Abstract: The present invention relates to a coordinate measuring machine comprising a stationary base, a probe head, at least one linear drive mechanism for moving in a first direction, the linear drive mechanism having a linear guide and a movable member being supported for movement along the guide by bearings. The linear drive mechanism further comprises at least a first pre-calibrated integral sensor-package having at least two displacement sensors each for measuring a distance from the movable member to the guide in a direction being non-parallel with respect to the first direction, wherein the sensed distances indicate a translational displacement of the movable member from an ordinary bearing position in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and a rotational displacement of the movable member.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the angular position of a bearing assembly and compensating measurements for bearing runout error in metrology devices, such as an articulated arm coordinate measurement device and a laser tracker, is provided. The system and method includes measuring the bearing runout error and defining a waveform from encoder readings for a first set of rotations. In one embodiment, a transfer function is created based on an analysis of the bearing runout error, such as with a Fourier analysis for example. In another embodiment the bearing runout error is mapped to an absolute angular position. During operation, the angular position of the bearing assembly is determined by comparing a waveform to the waveform from the first set of rotations. With the angular position determined, the bearing runout error may be used to compensate the measurements of the metrology device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a three-dimensional profile of an edge of an object are presented. The edge is defined by adjoining first and second surfaces. A first set of surface points can be detected on the first surface, and a second set of surface points can be detected on the second surface. The second set of surface points can correspond to the first set of surface points. A sensor, such as a contact sensor, can be used to detect the first and second set of surface points. Based on the detected first and second set of surface points, a profile of the edge can be determined automatically, such as by a processor operatively connected to the sensor. In this way, the profile of the edge can be determined without direct detection of the edge.

Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measurement machine having an articulated arm that includes a first arm connected to a second arm segment by a connecting segment. An assembly is provided having a first pair of bearings and a first optical encoder and a second pair of bearings and a second optical encoder The first optical encoder includes a first patterned disk and a first read head. The second optical encoder includes a second patterned disk and a second read head. The first and second patterned disks are both fixed with respect to the connecting segment. An electronic circuit is operably coupled to the first read head and the second read head, the electronics being configured to determine three-dimensional coordinates of the probe based at least in part on a first angle and a second angle measured by the first and second optical encoders.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring apparatus includes a base body, a delivery unit located on the base body, and a probing unit. The delivery unit includes a power assembly, a first lead screw assembly connected to the power assembly, and a second lead screw assembly connected to the first lead screw assembly and the probing unit. The power assembly is configured for driving the first lead screw assembly to move along a first direction. The first lead screw assembly is configured for driving the second lead screw assembly to move along a second direction. The second lead screw assembly is configured for driving the probing unit to move along a third direction.

Abstract: A multi-axis type three-dimensional measuring apparatus includes a multi-axis arm mechanism, a probe formed in a distal end of the multi-axis arm mechanism and configured to measure a workpiece, and a projector formed in the distal end of the multi-axis arm mechanism and configured to scale a range of a projected projection image according to a distance between the workpiece and the probe. The projector is configured to project full-scale projection graphics of said workpiece so as to match the full-scale projection graphics with the workpiece regardless of a difference in a distance between the workpiece and the probe, and to project display information identifying a measurement schedule position by the probe.

Abstract: Stylus head displacer displaces a stylus head on a first measurement path. A path definer defines the first measurement path. A displacement controller controls the stylus head displacer such that the stylus head displaces along the first measurement path. A position detector detects a position of the stylus head. A depression amount detector detects the depression amount of the stylus head. A measurement results memory stores the position and amount of depression of the stylus head. The depression amount detector outputs an error signal when detecting a measurement error. The displacement controller stops displacement of the stylus head in response to the error signal and displaces the stylus head to a starting point of the first measurement path, and controls the stylus head displacer such that the stylus head is displaced from the starting point to an end point of the first measurement path with a fixed depression amount.

Abstract: A method of operating an articulated arm CMM is provided. Instructions for the CMM can be inputted to the CMM arm by an action chosen from the group consisting of placing the arm in a predefined position and moving the arm in a predefined manner.

