Coordinate Measuring Path Reuse for Faster Repeatable Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for planning measurement paths in coordinate measuring machines are either time-critical and inefficient due to real-time calculations, or they lack the flexibility needed for dynamic measurement environments, often resulting in inconsistent and reproducibility issues in industrial quality control processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a data memory to store predefined measurement paths, allowing for the retrieval and adaptation of existing paths within a predefined tolerance, thereby optimizing path planning by combining real-time and pre-calculated approaches, and reducing computing time through the use of a cache-like system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If real-time path planning calculations are performed for each measurement, then adaptability to dynamic measurement environments is improved, but measurement time and productivity deteriorate due to repeated computations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal measurement paths in a database before actual measurement operations. When measurement conditions match stored conditions, pre-computed paths are retrieved instead of recalculating, eliminating repeated computations while maintaining adaptability through conditional matching of measurement parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by storing multiple measurement paths with different parameters (speeds, accelerations, toolpaths) in the database and selecting appropriate pre-computed paths based on matching measurement conditions. This allows rapid parameter selection without recalculation, balancing adaptability with measurement speed
2Productivity
If measurement paths are pre-calculated and stored, then productivity is improved by reducing computation time, but adaptability to changing measurement conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of measurement paths and stores them in a database with associated measurement conditions. During operation, it retrieves pre-computed paths by matching current measurement conditions against stored conditions, achieving both speed improvement through avoidance of recalculation and adaptability through conditional selection
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamics by implementing conditional matching between current measurement parameters and stored path parameters. The measurement path selection is dynamic based on real-time condition matching, allowing the system to adapt to changing measurement environments while utilizing pre-computed paths for efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If random algorithms are used for path planning, then adaptability to different measurement scenarios is improved, but measurement consistency and reproducibility deteriorate due to varying paths for identical conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by storing successful measurement paths as templates in a database. When identical or similar measurement conditions occur, the system retrieves and reuses the copied path instead of generating a new random one, ensuring measurement consistency and reproducibility while maintaining adaptability through the diversity of stored templates
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by associating specific parameter sets with different measurement scenarios in the database. By matching measurement conditions to stored parameter sets, the system ensures that identical conditions produce identical parameter selections, eliminating randomness while preserving adaptability through scenario-specific parameter optimization
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for determining dimensional properties of a measured object (14) using a coordinate measuring machine (100) comprising a measuring head (36) for capturing a measuring point on the measured object (14), an evaluation and control unit (42) for controlling drives (20, 24, 28) of the coordinate measuring machine (100), and a data storage device (50) in which a database is provided. The procedure comprises the following steps: Receiving (1000) an input command that has a first start position (46) and a first target position (48), Accessing (1100) the database in which a multitude of predefined measurement paths are stored, each having a predefined start position and target position, Searching (1200) the database for a first predefined measurement path (52) with a second start position (54) and a second target position (56), where the first and second start positions (46, 54) and the first and second target positions (48,56) within a predefined tolerance (58) and/or where a comparison information matches a predetermined information included in the input command, and if the first and second start positions (46, 54) and the first and second target positions (48, 56) match within the predefined tolerance (58) and/or if the comparison information matches the predetermined information, read (1300) the first measurement path (52) from the database, and move (1700) the measuring head (36) along the first measurement path (52) from the second start position (54) to the second target position (56) where the measurement point is acquired, and if the first and second start positions (46, 54) and/or the first and second target positions (48, 56) do not match within the predefined tolerance (58) and/or if the comparison information does not match the predetermined Information matchesCalculating (2200) a second measurement path (60) with a third start position (62) and a third target position (64) based on the input command, storing (2300) the second measurement path (60) in the database, and moving (2400) the measuring head (36) along the second measurement path (60) from the third start position (62) to the third target position (64), where the measurement point is acquired, and recording (1800) the measurement point on the object being measured (14) using the measuring head (36), and determining (1900) the dimensional properties of the object being measured (14) based on the recorded measurement point.