Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a sensor having a roller adapted on a shaft to roll along a workpiece surface, a compliant member adapted around at least a portion of the roller, and an encoder to code information regarding movement of the roller. In some implementations, the encoder may be in communication with a processor of a machine to provide information regarding workpiece movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for measuring one or more surfaces of a part utilizing both Photogrammetry and laser tracking devices. The measured part may comprise the barrel of an airplane. In other embodiments, varying types of surfaces may be measured in both airplane and non-airplane applications. In one embodiment, such a process may comprise measuring at least one surface of a part utilizing Photogrammetry, and simultaneously measuring the at least one surface utilizing laser tracking.

Abstract: A system for performing dimension checkings of mechanical pieces is provided including a contact detecting probe with wireless transmission, for example through a single radiofrequency two-way communication link, to and from a base station connected to an interface unit. The probe includes a logic unit and a memory unit in which reside the values of some operation parameters, for example the transmission frequency and/or the activation mode of the probe. The values of the operation parameters can be modified in a programming phase, according to a method that foresees the wireless transmission of control signals from a manually operated control device—to the probe, for updating of the values among the selectable values of a sequence residing in the probe, and the acquisition of the current value.

Abstract: Improved problem diagnosis techniques for use in accordance with computing systems, e.g., distributed computing systems, are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a technique for diagnosing a problem associated with a computing system comprises the following steps/operations. One or more probes are executed in accordance with at least a portion of a previously selected probe schedule. When a result of one or more of the probes of the previously selected probe schedule indicates, at least, a potential problem associated with the computing system, one or more probes which optimize at least one criterion are selected in real-time. The one or more selected probes are executed so as to diagnose the potential problem.

Abstract: In a method for producing three-dimensionally structured surfaces of objects as a reproduction of an original surface, the topology of the original surface is determined, and the data are used for controlling a machining tool. The determined topology and a random topology of a reproduction surface are brought closer to one another via a series of proximity comparisons until all items of height information of the reproduction surface are successively replaced by items of height information from the original surface, and that once an established similarity between the topologies of the reproduction surface and the original surface is obtained, the items of height information of the reproduction surface are provided for controlling the machine tool serving to machine the surface of the object.

Abstract: A wax model of a required coping is produced using CNC machining techniques based on a virtual model of the coping created from digital data obtained from the intraoral cavity. The dental coping is then fabricated from the wax model.

Abstract: A polishing method can automatically reset polishing conditions according to a state of a polishing member based on data on a polishing profile changing with time, thereby extending life of the polishing member and obtaining flatness of a polished surface with higher accuracy. The polishing method, includes steps of: independently applying a desired pressure by each of pressing portions of a top ring on a polishing object; estimating a polishing profile of the polishing object based on set pressure values, and calculating a recommended polishing pressure value so that a difference between the polishing profile of the polishing object after it is polished under certain polishing conditions and a desired polishing profile becomes smaller; and polishing the polishing object with the recommended polishing pressure value.

Abstract: A cutting tool adjustment method includes lowering a cutting tool on a transparent Mylar to produce an indentation before an actual scribing operation; picking up the image of the indentation; using a numerical analysis method and a set formula to automatically calculate a correction angle and position so as to adjust the angle and position of the cutting tool subject to the calculation result; and repeating the calculation and adjustment procedures, if necessary.

Abstract: A workpiece inspection system is disclosed for determining measurements of a workpiece on a machine tool. The system utilises a measurement device which outputs data relating to the workpiece (e.g. in place of a conventional cutter). The problem of obtaining real time data relating to the position of the machine tool is overcome by recording a machine tool position data set and a measurement device data set at selected instants which are defined by a synchronisation signal. The data sets are combined later in the correct relative position because the synchronisation signal was used. The synchronisation signal can issue from the machine tool controller, an interface, measurement device or another part of the system.

Abstract: A method and tooling for inspecting a contour of an edge of a cutout formed in a disk, each cutout fixedly receiving a turbine blade. A first device receives the disk containing the cutouts. A second device has a sensor associated with the movement of an instrument, the first device securing the disk at a predetermined orientation to the sensor. The disk is secured to the first device, the instrument being directed along the cutout defining a path substantially parallel to a surface of the contour, the instrument remaining in physical contact with the surface of the contour. The sensor transmits a signal associated with instrument movement to an algorithm to convert the signal to two-dimensional positions along the tangent path along the surface of the contour. The acceptability of the edge contour of the cutout is determined by comparing the two-dimensional positions to predetermined ranges of values.

