Abstract: A surface configuration measuring method is provided, the surface configuration measuring method being characterized in having the steps of: moving a touch signal probe by a command velocity vector to touch a surface of the workpiece to be measured; scanning the surface of the workpiece to be measured, the touch signal probe being moved along the surface to be measured while controlling the distance relative to the surface to be measured so that detected amplitude value of a detection signal outputted by the detecting circuit becomes a predetermined reference value, thus outputting the detected amplitude value and corresponding measuring position; and calculating an estimated surface position based on the detected amplitude value and the measuring position estimated to be obtained when surface is scanned to keep the detected amplitude value constant.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a coordinate measuring apparatus having drives (14, 23) for moving the components (2, 7) of the apparatus. The drives are displaced in accordance with sets of desired drive values (Li, Fdes) which are sequentially pregiven at a fixed clock frequency. The operation of the control can be integrated into a control computer unit (3, 4, 5) by making available a control computer unit (3, 4, 5) having an operating system without real-time performance in which the desired drive values (Li, Fdes) are correspondingly computed as well as by providing a subassembly (1) wherein the desired drive values (Li, Fdes) can be stored and driven to at subsequent clock pulses in advance in response to a command of the control computer unit (3, 4, 5).

Abstract: A method of calibrating a scanning system comprising a machine and a measuring probe, includes the steps of error mapping the system statically and qualifying the stylus tip so that the system will provide accurate measurements, determining the positions of a number of datum points on the surface of an artefact with the probe stylus in contact with the workpiece and at zero deflection normal to the surface, scanning the surface through the datum points at a nominal stylus deflection and at the maximum speed which provides repeatable position measurements to make a second determination of the positions of the datum points, determining the errors attributable to the scanning process by subtracting the positions obtained in the first and second determinations, and storing the error values for correction of subsequent measurements of similar artefacts.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring dimensional rough stone blocks. In the method, a dimensional rough stone block is measured in a three-dimensional coordinate system by means of an inertia measuring device by moving the device from one point to another on the surface of the stone block to be measured. The apparatus comprises an inertia measuring device and a calculating device with which it is possible to calculate the dimensions of the stone block based on the coordinate values of the points measured by the inertia measuring device.

Abstract: A measuring machine having a base (10), a touch signal probe (P), a moving mechanism (20) for retaining the touch signal probe (P) movably in three-dimensional directions, and a controller (60) for controlling a movement of the moving mechanism (20) and for acquiring coordinates value of respective axes based on a contact signal from the touch signal probe (P) to measure a dimension etc. of a workpiece based on the coordinates value is provided. Main structural members structuring the moving mechanism (20), more specifically, a column (21), a supporter (22), a X-beam (23), a Z-axis structure (25) and a Z-axis spindle (26) are made of aluminum or aluminum alloy including aluminum as main component, which has large thermal conductivity, thereby making temperature distribution uniform to improve geometrical accuracy.

Abstract: A grinding machine includes a swing-arm mounted to pivot on a frame, a lens-holder shaft which is mounted to rotate on the swing-arm about a rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis of the swing-arm, and on which a calibration template can be mounted, and a tool-holder shaft which is mounted to rotate on the frame at a distance from the pivot axis of the swing-arm and on which a machining tool can be mounted. A method of calibrating the machine includes an approach phase during which the swing-arm, which is fitted with a calibration template, is moved toward the tool-holder shaft, which is equipped with a machining tool. The approach phase is interrupted as soon as contact is detected between the calibration template and the machining tool. Applications include machines for grinding ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for selfcalibration of a coordinate-measuring machine, in which the coordinates of structures on an uncalibrated reference object are measured in a plurality of rotary positions on the object table of the coordinate-measuring machine, the measured coordinates are rotated back into the initial position by means of rotation functions, and a correction function is determined such that the rotated-back coordinates agree in an optimum fashion with the coordinates of the initial orientation. Each reference object is rotated about only one axis in this process. Rotationally symmetrical linear combinations of the fit functions used to approximate the correction function are determined and left out of account in the approximation. The correction functions generated are systematically complete and include no undetermined or defective terms.

