Abstract: A measuring head includes a first slide mechanism for a first measurement axis provided to be detachable to external moving devices; a second slide mechanism for a second measurement axis held to be movable by the first slide mechanism; a third slide mechanism for a third measurement axis held to be movable by the second slide mechanism; a probe held to be movable by the third slide mechanism; pneumatic cylinders for connecting slider parts and guide parts included in each slide mechanism; and automatic pressure regulators for respectively changing air pressures supplied to each pneumatic cylinder in accordance with measurement postures of the measuring head.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method for determining dimensional properties of a measurement object using a coordinate measuring machine. An image representation of the measurement object is shown to a user and the user selects a first geometric element of the measurement object, resulting in the display of eligible test features for the selected first geometric element. The eligible test features are automatically determined from a plurality of typical test features stored in a database, by the selected first geometric element being assigned to one of a plurality of predefined measurement elements stored in the database. A defined measurement sequence is generated in a computer-assisted manner based on the test feature selected by the user. Individual measured values are recorded on the first geometric element using the defined measurement sequence.

Abstract: A first position measurement device (“FPMD”) is configured to control and operate both standalone and combined device operating modes. During the combined device operating mode, the FPMD inputs second-device measurement sample outputs provided by a second position measurement device (“SPMD”) via an inter-device communication connection. The FPMD and the SPMD are held in a fixed relationship in a workpiece measurement arrangement (e.g., with transverse measuring axes). Concurrent measurement data sets are determined as including at least a first-device measurement sample output from the FPMD and a second-device measurement sample output from the SPMD corresponding to concurrent first-device and second-device sample periods. Each concurrent measurement data set is associated with a corresponding measurement sample region on the workpiece. A combined measurement data output (e.g.

Abstract: A roundness measuring machine includes: a base; a table rotatable relative to the base; a probe configured to scan a surface of a workpiece mounted on the table; a motor configured to rotate the table; and a control device configured to control a rotation of the motor. The control device includes: a starting current detector configured to detect a starting current of the motor; and an acceleration/deceleration time setting unit configured to detect at least one of acceleration time and deceleration time for the motor in accordance with the starting current. The roundness measuring machine can suitably set the acceleration time and the deceleration time for the motor corresponding to the inertia moment of the workpiece mounted on the table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for single-point probing of a workpiece by means of a sensor, in particular a tactile sensor, of a coordinate measuring machine, comprising the steps of providing a variable at least indirectly representing a required accuracy of the single-point probing, providing a parameter data set, wherein the parameter data set has prescriptions for regulating and/or evaluating the single-point probing with the required accuracy, and carrying out the single-point probing of the workpiece, wherein the coordinate measuring machine is regulated on the basis of the provided parameter data set and/or an evaluation is carried out on the basis of the provided parameter data set. Furthermore, a coordinate measuring machine for single-point probing of a workpiece is proposed.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine based on a delta robot structure comprising a base plate, arms, a movable platform with a probe, and a control unit for controlling the movement of the movable platform. The base plate is configured to accommodate a first workpiece and the probe is arranged the movable platform so as to utilize the free inside space of the delta robot structure between the arms as measuring volume.

Abstract: A probing element for measuring at least one measurement object is provided. The probing element includes at least one first optical sensor configured to generate at least one first sensor signal depending on a fine shape of at least one surface of the measurement object, at least one second sensor configured to generate at least one second sensor signal depending on at least one of a coarse shape of the measurement object, and a distance to the measurement object. The at least one first optical sensor has a first measurement region and the at least one second sensor has a second measurement region. The at least one first optical sensor is at least partly integrated in the at least one second sensor to permit the first measurement region and the second measurement region to at least partly overlap.

