Pointer-guided Metrology Beam Alignment for Rapid Feature Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current metrology systems are inefficient in selecting features to be measured, requiring slow and inconvenient processes such as centering and zooming on video user interfaces, which hinders precise and rapid measurement of small and intricate parts.

Innovation Solution

A measurement assembly that includes a metrology system, a mover assembly, a pointer, and a control system, where the pointer generates a pointer beam to identify features on a surface, and the control system moves the measurement beam to align with the pointer spot, allowing for quick and accurate feature selection and measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the metrology system uses a video user interface for feature selection, then the system can display and allow selection of features, but the selection process becomes slow and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature selection processVSAvoidtime to select feature

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A laser pointer is introduced as an intermediary tool between the operator and the feature selection process. The pointer projects a visible dot onto the workpiece surface that can be easily positioned on the desired feature, providing direct visual feedback without requiring the operator to navigate through video interface menus or zoom operations. This intermediary device bridges the gap between the operator's intent and the measurement system's target acquisition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual interaction with video interface controls (mouse movements, button presses, zoom operations) is replaced by an optical indication system. The laser pointer provides direct optical marking of the target feature, eliminating the need for mechanical interaction with the video interface system and its associated time-consuming operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the metrology system requires centering and zooming to select features, then measurement precision can be maintained, but the measurement process becomes slower

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser pointer allows the operator to pre-identify and mark the target feature on the workpiece surface before initiating the measurement process. This preliminary action of pointing and marking eliminates the need for time-consuming centering and zooming operations during the actual measurement, as the target is already precisely identified on the workpiece itself rather than requiring visual search through video interface displays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The laser pointer creates an optical copy or representation of the measurement target directly on the workpiece surface. Instead of requiring the operator to view and manipulate a digital copy through video interface zooming, the laser projects a scaled-down optical indicator that directly marks the physical location, providing immediate visual confirmation of the measurement target without requiring digital magnification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If the metrology system uses traditional video interface selection, then the system can identify features, but the process is inconvenient and slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature identification accuracyVSAvoidfeature selection convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The laser pointer serves as an intermediary that provides direct visual feedback on the workpiece surface, making the feature identification process more intuitive and convenient. The pointer dot can be easily positioned and adjusted by the operator, providing immediate visual confirmation of the selected feature without requiring interaction with complex video interface controls, thereby improving both ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid and precise measurement of features by using a pointer to indicate measurement locations, overcoming the inefficiencies of traditional systems and allowing for quick movement between features.

Implementation Method 1

The metrology system generates a measurement beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

the pointer generates a pointer beam that can be selectively positioned to identify the feature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS8937725B2Measurement assembly including a metrology system and a pointer that directs the metrology system

Publication Date: 2015.01.20 NIKON CORP

AI summary

A measurement assembly (12) for measuring a feature (14A) on a surface (16) includes a metrology system (18), a mover assembly (19), a pointer (22), and a control system (24). The metrology system (18) generates a measurement beam (26), and the mover assembly (19) selectively adjusts the direction of the measurement beam (26). The pointer (22) is handheld and generates a pointer beam (34) that can be selectively directed at the surface (16) to form a pointer spot (36) on the surface (16). Further, the control system (24) controls the mover assembly (19) to move the direction of the measurement beam (26) until the measurement beam (26) is approximately directed at the pointer spot (36).