Abstract: A counterbalance mechanism for use with a multijoint manually positionable measuring arm of a three dimensional coordinate measurement system provides a reversible and adjustable counterbalancing force to offset the weight of the arm and facilitate its movement. The counterbalance mechanism of the present invention acts within the plane of the joint minimizing the moment arm created by the joint and allowing for low overhung loads transmitted from the arm to the base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing large, semi-flexible metal components includes a fixture that holds the component blank in a desired position for manufacturing operations by accurate numerically controlled machine tools using original numerical part definition records, utilizing spatial relationships between key features of detail parts or subassemblies as represented by coordination features machined into the parts and subassemblies, thereby making the parts and subassemblies intrinsically determinant of the dimensions and contour of the part.

Abstract: An ovality measurement tool for measurement of ovality of a circumferentially deformable cylindrical element having a cylindrical element support, a sensing element for traversing the circumference of the cylindrical element, which sensing element is movable radially with respect to the cylindrical element, and a readout device for reading the amount of movement of the sensing element as it traverses the circumference of the cylindrical element.

Abstract: A counterbalance mechanism for use with a multi-joint manually positionable measuring arm of a three dimensional coordinate measurement system provides a reversible and adjustable counterbalancing force to offset the weight of the arm and facilitate its movement. The counterbalance mechanism of the present invention acts within the plane of the joint minimizing the moment arm created by the joint and allowing for low overhung loads transmitted from the arm to the base.

Abstract: An automatically shape calculating method and apparatus for contour shape measuring machines, by which a geometric shape value and a geometric shape boundary value are calculated from shape data. A geometric shape boundary is provisionally set in accordance with the shape data, which is obtained by measuring a workpiece, and then geometric shape calculation areas are set in areas except for the vicinities of the provisionally set point, a measurement starting point and a measurement ending point. A geometric shape value of the shape data is calculated while a geometric shape of the shape data is determined under geometric shape recognition conditions for each of the set geometric shape calculation areas. The geometric shape boundary value is calculated from the calculated geometric shape value, and the calculating results are output.

Abstract: A pattern forming apparatus comprising a sample base for positioning a sample on the base and moving a drawing position of the sample, a position measuring unit for measuring a position of the sample base, a correcting unit for mutually independently correcting drawing positions at those respective areas into which a whole drawing section of the sample is divided, the drawing position being calculated by the position measuring unit at the respective area, and a drawing unit for drawing a pattern on the sample on the basis of the position of the sample base measured by the position measuring unit and drawing position of the respective area corrected by the correcting unit.

Abstract: A method of operating a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) provides the operator with the ability to automatically set the tolerance value of the part measurement based on preset conditions, and make an educated guess or estimate of the nominal part value during the measurement. This nominal estimation technique is based on the actual measurement value taken by the CMM, and the information supplied about the tolerance limits. This estimation technique of the present invention makes it much easier for the operator to measure the part and produce a report, since it significantly reduces the amount of operator keystroke information required to be manually input via the keyboard.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for controlling a coordinate measuring apparatus in accordance with desired data utilizing a movably journalled probe which continuously scans the surface of a workpiece in a scanning point in a preferred measurement direction (M). Either the probe or the workpiece therefore additionally rotatably journalled about at least one rotational axis having a first alignment. Geometric data are processed which include at least points (Pai, Pbi) on the surface of the workpiece with the points (Pai, Pbi) defining a line to be scanned. Control data (Lai, L.alpha.i and/or Lbi, L.beta.i) from the geometric data are computed for controlling the measuring sequence in such a manner that, for measuring the workpiece, the workpiece and/or the probe are rotated about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A novel display device for use with a three dimensional coordinate measurement system provides a Display positioned on a multijointed measuring arm allowing an operator to have convenient display of positional data and system menu prompts. The display device further includes LED's indicating system power, transducer position status and error status. An embodiment of the present invention receives signals from a host computer via telemetry allowing the display to be positioned remote from the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring three-dimensional (3-D) coordinates. A 3-D object can be digitized into a mesh representation manipulable by a computer system by tracing a stylus of a probe apparatus over surfaces of the object. The probe apparatus includes an arm having a series of linkages and joints. The arm can be assembled by placing the joints of the arm in joint fixtures a desired distance and angle apart and bonding the joints to a linkage. The probe apparatus is calibrated by placing the tip of the stylus at an arbitrary point in a work volume and varying the stylus' orientation to find error values and determine calibration parameters. The sensors of the probe apparatus are zeroed by placing the probe apparatus in the only possible home position and assigning assumed starting angles to the sensors. A rotary table can be used to support the object being digitized, where the rotation of the rotary table and object during digitization is sensed and included in coordinate calculations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing laminated parts from a plurality of laminas, in which the laminas for forming the laminated parts are blanked from strip stock material. The laminas and are then cut and stacked to form the laminated part. The apparatus includes a measuring device placed with the die element of the press, for accurately measuring the thickness of successive sections of the strip stock. A controller, such as a computer or a programmable logic controller, receives the thickness value of the strip stock sections from the measuring device. Means are also included which is activated by the controller to provide a compensation adjustment at selected locations upon the strip stock sections to counteract the measured thickness variations, and to control the stack height.

