Coordinate Measuring Unit Probe Recognition via Multi-Bit Resistance Codes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coordinate measuring systems face limitations in efficiently recognizing multiple measuring probes due to errors in resistance values and the inability to reassign resistance values to new probes, leading to difficulties in identifying and calibrating various probes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a coordinate measuring unit with a measuring probe that includes both a first identification code, such as a resistor, and a second identification code, stored in a communication unit, allowing for efficient recognition and calibration through a processing device with a selector unit and probe signal processing interface units, enabling the recognition of multiple probes with varying configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If resistance values are used to identify measuring probes, then the identification method is simple, but the number of distinguishable probes is limited and errors occur in resistance value detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification method simplicityVSAvoidnumber of distinguishable probes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The identification code is segmented into multiple bits (e.g., 8 bits providing 256 possible values), where each bit can be represented by different resistance values. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish many more probe types while maintaining the simplicity of resistance-based detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from using a single resistance value dimension to using multiple resistance value dimensions (multiple bits). By arranging resistors in series/parallel configurations and using multiple detection points, the system creates a multi-dimensional identification space that dramatically increases the number of distinguishable probes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If resistance values are used to identify measuring probes, then the identification method is simple, but detection errors occur due to circuit errors and resistance value inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification method simplicityVSAvoidresistance value detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates error detection and correction mechanisms that provide feedback on the detected resistance values. By comparing detected values against expected patterns and using redundancy in the multi-bit code structure, the system can identify and correct detection errors, ensuring accurate probe identification even when individual resistance measurements have errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The identification system is designed with built-in error margins and redundancy before detection occurs. The multi-bit resistance code structure includes redundant information that cushions against detection errors, allowing the system to tolerate certain levels of measurement inaccuracy while still achieving reliable probe identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If resistance values are assigned to measuring probes, then identification is straightforward, but resistance values cannot be reassigned to new probes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification straightforwardnessVSAvoidprobe reassignment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static resistance value assignment to dynamic programmable identification. The measuring probes incorporate memory or programmable elements that allow the resistance-based identification code to be dynamically changed and reassigned. This enables flexible probe management where identification codes can be programmed during setup or recalibrated as needed, maintaining straightforward resistance-based detection while enabling full reassignment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution allows for the efficient recognition and calibration of multiple measuring probes, reducing errors and enabling the use of a wide range of probes without the need for reassignment of resistance values, thereby improving the accuracy and versatility of the coordinate measuring system.

Implementation Method 1

the measuring probe conventionally includes a resistor having a resistance value specific to the type of each measuring probe, and the type of the measuring probe is recognized by measuring the resistance value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3418683B1Coordinate measuring unit and method for recognizing measuring probe
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 MITUTOYO CORP
  • EP3418683B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3418683B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3418683B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A coordinate measuring unit 100 includes a measuring probe 300, 301 and a processing device 400 configured to compute the shape coordinates of an object W to be measured on the basis of an output of the measuring probe 300, 301. The measuring probe 300, 301 has a first identification code 330, 331. The processing device 400 includes a first determination portion 431, 431A, 431B configured to determine whether the first identification code 330, 331 outputted from the measuring probe 300, 301 is matched with a matching code MC, and a downstream determination portion 435, 435A, 435B configured to identify a second identification code 340 outputted from the measuring probe 300 to thereby recognize the measuring probe 300 when the first identification code 330 is matched with the matching code MC in the first determination portion 431, 431A, 431B and the measuring probe 300 further has the second identification code 340. The coordinate measuring unit 100 with the aforementioned configuration can efficiently recognize a number of measuring probes 300, 301.