the CRS optical probe 815. In one embodiment, the motorized auto-connect mechanism 830' includes mating electrical contacts or electrical connections that are configured to automatically engage with each other and establish an electrical connection when a probe is attached. In various embodiments, the motorized auto-connect mechanism 830 may be a kinematic coupling and / or may include magnets in one or both of the first and second auto-exchange joint elements 834', 836' of the motorized auto-connect mechanism 830 so that the connection is held together.

[0067] The CRS optical probe 815 receives power and control signals through an automatic joint connection mechanism 830 and / or a motorized automatic connection mechanism 830'. The signals sent to the CRS optical probe 815 through the automatic joint connection mechanism 830 and / or the motorized automatic connection mechanism 830' are shown in FIG. 3A, Figure 3B or other types of connection mechanisms. The CRS optical probe 815 comprises a pen assembly (probe assembly) that includes an optical pen 820.

[0068] In various embodiments, one particular advantage of using the motorized auto-connect mechanism 830' relates to the problem discussed above, where a standard auto-joint connection mechanism 830 has a limited number of available wired connections, and more connections are desired / available for the CRS optical probe 815 (e.g., as provided by the motorized auto-connect mechanism 830'). In various embodiments, in addition to standard power and / or communication signals, the CRS optical probe 815 may have additional features / capabilities, and thus the required additional power and / or communication signals are provided through the motorized auto-connect mechanism 830'. For example, the CRS optical probe 815 of one embodiment may include a rotation mechanism (e.g., one used to rotate the optical element of the optical pen 820 and correspondingly rotate the direction of the measurement light, as shown in FIG. 8), and the motorized auto-connect mechanism 830' may be used to provide power and / or communication signals to power and / or control the rotation mechanism. An example of a CRS optical probe 815 including a rotation mechanism is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,817,240. As disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,817,240, an embodiment of the CRS optical probe 815 may include a rotation mechanism for rotating an optical element, and the rotation mechanism according to various embodiments may include components such as bearings, gears, and / or motors required for the rotational motion. In embodiments utilizing a rotational component (e.g., including a motor, a rotary encoder, etc.) to control the rotational drive of the optical element of the optical pen 820, power and / or control signals for the rotational component may be provided through the motorized auto-connect mechanism 830'.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 8, the system apparatus 800 includes a free-space fiber coupling 870. The free-space fiber coupling 870 may be a kinematic coupling. As shown in Fig. 9, a first coupling element 871 of the free-space fiber coupling 870 is fixed to the probe head 813 by a first clamp 873, The second coupling element 872 of the free space fiber coupling 870 is secured to the CRS optical probe 815 by a second clamp 874. One or both of the first and second clamps 873, 874 may be floating clamps or flexible brackets, for example, to provide some freedom of movement to at least one of the first coupling element 871 and the second coupling element 872 during an auto-coupling operation. Such clamps facilitate the alignment and snap-fit ​​of the first and second coupling elements 871, 872 of the free space fiber coupling 870 relative to one another during an auto-coupling operation.

[0070] It will be appreciated that the first and second auto-exchange joint elements 834', 836' of the motorized auto-connect mechanism 830' may be positioned and connected in the same manner, and that the first and second auto-exchange joint elements 834, 836 of the probe auto-joint connection mechanism 830 may be positioned and connected in the same manner during an auto-coupling operation. During the auto-disconnect / disconnect step, the respective elements may be configured to be pulled apart / separated to allow the CRS optical probe 815 to move away from the probe head 813. Once separated, the CRS optical probe 815 (or another CRS optical probe) may be coupled to the probe head 813 or may be coupled to another probe head as part of a subsequent auto-connect step.