Abstract: In a measuring method with a probe (a touch trigger probe 70), a velocity V1 and a coordinate value P1 of the prove trigger probe 70 are detected when a contact-detection signal is generated from the probe 70, and then a coordinate value P0 at the moment of contact is found from the coordinate value P1, the velocity V1, and an elapsed time T1 of the touch trigger prove 70 since the contact detection (an elapsed time from the contact until the contact-detection signal is generated).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method which is provided for controlling coordinate measuring apparatus wherein a probe head (2) is moved and has a movably attached probe unit (24) attached thereto. The probe unit (24) is charged with a measurement force Fmeas relative to the probe head (2). The measurement force Fmeas operates against the mass inertial forces Fzp which occur because of acceleration of the probe. The measurement force Fmeas is comprised of a desired measurement force Fdes and a corrective measurement force Fcorr. The desired measurement force Fdes is constant in magnitude and is directed perpendicularly to the surface of the workpiece (15) to be measured. The corrective measurement force Fcorr at least partially compensates for the mass inertial forces (Ftr, Fzp) which occur because of the acceleration of the probe unit (24).

Abstract: A roundness measuring machine is described which measures the position of the surface of an object as the object is rotated on a turntable. The machine determines the circle which is the best fit to the measured points and converts the measurements to distances from the best fit circle. An improved algorithm for determining the best fit circle is used in place of the limacon fit. Calculated differences between the measured surface position and the best fit circle are corrected for the effect of measuring the difference in the direction towards the center of rotation of the turntable instead of in the direction towards the center of the circle. Data values are calculated representing points at equal angles around the center of the best fit circle rather than equal angles around the center of rotation of the turntable. The improved accuracy of correction allows the machine to tolerate greater eccentricity of the workplace relative to the turntable, reducing the necessity for accurate centering of the workpiece.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring system including a multijointed arm. The multijointed arm includes a plurality of transfer housings for producing signals corresponding to the position of the tip of the arm. A serial box mounted to the arm receive signals from the transfer housings and processes the signals for use by a computer. The serial box emits an audible tone when any one of the transfer housings is rotated beyond a predetermined limit. An earphone jack is provided at the serial box for providing the audible tone to earphones. A speaker may also be mounted in one or more of the transfer housings. One or more of the transfer housings may be placed in a locked state preventing rotation of the transfer housing and eliminating a degree of freedom of the arm.

