Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a continuous helical tool path for forming a part having a plurality of central axes is provided. The method includes performing a tool path algorithm modeling and a tool path algorithm execution using a computer system. The tool path algorithm modeling includes defining a starting point location within a computer-generated three-dimensional part geometry model, defining a vector, defining a helix, defining a sweeping surface three-dimensional geometry element, and generating an intersection curve from tracing a continuous curved line of an intersection between the sweeping surface geometry element and the part geometry model. The tool path algorithm execution includes defining data for a forming tool stylus, selecting the intersection curve as a guiding element for the forming tool stylus, and generating the continuous helical tool path for the forming tool stylus. The continuous helical tool path includes a forming tool stylus centerline path in graphical space.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for designing an electro-optical imaging system for estimating the distance of a source includes use of an optical subsystem, a detector subsystem and a digital image processing subsystem. The method includes the modelling of the propagation of radiation from its source through the optical subsystem, the detector subsystem and the digital image processing subsystem; the modelling being based on a spatial model of the source; the method including a joint step of simultaneously designing the optical subsystem and the digital image processing subsystem, the designing step being based at least on one performance metric depending on a comparison between the local estimation of the distance from the source and the actual distance from the source.

Abstract: A method that includes additively manufacturing with an additive manufacturing (AM) system a sub-component that has a locator element. Using a control system of the AM system for positioning a first location of the locator element. Selectively placing a portion of another sub-component adjacent to the locator element, based on the positioning. Then attaching the second sub-component to the first sub-component in a region, wherein the region is based on the positioning knowledge from the control system so as to make a component. A component that comprises a first sub-component that has an AM locator element; and a second sub-component attached to the first sub-component, wherein the locator element is attached to the second sub-component within the same additive manufacturing build chamber as the first sub-component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing an object, the method comprising: providing a workpiece comprising a plurality of attachment features for attaching the workpiece to a machining fixture; determining a datum, the datum being dependent upon the relative positions of the attachment features; measuring the surface of the workpiece with respect to the datum; providing the machining fixture; attaching, using the attachment features, the workpiece to the machining fixture; providing a digital model specifying the object including the attachment features; and, thereafter, using the measurements of the workpiece surface and the digital model, controlling machining apparatus with respect to the datum to machine the workpiece so as to produce the object as specified by the digital model.

Abstract: A computing device is described that outputs a graphical keyboard comprising a plurality of keys. Responsive to receiving an indication of a gesture that traverses a first group of keys of the plurality of keys, the computing device determines a second group of keys of the plurality of keys. At least one key of the second group of keys is different from at least one key of the first group of keys. The computing device outputs, for display, a virtual path traversing a respective location of each respective key of the second group of keys.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling an aircraft structure assembly composed of a plurality of sections, and doing so without use of any shimming, locating fixtures or final-hole-size drill jigs. The method includes supporting the first and second frame sections on respective adjustable supports, and positioning the interconnecting frame section therebetween. The method includes aligning first pre-drilled mating holes in the interconnecting frame section with first pre-drilled mating holes in the first and second frame sections, and installing fasteners though the aligned, first pre-drilled mating holes. The method includes positioning a structural mating section relative to the first and second frame sections and interconnecting frame section.

Abstract: A method of forming an aerospace component, the method including: forming a first subcomponent by an additive layer manufacturing (ALM) process, the first subcomponent having an inner surface defining an inner space; performing a non-ALM machining process to modify a portion of the inner surface of the first subcomponent; and forming a second subcomponent by an ALM process, the second subcomponent being arranged to close the inner space to complete the component.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a foldable beam generator produces a foldable beam polyline that approximates a three-dimensional (3D) space curve. The foldable beam generator optimizes the number and position of joints included in the foldable beam polyline to minimize differences between the foldable beam polyline and the 3D space curve while complying with one or more manufacturing constraints. Notably, the foldable beam generator designs each of the joints to act as a living hinge that closes to a fixed angle when heated and solidifies when cooled. By using the foldable beam polyline as a 3D digital model for manufacturing and subsequently applying heat to assemble the manufactured 3D object, defects and/or limitations of complex 3D objects typically associated with traditional manufacturing techniques may be reduced. In particular, support structures designed to buttress three-dimensional (3D) digital models during 3D printing may be minimized.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for managing turret tools for a machine tool, and more particularly, by setting tool information and changing a mounting location of the tool, which is to be mounted or has been mounted, by using visual information about a turret mounted in the machine tool and the tool mounted in the turret, a user may intuitively check information about a tool mounted on the turret and to easily set tool installation information which needs to be set when mounting and detaching the tool, changing a location of the tool, or installing the tool in a machine tool.