Abstract: A machine tool including a tool magazine (20) arranged in a storage region adjacent to a working region of a workpiece to store a working tool (31) for working the workpiece and a measurement tool (32) for measuring the workpiece; a spindle (10) to which the working tool and the measurement tool are attached in a detachable manner, the spindle being provided in a movable manner relative to the workpiece; a shutter (40) provided between the working region and the storage region in an openable and closable manner; a transceiver (51) attached to the measurement tool; and a communication module (52) arranged in the storage region to communicate with the transceiver of the measurement tool attached to the spindle.

Abstract: A method for manually controlling the motion of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is disclosed. The method may include providing at least one guide element motion tracking sensor; defining a guide element active tracking volume relative to one of the guide element tracking sensor and a portion of the CMM; placing a guide element in the active motion tracking volume; tracking the position of the guide element; and moving a measurement probe of the CMM in response to the tracked position (e.g., to follow the position changes). The method may further include detecting a tracking motion activation trigger indicator or condition, and operating the CMM to move the measurement probe portion of the CMM according to the tracking motion after the tracking motion activation trigger indicator or condition is detected and according to the condition that the guide element is located in the active tracking volume.

Abstract: A form measuring instrument includes: a body; a movable member including: a stylus holder being rotatably supported by the body; a stylus being held by the stylus holder; and a tip being provided at an end of the stylus and being contactable with a workpiece surface; a measurement-force-applying unit being adapted to generate a rotation force acting on the stylus holder to bring the tip of the stylus into contact with the workpiece surface; a displacement detector being provided to a portion of the stylus holder to detect a displacement of the stylus holder resulting from a rotation thereof; and a vibration generator being adapted to apply vibration to the stylus holder.

Abstract: A method of dynamically adjusting an angular speed of a light beam emitted by a scanner in measuring three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of a surface or of dynamically adjusting an acquisition rate of 3D coordinates of a surface.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus and a method of testing one of aerodynamic and acoustic characteristics of a vehicle is described. The method includes measuring a vehicle center using a gauge. The gauge includes a carrier section from which a pair of arms extend in opposed directions. Each of the arms has an axle center locator. The carrier section has a vehicle center marker. Upon determination of the vehicle center, the vehicle can be located in a wind tunnel at a predetermined location and exposed to an enhanced air flow.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to a location determination apparatus for determining a location of two components relative to one another. The apparatus may comprise at least one location encoder having a read head in cooperation with a code for generating first position determination data at a first measurement frequency. According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one inertial measurement unit is arranged for additionally determining translational and/or rotational accelerations of at least one of the two components and, moreover, for generating second position determination data with respect to the location at a second measurement rate.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shape measurement system includes a three-dimensional shape measuring machine that outputs spatial coordinate data on a probe for measuring a work, and a control PC that processes the spatial coordinate data. The three-dimensional shape measurement machine includes a plurality of articulated-armed three-dimensional shape measuring machines that are arranged so that measurement ranges of the probes overlap each other to allow measurement of part or all of the work, and configured such that each can output spatial coordinate data. The control PC includes a coordinate data pool that retains the spatial coordinate data in an identifiable manner with respect to each of the three-dimensional shape measuring machines, and a synthesis unit that synthesizes the spatial coordinate data retained in the coordinate data pool.

Abstract: A flaw detection system includes a CMM having a base and one or more transfer members, one or more articulation members connecting the one or more transfer members to the base, and a flaw detection sensor at a distal end, the CMM being configured to measure a location of the flaw detection sensor, and a processor configured to correlate the location of the flaw detection sensor as measured by the CMM with data detected by the flaw detection sensor.

Abstract: There is provided a form measuring apparatus which is configured to perform measurement of a surface form of a surface of an object to be inspected having a three-dimensional shape, the form measuring apparatus including: a detecting section which performs detection of the surface form of the surface of the object having the three-dimensional form; and an area-setting section which sets, as a measurement area, an adjacent area adjacent to a designated area, based on form information of a form of the designated area.