Abstract: A probing system that checks a pattern formed by a plurality of features of an object. The system includes an input device that receives an ideal position and an ideal set of dimensions of each of the plurality of features, as well as an acceptable tolerance for the plurality of features. The input device generates a first signal. A probe device is electrically connected to the input device to receive the first signal, and in response, directs a probe to a location of samples. The probe device outputs a second signal indicative of a measured location of each of the samples.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring parts and presenting a number of reconfigurable supporting elements, each having a first portion positionable on a reference surface, and a second portion positionable in relation to the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the reference surface; and a number of orientable measuring modules, each fitted to the second portion of a respective supporting element and presenting a respective linear position transducer; the supporting elements and respective measuring modules being so arranged as to define a number of discrete points for supporting the part for measurement; and each transducer detecting any departure of the actual position of a respective point of the part from a theoretical reference position of the point.

Abstract: The optical touch probe has a first target at the distal end thereof on the contact element in a standard probe. The probe is mounted to a video camera of an optical coordinate measuring machine to image the target on the camera. Movement and position of the target in the X and Y coordinates is indicated by the machine's computer image processing system. A second target is mounted to the proximal end of the probe and indicates movement and position in the Z coordinate. The second target may obscure a photodetector, but preferably is parfocused on the camera by light beam parallel to the X,Y plane. Preferably there are two second targets illuminated by orthogonal beams parallel to the X,Y plane. Rotation around the Z axis then may be calculated by the computer when star probes are used. Auto changing racks are also disclosed for holding multiple probes, a probe holder, and lenses for selective mounting on the camera.

Abstract: A novel, portable coordinate measuring machine comprises a multijointed (preferably six and/or seven joints) manually positionable measuring arm for accurately and easily measuring a volume, which in a preferred embodiment, comprises a sphere ranging from six to eight feet in diameter and a measuring accuracy of 2 Sigma .+-.0.003 inch. In addition to the measuring arm, the present invention employs a controller (or serial box) which acts as the electronic interface between the arm and a host computer. Additionally, a number of end effector probes are provided that fulfill functions other than measurement only.

Abstract: An object inspection system including a coordinate measuring device with a touch probe for inspecting an object having one or more feature types and a computer subsystem connected to the coordinate measuring device which stores the direction of movement and the coordinates of the probe at each contact of the probe with a feature on the object. There is an algorithm which automatically determines, from the direction of movement of the probe and the coordinates, the feature type defined by the coordinates.

Abstract: A measuring system for a numerical control machine tool comprising a detecting head (3), for contacting a workpiece (1) to be checked and for transmitting an optical coded signal (8) to a remote transceiver unit (11) that, in turn, can transmit an optical switch on signal (10) to the head (3). The transceiver unit (11) is connected, by means of a cable (45) including separate lines (43, 44) for the transmitted and received signals, to an interface unit (12), in turn connected to a computerized numerical control unit (13). In the event that faults occur in the transmission between the head (3) and the interface unit (12), a test takes place so as to identify in which part of the system the fault is located. A test signal is generated by suitable means (38) in the interface unit (12), transmitted from the transceiver unit (11) towards a reflecting surface (16), reflected by the latter, received by the transceiver unit (11) and sent to the interface unit (12).

Abstract: A viewing device wherein a measuring machine presents a movable element movable along three coordinate axes of the measuring machine; the movable element is fitted with an articulated measuring head supporting a viewing sensor presenting a television camera and a laser beam source; by analyzing the two-dimensional image picked up by the television camera and the position of the laser beam in the two-dimensional image, the coordinates of a point in relation to a reference system of the viewing sensor are determined; and the measurement is subsequently related to the reference system of the measuring machine.

Abstract: A portable metrological instrument for measuring surface finish parameters has a main housing which sits on a workbench. A slidable arm can be extended or retracted over the bench so as to move a stylus over a workpiece. The stylus is fitted to a gauge mounted to the end of the arm. The mounting includes a vertically movable slider which incorporates a mechanism for lifting the stylus away from the workpiece and lowering it back. The operation of the instrument is controlled by modular software which can be reprogrammed using an external device, and the machine is operated by a control panel on the housing or by an identical control panel on a remote controller. The gauge includes an inductive sensor, and the associated circuit includes automatically adjustable error canceling devices. The control system uses the sensed position of the arm to estimate the speed of the motor which drives the arm, avoiding the need for a shaft encoder on the motor.