Abstract: A method for processing a three-dimensional (3D) mesh model includes receiving a 3D mesh model. One or more regions including a potential sharp cusp are automatically detected. The automatically detected one or more regions are displayed to a user and an active region of the 3D mesh model is defined by the user. Sphere fitting and Laplacian smoothing are applied to the designated active region to remove a sharp cusp therefrom and to obtain a modified 3D mesh model.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for automatically creating a 3D personalized figure suitable for 3D printing by detecting a face area and features for respective regions from face data acquired by heterogeneous sensors and by optimizing global/local transformation. The 3D personalized figure creation apparatus acquires face data of a user corresponding to a reconstruction target; extracts feature points for respective regions from the face data, and reconstructs unique 3D models of the user's face, based on the extracted feature points; creates 3D figure models based on the unique 3D models and previously stored facial expression models and body/adornment models; and verifies whether each 3D figure model has a structure and a shape corresponding to actual 3D printing, corrects and edits the 3D figure model based on results of verification, and outputs a 3D figure model corresponding to 3D printing.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for an automated provision of a monitoring function for a processing process which is to be performed by an industrial robot, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (a) analyzing a computer aided manufacturing (CAM) program of the processing process with respect to processing steps which are to be monitored by means of a post processor; and (b) inserting at least one monitoring instruction which is executed when performing the processing process into a control program of the industrial robot by means of the post processor.

Abstract: A system for scalable multi-user CAD may include a traffic consolidation server consolidating feature edits from CAD workstations editing one or more proximate regions of an engineering object. The traffic consolidation servers may transmit feature changes to other workstations editing the proximate regions of the engineering object while forwarding the feature changes to a CAD model server. CAD model servers may be configured to receive consolidated feature changes pertaining to an assigned region of the engineering object. An assignment server may balance processing loads on traffic consolidation servers. Methods and apparatus corresponding to the above system are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for preparing bones of cerebral cranium, including: a) selecting polyetheretherketone (PEEK) as a raw material according to data obtained by computed tomography (CT) of a patient; b) heating the PEEK material in a heating device to reach a softening point of 260°±10°; c) hot pressing the heated PEEK material obtained in step b) in a forming die, cooling and shaping the PEEK material to yield a blank; d) curing the blank, and placing the blank in a thermostat for removal of internal stress and resilience; e) removing surface crystals and impurities of the blank resulting from the hot pressing; f) mechanically processing the blank according to the CT data of the patient to yield a product having desired size and shape; and g) washing, disinfecting, and packaging the product.

Abstract: Methods and systems for restricting the launch of virtual application files. In one embodiment, a launching application is signed with a digital signature. When the launching application launches a runtime engine and instructs it to execute an application file, the runtime engine determines whether an entity identifier associated with the launching application identifies an authorized entity. If the entity identifier identifies an authorized entity and the digital signature is valid, the runtime engine executes the application file. In another embodiment, a ticket is transmitted to the launching application along with an instruction to launch the application file. The ticket includes a digital signature and an expiration date. The launching application communicates the ticket to the runtime engine, which will execute the application file only if the digital signature is valid and a current date is not later than the expiration date.

Abstract: System and method for automated provision of a monitoring function for a machining process which is to be executed by a machine tool. A computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) program of the machining process is automatically analyzed by means of a postprocessor in order to determine processing steps to be monitored. At least one monitoring instruction may be automatically inserted into a control program of the machine tool by the postprocessor, wherein the control program is executed during the machining process.