[0071] In various embodiments, each of the probe automatic joint connection mechanism 830, the motorized automatic connection mechanism 830', and / or the free space fiber coupling 870 has coupling surfaces that are approximately precisely aligned with respect to one another, each having advantages (e.g., related to facilitating the coupling / decoupling process by simplifying / improving the overall coupling / decoupling mechanism, etc.). In various embodiments, the second auto-exchange joint element 836' and / or other elements of the CRS optical probe 815 may have features (e.g., protrusions, recesses, etc., such as grooves on the side) to facilitate gripping or contact and movement by a movement mechanism (e.g., a robotic arm having engagement and / or gripping elements at its tip) for engaging and moving the CRS optical probe 815 as part of the automatic coupling / decoupling process of the probe head 813.

[0072] A first coupling element 871 of the free space fiber coupling 870 is connected to a first fiber optic cable 812' that interfaces with the light source / wavelength detector unit 860A (see FIG. 8). A second coupling element 872 is connected to a second fiber optic cable 812'' that interfaces with the optical pen 820. The free space fiber coupling 870 includes an FC / APC (beveled connector, e.g., fiber polished at an 8 or 9 degree angle) fiber ferrule connector, which may have a beveled connection mechanism (e.g., a 4 degree angle) that facilitates reduced back reflections.

[0073] Optical pen 820 (similar to optical pen 120) may include a fiber connector 809 and a confocal optical path having aperture 895 and chromatic dispersion optics 850, and may be configured to output measurement light 896. In accordance with one embodiment, optical pen 820 includes a repeatable, rapid-change exchange mount 885 that allows for replacement of chromatic dispersion optics 850, as described in more detail in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0074] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an optical connection path for one embodiment of the system device 800 of FIG. 8. The optical pen 820 includes a fiber optic connector 809 and a replaceable optical mechanism 880. In various embodiments, the fiber optic connector 809 may be configured to be attachable to an end of the housing 831. Alternatively, the fiber optic connector 809 may be attached to a fixed mount and the optical mechanism 880 may be attached to a rotation mechanism (e.g., the replaceable optical mechanism may be rotated by the rotation mechanism as in the embodiment of U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,233, or the optical mechanism may include a rotation mechanism that rotates the optical mechanism as in other configurations). The fiber optic connector 809 holds a first end of an input / output optical fiber (details not shown) through an integrated fiber optic cable 812''. The input / output optical fiber outputs source light and receives reflected light through a fiber aperture. The source light and reflected light are used to obtain measurements as described in more detail in FIG. 1.

[0075] A second end of the fiber optic cable 812'' is held by a fiber optic connector 809'' of a second coupling element 872 of the free space fiber coupling 870. A first end of the fiber optic cable 812' is held by a fiber optic connector 809' of a first coupling element 871 of the free space fiber coupling 870. The light source light and the reflected light are transmitted to free space in the free space fiber coupling 870. A second end of the fiber optic cable 812' is coupled to a fiber coupler 861 of an electronics unit 860 including a wavelength detector 862, a light source 864, a signal processor 866, and a memory unit 868. In various embodiments, the fiber optic coupler 861, the wavelength detector 862, and the light source 864 may be included as part of a light source / wavelength detector unit 860A. Also, the signal processor 866 and the memory unit 868 may be included as part of a detector measurement signal processing control unit 860B (similar to the configuration examples of FIGS. 1 to 8). In various embodiments, wavelength detector 862 includes a spectrometer or spectrometer arrangement in which dispersive optics (e.g., a diffraction grating) receive the reflected light via fiber optic cable 812' and transmit the resulting spectral intensity profile, for example to a detector array (see detector array 163 in FIG. 1). Wavelength detector 862 may also include associated signal processing functionality (e.g., functionality provided by signal processor 866 in some embodiments), i.e., functionality to remove or compensate for detector-related error components from the profile data. As such, aspects of wavelength detector 862 and signal processor 866 may be integrated and / or made indistinguishable.