Abstract: The control of a coordinate measuring apparatus includes a device for correcting the pregiven desired path when the actual geometry of the workpiece 17 to be measured deviates from the desired geometry. This device is a two-stage controller which includes a first control stage 27 which operates in response to a control signal proportional to the deflection of the moveable probe pin 7 and controls out deviations in the direction of the normal vector Ni on the workpiece surface. The second control stage 28 becomes active only when the deflection Ai of the probe pin 7 or the force F acting on the workpiece reaches or exceeds a predetermined amount. The second control stage 28 then controls out deviations in the direction of the probe deflection Ai.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method wherein the probe head of a coordinate measuring apparatus is driven in a controlled manner in accordance with desired data. The control data, which are necessary for the control, are prepared in the computer of the coordinate measuring apparatus as a point sequence (S1 to Sm) from the geometric data (G1 to Gn) as, for example CAD data. These CAD data describe the work profile to be scanned. For this purpose, the computer encodes the speed profile which ensures a jolt-free movement and a measurement time as short as possible by appropriately selecting the spacings between the points (S1 to Sm) of the control data.

Abstract: An object is mounted and rotated on a rotary table. An encoder outputs a rotary angle signal corresponding to the rotary angle of the rotary table. A detection head outputs a displacement detection signal while tracing the surface of the object. The detection head moves within a plane including the axis of rotation, so as to oppose the outer or inner surface of the object. When the detection head is opposed to the inner surface of the object, the positive and negative signs of the displacement detection signal is reversed, while at the same time a 180.degree. angle is added to the rotary angle signal. By utilizing the reversed displacement detection signal and the corrected angle correction signal, the obtained result can be displayed through a displaying processing common to the processing for the outer surface.

Abstract: A method for improving accuracy of dimensional measurements of a touch trigger probe. The method includes moving a touch trigger probe in an approach direction toward an object, contacting a contact point on the object with a portion of the touch trigger probe, generating a trigger signal corresponding to coordinates of the contact point after the touch trigger probe travels a pretraveled distance, and adjusting the coordinates to compensate for the pretravel. The adjusting step compensates for bending of the touch trigger probe and the bending is calculated as a function of trigger force derived from contact forces of a kinematic seating arrangement of the touch trigger probe. The method is effective in compensating for variations in trigger force due to the approach direction commonly referred to as lobing. The method is applicable to straight and non-straight touch trigger probes.

Abstract: A gage for a thrufeed centerless grinder for post process gaging of a work piece in which the gage is mounted for movement so as to track along a moving work piece as it is moved along a path of travel from the grinder. The gage is movable in two directions mutually orthogonal to the path of travel of the work piece as it exits the grinder so as to track along the cross-section of the moving work piece enabling the gage to measure the work piece diameter. Movement of the gage is provided for by rotation about two axes wherein the gage motion is an arcuate direction having substantial vector components in the mutual orthogonal directions to the work piece path of travel.

Abstract: An automated data taking and analysis system is used during maintenance overhaul of steam or gas turbines to determine the required position of internal flowpath parts so that the parts may be properly reassembled with appropriate spacing to prevent internal rubbing and resultant wear or damage to the turbine that may affect unit operation or performance. Data is taken by electronic position transducers mounted on a rotatable tube, with the transducers being installed at selected axial locations along the tube where setpoint hard bores and seals reside on flowpath components. The transducers include radially projecting surface-riding portions for contacting the cylindrical flowpath component hard bore or seal. For use with large utility or industrial turbines, the transducers have a linear range greater than 0.80 inch to accommodate relatively large amounts of component ellipticity, tube sag, component misalignment and/or variation.

Abstract: A novel, portable coordinate measuring machine comprises a multijointed (preferably six and/or seven joints) manually positionable measuring arm for accurately and easily measuring a volume, which in a preferred embodiment, comprises a sphere ranging from six to eight feet in diameter and a measuring accuracy of 2 Sigma +/-0.003 inch. In addition to the measuring arm, the present invention employs a controller (or serial box) which acts as the electronic interface between the arm and a host computer. Additionally, a number of end effector probes are provided that fulfill functions other than measurement only.

