3D Coordinate Measuring Machine Program Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional coordinate measuring machines face challenges in generating measurement programs automatically, leading to potential human errors and operational complexities, especially for users with limited experience or time.
Innovation Solution
A method that includes manual operation steps for specifying and confirming measurement elements, acquiring coordinate values, setting intermediate points, and approximating moving loci by straight lines to automatically generate a measurement program, reducing the need for manual route setting and CAD data reliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a measurement program is generated semi-automatically by manually defining a measuring route, then the user has control over the measurement process, but human errors occur and operation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates intermediate points and constructs measuring routes based on measurement element positions without requiring manual route definition. The measurement program generation unit self-services by computing optimal paths between measurement elements, eliminating human error in route setting while simplifying user operation to only specifying measurement elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediate points as mediators between measurement elements. These intermediate points are automatically calculated based on geometric relationships and measurement element positions, serving as automatic route planning intermediaries that bridge the gap between measurement targets and probe movement paths.
2Extent of automation
If a measurement program is automatically generated based on CAD data, then automation is achieved, but it is difficult for users with little experience or time to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a simplified copy of the measurement task by automatically generating intermediate points and routes based on measurement element positions. Instead of requiring users to work with complex CAD data, the system copies only the essential measurement element information and automatically derives the measurement program, making automation accessible to users with minimal experience.
3Measurement precision
If intermediate points are manually set for probe movement, then precise control is achieved, but operation becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automatic calculation of intermediate points based on measurement element positions and probe approach directions. By pre-computing optimal intermediate points before measurement execution, the system ensures precise probe positioning while eliminating time-consuming manual intermediate point setting during program preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical positioning operations with automatic computational geometry calculations. Instead of manually setting intermediate points through mechanical coordinate input, the measurement program generation unit automatically computes intermediate point coordinates based on measurement element positions and probe approach vectors, achieving both precision and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The measurement program generation method includes: a manual operation step of executing a measurement element specifying operation to bring a probe into contact with measuring points of a measurement element and a measurement element confirming operation to indicate an end of the measurement element specifying operation; a coordinate value acquisition step of acquiring coordinate values of the measuring points with which the probe is brought into contact; a first intermediate point setting step of setting a first intermediate point each time when the coordinate values of one of the measuring points is acquired in the coordinate value acquisition step; a second intermediate point setting step of setting as a second intermediate point, a position of the probe when the measurement element confirming operation is executed; and a third intermediate point setting step of setting a third intermediate point during movement of the probe in the manual operation step.