Abstract: A variety of techniques are disclosed for customizing a digital model of an aesthetic housing to receive a functional component and an interface component for the functional component.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparel design. In particular, embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for generating three dimensional models from two dimensional view, such as flat cut files, for use in the design of patterns for apparel.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable mediums. A method includes receiving a geometric model including at least one removal feature having at least one face, the removal feature being a feature that is removed prior to variational solving and recreated after a variational solution has been applied into the geometric model. The method includes designating at least one face of the removal feature as a remain variational face that will not be removed during a variational edit. The method includes adding a constraint to the remain variational face of the removal feature and performing the variational edit on the model to produce an edited model, including applying the constraint. The method includes storing the edited model.

Abstract: Systems and methods for virtual machine management are disclosed. A virtual machine manager may communicate with a storehouse, which may include one or more virtual machines. The virtual machine manager may select one or more virtual machines, or may create one or more virtual machines, depending on the requirements of an input.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for generated aggregated dependencies between software elements in a code base. One of the methods includes receiving a query that defines a dependency between the software elements in a project. Searching a database to identify matching source software elements having the one or more source attributes and target software elements having the one or more target attributes of the query. Identifying pairs of matching source software elements and matching target software elements having the specified relationship, and generating, for each pair of matching source software elements and matching target software elements having the specified relationship, a new dependency in a raw dependency graph, the new dependency being a dependency from a source software element of the pair to the target software element of the pair.

Abstract: A method for creating a fold preparation pattern includes supplying job-specific signature characteristics to a computer and determining job-specific cutting requirements by using general cutting requirements assigned to respective general signature characteristics in the computer and using the job-specific signature characteristics. The computer accesses a database that contains cutting, trimming, and clipping patterns and compiles job-specific fold preparation patterns in accordance with the job-specific cutting requirements. A computer for implementing the method and a system having the computer are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for creating assembly instructions and using them on a computer system to direct assemblers working in a light-manufacturing environment. The assembly instructions break the assembly process into smaller elemental steps with specific instructions to be performed and verified in sequence during assembly. Each assembly instruction may identify a specific pocket in a matrix tray holding the material to be used in the assembly. Before the assembler begins assembling the manufactured product, in some embodiments, a training history is retrieved with the assembler's experience, If the assembler has fulfilled a prerequisite training sequence or equivalent from the training history, in some embodiments, assembly instructions are provided through the user interface coordinated with multimedia assembly data that guide the assembler to combine materials with the component and complete the assembly.

Abstract: A method of correlating data for multiple product configurations is provided comprising enhancing, by a processor, data set definition to accommodate data models of data sets describing multiple product configurations. The method also comprises comparing, by the processor, values of the data sets utilizing at least one matching algorithm and effectivity expressions identifying relevant rows for comparison in the data sets. The method also comprises enhancing, by the processor, the at least one matching algorithm to identify perfect and partial matches between the data sets wherein values of all data contained in the data sets are compared in one single operation comprising simultaneous validation of engineering data for the multiple product configurations.

Abstract: An automated method for creating work instructions to manufacture a product. Monitoring for a user input modifying a model for the product is performed. Responsive to detecting the user input modifying the model for the product, a number of work instructions for a modification to the model of the product is identified. The model of the product is displayed with the modification on a display device. The number of work instructions is displayed on the display device in association with the modification of the model of the product.

Abstract: A tool path part program modification system of an NC machine tool according to an aspect of the present disclosure, includes: a human-machine interface unit which receives a tool path part program having one or more processing blocks; an NC kernel unit which interprets the part program inputted to the human-machine interface unit for each processing block, and generates each processing block information; a tool path modification module unit which sequentially calls the processing block information interpreted by the NC kernel unit, and modifies a consecutive rapid transfer processing block group such that tool paths are reduced, when the consecutive rapid transfer processing block group is present in which the predetermined reference number or more of processing blocks including rapid transfer commands are consecutively included; and a simulator unit which simulates the part program for each processing block interpreted by the NC kernel unit.