[0076] The white light source 864 is controlled by a signal processor 866 and is connected to the fiber optic cable 812' by a fiber optic coupler 861 (e.g., a 2x1 optical coupler). As described above, when the light passes through the free-space fiber coupling 870 and the optical pen 820, the optical pen 820 imparts axial chromatic aberration, which changes the focal length depending on the wavelength of the light. The wavelength of light that returns most efficiently through the optical fiber is the wavelength that is focused on the surface 890 at the Z position (see Figs. 1 and 8). The wavelength-dependent reflected intensity light then passes again through the free-space fiber coupling 870 and the fiber optic coupler 861, and a portion of the light is directed to a wavelength detector 862 (e.g., in this configuration, about 25% of the light is directed to the 1x2 optical coupler), which operates to receive the spectral intensity profile distributed on the pixel array along the measurement axis of the detector array (see detector array 163 in Fig. 1) and provide corresponding profile data. Reference can be made to the detailed description in the above patent document and the explanation in Fig. 1.

[0077] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of some configurations of the free space fiber couplings 870 of Figure 8. A second end of the fiber optic cable 812'' is held in a fiber optic connector 809'' of a second coupling element 872 of the free space fiber coupling 870. A first end of the fiber optic cable 812' is held in a fiber optic connector 809' of a first coupling element 871 of the free space fiber coupling 870. The free space fiber coupling 870 couples and decouples at a kinematic coupling surface 878 of a kinematic mount 879.

[0078] The first coupling element 871 on the light source side has a lens system 850' including an achromatic lens and can transmit the visible light spectrum. As shown, the lens system 850' includes a collimating lens 852' and a focusing lens 853'. The collimating lens 852' collects the fiber output of the fiber optic cable 812' fixed to the fiber optic connector 809' and collimates it to the focusing lens 853'. The focusing lens 853' focuses the collimated light into the optical fiber of the fiber optic cable 812'' fixed to the fiber optic connector 809''. The lens system 850' protects the fiber of the fiber optic cable 812', for example by preventing dirt and dust from entering the fiber core. The second coupling element 872 on the sensor side has a protective glass window 858' that protects the fiber of the fiber optic cable 812''. Light transmitted by focusing lens 853' passes through protective glass window 858' into fiber optic cable 812''. One skilled in the art will recognize that the lenses act as collimating lenses for light traveling in a first direction and as focusing lenses for light traveling in a second direction. For example, reflected light passes back through the optical fiber of fiber optic cable 812'' from protective glass window 858' through the focusing lens, where the focusing lens acts as a collimating lens for the reflected light, collimating the reflected light into collimating lens 852'. Collimating lens 852' acts as a focusing lens for the reflected light, focusing the reflected light into the fiber of fiber optic cable 812'.

[0079] Fiber optic connectors 809', 809'' are shown as FC / APC fiber ferrule connectors that are configured at an angle 857' relative to the axis of lens system 850' to secure the fibers of fiber optic cables 812', 812'' at, for example, a 4 degree angle. This configuration facilitates reducing back reflections in system apparatus 800.

[0080] In the example configuration of FIG. 11 , the kinematic coupling surface 878 of the kinematic mount 879 is located approximately at or between the focusing lens 853′ and the fiber of the fiber optic cable 812″. In addition, an end face 878′ of the first coupling element 871 and / or the lens system 850′ may be located between the focusing lens 853′ and the fiber of the fiber optic cable 812″ (e.g., the end face 878′ may be parallel to the kinematic surface 878 and aligned with an end or end face of the first coupling element 871 and / or the lens system 850′). As described in more detail below, positioning the coupling surface 878 and / or the end face 878′ between the focusing lens 853′ and the fiber of the fiber optic cable 812″ may provide a kinematic coupling that is less sensitive to tilt and less dependent on Z position (axial).

