Range Camera Coordinate Measuring for Safe 3D Probe Path Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coordinate measuring machines face challenges in accurately and efficiently determining spatial coordinates of complex workpieces without risking damage to the probe head or the workpiece, particularly in fully automated systems, due to the need for precise control of the probe head's movement.
Innovation Solution
A coordinate measuring machine equipped with a range camera and a controller that uses range image data to control the drive mechanism, allowing for non-contact measurement and optimized movement paths based on 3D-position data, enabling faster and more accurate determination of spatial coordinates while minimizing the risk of impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the probe head moves quickly to measurement points, then productivity is improved, but the risk of damage to the probe head or workpiece increases due to impact
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning of the workpiece surface using the range camera to create a 3D model before the actual measurement. This preliminary action allows the probe head to navigate along pre-calculated safe paths, avoiding impact with the workpiece while maintaining high measurement speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The range camera continuously provides feedback about the workpiece geometry and probe head position. The controller uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the probe head's movement speed and trajectory, ensuring safe operation while maximizing productivity. The real-time feedback loop prevents impact by detecting workpiece features before the probe head reaches them.
2Measurement precision
If the probe head approaches measurement points closely, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity of controlling the drive mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The range camera acts as an intermediary between the probe head and the workpiece. It provides detailed 3D information about the measurement location, allowing the controller to plan precise approach paths without requiring complex real-time control algorithms. The camera data serves as a map that simplifies the control task while enabling high-precision measurements.
3Reliability
If the probe head moves slowly to avoid impact, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the probe head's movement speed based on real-time conditions. During approach to measurement points, the speed is reduced to safe levels. During traversal of safe areas, the speed is increased to maximize productivity. This dynamic speed control maintains reliability while improving overall measurement efficiency compared to consistently slow movement.
4Productivity
If a range camera is added to provide 3D position data, then productivity and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The range camera serves multiple functions: it scans the workpiece surface for safety, provides 3D position data for measurement, and generates navigation paths for the probe head. By consolidating these functions into a single device, the system achieves improved productivity and safety without proportionally increasing complexity. The camera's data is reused across multiple control functions.
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
The solution enables faster and more accurate determination of spatial coordinates, reduces the risk of damage to the probe head and workpiece, and allows for non-contact measurement, improving the efficiency and precision of the measurement process.
Implementation Method 1
Range imaging in general is known as a technology which is used to produce a 2D-image showing the distance to points in a scene from a specific point. The resulting image which is generally called range image has pixel values which correspond to the distance of the respective target point at the object.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A coordinate measuring machine (1) for determining at least one spatial coordinate of a measurement point of an object (15) to be measured, comprising a base (5) and a drive mechanism, adapted to drive a probe head (13) in a manner such that the probe head (13) is capable to move relative to the base (5) for approaching a measurement point, characterised by a first range camera (3, 33) having a range image sensor with a sensor array, wherein the range camera (3, 33) is adapted to be directed to the object (15) for providing a range image (23) of the object (15), and wherein range pixels of the range image are used for creating a point cloud with 3D-positions of target points of the object (15), and a controller, adapted to control the drive mechanism on the basis of 3D-positions of the target points.