Abstract: The surface of a part is measured using a combination of laser tracking and Photogrammetry processes. Cameras used in the Photogrammetry process are mounted on a carriage for movement to positions along a predetermined path where images of the part surface are recorded and then converted to surface measurements. Laser tracking is used to both measure the part surface and track the position of the cameras. The measurements made by Photogrammetry and laser tracking processes are combined with the camera position to produce highly accurate part surface measurements.

Abstract: In a state of separating a front end face of an air injecting nozzle 23 from a worked work W by a predetermined interval h, the air injecting nozzle 23 is moved at a constant speed in an X axis direction, injects air from an injecting hole 27a of a nozzle main body 27 and is moved to pass centers O1, O2 of worked holes Wb, Wc of the work W. A variation in a pressure is measured by a pressure measuring unit 30. X axis coordinates of the centers O1, O2 of the holes Wb, Wc, a hole diameter E and a center interval distance D1 are calculated based on coordinates of center points T1, T2 of inclined portions Ld, Lu of a curve Lx of the pressure relative to the measured X axis coordinate.

Abstract: A method and system for maximizing process capability in a progressive forming operation. The method compensates for deviations introduced by unformed components, and uses closed loop feedback to compensate for deviations introduced by forming tools. Fiducial features are detected on an incoming component, and a first compensation value is calculated from displacement of the fiducial features from an ideal forming location on the component. Component position with respect to a theoretical forming position is adjusted according to the first compensation value. Placement of a feature formed on the component at the adjusted position is detected and compared to the ideal forming location to obtain a difference value. A second compensation value is derived from a plurality of difference values. Forming positions for subsequent incoming components are adjusted with respect to the theoretical forming position according to first and second compensation values.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a gravure engraving machine includes the steps of providing an engraving signal to the engraving machine to cause production of a cell, measuring the volume of the cell, comparing the measured cell value to a predetermined cell volume and adjusting the engraving cell in accordance with the comparison.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of generating an inspection program for a computer-controlled coordinate measuring probe comprises the steps of: (a) receiving nominal geometry data for a component, (b) receiving inspection requirement data specifying one or more selected shape characteristics of the component, (c) determining from the nominal geometry data and the inspection requirement data an inspection path for a computer-controlled coordinate measuring probe, the inspection path enabling the measuring probe to measure actual component coordinates associated with the selected shape characteristics, and (d) generating an inspection program for moving the computer-controlled coordinate measuring probe along the inspection path.

Abstract: A digitizing system and rotary table for determining the three dimensional geometry of an object is described. An apparatus includes at least one sensor that detects information describing the three-dimensional geometry of the object and provides the information to a host computer. A rotary table includes a base and a turntable rotatable about an axis positioned perpendicularly to the turntable surface. The turntable and object on its surface rotate about the axis, during or between the sensor detecting the information describing the three-dimensional geometry of the object. A turntable sensor coupled to the base measures the rotation of the turntable, where the turntable sensor outputs turntable data indicative of the rotation to the host computer.

Abstract: A regression mirror reflects light from a light projector in a reflecting direction opposite an incident direction. A light receiver combined with the light projector in a unitary unit receives the reflected light from the regression mirror. A detecting unit including an optical sensing unit having the light projector, the light receiver and the reflecting member is disposed so that a wafer is disposed in a moving path along which an optical path of the optical sensing unit moves relative to the wafer. An information-acquiring unit acquires position information of the detecting unit relative to the wafer, an arithmetic unit calculates mapping information about an arrangement of the wafer based on the position information and light-reception information provided by the light receiver.

Abstract: An active measurement and control system for a material cutting apparatus. The apparatus comprises a cutting tool which may be pivoted for cutting a workpiece in a cutting area at a selectable angle. The cutting area defines a datum plane, and a feed table with a shuttle vise is used to move the workpiece toward the cutting area. A controller controls the feed distance of the shuttle vise and the cutting angle of the tool in response to a signal from a sensor used for sensing a transverse dimension of the workpiece relative to the datum plane. In this way, the feed distance and cutting angle are adjusted to compensate for variations in the transverse dimension. This transverse dimension can include a displacement from the datum plane of a distal and/or proximate surface of the workpiece. A method of cutting a workpiece is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for feedback controlled polishing. A computer program product for generating feedback for chemical mechanical polishing. The product includes instructions operable to cause a processor to receive monitoring information during a current polishing cycle in which a first polishing process is performed on a substrate that includes a metal layer. The first polishing process clears the metal layer from the substrate during the current polishing cycle. The product includes instructions to calculate a representation of a clearing profile of the first polishing process. The calculation is based on the monitoring information received during the current polishing cycle. The product includes instructions to detect non-uniformity in the representation. The product includes instructions to generate, from the non-uniformity detected, feedback information for improving the uniformity of a clearing profile of the first polishing process for a subsequent polishing cycle.

