Abstract: A method measures a given object using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) having a measurement space. As such, the method determines one or more portions of the given object to be measured and then forms a virtual 3D movement model representing CMM movement required to measure the one or more portions. The method then uses the 3D movement model to virtually position and orient the given object within the CMM measurement space.

Abstract: A method measures an object using a CMM having a CMM accuracy. To that end, the method provides a jogbox with a 3D scanner having a scanner accuracy, positions the object on the CMM, and scans, using the 3D scanner, the object to produce scan data of the object. The method also measures a first portion of the object using the scan data, and a second portion of the object using the CMM. The CMM accuracy is more accurate than the scanner accuracy.

Abstract: A method measures an object using a CMM having a CMM accuracy. To that end, the method provides a jogbox with a 3D scanner having a scanner accuracy, positions the object on the CMM, and scans, using the 3D scanner, the object to produce scan data of the object. The method also measures a first portion of the object using the scan data, and a second portion of the object using the CMM. The CMM accuracy is more accurate than the scanner accuracy.

Abstract: A method measures an object using a CMM having a CMM accuracy. To that end, the method provides a jogbox with a 3D scanner having a scanner accuracy, positions the object on the CMM, and scans, using the 3D scanner, the object to produce scan data of the object. The method also measures a first portion of the object using the scan data, and a second portion of the object using the CMM. The CMM accuracy is more accurate than the scanner accuracy.

Abstract: A system for assembling a fixture to hold a workpiece for measurement by a CMM includes a plurality of fixture components. The fixture components are used to assemble the fixture. The system also includes a fixture plate having a plurality of fixture component securing portions that are configured to couple with the fixture components to define the fixture. The fixture is configured to couple with the workpiece to hold the workpiece in a predefined orientation. A fixture identifier is configured to identify the fixture components, and a securing portion identifier is configured to identify the securing portions that couple with the fixture components.

Abstract: A system for assembling a fixture to hold a workpiece for measurement by a CMM includes a plurality of fixture components. The fixture components are used to assemble the fixture. The system also includes a fixture plate having a plurality of fixture component securing portions that are configured to couple with the fixture components to define the fixture. The fixture is configured to couple with the workpiece to hold the workpiece in a predefined orientation. A fixture identifier is configured to identify the fixture components, and a securing portion identifier is configured to identify the securing portions that couple with the fixture components. A visual emphasizing unit is configured to visually emphasize one or more of the fixture components and/or one or more of the securing portions to provide an indication of a fixture component that is to be coupled with a corresponding securing portion.

Abstract: Various embodiments enable automation of non-production activities of a coordinate measuring machine by ascertaining, prior to executing such activities, that such activities could be safely executed in the machine's environment. Although making such a determination can be fully automated, some embodiments include a human decision-maker In the loop.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a mobile CMM jogbox that includes one or more ergonomic apparatuses configured and disposed to allow a CMM operator to hold and operate the jogbox, while avoiding or mitigating the fatigue of an operator using the jogbox.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a mobile CMM jogbox that includes one or more ergonomic apparatuses configured and disposed to allow a CMM operator to hold and operate the jogbox, while avoiding or mitigating the fatigue of an operator using the jogbox.

Abstract: A method measures a given object using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) having a measurement space. As such, the method determines one or more portions of the given object to be measured and then forms a virtual 3D movement model representing CMM movement required to measure the one or more portions. The method then uses the 3D movement model to virtually position and orient the given object within the CMM measurement space.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine system has a base configured to support a workpiece, a movable portion configured to move relative to the base, and a control system configured to control movement of the base and/or the movable portion. The system also has a set of probes that each are configured to be removably couplable with the movable measurement portion. Each probe is configured to be removably couplable with the movable measurement portion, and has a shaft with a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end has a region for coupling with the movable measurement portion, while the distal end has a region configured to interact with the workpiece. Each of the probes also has visual identifying indicia on the shaft. The visual identifying indicia are encoded to identify at least one characteristic of the probe. Specifically, the indicia are encoded as Base 3 or Base 4 indicia.

Abstract: A method measures an object using a CMM having a CMM accuracy. To that end, the method provides a jogbox with a 3D scanner having a scanner accuracy, positions the object on the CMM, and scans, using the 3D scanner, the object to produce scan data of the object. The method also measures a first portion of the object using the scan data, and a second portion of the object using the CMM. The CMM accuracy is more accurate than the scanner accuracy.

Abstract: A method of measuring an object uses a coordinate measuring machine, which is positioned within an environment (e.g., a clean room). The method receives sensing information relating to the coordinate measuring machine, the environment, or both the coordinate measuring machine and the environment. Next, the method controls the coordinate measuring machine to perform, based on the sensing information, a specified mechanical action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring an object using a coordinate measuring machine locates the object using logic associated with the coordinate measurement machine. In response to locating the object, a controller directs a measuring device of the coordinate measuring machine to measure the object.

Abstract: Various embodiments improve the performance and reliability of coordinate measuring machines by verifying that coordinate measuring machine is configured to use the appropriate probe or stylus for measuring an object. In some embodiments, confirmation that the appropriate probe or stylus is mounted is built into an automated part of the CMM's measurement process, thereby assuring that a confirmation step is performed and that the outcome is correct.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring an object using a coordinate measuring machine locates the object using logic associated with the coordinate measurement machine. In response to locating the object, a controller directs a measuring device of the coordinate measuring machine to measure the object.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine system has a base configured to support a workpiece, a movable portion configured to move relative to the base, and a control system configured to control movement of the base and/or the movable portion. The system also has a set of probes that each are configured to be removably couplable with the movable measurement portion. Each probe is configured to be removably couplable with the movable measurement portion, and has a shaft with a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end has a region for coupling with the movable measurement portion, while the distal end has a region configured to interact with the workpiece. Each of the probes also has visual identifying indicia on the shaft. The visual identifying indicia are encoded to identify at least one characteristic of the probe. Specifically, the indicia are encoded as Base 3 or Base 4 indicia.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring an object using a coordinate measuring machine locates the object using logic associated with the coordinate measurement machine. In response to locating the object, a controller directs a measuring device of the coordinate measuring machine to measure the object.

Abstract: Various embodiments improve the performance and reliability of coordinate measuring machines by verifying that coordinate measuring machine is configured to use the appropriate probe or stylus for measuring an object. In some embodiments, confirmation that the appropriate probe or stylus is mounted is built into an automated part of the CMM's measurement process, thereby assuring that a confirmation step is performed and that the outcome is correct.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring an object using a coordinate measuring machine locates the object using logic associated with the coordinate measurement machine. In response to locating the object, a controller directs a measuring device of the coordinate measuring machine to measure the object.