Object-Class Test Planning for Faster Measurement Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for generating test plans for measuring and testing objects are time-consuming and require manual specification of test features and measurement sequences, which hinders efficiency and user-friendliness.

Innovation Solution

A method that generates a test plan for a measurement object by assigning it to an object class based on data records, using an object-class-specific test plan, which can be partially or fully specified, reducing the need for manual input and adapting the test plan to accommodate dimensional and positional differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual specification of test features and measurement sequences is used, then measurement accuracy can be ensured, but time consumption and effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining object classes with associated test plans, measurement sequences, and test features. When a measurement object is generated, the system automatically assigns it to an appropriate object class and retrieves the pre-configured test plan, eliminating the need for manual specification while ensuring measurement accuracy through proven measurement sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating templates for object classes that contain standardized test plans and measurement sequences. These templates can be copied and adapted for similar objects, allowing the system to reuse proven measurement configurations rather than creating new ones manually, thus reducing time consumption while maintaining measurement quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If comprehensive test plans are created manually for each object, then complete coverage of test features is achieved, but user-friendliness and ease of operation decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest feature coverageVSAvoiduser-friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by creating object classes that can represent multiple similar objects with common test requirements. A single object class definition serves as a universal template that automatically applies to all objects assigned to that class, providing complete test feature coverage through a unified approach that simplifies user interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by automatically performing object classification, test plan selection, and measurement sequence configuration based on object properties. The system serves itself by retrieving and adapting test plans without requiring manual user input, thereby maintaining comprehensive test coverage while significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If test plans are customized for each specific object, then adaptability to object variations is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to object variationsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing customization at the object class level rather than requiring individual customization for each object. Objects with similar properties share the same object class and test plan, while variations are handled through local adaptations within the class framework. This reduces system complexity by grouping objects with common characteristics while maintaining adaptability to specific variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses parameter changes to adapt test plans to object variations. Instead of creating entirely new test plans for each object, the system modifies parameters of existing test plans based on object properties and classifications. This approach maintains adaptability to object variations while avoiding the complexity of managing numerous customized test plans.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Extent of automation

If object classification based on data records is implemented, then automation extent increases, but measurement precision may be compromised due to generalization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing objects into distinct object classes based on their data records and properties. This segmentation enables automated classification while maintaining measurement precision because each segment (object class) is defined with specific characteristics that guide the selection of appropriate test plans, ensuring that automated classification does not compromise measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3794311B1Method, device and corresponding computer program product for generating a measurement plan for measuring an object, method and device for measuring an object
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIELLE MESSTECHNIKE GMBH
  • EP3794311B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3794311B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3B
  • EP3794311B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~5B

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for generating a resulting test plan for testing an object (24) to be measured, wherein a dataset is generated by measuring the object (24) to be measured, wherein the object (24) to be measured or a portion of the object (24) to be measured is assigned to at least one object class in a data-based manner, wherein a test plan assigned to the object class is determined as an object-class-specific test plan, and wherein the resulting test plan is determined according to the object-class-specific test plan. The invention also relates to a computer program product and a method and a device for testing an object (24) to be measured.