Abstract: Measured position data (Px, Py, Pz) are combined with stored correction values (DB) describing the elastic bending behavior of a coordinate measuring machine in that parameters characterizing the bending behavior are determined for several positions of the probe of the machine within the measuring range (30) of the machine, the acceleration-dependent components of these parameters are determined and stored in the form of correction values (c11, c22) which describe the bending behavior of the coordinate measuring machine as a function of the position (Px, Py, Pz) of measuring slides (22, 23, 24), and at least of the acceleration (ax, ay, az) of the measuring slides introduced via the drives, the correction values being combined with measured position data (Px, Py, Pz) of the coordinate measuring machine in subsequent coordinate measurements on workpieces.

Abstract: For the correction of measurement errors, due to vibration, of coordinate measuring devices, the time course of the interfering vibrations is stored by means of sensors (a.sub.x, a.sub.y, a.sub.z) on a vibrating portion of the coordinate measuring device. The measured values of the sensors are adjusted with previously determined and stored correction parameters, which describe the natural frequency (.nu.) and the damping constants (.delta.) of the vibrations and also the amplitude and phase information of the characteristic modes (G.sub.r) of the vibrations contributing to the interfering vibrations. The measurement errors, due to vibration, of the coordinate measuring device at the instant of probing are then calculated from the time course of the corrected measurement values of the sensors (a.sub.x, a.sub.y, a.sub.z).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for determining airfoil characteristics from coordinate measuring machine probe center data. A coordinate measuring machine measures external coordinates along an airfoil and sends the coordinates to a computer. The computer sorts and orders the coordinates into a plurality of probe center points along a plurality of sections along the airfoil. The probe center points are triangulated to detect and eliminate errant points. Then the probe center points are correlated to a nominal part of the airfoil stored in the memory of the computer until a specified plane of interest is obtained. A discrete inset operation is performed on the correlated data for the plane of interest until a maximum thickness is obtained. The inset points are then joined to form an airfoil meanline, which is used to determine characteristics such as leading edge thickness, trailing edge thickness, and chord length.

Abstract: A robot for performing a working operation on a surface. The robot comprises a frame which supports a pair of parallel tracks. An endless link chain is mounted for travel on each track and each chain is driven by an independent motor mounted on the frame. Each track is provided with at least two recesses with each recess having an open side facing the respective chain. A series of vacuum cups are mounted on each chain and are adapted to engage the surface to be traversed. A first series of ports connect a first recess of each track and a first group of vacuum cups on each chain, while a second series of ports communicate between the second recess of each track and a second group of vacuum cups. A source of vacuum is connected to the recesses and acts through the ports to the respective vacuum cups to enable the vacuum cups to grip the surface. In a preferred manner of use, the robot is employed with a laser tracking system in the non-destructive inspection of an aircraft.

Abstract: For rapid measurement of workpieces having elemental shapes of known geometry in any orientation in space, the elemental shapes are scanned on a coordinate measuring machine which is equipped with a measuring probe head having a permissible measurement range (MR). The computer of the measuring machine is programmed with basic data for establishing a predetermined path of probe-scanning contact with the workpiece, the predetermined path being so calculated (1) that the probe ball of the probe will remain in continuous contact with the workpiece surface, (2) that probe-head measurements always occur within the permissible measurement range (MR) of the probe head, and (3) that probe-ball displacements reflect probe-head measurements that are taken as measured corrections of the predetermined path.

Abstract: A feed-through dimensional measurement system for gathering crossectional measurement data from an elongated part and correlating that data with the longitudinal position on the part from which the data was measured. The system includes a measurement apparatus supported on a part support stand having measuring instruments coupled to a central processing unit for recording and correlating the measurement data. A part drive system drives the part through a transport zone on the support stand while a clamping roller module holds the part against two orthogonal planes established by a set of rollers in the transport zone. Web thickness is measured in relation to a vertical reference plane established by one set of the rollers, and part height and warpage is measured with reference to the orthogonal reference plane.

