Coordinate Measuring Sequence Selection Under Timing Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TSP algorithms for determining measurement sequences in coordinate measuring machines are inefficient, requiring long computing times and often getting stuck in local optima, leading to potential delays and unsuitable measurement sequences.
Innovation Solution
Employ multiple algorithms to generate and evaluate various measurement sequences, combining algorithms with different speeds and qualities to increase the likelihood of finding an absolute optimum and considering conditions such as collision avoidance and relative relationships between surface areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single TSP algorithm is used to determine measurement sequences, then the algorithm can find a solution, but it gets stuck in local optima and requires long computing times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple TSP algorithms (e.g., nearest neighbor algorithm, 2-opt algorithm, 3-opt algorithm) into a hybrid approach where each algorithm processes the measurement elements and generates a measurement sequence. The sequences from different algorithms are then evaluated and the best one is selected, preventing any single algorithm from getting stuck in local optima while maintaining reasonable computing time.
2Reliability
If multiple algorithms are used to generate measurement sequences, then the quality of the sequence improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the algorithm selection process into distinct stages: first, multiple different TSP algorithms are applied independently to generate candidate measurement sequences; second, each generated sequence is evaluated based on criteria such as total path length and collision avoidance; third, the best sequence is selected. This segmentation manages complexity by breaking down the problem into manageable independent steps.
3Productivity
If the measurement sequence is optimized to minimize movements, then the productivity increases, but the risk of collisions and constraint violations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where each generated measurement sequence is evaluated against multiple criteria including total path length (for productivity) and collision avoidance (for safety). The evaluation process provides feedback on the quality of each sequence, and this feedback is used to select the optimal sequence that balances productivity with constraint satisfaction. Algorithms like 2-opt and 3-opt provide iterative improvement with feedback on path optimization.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for selecting a measurement sequence for at least one coordinate measuring machine (18), comprising: a) obtaining a plurality of surface areas (14) of an object (10) which are to be measured with respect to at least one predetermined property using at least one measuring sensor (16), wherein the measuring sensor (16) is to be arranged by the coordinate measuring machine (18) in at least one specific position and/or with at least one specific orientation for measuring a respective surface area (14); and characterized by b) repeatedly changing a measurement sequence in which the surface areas (14) are to be measured using at least one algorithm, wherein the algorithm determines a modified measurement sequence together with an evaluation parameter for the modified measurement sequence within the scope of each change; c) selecting one of the measurement sequences based on the determined evaluation parameters;wherein a relative ratio of at least two surface areas (14) is specified as a condition to be complied with by each measurement sequence, wherein the relative ratio specifies a maximum permissible time interval within which the at least two surface areas (14) may be measured when carrying out the measurement sequence and/or the relative ratio specifies a relative order of the at least two surface areas (14) within the measurement sequence.