Abstract: A finite-element model modeling a geometrical entity, is created by means of a computer in the following way At least one property data and at least a positioning identifier are acquired by means of an interface of the computer in order to store these in a memory of the computer. The positioning identifier allows identifying a position of the property data on the geometrical entity. A correspondence is established between the positioning identifier and at least an element of the finite-element model. Preferably, the property data is linked with the element of the finite-element model for which a correspondence with the positioning identifier of the property data was established.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for generated aggregated dependencies between software elements in a code base. One of the methods includes receiving a request to generate implicit dependencies introduced by remote procedure calls in a project. A registration of a remote procedure call is identified, wherein the registration of the remote procedure call specifies a target function and a name for the remote procedure call. An invocation of the remote procedure call using the name for the remote procedure call is identified, wherein the invocation occurs in a source software element of the project. A definition of the target function of the remote procedure call is identified, wherein the target function is defined in a target software element of the project. A new dependency is generated, the new dependency being a dependency from the source software element to the target software element.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating shims for joining parts are disclosed. An example method of fabricating shims for joining parts, wherein the parts having mating surfaces separated by a gap, includes: generating first digital data representing a first surface profile of a first part; generating second digital data representing a second surface profile of a second part to mate with the first part; determining distances between the first and second parts, as assembled, at multiple locations; generating a digital volume that closely matches a gap between the first and second parts based on the determined distances; generating a three dimensional digital representation of a shim to fill the gap using the first and second digital data; and automatically fabricating the shim matching the gap using a computer-controlled machine, the machine being controlled using the three dimensional digital representation of the shim.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus and method employing levels of exposure varied with gray scale or time or both of digitally light projected image of a cross-section of a three-dimensional object on a solidifiable photopolymer build material. The gray scale levels of exposure of projected pixels permits the polymerization boundaries in projected boundary pixels to be controlled to achieve preserved image features in a three-dimensional object and smooth out rough or uneven edges that would otherwise occur using digital light projectors that are limited by the number of pixels in an image projected over the size of the image. Software is used to control intensity parameters applied to pixels to be illuminated in the image projected in the cross-section being exposed in the image plane.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to render borders of controls and indicators in a graphical user interface (GUI), such that the rendered borders have continuous curvatures. In one aspect, a method includes generating a border of a GUI element to be represented in a GUI. The border includes a first straight side, a second straight side, and a corner portion that joins together the first straight side and the second straight side, such that a portion of the border that includes the first straight side, the corner portion and the second straight side is continuous and has continuous curvature. Additionally, the method includes representing the GUI element in the GUI.

Abstract: Methods for product data management and corresponding systems and computer-readable mediums. A method includes receiving a CAD model in the data processing system, the CAD model including at least a first blend that has an axis, a radius measured from the axis, and a plurality of unders. The method includes receiving a change to the radius of the first blend and selectively designating either the axis as fixed or the unders as fixed according to a property of the blend. The method includes modifying the CAD model by changing the radius according to the received change and the designated fixed axis or designated fixed unders, and storing the modified CAD model.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control method for stereolithography structure, including the steps of: providing a stereolithography structure including a main circuit system, an interface system, and a USB transmission interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods involving surface fitting are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: receiving information corresponding to discrete data points of a portion of a surface; determining curvature estimates associated with the data points prior to performing curve fitting with respect to the data points; identifying curvature shock based on the curvature estimates, the curvature shock being defined as a curvature threshold corresponding to an absolute value of curvature between adjacent data points; breaking C2 continuity between adjacent data points exhibiting curvature shock; and performing surface fitting with respect to the data points to generate Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) data such that breaks in the C2 continuity associated with curvature shock are maintained in the NURBS data.

Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include methods, systems, and computer-readable media for managing feature geometry-aspect machining using a PLM data processing system. According to one embodiment, a method includes identifying a feature geometry in a graphical design. The method also includes identifying an aspect of the feature geometry. The aspect includes a subset of the feature geometry. The method further includes defining the feature geometry aspect based on a user-defined name. The method also includes associating one or more machining operations with the feature geometry aspect. Additionally, the method includes storing the one or more machining operations and the user-defined name in association with the feature geometry aspect.