Abstract: A method of determining a mathematical transformation to place three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of points measured by an articulated arm coordinate measurement machine (AACMM) and 3D points measured by a scanner in a common coordinate system is provided. The method including providing the 3D scanner and the AACMM having a probe. The scanner and AACMM each have a local frame of reference. Three non-collinear targets are measured with the probe and then with the scanner. 3D probe reference coordinates and 3D scanner reference coordinates are determined based on the measurement of the targets by the AACMM and scanner. The mathematical transformation is determined based at least in part on the 3D probe reference coordinates and the 3D scanner reference coordinates, the mathematical transformation characterized at least in part by a collection of parameters.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods are described for integrating an electronic metrology sensor with precision production equipment such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines. For example, a laser distance measuring sensor is used. Measurements are taken at a relatively high sample rate and converted into a format compatible with other data generated or accepted by the CNC machine. Measurements from the sensor are synchronized with the position of the arm of the machine such as through the use of offsets. Processing yields a detailed and highly accurate three-dimensional map of a workpiece in the machine. Applicable metrology instruments include other near continuously reading non-destructive characterization instruments such as contact and non-contact dimensional, eddy current, ultra-sound, and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) sensors.

Abstract: A robot apparatus includes a gripping unit configured to grip a first component, a force sensor configured to detect, as detection values, a force and a moment acting on the gripping unit, a storing unit having stored therein contact states of the first component and a second component and transition information in association with each other, a selecting unit configured to discriminate, on the basis of the detection values, a contact state of the first component and the second component and select, on the basis of a result of the discrimination, the transition state stored in the storing unit, and a control unit configured to control the gripping unit on the basis of the transition information selected by the selecting unit.

Abstract: This detection system (40) comprises a detection assembly (50) for detecting a rotation parameter of one of the two parts with respect to the other, electrical connecting means (150, 160) adapted to connect the detection assembly (50) to a control unit. The electrical connecting means comprise at least one electric cable (150) extending outside the detection assembly (50) and outside a pin, between the detection assembly and the control unit. The detection system (40) also comprises a bracket (200) adapted to connect the detection assembly (50) to the second part when the detection assembly is mounted within a housing of the pin (30). The electric cable has a first portion (154) which extends parallel to the central axis (X90) of the pin when the detection assembly (50) is mounted on the pin.

Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) is provided including a manually positionable articulated arm having opposed first and second ends. The arm includes multiple connected arm segments. Each arm segment has a longitudinal axis. Each arm segment includes a generally tubular core, an outer sleeve surrounding at least a portion of a length of the core, and at least one position transducer for producing a position signal. The outer sleeve is a cylindrical tube having a first portion at a first end and a second portion that extends from the first portion to an opposite end. The first portion is coupled to an end of the core. The first portion is shorter than the second portion and the second portion is configured to move relative to the core.

Abstract: An articulated arm coordinate measurement machine (AACMM) that includes a noncontact 3D measurement device, position transducers, a camera, and a processor operable to project a spot of light to an object point, to measure first 3D coordinates of the object point based on readings of the noncontact 3D measurement device and the position transducers, to capture the spot of light with the camera in a camera image, and to attribute the first 3D coordinates to the spot of light in the camera image.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an articulated arm coordinate measurement machine can include a plurality of transfer members and a plurality of articulation members connecting the plurality of transfer members to each other to measure an angle between the transfer members. The machine can additionally include at least one coordinate acquisition member positioned at an end of the articulated arm. Further, the machine can include a harness connected to at least one of the group consisting of the transfer members and the articulation members to support at least a portion of the weight of the transfer members and the articulation members. The harness can also be configured to mount to a human.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating a pivot drive, in particular a rotary indexing unit (10), having a rotating plate (12) which can be driven by a motor to execute a rotary movement about a rotation axis (R). A sensor (24, 24?) is provided, which provides sensor data, in particular angle data, is connected to a control device (26) and serves to monitor a rotary movement of the motor (22), the rotating plate (12) and/or a rotating component of a drive train which is arranged between the motor and the rotating plate. The sensor data is compared with predefined setpoint data, which is stored in the control device (26), in order to adjust at least one parameter which characterizes or influences the rotary movement if there is a deviation between the sensor data and the setpoint data, in order to minimize the ascertained deviation.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus and corresponding method can be used to measure an absolute diameter of a part in a shop floor environment. A tracker such as a laser tracker monitors a position of a probe end of a measurement arm of the apparatus. The position measured by the laser tracker can be used directly account for errors in the apparatus such as, for example, positioning errors of the measurement arm. The position monitoring of the tracking device eliminates complex apparatus calibrations and calculations used for previous devices.