[0081] As shown in FIG. 11, the lens system 850' is disposed in the first coupling element 871 on the light source or CMM (see CMM 810). The decoupling surface 878 is provided at the position of the focusing lens 853'. Alternatively, the decoupling surface 878 is disposed between the focusing lens 853' and the fiber cable 812'' on the sensor or CRS optical probe (see CRS optical probe 815). This configuration facilitates cost reduction since only one lens system is required even when many different CRS optical probes 815 are used with one CMM 810. However, a person skilled in the art will easily recognize that in some embodiments, the lens system 850' may alternatively be disposed in the second coupling element 872 on the sensor or CRS optical probe 815, such that the decoupling surface 878 and / or the end surface 878' are disposed between the lens system 850' and the fiber cable 812' on the light source or CMM 810. More generally, the configuration may be reversed (e.g., the embodiments of Figures 8 and 9 may be representative of configurations having the orientations shown in Figures 10, 11, and 16, or the embodiments of Figures 8 and 9 may include a reversed configuration in which lens system 850' and associated configurations are on the fiber optic cable 812'' side).

[0082] 12A and 12B are detailed views of an exemplary kinematic mount 879. FIG. 12A shows a sensor-side coupling 879″ of the kinematic mount 879, and FIG. 12B shows a light source-side coupling 879′ of the kinematic mount 879. As shown, the sensor-side coupling 879″ has three ball bearings 891 that mate with three corresponding V-grooves 892 in the light source-side coupling 879′. The light source-side coupling 879′ has three corresponding magnets located near and radially inward of each of the V-grooves 892 to magnetically couple (i.e., as part of the kinematic coupling) with a surface of the sensor-side coupling 879″ that has the ball bearings 891 (i.e., magnetically couples with a surface just radially inward from each of the ball bearings 891 in the illustrated configuration). The ball bearings 891 and V-grooves 892 are positioned such that when the kinematic mount 879 is mated, the light source side coupling 879' and the sensor side coupling 879'' are correctly positioned (e.g., the gap between the ball bearings 891 and the V-grooves 892 can be made non-uniform to limit the usable coupling positions to one). In various embodiments, other types of kinematic mounts (e.g., conical mounts) can also be used.

[0083] Figure 13 shows one possible configuration of a lens system 1350 for fiber coupling 1370 (e.g., representative of a conventional system configuration). In Figure 13, a coupling face 1378 of a kinematic mount 1379 is placed between a collimating lens 1352 and a focusing lens 1353 (representing a conventional coupling face placement in a fiber coupling configuration with a lens and fiber on either side of the coupling face). The configuration of Figure 13 suffers from high throughput sensitivity to tilt of the optical axis.

[0084] 14 and 15 show an exemplary configuration of the lens system 850' of the free-space fiber coupling 870 of FIG. 8. In FIG. 14, a coupling face 878 of a kinematic mount 879 is disposed between the focusing lens 853' and the fiber of the fiber optic cable 812''. In various embodiments, the location of the coupling face 878 refers to the location of an end face 878' of the first coupling element 871 and / or an end face 878' of the lens system 850' (e.g., FIG. 11). Thus, such a configuration has both lenses 852', 853' on the coupling face 878 and / or end face 878' side (e.g., the fiber side of the fiber optic cable 812') but no lenses on the opposite side of the coupling face 878 and / or end face 878' (e.g., the fiber side of the fiber optic cable 812'').

[0085] Such a configuration has lower / improved throughput sensitivity to tilt of the optical axis compared to the configuration of Figure 13. It also has low throughput sensitivity to Z position dependency. It also has moderate sensitivity to cross-sectional XY position tolerance. There is a trade-off between reduced sensitivity to tilt and sensitivity to the XY position of the fiber cross section, resulting in improved overall throughput performance of the configuration of Figure 14 compared to the configuration of Figure 13. The configuration of Figure 15 differs from that of Figure 14 in that it includes a protective glass (protective glass window 858') disposed between the focusing lens 853' and the fibers of the fiber optic cable 812''. This protective glass window 858' may be provided with an anti-reflective coating.

[0086] FIG. 16 illustrates an alignment mechanism for a kinematic mount for a typical free-space fiber coupling of the system of FIG. 8. As shown, adjustment of one or more set screws 899 aligns the fibers of the fiber optic cables 812', 812'' with the lenses 852', 853'. Other alignment mechanisms can also be used. Once the alignment is set, the kinematic mount becomes a highly repeatable and automated coupling mechanism for the free-space fiber coupling 870.