Abstract: A method of real-time estimation of target rotation and translation for 6 degrees of freedom using a single planar 2-dimensional imager and an algorithm, such as the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm, that includes creating pairing, using a nearest neighbor algorithm, between a set of target points of at least three fiducial markers and a set of source points of the markers using K nearest neighbors, iteratively executing estimation of a rotation parameter R and a translation parameter T of the markers using a cost function such as root mean square error, terminating the estimation of R and T if the change in a mean distance between the set of target points of the markers and the set of source points of the markers is below a threshold or at a maximum iteration number, transforming the set of target points of the markers using estimated parameters, and re-associating a new set of the target points of the markers.

Abstract: Keys are obtained and aggregated by storing a primary object as an entry in a parent keys storage and a child keys storage, the entry identified as unvisited in each. An object evaluation process is then performed until all unique entries in the parent keys storage and all unique entries in the child keys storage have been visited and by committing the keys of at least one related object as an entry to the hierarchical database. The object evaluation process visits each unvisited object in the parent keys storage and child keys storage by selecting, for the unvisited object, objects in the parent direction that have not already been visited and objects in the child direction that have not already been visited and by inserting the keys of the selected related objects as entries in the parent keys storage or child keys storage.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises: a stage moveable on first and second axes; a material removal tool moveable on a third axis; a linear slide and a guide parallel to the third axis; a mount for an imaging device coupled to the linear slide using carriages; an armature coupled to the material removal tool and the guide that moves the guide along the third axis with the tool; a locking device for fixing the mount along the guide; and a processor that: (a) move a sample to a material removal position; (b) cause the tool to remove a first thickness of the sample along the third axis; (c) move the sample to an imaging position located at a predetermined location with respect to the mounting block; and repeating (a) through (c) until a second thickness of the sample has been removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system, and instructions stored on a computer readable storage medium that resolve interference between surfaces in a modeling environment, such as a CAD environment. Further, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may modify the surfaces of a model to ensure that parts of the model constitute a solid body. In exemplary embodiments, when the manipulation of a first surface or set of surfaces causes interference with a second surface or set of surfaces, the topologies of the surfaces are modified to account for the interference. The individual surfaces involved in the intersection may be treated as a merged surface or set of surfaces having a single topology, surface area, and volume. If an ambiguity arises whereby more than one option exists for resolving the interference or providing a solid body, the modeling environment may provide multiple potential solutions to a user, and allow the user to select from among the solutions.

Abstract: Optimal charting patterns for charting of raw rolls/sheets from flat sheet industry are produced with a processing system and includes the steps of: (a) receiving user selected business objectives; (b) receiving user selected business preferences; (c) setting targets for user selected business preferences; (d) establishing charting constraint sets; (e) generating charting patterns based on user selected business objectives and targets for user selected business preferences; and (f) selecting charting patterns based on targets for user selected business preference using an objective function, wherein the objective function includes terms related to the user selected business objectives. Target driven charting assists users in knowing the bounds (upper and/or lower) of the values for various business objectives for an individual charting run.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an operational program of a numerical control machine, which includes: a main menu in which main menus including a tool management menu and a tool setting menu are arranged; a detail information in which the list of tools mounted on a machine tool is outputted, when the tool management menu is selected from the main menu; a preview that displaying the machining state of a material on the basis of the information inputted through the main menu; and a function selection in which function selection icons for selecting and adding new tools are arranged, in which when the tool management tool is selected from the main menu, “register new tool item” is shown up on the function selection icons, and the function selection icon for selecting a new tool is selected, a tool database including characters, symbols, and images for tool lists is outputted in the detail information in accordance with a machining method so that a new tool can be registered.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a secure robotic operational system include but are not limited to receiving an authorization associated with a directive to perform robotic operational tasks regarding one or more objects; verifying the authorization associated with the directive; and controlling operation of the robotic operational system via controlling a plurality of robotic elements, each robotic element of the plurality of robotic elements individually and/or in combination performing one or more functions in accordance with the authorization.