Abstract: An archery bow has a handle pivotally attached to the riser. An indicator alerts the archer when the bow and handle are in proper alignment with reduced torque. Reduced bow torque results in improved accuracy.

Abstract: A linear motion machine includes a base having an upper surface configured to support one or more work pieces and an instrument movably mounted to the base via a plurality of guideways permitting movement of the instrument relative to the base along three axes. At least one of the pluralities of guideways includes an elongated guideway member made of a plurality of elongated generally planar web members. Each of the elongated generally planar web members has a length and a pair of opposite side edges running along the length. The plurality of elongated generally planar web members are bonded together at least at one or more of the side edges to form the elongated guideway member. The elongated guideway member includes a ceramic material.

Abstract: A shape measuring machine includes a slider that supports a scanning probe including a tip sphere. A scale unit detects a displacement of the slider. A tip sphere displacement detection unit detects a displacement of the tip sphere. A calculation unit includes a correction filter and an adder, and calculates a measurement value from the displacements of the slider and the tip sphere. The correction filter outputs a correction value that is obtained by correcting the displacement of the tip sphere detected by the tip sphere displacement detection unit based on an inverse characteristic of a frequency transfer characteristic from the scale unit to the tip sphere. The adder calculates the measurement value by adding the displacement of the slider detected by the scale unit and the correction value.

Abstract: A method for focusing an object plane (42) through an objective (30) and an optical assembly (10), with which the method can be carried out, are disclosed. A geometric reference structure (21) is positioned in a plane (36) conjugate to a field plane (34) of the objective (30) and is imaged onto the object plane (42). The geometric reference structure (21) is illuminated with a light beam (24), which encloses a non-zero angle (?) with a normal direction (38) of the conjugate plane (36). Therefore a position (Y) of an image (22) of the geometric reference structure (21) in the object plane (42) depends on the signed distance (37) between the object plane (42) and the field plane (34), and correspondingly is evaluated for the determination of the focus position. The optical assembly (10) preferentially may be a metrology tool (100) for measuring structures (120) on masks (100), wherein the objective (30) is the measurement objective of the metrology tool (100).

Abstract: There are provided a first (Y-axial direction) moving unit, a movement auxiliary unit for moving in substantially parallel with the first moving unit, and a second (X-axial direction) moving unit for moving substantially perpendicular to the first moving unit. Force generated for moving the second moving unit is received by the movement auxiliary unit to perform driving of the XY directions. Thus, when a measuring probe provided on the second moving unit is scanned in the XY directions, vibrations of the first moving unit can be suppressed without the first moving unit receiving a counteraction of force that acts in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the first moving unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transmitting measurement data wirelessly are described herein. A coordinate measurement device comprises an articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a coordinate acquisition member at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end. The device further comprises an add-on device assembly coupled to the coordinate acquisition member. The device further comprises a feature pack coupled to the base of the articulated arm. The feature pack may receive the coordinate data and the add-on device data packet, inserts bits of the coordinate data into a packet that can be transmitted over a network, and wirelessly transmits the packetized coordinate data and the add-on device data packet to a base station.

Abstract: The trunk area dimension measurement device includes a light reflection portion to be placed at a position of a navel of the measurement subject, a contact portion to be placed on a side surface of the measurement subject's trunk area, a support column having a contact detection unit that detects the contact with the contact portion and that extends in the vertical direction, a measurement bar that is supported pivotably about a first support point vertically with respect to the support column and that extends above the measurement subject's trunk area, an optical sensor that is held by the measurement bar positioned above the measurement subject's trunk area and that is held pivotably about a second support point so as to hang down in a gravity direction, and an angle sensor that is provided at either one of the first support point and the second support point.