Abstract: A probe driving mechanism for displacement measuring apparatuses, capable of carrying out a stable, constant speed probe feeding operation without additionally providing a motor rotation detecting rotary encoder and a tachometer generator. When an output from a scale varies in accordance with the power applied to a motor, the power applied to the motor is controlled in accordance with an output from the scale. When the variation of an output from the scale becomes small even though the same level of power continues to be applied to the motor, a judement that a probe contacts the workpiece is given, and the power applied to the motor is set smaller. When an output from the workpiece sensor varies, the power applied to the motor is controlled in accordance with one of an output from the scale and that from the workpiece sensor the speed variation of which is larger than that of the other.

Abstract: Tabletting machine in the form of a rotary press, includes a rotor accommodating top and bottom stamping dies that cooperate with molds of a mold plate, rotor associated cam segments, and pressure rollers for actuating the stamping dies, a filling equipment, a stripping device for tablets knocked out of the mold and a computing system for controlling the tabletting machine following a predetermined program and for processing data provided by signal transmitters of the tabletting machine, and for monitoring the machine functions. At least a part of the components and/or subassemblies features a transponder having at least one stored identity number, characterizing the components and/or subassemblies. At least one read head connected with the computing system permits the transponder of the component and/or subassembly to be wirelessly read out even in the assembled state.

Abstract: Large machines, especially those having working envelopes in excess of fifteen feet, exhibit unacceptable errors because of thermal expansion and mechanical misalignments between the axes. The errors have traditionally been minimized by enclosing the machine in a thermal enclosure, by careful calibration, or by mounting a laser interferometer on each axis. These solutions are costly, may require frequent recalibration, and do not correct for small rotations of one axis relative to another axis due to wear etc. The present invention uses an interferometric laser tracker or a comparable 3D position sensor to measure the position of a retroreflector attached to the end effector, e.g. a machine head when the machine comes to rest. A computer compares the measured position to the desired position according to the machine media, and adds the appropriate correction with trickle feed media statements to move the machine to the correct position prior to further machining.

Abstract: A method for registering machine tool and profilometer coordinates, wherein the machine tool defines a C-axis having a zero position, C=0, comprises loading a sacrificial workpiece into the machine tool; cutting several first features in a surface of the sacrificial workpiece and producing a linear machine tool motion across the workpiece; determining the centroid of each first cut feature; fitting a line to the centroids of the first cut features; and measuring angle ?0 of the line relative to the C-axis zero position. The angle ?0 is the departure in profilometer coordinates from the C=0 line. The method includes moving the machine tool to a fixed radius; cutting several second features in a surface of the sacrificial workpiece and producing a circular machine tool motion across the workpiece; determining the centroid of each second cut feature; fitting a circle to the centroids of the second cut features; and determining a center of the circle.

Abstract: A portable electronic system which obtains power from a dry-electrolyte fuel cell. Water which is produced by the fuel cell is atomized by an ultrasonic transducer, to avoid user inconvenience due to reservoirs or dripping.

Abstract: In a method for making and evaluating a sample cut in an engraving machine, an engraving control signal for guiding a stylus is formed from engraving data. The stylus cuts a series of cups. During a trial engraving trial cups are engraved and a video image is made. In accordance with screen parameters, measuring points are fixed in the video image as distances to a selected reference point. Geometric parameters of the trail cups are measured in the video image and are compared to corresponding geometric parameters of the cups representing predetermined tone values. Adjustment values are deduced from this comparison which are used to calibrate the engraving control signal.

Abstract: In chemical mechanical polishing apparatus, a wafer carrier plate is provided with a cavity for reception of a sensor positioned very close to a wafer to be polished. Energy resulting from contact between a polishing pad and an exposed surface of the wafer is transmitted only a very short distance to the sensor and is sensed by the sensor, providing data as to the nature of properties of the exposed surface of the wafer, and of transitions of those properties. Correlation methods provide graphs relating sensed energy to the surface properties, and to the transitions. The correlation graphs provide process status data for process control.