Abstract: Surface measuring device for measuring a surface of a workpiece has a device base body, and a measuring probe that by use of a feed apparatus is movable along a feed axis relative to a workpiece to be measured. The measuring probe has a probe base body and a probe element, connected to the probe base body, for scanning the workpiece in the direction of a measuring axis. The probe base body is connected to the measuring device base body via the feed apparatus. An oscillation damper is associated with the measuring probe, and is designed and configured for oscillation rate-dependent damping of oscillations of the probe base body of the measuring probe, and is active between the probe base body and the device base body.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a measuring device for a machine tool comprising a tool drive. The measuring device may include a measurement head and a displaceably mounted protective cover, which can be moved by being driven by the tool drive in such a way that this protective cover selectively covers the measurement head or frees it for measurement. The disclosure furthermore relates to a machine tool having such a measuring device.

Abstract: A method for correcting an angular deviation between a real angle and an ideal angle between motion axes of a coordinate measuring device. The angular deviation depends on position, temperature, and/or loading mass. Values of a position-dependent angular deviation for partial measurement ranges of the coordinate measuring device are determined, and/or a difference between the angular deviation in a partial measurement range and a total measurement range, and the position-dependent angular deviation is corrected by using these values. Values of the temperature-dependent angular deviation for at least two different temperatures are determined and the deviation is corrected based on these.

Abstract: The described positional awareness techniques employing visual-inertial sensory data gathering and analysis hardware with reference to specific example implementations implement improvements in the use of sensors, techniques and hardware design that can enable specific embodiments to provide positional awareness to machines with improved speed and accuracy.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) measuring system and a method of determining a distance is provided. The 3D measuring system includes a display and an imager device. The imager device having a projector, a first camera and a second camera arranged in a predetermined geometric relationship, the first and second camera each having a photosensitive array with a plurality of pixels that transmit a signal in response to a wavelength of light. The projector projects a pattern that includes at least one element. The system further having one or more processors operably coupled to the display, the projector, and the first and second camera. The processors are responsive to computer instructions for determining a distance to the at least one element and changing an indicator on the display corresponding to the distance relative to a predetermined projector-to-object distance.

Abstract: A stylus holder for a stylus, the stylus having a measuring machine adapter, a shaft, and a stylus tip. The stylus holder includes a body which is designed to receive the stylus and has a moveable securing element on the body. The body has a base which is designed to receive the measuring machine adapter, and the securing element has support surfaces, which can be moved relative to the base plane into a securing position resting on the measuring machine adapter provided in the base, and interaction areas in order to release the securing position of the support surfaces resting on the measuring machine adapter via the areas and/or in order to ensure the securing position by means of a hood or a support.

Abstract: A production plant for vehicle body components includes a production area with a plurality of automatic program-controlled production devices and a provision for workpieces. The production plant further includes a provision for various application-specific tools and a conveying device that flexibly connects the production devices to one another and to the external provisions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying geometric deviations of a real motion guide from an ideal motion guide in a coordinate-measuring machine having a sensor for measuring a workpiece, or in a machine tool having a tool for processing a workpiece, wherein the coordinate-measuring machine or the machine tool has a movable part which is guided along the motion guide and by the motion guide.

Abstract: A system is provided for communicating between a 3D metrology instrument and a portable computing device via near field communications. In one embodiment, the metrology device is an articulated coordinate measurement machine (AACMM), a laser tracker, a laser scanner or a triangulation scanner, and the portable communications device is a cellular phone or a tablet. The portable device may use the NFC to retrieve data stored on a circuit associated with an object to be inspected and use the data to perform an inspection on the object using the metrology device.

Abstract: 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, characterized 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.

Abstract: A probe for an additive manufacturing system includes a probe body having a first air port therethrough between an inlet and an outlet, and a location sensing probe extending from the probe body. The location sensing probe includes a probe end and a probe bar, the probe bar coupled between the probe body and the probe end, and a channel surrounding the probe bar, the channel having an inner tube having an inlet proximate the probe body and an outlet proximate the probe end. A method of determining a position of an item being printed in an additive manufacturing system, includes probing the position with a location sensing probe having a resolution finer than a print resolution of the print head.

Abstract: A Battery Pack for portable CMM technology. The battery gives the CMM a longer operating period and extends battery time. The battery pack is configured to work with different operating voltages required by measurement equipment made by various manufactures'. The battery pack also provides a common mounting platform adapted to be utilized with the standard 3½-8 threaded equipment and accessories.

