Coordinate Frame Alignment Using Control Points Across Measurement Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in accurately aligning coordinate frames obtained from different and independent coordinate measurement systems, which is crucial for precise repair work on components with significant wear or distortion, as misalignment leads to inherent errors in adaptive tool paths.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for aligning coordinate frames from different measurement systems involves initializing and aligning part coordinate systems by estimating and applying angular and translational offsets, ensuring precise synchronization even in the absence of precise fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coordinate frames from different measurement systems are used independently without alignment, then each system can operate autonomously, but misalignment causes inherent errors in adaptive tool paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses control points as an intermediary reference that exists in both coordinate measurement systems. By identifying the same physical control points on the component using both CMM and other measurement systems, a transformation relationship is established between the two coordinate frames. This intermediary reference enables accurate coordinate frame alignment without requiring complex direct transformation methods, thereby improving the reliability of adaptive tool paths while managing the complexity of the alignment process.
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used to align coordinate frames, then alignment can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies control points on the component using both coordinate measurement systems and computes the coordinate frame transformation relationship without requiring manual intervention. The automated control point identification and transformation calculation eliminate the need for time-consuming manual alignment operations, significantly reducing the time required for coordinate frame alignment while maintaining high alignment precision through systematic measurement and computation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different measurement techniques are used in different coordinate measurement systems, then each system can utilize its optimal measurement method, but aligning the coordinate frames becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs control points as a universal reference that can be detected by multiple different measurement techniques. The same physical control points on the component can be measured using CMM, laser scanners, or other measurement systems, each utilizing their optimal measurement methods. The control points serve as a common language that enables coordinate frame alignment across different measurement techniques, maintaining flexibility in measurement technique selection while solving the alignment difficulty through the universal reference framework.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of aligning coordinate frame obtained from at least two different coordinate measurement systems is disclosed. The method includes: initializing a second coordinate frame and a second part coordinate system of a component positioned in a second system; generating a second data pointset associated with the second system; receiving a first data pointset associated with a first system; determining an alignment of the second part coordinate system with the first part coordinate system by estimating an angular offset or a translational offset between the second part coordinate system and the first part coordinate system. The method includes, if the determined alignment indicates no alignment of the second part coordinate system with the first part coordinate system, repeatedly applying an angular rotation or a translational displacement to the component positioned in the second system; and determining the alignment of the second part coordinate system with the first part coordinate system.