Abstract: A system and method for a chromatic probe detachment sensor is provided. A detachment signal element is included in an interchangeable optics element of a probe. The detachment signal element is configured to substantially transmit a first set of wavelengths corresponding to a measuring range, and at least partially reflect a set of detachment element wavelengths. In one implementation, the detachment signal element comprises a thin film coating such as a sharp edge filter. The detection of a detachment condition can thus be achieved using the existing probe electronics without requiring the addition of other external sensors or wiring to the probe or coordinate measuring machine that utilizes the probe. The sensing of a detachment condition may be utilized to halt further movement of the probe to minimize damage in the event of a collision.

Abstract: A probe system includes a probe and a transmission/reception element. The probe and the transmission/reception element are configured such that information is transmittable between them in wireless fashion via a radio signal. The transmission/reception element or the probe has two antennas, set apart from each other, for receiving the radio signal, so that the information received by the two antennas via the radio signal is able to be processed concurrently.

Abstract: A line image sensor including a light receiving plane on which two or more straight rows of pixels are disposed, the straight rows of pixels capturing images of regular fringes generated from light reflected from an irradiated body in accordance with the amount of light received by each pixel; at least two rows of pixels acquiring images of linear fringes crossing at right angles in two directions among the fringe projected onto the light receiving plane.

Abstract: Touch probe comprising a fixed member; a feeler held by one or several elastic elements in a resting position relative to said fixed member, said feeler being capable of moving from said resting position in response to a deflection force; a detection system comprising a light source driven by the displacements of the feeler relative to said fixed member; an optical image sensor receiving the light emitted by said light source; an optical mask interposed on the light path between said light source and said optical image sensor.

Abstract: A touch probe comprising a fixed member; a feeler held by one or several elastic elements in a resting position relative to said fixed member, said feeler being capable of moving from said resting position in response to a deflection force; a detection system comprising a light source driven by the displacements of the feeler relative to said fixed member; an optical image sensor receiving the light emitted by said light source; an optical mask interposed on the light path between said light source and said optical image sensor.

Abstract: A modular unit removably mounted to a main body includes a cover openably closable relative to a unit body of the modular unit and a movable member to move to the main body in conjunction with closing of the cover. As the cover is closed with the modular unit mounted to the main body, a projection provided to the movable member pushes a lever provided to the main body, and a detector provided to the main body detects that the lever is pushed by the projection of the movable member.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrical inspection is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an inert gas delivery system that delivers inert gas near a microscope imaging element and electrical test probes. A gas supply provides an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen. The inert gas displaces oxygen to prevent premature oxidation of the test probes. In one embodiment, one or more delivery tubes deliver inert gas to the measurement area.

Abstract: A method for measuring the coordinates of workplaces on a coordinate-measuring device has a probe head including a probe and a probe sensor associated therewith. The method includes generating a probe signal when the probe contacts a workpiece. From this signal, dimensional values are determined that represent the position of the probe head when the workpiece is contacted. The probe head additionally includes an acceleration sensor generating an acceleration signal when the probe head accelerates, wherein the probe signal and the acceleration signal are fed to a control and analysis unit for analysis. This unit determines the dimensional values so that an analysis signal is determined by subtracting the probe signal and the acceleration signal from each other, and the dimensional values representing the position of the probe head when contacting the workpiece are determined only using the analysis signal.

Abstract: An arm type three-dimensional measuring apparatus includes: a multi-jointed arm mechanism including a probe in a distal end; a processing part for computing a position of the probe, the probe being manually moved; a sensor which is formed in each axis of the multi-jointed arm mechanism and detects at least a force in one predetermined direction and torques in two predetermined axial directions generated in an attitude state of the multi-jointed arm mechanism, wherein the processing part computes a deflection amount in each axis of the multi-jointed arm mechanism based on an output of the sensor and sequentially computes a position of the probe based on the deflection amount.