Abstract: A surface pressure measuring device includes an abutting plate, a lift, a probe, a piezo actuator and a controller. A pinhole is formed in the abutting plate at an abutting surface that abuts a target. The lift causes the target to abut the abutting surface such that the target is compressed to a predetermined thickness. The probe is inserted through the pinhole to be movable in an axial direction of the pinhole. The piezo actuator holds a state in which a tip surface is flush with the abutting surface as the probe resists a repulsive force received from the target while the lift causes the target to abut the abutting surface. The controller calculates a local surface pressure of the target from a load applied to the probe and an area of the tip surface of the probe.

Abstract: A coordinate measurement device comprises an articulated arm having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of jointed arm segments therebetween. Each arm segment defines at least one axis of rotation. A laser scanner assembly is coupled to the second end of the arm and is rotatable about a last axis of rotation of the articulated arm. The laser scanner assembly comprises a laser and an image sensor. The laser is positioned on an opposite side of the last axis of rotation from the image sensor.

Abstract: A position and an orientation of an object are measured with high accuracy. An approximate position-orientation of a target object is obtained, positional information of the target object is obtained by measuring the target object using a noncontact sensor, positional information of contact positions touched by a contact sensor is obtained by bringing the contact sensor into contact with the target object, and a position-orientation of the target object is obtained by associating shape information of the target object with the positional information of the target object and the positional information of the contact positions in accordance with the approximate position-orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating a measuring device, comprising the following steps: moving, with finite accuracy and thus with positioning error, to various points that lie in a testing volume of the measuring device and that can be characterized by spatial and/or angular coordinates, generating measurement signals at the respective points, and determining parameters of a computing model of the measuring device from the measurement signals and the spatial and/or angular coordinates. The method is characterized in that a coordinate system to which the coordinates of the points of the testing volume relate is defined from points moved to with error, by associating predetermined coordinate values with exactly six coordinates of three points.

Abstract: An articulating probe for use with a coordinate measuring machine comprises an attachment portion, a measuring portion, and at least one articulating joint. The attachment portion can be configured for attachment to a coordinate measuring machine. The measuring portion can be configured to contact an object to be measured by the coordinate measuring machine. The at least one articulating joint can be configured to allow rotation between the attachment portion and the measuring portion. Further, the articulating joint can comprise an angular sensor configured to measure an angle of the joint.

Abstract: A modular robotic snake-arm assembly is described which is animated principally by an articulated drive shaft that threads the length of the snake-arm. The articulated drive shaft is driven by a motor in the fixed base. One or more clutch mechanisms in each segment couple with the articulated drive shaft so as to cause all snake arms further from the base to reorient in either one or two angles, in either direction. Snake-arm segments can be coupled end-to-end to form a robotic snake arm of great length.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base. The base includes a first mount configured to receive a first device. First and second guides overlap each other, are each pivotally coupled with the base, and each include an arcuate body. The chassis is received by the first guide and the second guide so as to be configured for sliding along the first guide and the second guide. The chassis includes a second mount for receiving a second device for movement of the second device between a first set of points defining a reference spherical cap relative to the base. A member may be provided between the chassis and an actuator operable to move among a set of points defining a reference plane so as to cause movement of the chassis among another set of points defining a reference spherical cap about the first mount for the first device.

Abstract: A surface pressure measuring device includes an abutting plate, a lift, a probe, a piezo actuator and a controller. A pinhole is formed in the abutting plate at an abutting surface that abuts a target. The lift causes the target to abut the abutting surface such that the target is compressed to a predetermined thickness. The probe is inserted through the pinhole to be movable in an axial direction of the pinhole. The piezo actuator holds a state in which a tip surface is flush with the abutting surface as the probe resists a repulsive force received from the target while the lift causes the target to abut the abutting surface. The controller calculates a local surface pressure of the target from a load applied to the probe and an area of the tip surface of the probe.