[0087] The flow chart of FIG. 17 illustrates a routine 1700 for providing and operating an auto-exchangeable CRS optical probe according to the present embodiment. In block 1710, a system apparatus is provided that includes a CRS optical probe, and the CRS optical probe is configured to be automatically connected to a CMM under program control. The CRS optical probe includes an auto-exchange joint element and a CRS optical probe assembly. The auto-exchange joint element is attached to the CMM via a standard auto-exchange joint connection mechanism. The CRS optical probe assembly is attached to the auto-exchange joint element to enable automatic connection to the CMM. The system apparatus includes a free-space fiber coupling to provide an optical path for light used by the CRS optical probe assembly. The CRS optical probe assembly includes an optical pen. As described above, in various embodiments, the optical pen has a confocal optical path formed with chromatic dispersion optics and is configured to focus different wavelengths of light at different distances along a measurement axis near a workpiece surface to be measured. The light transmitted by the free-space fiber coupling has an input spectral profile of a wavelength range sent to the optical pen.

[0088] At block 1720, the CRS optical probe is connected to the CMM via an auto-interchangeable joint element and via a free-space fiber coupling. The CRS probe assembly may be provided with predetermined power and control signals via the auto-interchangeable joint connection mechanism, and measurement light is provided to the CRS probe assembly via the free-space fiber coupling.

[0089] At block 1730, the CMM is used to position the optical pen relative to the workpiece surface for measurement, and a measurement operation of the CRS optical probe is performed, with light used for the measurement operation being sent out and returned via a free-space fiber coupling.

[0090] In addition to the various embodiments described above, there are many modifications based on the configuration and operation procedure of the invention disclosed herein. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, it has been emphasized that the control signal and data signal are output in the form of a signal that flows through the probe automatic joint connection mechanism 230 / 830 and / or the electric automatic connection mechanism 830', but a part or all of the signal may be transmitted wirelessly to bypass the probe automatic joint connection mechanism 230 / 830 and / or the electric automatic connection mechanism 830'. In this way, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0091] The free space fiber optic coupling may also include a first coupling element and a second coupling element configured to be removably coupled to each other. The first coupling element may include a first fiber optic connector configured to couple to a light source and wavelength detector of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) via an optical fiber of the first fiber optic cable and may be configured to be attached to a probe head of the CMM. The second coupling element may include a second fiber optic connector configured to couple to an optical pen of a chromatic range sensor (CRS) optical probe via an optical fiber of the second fiber optic cable and may be configured to be attached to a CRS optical probe. One of the first and second coupling elements may include a set of optical lenses configured to collimate light received by the optical fiber of the first fiber optic cable and focus the collimated light into the optical fiber of the second fiber optic cable. The set of lenses may also be configured to collimate reflected light received by the optical fiber of the second fiber optic cable and focus the collimated reflected light into the optical fiber of the first fiber optic cable.

[0092] Additionally, the first coupling element may include a first kinematic coupling and the second coupling element may include a second kinematic coupling configured to mate with the first kinematic coupling. Additionally, the first coupling element may include a pair of optical lenses, and the kinematic coupling surfaces of the first and second kinematic couplings may be located between the focusing lens and the optical fiber of the second fiber optic cable.

[0093] The first and second optical fiber connectors may be fiber ferrule connectors. The first and second optical fiber connectors may be beveled connectors. The first optical fiber connector may be configured to secure the optical fiber of the first optical fiber cable at an angle to the axis of the lens system, for example, the angle being 4 degrees.

[0094] Also, the first coupling element may include a pair of optical lenses and the second coupling element may include a glass window configured to protect the optical fibers of the second fiber optic cable, the glass window may have an anti-reflective coating.

[0095] The set of lenses may also include an aberration correcting lens system, and the set of lenses may be configured to protect the optical fibers of the first fiber optic cable.

