CMM Relational Command Menu for Faster Inspection Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coordinate measuring machine (CMM) programming systems are complex for users, especially unskilled ones, as they require selecting tools from a toolbar to measure features, leading to confusion and incorrect selections due to the lack of clear indication of possible measurements between workpiece features.
Innovation Solution
A context-sensitive relational command menu is introduced, which displays valid commands based on concurrently selected geometric features, allowing users to define constructed features or measurement operations directly within the inspection plan, simplifying the programming process by indicating compatible operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a toolbar with multiple measurement tools is provided for user selection, then the system offers comprehensive measurement capabilities, but the interface becomes complex and confusing for unskilled users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement capabilities by organizing them into context-sensitive groups based on the selected workpiece features. Instead of presenting all measurement tools simultaneously, the system divides the toolset into relevant subsets that appear dynamically based on the current selection, making the interface less overwhelming while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic user interface where the available measurement tools change automatically based on the context of selected features. The system dynamically adjusts the displayed commands and tools to show only those relevant to the currently selected geometric features, transforming a static comprehensive toolbar into an adaptive, context-aware interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all measurement tools are always displayed in the toolbar, then users have access to all functions, but unskilled users cannot determine which tool to select for their needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically analyzing the selected workpiece features and pre-determining which measurement tools are appropriate before the user needs to select them. The system performs this analysis in advance and presents only the relevant tools, eliminating the need for users to search through all available functions or guess which tool to use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the user's feature selections and automatically updating the displayed measurement tools based on the current context. This real-time feedback loop ensures that the presented tools are always relevant to the selected features, guiding unskilled users toward appropriate measurements without overwhelming them with irrelevant options.
3Manufacturing precision
If the system provides detailed programming options for inspection operations, then the inspection plans can be highly accurate and customized, but the programming process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically generating appropriate measurement operations and programming code based on the selected features and context. Instead of requiring users to manually program each inspection operation from scratch, the system pre-configures relevant measurement parameters and code templates, allowing users to review and adjust rather than create everything manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically generate inspection program code and configure measurement operations based on the user's feature selections. The system serves itself by translating the high-level user intentions into detailed programming instructions, reducing the manual programming effort required while maintaining accuracy and customization capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for programming workpiece feature inspection operations for a coordinate measuring machine. The system includes a computer-aided design (CAD) file processing portion, a geometric relationship analyzer, an inspection motion path generation portion, and a user interface including an editable plan representation of a current workpiece feature inspection plan, a workpiece inspection program simulation portion configured to display a 3D view including geometric features and inspection operation representations, and a context sensitive menu portion. The context sensitive menu portion displays a context sensitive relational command menu that indicates a valid set of relational commands including relational feature or relational measurement commands operable to define a corresponding constructed feature or corresponding relational measurement operation to be included in the current workpiece feature inspection plan. The valid set of relational commands is determined based on a concurrently selected geometric feature set including at least two geometric features concurrently selected and indicated in the user interface.