Abstract: A single sensor type three-dimensional micro/nano contact trigger measuring probe is provided which is characterized in respectively providing a probe unit and a measuring unit in the base. In the probe unit, the leaf spring is supported on the circular-ring base, a circular suspension plate is provided on the leaf spring, and beam splitter prisms and wedge block are fixedly provided on the circular suspension plate. The stylus and the circular suspension plate are fixedly connected in a “T” shape. The measuring unit projects the straight light emitted by a laser device through the beam splitter prisms and wedge block and then the straight light is focused on the four-quadrant detector. Measuring the offset of the probe by the four-quadrant detector, in such a manner that single sensor type three-dimensional micrometer contact trigger measurement is achieved.

Abstract: A measurement device having a camera captures images of an object at three or more different poses. A processor determines 3D coordinates of an edge point of the object based at least in part on the captured 2D images and pose data provided by the measurement device.

Abstract: A method for operating a confocal white light sensor on a coordinate measuring machine including a sensor carrier configured to couple a coordinate measurement sensor that is movable in a straight movement direction relative to a base of the coordinate measuring machine is provided. A confocal white light sensor is coupled to the sensor carrier and oriented in the straight movement direction toward a reference body. The sensor carrier and the reference body are moved relative to one another in the straight movement direction, and a measurement signal representing a distance between the confocal white light sensor and the reference body is generated at different movement positions. Information relating to a relationship between measurement signals of the confocal white light sensor and an actual distance of the white light sensor to a measurement object is obtained and a measurement value of the object distance is generated.

Abstract: A workpiece contour (13) at least first and second contour geometries (K1-K2) adjoining one another tangentially at a first transition point (U1). Measurement points (M) are recorded along the geometries (K1-K2). Using some measurement points within the first geometry (K1), a first replacement element (G1) is determined and assigned to the first geometry (K1). Analogously, using some measurement points (M) of the second geometry (K2) a second geometry element (G2) assigned to the latter is determined. The size and/or the position of the second geometry element (G2) are calculated under the boundary condition that the second replacement element (G2) adjoins the first replacement element (G1) tangentially. The tangential transition point between the two replacement elements (G1), (G2) forms the first transition point (U1). This method can be iterated using additional or other measurement points (M), until the first transition point (U1) is determined with sufficient accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dimensional measurement probe unit (100) for attachment to a probe head (200) of a localizer (300), comprising: a measurement probe (150) for dimensional measurement of an object (400); a revolute joint (170) integrated into the measurement probe (150); and a probe unit interface (120) for repeated dismountable connection to a probe head (200) wherein the probe unit interface (120) is revolutely connected to the measurement probe (150) by the revolute joint (170).

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine (CMM) includes an articulated arm including arm segments and rotary joints. At least one of the rotary joints includes a shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation of at least one of the rotary joints. The shaft includes a middle portion and first and second end portions fixedly attached to ends of the middle portion. At least one of the rotary joints includes first and second housing ends, the first housing end having an inner diameter that engages an outer diameter of the first bearing and the second housing end having an inner diameter that engages an outer diameter of the second bearing. The first and second bearings are preloaded to remove play.

Abstract: A method of inspecting an object with a camera probe for capturing an image of an object, the camera probe being movable along a path by a measurement apparatus, at least a part of the camera probe being rotatable about at least one axis. The method includes: a) the measurement apparatus moving the camera probe relative to the object along an inspection path and b) for at least one period as the camera probe moves along the inspection path: turning at least a part of the camera probe about the at least one axis thereby slowing the passage of a feature of interest on the object across the camera probe's field of view; and capturing at least one image of the feature of interest during at least a portion of the turning.

Abstract: An articulated arm coordinate measurement machine is provided with a configurable arm bus. The arm bus being comprised of a plurality of busses that may be selectively coupled to form one or more logical data communications busses. The logical busses may be configured to allow accessory devices to be coupled to the arm and transmit data at higher speeds and at lower costs than may be possible using data busses having fixed communications protocols. In one embodiment, one or more communications switches may be arranged in the probe end of the arm to selectively combine the busses into a logical bus.

