Coordinate Measuring Machine Database for Geometric Element Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coordinate measuring machines require significant operator knowledge and experience to create accurate and efficient measurement sequences, especially when dealing with diverse geometric elements and sensor types, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in determining dimensional properties.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a database of predefined measuring elements and test features, allowing operators to select geometric elements and corresponding test features graphically, with the system automatically generating a measurement sequence based on the selected characteristics, optimizing the measurement process for the specific measuring head and object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual control of measuring head movements is used, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but measurement speed and productivity decrease significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating the measurement sequence based on selected test characteristics and geometric elements. The control unit prepares the complete measurement program in advance, including all necessary head movements and data recording points, eliminating the need for manual real-time control while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coordinate measuring machine performs self-service through automated sequence generation. The control unit automatically creates the measurement program from the selected test characteristics and geometric elements without requiring manual programming, enabling the system to serve itself in generating efficient measurement paths while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated measurement sequence creation is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity and operator knowledge requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The graphical user interface acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex automated measurement system. The interface allows operators to select test characteristics and geometric elements through simple graphical interactions without needing to understand the underlying complex automated sequence generation processes, thus reducing the perceived device complexity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses graphical representations and visual copies of the measurement object and test characteristics to simplify operator interaction. Instead of requiring operators to program complex measurement sequences, they work with visual copies and representations that automatically translate into the actual measurement program, reducing the complexity barrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If comprehensive test characteristic selection is required, then measurement completeness improves, but ease of operation decreases due to extensive operator knowledge requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement completenessVSAvoidoperator skill requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs self-service by automatically generating the complete measurement sequence from the selected test characteristics and geometric elements. The system itself handles the complex task of determining all necessary measurement points and paths, ensuring measurement completeness without requiring the operator to have extensive knowledge of measurement planning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The graphical user interface serves as an intermediary that simplifies the selection process. Operators can select test characteristics and geometric elements through intuitive graphical interactions, and the system automatically handles the complex translation into complete measurement sequences, maintaining both completeness and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3274654B1Method, device and computer program product for determining dimensional properties of a measured object
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIELLE MESSTECHNIKE GMBH
  • EP3274654B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3274654B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3274654B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

For determining dimensional properties of a measured object, which has a plurality of geometrical elements (46, 48, 50, 52), a database (34) is provided, which contains a plurality of predefined measurement elements (36) and a plurality of typical test characteristics (38) for the predefined measurement elements (36). Each typical test characteristic represents a defined dimensional property of at least one predefined measurement element. In addition, a visual display (32) of the measured object is made available, which shows at least one first geometrical element (46). The operator can select the first geometrical element (46) on the basis of the visual display (32). Test characteristics (56) suitable for the selected first geometrical element (46') are then displayed. In this way, the suitable test characteristics (56) from the plurality of typical test characteristics (38) in the database (34) are determined, in that the selected first geometrical element (46') is associated with a typical predefined measurement element. The operator can select a displayed suitable test characteristic (56). A defined measurement procedure (40) is created according to the selected test characteristic (56'). Individual measurement values on the first geometrical element (46) are then recorded according to the defined measurement procedure (40). A numerical value is defined according to the individual measurement values, which represents a dimensional property of the first geometrical element (46), which corresponds to the selected test characteristic (56').