Coordinate Measuring Machine Non-Linear Probe Error Correction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional coordinate measuring machines fail to accurately correct non-linear errors in probe outputs, leading to inaccuracies in shape coordinate measurements due to non-linear responses from spring structures and probe sensors.

Innovation Solution

A coordinate measuring machine with a restraining unit that prevents translational displacement of the measurement tip, allowing for the acquisition of both linear and non-linear correction elements to generate a correction matrix, which corrects probe outputs by transforming them into the machine coordinate system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If only first-order coordinate components are corrected using a correction matrix, then the correction process is simple, but non-linear errors in probe output cannot be eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection accuracyVSAvoidcorrection matrix complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the correction matrix from first-order (linear) coordinate components to include second-order and higher-order (non-linear) coordinate components. This parameter expansion allows the correction system to address non-linear errors while maintaining a systematic matrix-based approach, thus improving measurement precision without completely overwhelming complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The correction process is divided into distinct segments: acquiring probe output at multiple measurement points, calculating both linear and non-linear correction elements separately, and then combining them in a comprehensive correction matrix. This segmentation makes the complex non-linear correction process more manageable and systematic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the measuring probe is moved to multiple measurement points for correction, then correction accuracy improves, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordinate correction accuracyVSAvoidcorrection measurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent acquires probe output at a specific number of measurement points that is sufficient to calculate both linear and non-linear correction elements. Rather than using excessive measurement points that would unnecessarily extend time, the method uses the minimum required points to achieve accurate non-linear correction, balancing precision and efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3287739B1Coordinate measuring machine and coordinate correction method
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 MITUTOYO CORP
  • EP3287739B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3287739B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3287739B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A processing device(400) includes: a coordinate acquisition unit (406) that acquires a moving amount M of a measuring probe (300) and a probe output P when the measuring probe (300) is moved by a drive mechanism(220) while restraining a measurement tip(306) by restraining unit (240) ; a matrix generation unit (408) that generates a correction matrix AA including linear correction elements and non-linear correction elements for respectively correcting linear coordinate components and non-linear coordinate components of the probe output P with respect to the moving amount M of the measuring probe (300) on the basis of an output of the coordinate acquisition unit(406); and a probe output correction unit(410) that corrects the probe output P with the correction matrix AA. The coordinate acquisition unit(406) acquires the moving amount M and the probe output P of the measuring probe (300) in each of measurement points in a quantity larger than or equal to the sum of the number of the linear correction elements and the number of the non-linear correction elements. Consequently, a non-linear error of the probe output P supplied from the measuring probe (300) can be corrected, and thus shape coordinates X of an object W to be measured can be obtained with high accuracy.