Abstract: A metrological apparatus (15) is disposed for adjustment of an attitude of a workpiece (16) having an arcuate upper surface (17) relative to a rotary axis (C) of the metrological apparatus (15). The workpiece (16) is brought into a first rotary position (c1). A plurality of measured points within a measuring plane on the upper surface (17) is recorded. The workpiece (16) is moved into a further rotary position (c2) about the rotary axis (C), and again measured points in the measuring plane (E) on the upper surface (17) of the workpiece (16) are recorded. Based on these recorded measured points, the actual attitude (Li) of the workpiece (16) deviation from a specified target attitude (Ls) are determined. Adjustment parameters are determined, and an adjustment assembly (24) of the metrological apparatus (15) is activated as a function of the calculated adjustment parameters to adjust the workpiece (16).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for allocating participant-specific communication addresses for participants in a measuring system such as, for example, a position measuring system of a coordinate measuring device with measuring sensors as participants. In the measuring system, the participants communicate via a bus system using messages with at least one communication address and message content. The messages transmitted by one participant are received by each of the other participants. The participant-dedicated communication addresses are ascertained as part of a calibrating or referencing process in which the participants monitor the messages on the bus system.

Abstract: Provided is a processing inspection workpiece for a machine tool with which it is possible to inspect tool precision by subjecting the machine tool to on-machine measurement. Also provided is an on-machine measurement method using said workpiece. In a processing inspection workpiece, five surfaces, excluding a hexahedron bottom surface, function as processing surfaces, and multiple reference surfaces, which are in the same direction as the respective processing surfaces and for which multiple in-plane coordinates are already known, are disposed on each processing surface. A machine tool is subjected to on-machine measurement using said processing inspection workpiece.

Abstract: Exemplary practice of the present invention provides a carriage including a body having a void, a vertical rod passing through the void, four legs arranged rectangularly and projecting obliquely downward and outward from the body, and a vertical coil spring coaxially encompassing a lower portion of the vertical rod. The carriage is coupled with a retroreflective laser target at the bottom of the vertical rod whereby the top of the spring pushes against the bottom of the body and the bottom of the spring pushes against the top of the target. The target continuously adjusts in height so that the bottom of the target remains in constant spring-tension contact with the surface on which the carriage sits or travels, supported by its legs. The carriage is electromechanically propelled, and laser tracking is conducted to direct laser beams at and receive laser retroreflections from the target at various surface locations.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine comprising an optical sensor for optically capturing a workpiece; an illumination device for illuminating the workpiece; a pose determination unit for determining data relating to a workpiece pose including a position and orientation of the workpiece; a storage unit for storing (i) data relating to a reference pose including a position and orientation of a reference workpiece, and (ii) data relating to a reference light setting of the illumination device used for a measurement of the reference workpiece; and a control unit which is configured to control a light setting of the illumination device for a measurement of the workpiece by adapting the reference light setting based on a comparison of the stored data relating to the reference pose with the determined data relating to the workpiece pose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for working of a work piece, comprising the step of a) providing a template (1) with at least one opening (4, 6, 8, . . . 32) to the work piece (2), b) providing a work tool (70) at the opening (4, 6, 8, . . . 32), c) determining a distance (a) between a fixed reference (17, 116) for the tool (70) and a surface (118) of the work piece (2) facing the template (1), d) collecting the determined distance (a) into a memory (126), e) vibrating a rotary cutting tool (68) on the work tool (70) by means of a vibrating means (77); and f) working the work piece (2) based on said collected distance (a). The present invention also relates to a system for working and measuring objects comprising a computer (128) including a computer program (P) for carrying out the method. The present invention also relates to a computer program (P) and a computer program product for performing the method steps.