[0096] The chromatic range sensor (CRS) optical probe may also include an optical pen and a fiber optic cable coupled to the optical pen. The optical pen may have a confocal optical path including at least a confocal aperture and a chromatic dispersion optical system, and may be configured to focus light of different wavelengths at different distances along a measurement axis near a workpiece surface to be measured. The CRS optical probe may include a coupling element of a free-space fiber optic coupling coupled to the fiber optic cable and attached to the CRS optical probe. The coupling element may be configured to receive focused light transmitted to free space by a focusing lens of a coupling element of a free-space fiber optic coupling attached to a corresponding probe head of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CRS optical probe may also include an auto-exchange joint element that is attachable to a CMM via an auto-exchange joint connection mechanism.

[0097] Additionally, the coupling elements of the CRS optical probe may be attached to auto-exchange joint elements.

[0098] The CRS optical probe coupling element and the corresponding coupling element may be configured with a kinematic coupling that engages with each other. The CRS optical probe coupling element may include a glass window configured to protect the optical fiber of the fiber optic cable. The glass window may be provided with an anti-reflective coating.

[0099] The CRS optical probe may also include interchangeable optical elements having chromatic dispersion optics.

[0100] The CMM may also include a probe head having light generating circuitry, wavelength detecting circuitry, CMM control circuitry, a fiber optic cable coupled to the light generating circuitry and the wavelength detecting circuitry, and an auto-exchange joint connection mechanism configured to be coupled to an auto-exchange element of the CRS optical probe. The CMM may include a free-space fiber coupling coupling element attached to the probe head. The coupling element has a free-space lens system coupled to the fiber optic cable and including a pair of lenses. The lens system is configured to collimate light received by the fiber optic cable and focus the collimated light into a fiber of the fiber optic cable of a corresponding coupling element of the CRS optical probe.

[0101] The coupling elements of the free-space fiber coupling may be kinematic couplings that engage with each other. The kinematic coupling surface of the free-space fiber coupling may be located on a side of the lens system opposite to the side connected to the optical fiber cable. The lens system may be an aberration-correcting lens system.

[0102] The system device may also include a CMM and a CRS optical probe. The CMM may include a light generating circuit configuration, a wavelength detecting circuit configuration, a CMM control circuit configuration, a probe head having an automatic exchange joint connection mechanism, and a first coupling element of a free-space type optical fiber coupling attached to the probe head. The CRS optical probe may include an optical pen having a confocal optical path including at least a confocal aperture and a chromatic dispersion optical system. The optical pen is configured to focus light of different wavelengths at different distances along a measurement axis near a workpiece surface to be measured. The CRS optical probe may also include a second coupling element of the free-space type optical fiber coupling attached to the CRS optical probe, and an automatic exchange joint element attached to the CMM via the automatic exchange joint connection mechanism. One of the first and second coupling elements of the free-space type optical fiber coupling may include a free-space lens system having a pair of lenses, and the other of the first and second coupling elements may be configured to receive the focused light transmitted to free space by the pair of lenses.

[0103] The first coupling element may include a first kinematic coupling and the second coupling element may include a second kinematic coupling that mates with the first kinematic coupling. The first coupling element may include a lens system with kinematic coupling surfaces of the first and second kinematic couplings, the kinematic coupling surfaces being disposed between the lens system and the optical fiber of the second coupling element.

[0104] The first coupling element and the second coupling element may comprise a fiber ferrule connector. The second coupling element may include a glass window configured to protect the optical fiber. The lens system may include an aberration correcting lens system.