Abstract: A method is provided for assessing accuracy of positioning a NC machine having a spindle that is movable along each of at least two mutually orthogonal translational axes. The method Includes creating a master flame of reference relative to the translational axes by moving the machine along first and second translational axes. For each translational axis, coordinates of a target mounted adjacent the spindle are determined at a number of points along the respective translational axis. A linear fit of the coordinates is then calculated so as to create a set of mutually orthogonal axes defining the master frame of reference. Accuracy of positioning the machine in the master frame of reference is checked by positioning the spindle at a number of locations, measuring the coordinates of the target for each location, and determining errors in positioning of the machine by based upon the measured coordinates and machine-determined coordinates.

Abstract: Functional blocks (a numerical control unit 22, servo control unit 26, PLC control unit 24, sizing control unit 23, sampling control unit 25, and display control unit 21) carry out their respective functions of control processing. Numerical control data, PLC control data, and sizing data as details of numerical control processing, PLC control processing, and sizing processing, respectively, are sampled and recorded by sampling control processing. The three kinds of recorded data are displayed together on one display unit 80 by display control processing when a display instruction is given by an operator of a control system 10 through an input control unit 90. Thus, an operator of the control system 10 can carry out the work of tracing the cause of the trouble of a machine tool 70 and of examining efficient machining processes of the machine tool 70 by simultaneously watching the control data displayed on one display unit 80. This provides a control system of the machine tool that can improve workability.

Abstract: A position control apparatus and method has been devised which provides for an improved means of suppressing tracking error from a variable position reference occurring when a control object positioned via a transmission mechanism with mechanical transmission error resumes movement from a state stopped at a target position. A selection between two alternative tracking error compensating means within the control apparatus is made based on whether the detected position of the control object changes in a period after the control object stops and before the variable position reference is input again to a control deviation generating unit.

Abstract: A method for automatically correcting the systematic errors in measurement machines and in manufacturing machines, in particular in machine tools, characterised by comprising the following operative steps in succession: identifying the parametric mathematical model of the machine, initially assigning, to the parameters of said parametric mathematical model, numerical values considered to be close to the effective values, to obtain a provisional mathematical model of the machine, effecting a plurality of mutually independent distance measurements within the working field of the machine, determining the differences between the experimentally measured distance values and the corresponding distance values deduced from said provisional mathematical model, to define the corresponding provisional inaccuracy index of the machine, varying said parameters in the sense of improving the predefined provisional inaccuracy index, to hence obtain a new provisional mathematical model of the machine which is closer to its defi

Abstract: Positioning errors of a numerically controlled machine and a fixture are related through a mathematical model to the statistical total error in the position of the machine tool, and maximum allowable amounts are assigned for each of the individual contributing factors to the total error. The relationship between the machine and fixture is checked by a probe mounted in the machine spindle. Functioning and alignment of the probe are checked with the probe. Global positioning accuracy of the machine is checked throughout a working envelope of the machine using a laser measuring instrument. A master coordinate system relative to the ways of the machine is created within the laser instrument by calculating a linear fit of machine position coordinates acquired as the machine is moved along each of two perpendicular axes of the machine, and the master coordinate system is used for the global accuracy and fixture accuracy checks.

Abstract: An image of a reference object is captured using a camera and displayed. A measurement starting point is pointed by an image position pointing device. A corresponding view line is obtained using a position on the image and a position and a direction of the camera, a robot approaches to the reference object such that it does not deviate from a projecting direction to move to a position suitable for measurement. A light is projected on the reference object and measurement of an inclination of a face of the object in the vicinity of a measuring point is started. An image including a bright line image on the reference object is photographed and 3-dimensional positions of points sequentially measured along a working line. A movement path of a robot is created using these positions as teaching points for a working robot.

Abstract: A probe driving mechanism for displacement measuring apparatuses, capable of carrying out a stable, constant speed probe feeding operation without additionally providing a motor rotation detecting rotary encoder and a tachometer generator. When an output from a scale varies in accordance with the power applied to a motor, the power applied to the motor is controlled in accordance with an output from the scale. When the variation of an output from the scale becomes small even though the same level of power continues to be applied to the motor, a judement that a probe contacts the workpiece is given, and the power applied to the motor is set smaller. When an output from the workpiece sensor varies, the power applied to the motor is controlled in accordance with one of an output from the scale and that from the workpiece sensor the speed variation of which is larger than that of the other.