Abstract: A method for reducing errors in a rotating device permitting rotation of a workpiece about a rotational axis during the determination of co-ordinates or during the machining of the workpiece. The workpiece is rotated about the rotational axis and first and second measuring signals of a first and a second course of the workpiece surface are generated by the coordinate measuring device while the device is positioned at different first and second circumferential positions of the rotational axis. The first and the second measuring signals are used for separating redundant surface information and error information contained in the signals. The redundant surface information relates to the workpiece surface revolving around the rotational axis and the error information relates to errors in the rotating device resulting from deviations between actual positions and orientations of the rotational axis and corresponding ideal positions and orientations.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine including a workpiece support for mounting a workpiece to be measured; a mechanism for moving a sensor in a first coordinate direction and a second coordinate direction perpendicular thereto. The mechanism includes: a first measurement slide guided in the first coordinate direction along two parallel guides arranged on opposite sides of the workpiece support. The first measurement slide spans the support. The first slide is driven via a first drive, which drives the first slide along a first guide of the guides, and is driven via a second drive, which drives the first slide along the second of the guides; a second measurement slide guided movably in the second coordinate direction along the first measurement slide. The second slide is assigned a position measuring system, via which the position of the second measurement slide relative to the first measurement slide can be determined; a controller, which actuates the first and second drive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a part with a contact probe mounted on a coordinate positioning machine. The method includes measuring a plurality of points on the part when both the part and contact probe are moving continuously between different positions within the coordinate positioning machine. The probe moves, relative to the part, along a scan path such that substantially coincident points that are closely located together along a curve or surface being measured are measured at relatively far apart positions in the machine and at relatively far apart positions along the scan path.

Abstract: An articulated arm CMM system comprises an articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a measuring probe at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end, the base comprising a docking portion. The articulated arm CMM system also includes a plurality of feature packs configured to electronically connect to the articulated arm via the docking portions and provide additional electronic functionality.

Abstract: A stylus support portion moveable in an X direction is arranged separate from a fixed portion. A plate spring has a first end fixated to an end portion of the stylus support portion in an X (+) direction, a second end fixated to the fixed portion, and a principal surface facing the X direction. A plate spring has a first end fixated to an end portion of the stylus support portion in an X (?) direction, a second end fixated to the fixed portion, and a principal surface facing the X direction. A first permanent magnet is provided on the end portion of the stylus support portion in the X (+) direction. A second permanent magnet is provided on the end portion of the stylus support portion in the X (?) direction. A third permanent magnet is provided to the fixed portion so that a magnetic force in the X direction acts on an area between the first permanent magnet and the third permanent magnet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated arm coordinate measurement machine for a measurement of geometrical features of an object, comprising a stationed end of the articulated arm, opposed to a movable end of the articulated arm being manually movable by a human operator. A measurement probe head is attachable to the movable end. It also comprises a graphical display unit located at the movable end of the articulated arm, in particular in vicinity of the probe head, in such a way that information provided by the display unit is visible for the operator during measurement. The display unit is built to provide an artificial view, which is graphically representing at least part of the object, in particular with respect to a point of view from or nearby the movable end of the arm so that the artificial view is similar to the operator's natural view of the object.

Abstract: A rotary probe head having a dual interface for probe mounting that allows two separate interfaces to be mounted on opposite sides of the “A” or elevation axis of the rotary probe head. The two interfaces can be rotatable and interchangeable and allow for increased flexibility in handling different types of attachments including attachments having widely different mass, size, and/or interface connections. A probe can be mounted to one interface and a counterweight can be mounted to the opposite interface for improved holding torque performance by reducing the duty force and heat factor generation of the motor in the probe head.

Abstract: A method for setting up and/or calibrating a robot positioned in a work environment at an operation site, wherein a predetermined routine is carried out for the purposes of setting up and/or calibration. The method includes the steps of generating the routine for the robot at a simulation site distant from the operation site; after completing the generation of the routine, transmitting the routine to a control unit of the robot at the operation site; calling up the routine and remotely executing the routine at the operation site via a control center located remotely from the operation site; and, after the start of the generated routine, allowing the generated routine to automatically process without intervention by an operator at the operation site.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a input pen including at least one magnet, a housing including a pen guide path for inserting the input pen, at least one electromagnet installed around the pen guide path, wherein the at least one electromagnet is installed to react to the magnetism of the magnet while the input pen is completely inserted into the pen guide path, and at least one processor supplying power having the same polarity as the magnet to the electromagnet according to an automatic ejection event of the input pen to push the magnet out of the electronic device.