Scanning Probe Measurement with Embedded Motion Time Stamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for combining probe data with machine position data in machine tool systems are cumbersome, slow, and prone to errors due to variations in feed rate and time of scanning probe activation, especially when large data sets are involved.
Innovation Solution
Encoding timing and position information into the probe data itself by incorporating identifiable probe motions, such as characteristic moves or 'dinks', which act as time stamps, allowing the start and end of scan path segments to be identified from the probe data alone, eliminating the need for machine position data and enhancing data synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If probe data is combined with machine position data using timing signals and data links, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement cycle time increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timing synchronization function from the machine position data system and embeds it directly into the probe data acquisition process. Identifiable probe motions serve as embedded time stamps within the probe data itself, eliminating the need for separate machine position data and timing signal synchronization systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the timing information and probe measurement data into a single integrated data stream. The identifiable probe motions create inherent time stamps that are combined with probe data points, creating self-synchronized measurement data that eliminates the need for separate synchronization mechanisms.
2Reliability
If machine position data is transferred through external data links, then data synchronization is improved, but data transfer speed decreases and cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dependency on external data links for transferring machine position data by extracting the essential timing information and embedding it directly into the probe data acquisition process through identifiable probe motions.
3Ease of operation
If probe data is collected without identifiable motion markers, then data collection simplicity is maintained, but data synchronization and segment identification become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing specific identifiable probe motions at particular locations within the scan path. These localized characteristic motions create discrete time stamps at specific points in the measurement process, providing timing information exactly where needed without complicating the overall data collection process.
4Loss of information
If scan path includes identifiable probe motions as time stamps, then segment identification from probe data alone is enabled, but scan path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces identifiable probe motions only at specific critical points in the scan path where time stamping is needed, rather than throughout the entire scan path. This localized approach provides necessary timing information while minimizing the addition of complex motions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is described for measuring an object (6; 62) using a machine tool and a scanning probe (4). The scanning probe (4) is driven along a scan path (70) relative to the object whilst the scanning probe (4) acquires probe data describing a series of positions on the surface of the object (6; 62) relative to the scanning probe (4). The scan path (70) includes at least a first scan path segment (78) for producing probe data that can be analysed to measure the object (6;62). The scan path (70) is also arranged to impart a plurality of identifiable probe motions (76) to the scanning probe (4) that can be identified from the acquired probe data (90, 92) alone. Each identifiable probe motion (76) is used to define a time stamp. This allows the probe data to be tied to commanded or nominal positions around the scan path (70).