[0105] In some embodiments, the method includes automatically coupling the CMM to the CRS optical probe, the automatic coupling step including attaching an auto-exchange joint element of the CRS optical probe to an auto-exchange joint interface of the CMM, and connecting a first coupling element of a free-space fiber optic coupling attached to the CMM to a second coupling element of a free-space fiber optic coupling attached to the CRS optical probe. One of the coupling elements of the free-space fiber optic coupling includes a pair of optical lenses. Light is generated using the CMM. The generated light is transmitted to the CRS optical probe via the free-space fiber optic coupling. The pair of optical lenses collimates the light generated by the CMM and focuses the collimated light into an optical fiber of the second coupling element of the free-space fiber optic coupling. Reflected light from the CRS optical probe is transmitted to the CMM via the free-space fiber optic coupling. The pair of optical lenses collimates the reflected light and focuses the reflected light into an optical fiber of the first coupling element of the free-space fiber optic coupling. Here, measurement data may be generated based on the reflected light transmitted to the CMM, and the first coupling element of the free space fiber optic coupling may include a pair of optical lenses.

[0106] In addition to the various embodiments described above, the present invention has many variations based on the configuration and operation of the invention disclosed herein. For example, the CMM disclosed herein may be any type of conventional CMM and / or any other type of machine that uses an optical probe to determine coordinate values ​​(e.g., a robotic platform that uses an optical probe, etc.). As another example, in addition to the CRS optical probe disclosed herein, other types of optical probes can be used with the system arrangements and configurations disclosed herein (e.g., if other non-contact white light optical probes are used, light can be similarly transmitted to the optical probe via the free space fiber optic coupling disclosed herein, etc.).

Claims

1. A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and a chromatic range sensor (CRS) optical probe, The CMM includes: A light generating circuit configuration; A wavelength detection circuit configuration; Coordinate measuring machine (CMM) control circuitry; A probe head with an automatic exchange joint connection mechanism; a first coupling element of a free space optical fiber coupling attached to the probe head; The CRS optical probe comprises: An optical pen configured to have a confocal optical path including at least a confocal aperture and a chromatic dispersion optical system, and configured to focus light of different wavelengths at different distances along a measurement axis near a workpiece measurement surface; a second coupling element of the free space fiber optic coupling attached to the CRS optical probe; an auto-exchange joint element attachable to the CMM via the auto-exchange joint connection mechanism; one of the first and second coupling elements of the free-space optical fiber coupling includes a free-space lens system having a set of optical lenses; the other of the first and second coupling elements of the free-space optical fiber coupling is configured to receive the focused light transmitted into free space by the set of optical lenses; the free space type optical fiber coupling is an optical fiber coupling configured such that, in a coupled state of the first and second coupling elements, there is a space between an end of an optical fiber of the first coupling element and an end of an optical fiber of the second coupling element, the space being referred to herein as a free space in the free space type optical fiber coupling, and light from one of the optical fibers is transmitted to the other of the optical fibers by the pair of optical lenses provided in the free space; the set of optical lenses being configured to collimate light from one of the optical fibers and to focus the collimated light into the other of the optical fibers.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first coupling element comprises a first kinematic coupling, and the second coupling element comprises a second kinematic coupling configured to mesh with the first kinematic coupling.

3. 3. The system device of claim 2, wherein the first coupling element includes the lens system, and an end face of the first coupling element and at least one of the kinematic coupling surfaces of the first and second kinematic couplings are located between the lens system and the optical fiber of the second coupling element.

4. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the second coupling element includes a glass window configured to protect an optical fiber.

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the glass window includes an anti-reflective coating.

6. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second coupling elements comprise fiber ferrule connectors.

7. 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein said fiber ferrule connector is a connector polished to have a beveled surface.

8. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the lens system comprises an aberration corrected lens system.

9. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first coupling element includes the lens system, the lens system configured to protect an optical fiber of a first fiber optic cable.

