Contact Probe Gain Modeling for Multi-Orientation Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Calibrating contact probes mounted on coordinate positioning apparatuses for various orientations is time-consuming, especially with continuous heads that provide near infinite orientations, as traditional methods require calibration for each discrete or continuous orientation, leading to inefficiencies in the calibration process.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine a gain variation model that accounts for the variation in probe signal gain based on orientation, allowing for the use of a consolidated probe signal conversion model that corrects for orientation-dependent variations, reducing the need for extensive calibration at multiple orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration is performed for each discrete or continuous orientation using traditional methods, then measurement precision is maintained across all orientations, but calibration time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single consolidated probe signal conversion model that functions across all orientations. Instead of determining separate calibration models for each orientation, the system uses one universal model derived from measurements at a first orientation to convert probe signals at any orientation, eliminating the need for orientation-specific calibration procedures while maintaining measurement precision across the full range of movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the calibration measurements at a first orientation before actual measurement operations. The consolidated conversion model is determined in advance from these preliminary measurements, allowing the system to quickly convert probe signals at any subsequent orientation without requiring time-consuming recalibration. This preliminary calibration step enables efficient real-time measurement across all orientations.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed for each discrete or continuous orientation using traditional methods, then measurement precision is maintained across all orientations, but device complexity and procedural steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single consolidated probe signal conversion model that functions across all orientations. Instead of determining separate calibration models for each orientation, the system uses one universal model derived from measurements at a first orientation to convert probe signals at any orientation, eliminating the need for orientation-specific calibration procedures while maintaining measurement precision across the full range of movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple orientation-specific calibration requirements into a single consolidated conversion model. Rather than maintaining separate calibration data and procedures for each orientation, the system merges all orientation requirements into one model determined from measurements at a first orientation, simplifying the calibration process and reducing procedural complexity.
3Productivity
If a consolidated probe signal conversion model is used for all orientations, then calibration time and complexity are reduced, but measurement precision may vary across different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the calibration measurements at a first orientation before actual measurement operations. The consolidated conversion model is determined in advance from these preliminary measurements, allowing the system to quickly convert probe signals at any subsequent orientation without requiring time-consuming recalibration. This preliminary calibration step enables efficient real-time measurement across all orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the known geometry of a calibration artefact to validate and refine the consolidated conversion model. The system measures features of the calibration artefact (such as sphere diameter) using the probe at various orientations and compares these measurements against the known true values. This feedback loop allows the system to verify that the consolidated model maintains measurement precision across all orientations while benefiting from reduced calibration complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of calibrating a contact probe having a deflectable stylus and configured to provide at least one signal which is indicative of the extent of deflection of the stylus, the contact probe being mounted on a coordinate positioning machine which facilitates reorientation of the contact probe about at least one axis. The method includes: taking measurement data obtained with the contact probe positioned at a plurality of different orientations about the at least one axis; and determining from the measurement data at least one gain variation model which models any apparent variation in the gain of the at least one probe signal dependent on the orientation of the contact probe about the at least one axis.