Abstract: In a method for engraving a printing cylinder using an engraving member in an electronic engraving machine, an engraving tool of an engraving member controlled by an engraving signal engraves a sequence of grooves arranged in a printing screen in a rotating printing cylinder. The engraving signal is formed by superimposing an image signal representing the shade values of light and dark of the grooves to be engraved and a periodic screen signal for generating the printing screen. In order to compensate for disruptive influences on the shade values of the engraved grooves resulting from operating temperatures in the engraving member, the operating temperature in the engraving member is measured at at least one measurement point. Depending on at least one measuring temperature, the electrical control of the engraving member is corrected and/or the temperature of at least one component of the engraving member and/or the air circulating around the engraving member is modified.

Abstract: A method and system of projecting light on a planar surface to produce an image for tracing is disclosed. The system includes a projector that has a light source and a signal conditioner that is operably connected to the projector. A computer is operably connected to the signal conditioner. A scanner is connected to the projector. A test pattern from the computer is projected from the projector through the scanners to visually align an image to a sector on a work surface. A grid is operably aligned with the work surface. A geometric pattern from the computer is then projected by the projector on the planar work surface for tracing. The method comprises the steps of creating a pattern, tracing lines along the pattern on the planar work surface, cutting the pattern along the traced lines, discarding pieces of the planar surface outside the pattern, and placing edging along an outer edge of the pattern.

Abstract: A method for repairing an airfoil comprising creating a nominal numerically-controlled tool path based on a nominal shape of the airfoil, measuring the airfoil using a displacement sensor, capturing differences in the airfoil shape as compared to the nominal shape, creating a three-dimensional map by synchronizing x, y and z coordinates and readings from the sensor, modifying the tool path based on the three-dimensional map, and machining the airfoil. A system for measuring and machining an airfoil comprising a computer operable for data acquisition and numerically-controlled tool path generation, a numerically-controlled machine, a cutting tool holder comprising a plurality of cutting tools, and a displacement-sensing probe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a customized respiratory mask without contacting a facial area of the subject is provided according to the invention. The apparatus includes an image capturing device for capturing an image of the facial area as a three-dimensional representation without contacting a facial area of the subject, a cutting machine, and at least one computer capable of receiving the three-dimensional representation of the image and storing the three-dimensional representation in an associated memory, and which is further capable of converting the three-dimensional representation into a set of commands and controlling the cutting machine using the set of commands to cut a mask blank to form the customized respiratory mask.

Abstract: A system for verifying a part disclosed. The system comprises a virtual part and a virtual gage associated with the virtual part. A physical part corresponds to the virtual part. A digitized part is generated from the physical part, and the virtual gage evaluates the digitized part. A method for verifying a part is disclosed. A virtual part is provided. A virtual gage associated with the virtual part is generated. A physical part corresponding to the virtual part is produced. A digitized part is generated from the physical part. The digitized part is evaluated with the virtual gage.

Abstract: A position display system for displaying a position of a device, the system including a device, a position measuring device that measures a position of the device and a host readout device that is mounted at a first location. The host readout device receives a signal from the position measuring device that is representative of a position of the device, wherein the host readout device includes a display that displays an image representative of the position of the device. A remote readout device that is mounted at a second location, wherein the remote readout device includes a display that displays the image.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for generating a set-point value for triggering at least one drive mechanism, in particular for a machine tool, are proposed, wherein, in a parts program (20) for describing a path of motion of a tool (12) movable by the at least one drive mechanism (18), at least two parts program positions (X1, Y1, Z1; X2, Y2, Z2; X3, Y3, Z3) are stored in memory. A controller (18) which from the parts program (20) ascertains at least one drive mechanism set-point value (VA(S)) for triggering the drive mechanism (18). Means (18) are provided for ascertaining a distance (S) that is located between the at least two parts program positions (X1, Y1, Z1; X3, Y3, Z3) and for generating a drive mechanism set-point value (VA(S)) as a function of the distance (S) and of at least one parts program parameter (V1, V2).

Abstract: A method of recording aligned images on two sides of a printed circuit board substrate, including: recording an image of an electrical circuit pattern on a first side of a printed circuit board substrate; forming an alignment pattern on a side of the printed circuit board substrate, wherein the alignment pattern has a known spatial relationship to said image of an electrical circuit pattern; determining a location of the alignment pattern on the printed circuit board substrate; and recording an image of an electrical circuit pattern on a second side of the printed circuit board substrate in response to the determined location of the alignment pattern.