Abstract: Stylus head displacer displaces a stylus head on a first measurement path. A path definer defines the first measurement path. A displacement controller controls the stylus head displacer such that the stylus head displaces along the first measurement path. A position detector detects a position of the stylus head. A depression amount detector detects the depression amount of the stylus head. A measurement results memory stores the position and amount of depression of the stylus head. The depression amount detector outputs an error signal when detecting a measurement error. The displacement controller stops displacement of the stylus head in response to the error signal and displaces the stylus head to a starting point of the first measurement path, and controls the stylus head displacer such that the stylus head is displaced from the starting point to an end point of the first measurement path with a fixed depression amount.

Abstract: A method of operating a coordinate positioning apparatus comprising an articulated head having at least one rotational axis. The method comprises, in any suitable order, loading at least one interchangeable task module onto the articulated head; and loading at least one interchangeable task module counterweight on the articulated head. The at least one interchangeable task module counterweight at least partially counterbalances the weight of the at least one task module on the articulated head about the at least one axis.

Abstract: A bucket tip shroud measurement fixture includes a frame extending from a first end to a second end through an intermediate portion having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first tip shroud fixing member extending from the second surface of the frame at the first end, and a second tip shroud fixing member extending from the second surface of the frame at the second end. The first and second tip shroud fixing members are configured and disposed to retain and establish an orientation of a bucket tip shroud relative the frame. A plurality of reference points are provided on the frame. The plurality of reference points are configured and disposed to receive a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) probe.

Abstract: A method of building up a measurement data set for a surface of an object using an analogue measurement probe mounted on a machine tool apparatus which obtains scanned measurement data of the surface over a plurality of offset traverses. Subsequent traverses are offset from previous traverses such that over a series of traverses the analogue probe's surface detecting region progresses i) laterally across the object, and/or ii) away from or towards the object. The course of relative motion for at least one subsequent traverse is generated and/or updated based on data obtained during at least one previous traverse.

Abstract: The invention relates to an autonomous system for determining items of information representative of the movement of an articulated chain (CA—1, CA—2, CA—3) comprising at least two solid elements (ES1—1, ES2—1, ES1—2, ES2—2, ES3—2, ES1—3, ES2—3, ES3—3, ES4—3) and at least one articulation (ART1—1, ART1—2, ART2—2, ART1—3, ART2—3, ART3—3) connecting said two elements. The system comprises at least two devices (DISP1—1, DISP2—1, DISP1—2, DISP2—2, DISP3—2, DISP1—3, DISP2—3, DISP3—3, DISP4—3) for measuring inter-device distances, mounted fixedly on two distinct elements of said articulated chain and suitable for transmitting the measurements made.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring dimensions of a micro-scale object includes a movable stylus, a probe and at least one acoustic emissions sensor. The movable stylus is positionable to contact an object to be measured. The probe is rotatably coupled to the stylus and has a distal end that circumscribes a circle when rotated. The acoustic emissions sensor is operatively coupled to the probe. The sensor is operative to detect acoustic emissions generated from contact between the distal end of the probe and the object, thereby allowing dimensions of the object to be determined.

Abstract: An arm type three-dimensional measuring machine includes: a multi-jointed arm mechanism comprising a probe in a distal end; a processing part for computing a position of said probe; and an inclinometer configured to detect an inclination amount of a base part from a vertical direction in the base part for supporting the multi-jointed arm mechanism, wherein the processing part computes a position of the probe using the base part as a criterion and corrects the position of the probe using the base part as the criterion in a time-series manner based on an output from the inclinometer.

Abstract: Method for measuring a part using an articulated measurement arm having a measurement head provided with a pointing member and at least one joint fitted with at least one rotary encoder, comprising focusing on a first measurement point on the part, the measurement arm adopting a first measurement position, moving the measurement arm to a second measurement position to focus on a second measurement point of the part in order to capture a geometric feature of the part on the basis of the measurement points, and determining a degree of precision of the capture of the geometric feature undertaken as a function of the first and second positions of the measurement arm.