Abstract: A system and related method for improving tire uniformity includes providing a number (n) of test tires manufactured in a known order and identifying at least one candidate cyclic process effect with a corresponding frequency of introduction (f). A given uniformity parameter, such as radial or lateral run-out, balance, mass variation, radial lateral or tangential force variation, is measured for each tire in the test set, and measured data points are combined into a concatenated composite waveform. At least one process harmonic associated with each identified cyclic process effect is separated from the tire harmonics, for example, by Fourier transformation with identification of the process harmonics as positive integer multiples of the mth harmonic of the measured uniformity parameter where m=n/f. Once the process harmonics are extracted, filtered uniformity measurements can be provided or new tires can be built with the process effect minimized.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system includes at least one memory and at least one processor. The processor receives information that includes a position or motion of one or more points of a body during a movement. Based at least on the position or motion of the one or more points of the body during the movement, the processor calculates a first one or more curves indicative of a first force between a surface and at least a first portion of the body, and calculates a second one or more curves indicative of a second force between the surface and at least a second portion of the body. The processor further predicts a force applied to the surface by the body during the movement by combining the first and second one or more curves.

Abstract: A numerical control apparatus that controls a machine tool including a plurality of linear axes and rotation axes, and controls a relative tool posture with respect to work on a table includes a program reading unit that sequentially reads a tool posture with respect to the work from a machining program, a determining unit that determines whether the read tool posture is within a predetermined tool posture range, a tool-posture control unit that determines control content of the tool posture according to the determination by the determining unit, and an interpolation/acceleration and deceleration processing unit that controls the linear and rotation axes according to the control content of the tool posture. When the read tool posture is within the predetermined range, the tool-posture control unit determines rotation axis angles of the rotation axes such that a change of tool posture from the last tool posture is limited.

Abstract: A method for computer-aided design of a modeled object having several faces, comprising a steps of identifying, for each of said faces of the object, at least another of said faces related to said face according to geometrical criteria, and marking such faces as connected; computing a plurality of points forming a tessellated representation of each of said faces; based on this tessellation, defining critical regions by determining and storing data representative of intersection between a three-dimensional geometrical figure and the face related to said face; determining whether intersections occur for each point of the tessellated representation of a face and for each face of the object; computing frontiers between points according to their respectively stored data and determines zones according to the determined frontiers; and, re-computing surfaces according to the determined zones.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to semiconductor tool monitoring system having multiple sensors configured to concurrently and independently monitor processing conditions of a semiconductor manufacturing tool. In some embodiments, the disclosed tool monitoring system comprises a first sensor system configured to monitor one or more processing conditions of a semiconductor manufacturing tool and to generate a first monitoring response based thereupon. A redundant, second sensor system is configured to concurrently monitor the one or more processing conditions of the manufacturing tool and to generate a second monitoring response based thereupon. A comparison element is configured to compare the first and second monitoring responses, and if the responses deviate from one another (e.g., have a deviation greater than a threshold value) to generate a warning signal. By comparing the first and second monitoring responses, errors in the sensor systems can be detected in real time, thereby preventing yield loss.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and computer readable medium provide the ability to manipulate a terrain in a drawing. A composite object of the terrain is obtained in a CAD BIM application. The composite object is a combination of sub-objects that each define a geometry that is part of the terrain. Each of the sub-objects is drawn on a separate corresponding drawable interface instance. A sub-object is selected and in response, the selected sub-object is displayed in its corresponding drawable interface instance. The selected sub-object is directly modified, in canvas, using the drawable interface instance. In response to the modification, the terrain is dynamically updated and displayed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stamped part, such as a bipolar plate for a fuel cell, includes the steps of: providing an original model of the bipolar plate; and performing a compensation process on the original model, the compensation process including a two step morphing process based upon a prediction of spring back. The two step morphing process provides a compensated model of the stamped part. A compensated die face may be created based on the compensated model of the stamped part. The stamped part manufactured with the compensated die face has spring back compensation.

Abstract: In a method for simulating a measuring process of a workpiece, one or more virtual probes of a workpiece measuring machine are created. A vector of each of the virtual probes is calculated, and an appropriate vector for each of measuring points of a workpiece is acquired for a computerized drawing of the workpiece. The angle between the vector of each of the measuring points and the vector of each of the virtual probes is calculated. A virtual probe is determined for each measuring point according to the calculated angles. The measuring points are sorted according to the virtual probe of each measuring point, and the measuring programs of the sorted measuring points that relate to the same virtual probe are combined. The combined measuring programs are executed to determine whether the actual probe would collide with the workpiece.