Abstract: A digitizing system and rotary table for determining the three-dimensional geometry of an object. An apparatus includes at least one sensor detecting information describing the three-dimensional geometry of the object and providing the information to a host computer. A rotary table includes a base and a turntable rotatable about an axis positioned perpendicularly to the turntable surface. The turntable and object on its surface rotate about the axis during or between the sensor detecting the information describing the three-dimensional geometry of the object. A turntable sensor coupled to the base measures the rotation of the turntable, where the turntable sensor outputs turntable data indicative of the rotation to the host computer.

Abstract: A machine control gage system has a control unit, which analyzes roundness of a workpiece. The control unit controls a grinding machine controller in such a manner as to machine the workpiece to a desired size according to data measured by a measuring head. The control unit analyzes roundness of the workpiece according to the data measured by the measuring head and displays the roundness on a touch panel.

Abstract: A DSP#B 6 executes, prior to data conversion, interpolation (see FIG. 2) in order to interpolate discrete spectra obtained via the FFT processing by a DSP#A 5. In the interpolation, the DSP#B 6 executes two-point interpolation if the difference between two discrete spectrum data pieces F(j) and F(j+1) is greater than a predetermined threshold &egr; and four-point interpolation if the difference is smaller than &egr;.

Abstract: Large machines, especially those having working envelopes in excess of fifteen feet, exhibit unacceptable errors because of thermal expansion and mechanical misalignments between the axes. The errors have traditionally been minimized by enclosing the machine in a thermal enclosure, by careful calibration, or by mounting a laser interferometer on each axis. These solutions are costly, may require frequent recalibration, and do not correct for small rotations of one axis relative to another axis due to wear etc. The present invention uses an interferometric laser tracker or a comparable 3D position sensor to measure the position of a retroreflector attached to the end effector, e.g. a machine head when the machine comes to rest. A computer compares the measured position to the desired position according to the machine media, and adds the appropriate correction with trickle feed media statements to move the machine to the correct position prior to further machining.

Abstract: A programmable device which produces a plurality of outputs is connected to a controller having less input ports than there are outputs to be received by the controller. To overcome this problem the controller is programmed to send different signals to the device, one at a time, upon receipt of a particular one of which, the device sends back a corresponding one of its outputs. In the specific example described the signals are different sequences of timing pulses.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for initializing an additive process computer-controlled three-dimensional modeling machine which builds models on a modeling platform. The method, without operator intervention, senses the top surface of a substrate or other object mounted on the platform at a variety of preselected x, y locations and records the z-axis positions of the platform corresponding to the sensing of the object. Using the recorded z-axis positions, a z-start position for the modeling platform is calculated. The platform can be automatically placed at the calculated z-start position. The recorded z-axis positions can further be used to define a plane fitted to the substrate top surface. Optionally, the model can be built in a coordinate system defined by the plane.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measuring machine comprises a multijointed manually positionable articulated measuring arm for accurately and easily measuring a volume. The articulated arm includes a plurality of bearing arrangements comprising at least a pair of spaced bearings, the spaced bearings being pre-stressed such that, under an applied load, any motion of the arm is limited to axial motion and wherein the mechanical stability of the arm is increased.

Abstract: A measurement probe is carried by a carriage movable in a first direction to cause the measurement probe to traverse a measurement path across a surface of an object received by a support surface to provide measurement data representing variations in a second direction different from the first direction of surface features along the measurement path. The support surface is movable in a third direction different from the first and second directions. Measurement of a surface area is effected by controlling the carriage to cause the measurement probe to traverse a plurality of measurement paths across an area of the surface of an object mounted on the support surface and by controlling the support surface to move in the third direction after each measurement path traverse. Measurement data thus obtained for a reference sphere of previously known radius is used to determine the relative orientation of the first and third directions.

Abstract: A position transducer is connected to merely one input circuit. The outputs of the input circuit are connected, transmitted or routed, in part, to a first and to a second counter circuit. For the counting process, the first counter circuit uses the digital signals of the input circuit, while the second counter circuit generates digital signals from the analog signals and uses them for the counting process. It is, thus, possible, in spite of a not fully two-channel processing of the signals of a position transducer, to set up a reliable position monitoring using only one position transducer.