Abstract: A method for producing at least one three-dimensional body. Conditions for sensing at least one model are preset. The conditions includes at least an angle of at least one sensor with respect to a longitudinal axis of the model and a relationship between a rotation speed of the model and a speed of movement of the sensor and the model relative to each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the model. The model is rotated while simultaneously moving at least one of the model and the sensor relative to each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the model while simultaneously sensing a plurality of distances generated by interaction between the sensor and a surface of the model to obtain a first set of data. The preset conditions and the first set of data are transmitted to at least one control for controlling at least one working tool for producing the three-dimensional body.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine and the method of measuring therein wherein the instruction of the geometic shape is prevented from mistaking and the geometic shape of the workpiece is measured without interrupting the joystick operation. The measuring direction of the probe and the measured value of workpiece are taken in the data receiving part. The geometic shape calculation part calculates the errors of each geometic shape based on the measured value from the data receiving part and the formula which was input previously and represents the geometic shape such as "a straight line or circle". And, the geometic shape recognition part compares respective shape errors such as "a straight line and circle" which are calculated in geometic shape calculation part and recognizes the geometic shape having the lowest shape errors.

Abstract: Apparatus for and a method of scanning a workpiece are in the form of a retrofit package which provides a scanning capability for a machine tool which would otherwise have none. The basic elements of the package are a scanning probe, a computer, an interface between the probe and the computer, and a link between the computer and the RS232 (or other serial port) of the machine controller for communicating between the two. According to the method, the computer signals the machine control system to drive to a target position and stop, reads the probe outputs when the machine has stopped, calculates a new target position and signals it to the machine control system. To ensure that the machine has stopped the computer calculates time intervals based on its knowledge of the machine velocity, or motion signals based on a motion sensor or the probe outputs and only latches the probe readings when the time has expired or when the probe/motion sensor indicates that motion has ceased.

Abstract: In the measurement of workpieces on a coordinate measuring machine having a work-contacting probe head of the switching type, the course over time of the contact signal is stored within a time interval which at least spans the procedural time of contact-signal development. After comparison or correlation with a prerecorded sample signal which has also been stored, the exact time of initial contact or the exact scanning coordinates are then subsequently computed.

Abstract: A system and method for contact measurement of dimensional parameters of a container in which rollers coupled to LVDT sensors are placed in contact with a container as the container is rotated about its central axis so that the sensors develop analog signals that vary as a function of variations in geometry of the container. The sensor output signals are fed through multiple input channels to an a/d convertor/multiplexer, which is controlled by a central microcontroller for selecting in turn among the plurality of sensor signals. Within the microcontroller, each sensor signal is compared to a threshold indicative of maximum acceptable deviation of the corresponding dimensional parameter, and the container under test is rejected if the parameter exceeds such threshold. The microcontroller includes facility for real-time display of measured parameters in English or metric units at the selection of an operator, and for communication of measurement data to a remote computer.

Abstract: A novel, portable coordinate measuring machine comprises a multi-jointed (preferably six joints) manually positionable measuring arm for accurately and easily measuring a volume, which in a preferred embodiment, comprises a sphere ranging from six to eight feet in diameter and a measuring accuracy of 2 Sigma.+-.0.005 inch. (It will be appreciated that "Sigma" means "one standard deviation".) In addition to the measuring arm, the present invention employs a controller (or serial box) which acts as the electronic interface between the arm and a host computer. The coordinate measuring machine of this invention is particularly useful in a novel method for constructing a 3-dimensional map of a measurable quantity (such as temperature, coating, thickness, density or the like) using an independent transducer located at the end of the measuring arm.

Abstract: A novel, portable coordinate measuring machine comprises a multijointed (preferably six joints) manually positionable measuring arm for accurately and easily measuring a volume, which in a preferred embodiment, comprises a sphere ranging from six to eight feet in diameter and a measuring accuracy of 2 Sigma.+-.0.005 inch. In addition to the measuring arm, the present invention employs a controller (or serial box) which acts as the electronic interface between the arm and a host computer.