10. a first coupling element having a first fiber optic connector configured to couple to a light source and wavelength detector of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) via an optical fiber of a first fiber optic cable, the first coupling element being configured to be attached to a probe head of the CMM; a second coupling element configured to be attached to a chromatic range sensor (CRS) optical probe, the second coupling element having a second fiber optic connector configured to couple to an optical pen of the chromatic range sensor (CRS) optical probe via an optical fiber of a second fiber optic cable, the second coupling element being configured to be attached to the CRS optical probe, the first and second coupling elements are configured to releasably couple to one another; the free space type optical fiber coupling is an optical fiber coupling configured such that, in a coupled state of the first and second coupling elements, there is a space between an end of an optical fiber of the first coupling element and an end of an optical fiber of the second coupling element, the space being referred to herein as a free space in the free space type optical fiber coupling, and light from one of the optical fibers is transmitted to the other of the optical fibers by a pair of optical lenses provided in the free space; 13. A free-space optical fiber coupling, comprising: one of the first and second coupling elements including a lens system having a set of optical lenses configured to collimate light from one of the optical fibers and focus the collimated light into the other of the optical fibers.

11. 11. The free space fiber optic coupling of claim 10, wherein the first coupling element comprises a first kinematic coupling, and the second coupling element comprises a second kinematic coupling configured to mate with the first kinematic coupling.

12. 12. The free space fiber optic coupling of claim 11, wherein the first coupling element includes the pair of optical lenses, and an end face of the first coupling element and at least one of the kinematic coupling faces of the first and second kinematic couplings are located between a focusing lens and the optical fiber of the second fiber optic cable.

13. 11. The free space fiber optic coupling of claim 10, wherein the first fiber optic connector and the second fiber optic connector are fiber ferrule connectors.

14. 11. The free space type optical fiber coupling according to claim 10, 11. A free space fiber optic coupling, comprising: a first fiber optic connector configured to secure the optical fiber of the first fiber optic cable at an angle relative to an axis of the lens system.

15. 15. The free space fiber optic coupling of claim 14, wherein said angle is 4 degrees.

16. 11. The free space type optical fiber coupling according to claim 10, 13. A free space fiber optic coupling, comprising: a first coupling element including the set of optical lenses; and a second coupling element including a glass window configured to protect the optical fiber of the second fiber optic cable.

17. 11. The free space fiber optic coupling of claim 10, wherein the set of optical lenses comprises an aberration correcting lens system.

18. 11. The free space type optical fiber coupling according to claim 10, 13. A free space fiber optic coupling, comprising: a first coupling element including a pair of optical lenses configured to protect the optical fibers of the first fiber optic cable.

19. 11. The free space fiber optic coupling of claim 10, wherein the set of optical lenses is configured to collimate reflected light received by the optical fiber of the second fiber optic cable and to focus the collimated reflected light into the optical fiber of the first fiber optic cable.

20. an automatic coupling step including a mounting step of mounting an auto-exchange joint element of a chromatic range sensor (CRS) optical probe to an auto-exchange joint connection mechanism of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM); and a connecting step of connecting a first coupling element of a free space fiber optic coupling mounted on the CMM to a second coupling element of the free space fiber optic coupling mounted on the CRS optical probe, one of the coupling elements of the free space fiber optic coupling including a set of optical lenses, each lens constituting the set of optical lenses being not separated before and after the connection, thereby automatically coupling the CMM to the CRS optical probe; generating light using the CMM; transmitting the generated light through the free-space fiber optic coupling to the CRS optical probe by using the set of optical lenses to collimate the CMM generated light and focus the collimated light into an optical fiber of the second coupling element of the free-space fiber optic coupling; and transmitting the reflected light from the CRS optical probe to the CMM via the free space fiber optic coupling by the set of optical lenses collimating and focusing the reflected light into an optical fiber of the first coupling element of the free space fiber optic coupling; Including, the free space optical fiber coupling is configured such that, when the first and second coupling elements are connected, there is a space between an end of the optical fiber of the first coupling element and an end of the optical fiber of the second coupling element, the space being referred to herein as the free space in the free space optical fiber coupling, and light from one of the optical fibers is transmitted to the other of the optical fibers by the set of optical lenses provided in the free space.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising generating measurement data based on the reflected light transmitted to the CMM.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the first coupling element of the free space fiber optic coupling includes the pair of optical lenses.

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