Abstract: A lapping plate topography system includes a measuring apparatus for measuring the surface of a lapping plate, and an analysis apparatus for analyzing and presenting the data resulting from such measurements. The measurement apparatus has a non-contacting capacitive probe for measuring a height of the surface of the lapping plate, a rotary arm assembly for moving the probe in an arc over the surface of the lapping plate, and a spindle assembly for rotating the lapping plate about its center. The computer-based analysis apparatus is operable to input from the measurement apparatus the measured height at a plurality of data points on the surface of the lapping plate, calculate Fourier transform harmonic coefficients based on the plurality of measured heights, calculate surface ripple coefficients based on the calculated Fourier transform harmonic coefficients, and output the calculated surface ripple coefficients to an appropriate display device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for three-dimensional mapping for automotive diagnostics and repair and other uses enables mapping of separate regions of a vehicle with a linking mapping step between the apparatus used for mapping the two regions, the linking mapping step using the transmission of an energy signal between the two sets of apparatus to establish their relative three-dimensional coordinates.

Abstract: A lens frame shape measuring apparatus wherein a contact element 216 supported by a contact element moving mechanism is brought into abutment against a groove formed in an inner peripheral surface of a lens frame LF (RF) of a glasses frame MF and is moved along the said groove to measure the shape of the lens frame 272 by a moving position of the contact element 216, the apparatus comprising a radius vector measuring means 217 for detecting a moving distance of the contact element 216 when the contact element is moved from a movement start position P1 at the center of the lens frame 272 up to a central position Rm1 in the right and left direction of a lower rim 272a of the lens frame 272 and is brought into contact with the lower rim 272a, and a measurement control means which identifies a lens frame shape of the glasses frame MF by the moving distance detected by the radius vector measuring means 217 and which controls a contact measurement state of the contact element 216 for the lens frame 272 in accordanc

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the surface contour of the human foot uses an array of sensing pins that are resiliently biased in an extended position by springs. As a foot is pressed down on the pins, a counter counts decrements of vertical movement and therefore generates a count state that corresponds to the relative displacement of the foot in relation to the pins. As each pin contacts the surface of the foot, a control mechanism automatically stores the relative displacement position at which the pin is touched by the foot. These stored values provide a digital representation of the sensed contour of the foot. This digital data may be used to provide a contour image of the foot or select or manufacture shoes or shoe inserts. The contour data may also be used to obtain medical information concerning the shape of the foot.

Abstract: A method for verifying the accuracy of a CNC machine or a CMM. The methodology segregates the measured error into an assignable cause portion and a common cause (or random error) portion. The methodology may be employed to affect the calibration of the machine tool to factor out the mean value of the assignable cause portion. Inherent in this methodology is the ability to diagnose mechanical problems with the CNC machine or CMM that affects the repeatability and accuracy of such machine tools; identify degradation in the performance of such machine tools that is indicative of mechanical failure; and improve the accuracy and repeatability of such machine tools in certain situations.

Abstract: A monitoring and protection system is provided which is highly modular and expandable. The system is based upon individual monitoring modules which may be associated with one another in groups at locations or points along a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are to be monitored and controlled. The individual modules communicate between themselves, and with remote modules, via an open industrial data exchange protocol. The modules are thus freed of the need for a backplane or other backbone for mounting and communications purposes. Any number of modules may be positioned at the points of interest along the machine system, from as few as a single module to a large group of modules, with the entire system being expandable and contractible according to the design needs based upon the open industrial data exchange protocol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting measurement data on coordinate measuring and digitalizing machines. When the measuring times of the coordinate measuring machine and the sensor are determined by an electric signal (trigger), the equality thereof can be guaranteed and the influence of signal propagation delays can be excluded. The nth sensor information always corresponds to the nth machine information. Allocation is made easier when each value detected at a measuring time obtains an identifier. In one embodiment, surface points of a free forming surface can be detected during movement of the sensor on the coordinate measuring machine and by means of a measuring sensor. The measuring times are determined by an electric signal that is produced by the sensor and is transmitted to the coordinate measuring machine. The signal triggers distance measuring of the sensor as well as the output of the current machine position.

Abstract: A 3D encoder includes a body having several pin cavities. Several pins are also provided, wherein each pin is located within one of the pin cavities and wherein each pin is capable of sliding movement within its pin cavity. Each of the pins is capable of being displaced by contact with a surface of a 3D object to be encoded. A sensing mechanism is provided to determine an amount by which each of the pins is displaced due to contact between that pin and the surface of the 3D object. A computer can be used to translate displacement data into a 3D mapping representative of the 3D object being encoded. A method of creating a computerized representation of a 3D object is also provided and includes placing a 3D object in communication with a plurality of pins to deflect a position of each of the pins contacting the 3D object in an amount corresponding to a shape of a surface of the 3D object.

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 monitoring and protection system includes a plurality of monitoring modules that are positioned proximate to points of interest in a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are to be monitored. The monitoring modules at individual locations communicate with one another via an open industrial data exchange protocol. The groups of modules may also communicate via the same protocol, creating a flexible and expandable system that accommodates a wide range of modules and that avoids the need for conventional backplane architecture. The groups also communicate with remote equipment via a different standard data exchange protocol, such as via a gateway associated with each of the monitoring module groups.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the surface contour of the human foot uses an array of sensing pins that are resiliently biased in an extended position by springs. As a foot is pressed down on the pins, a counter counts decrements of vertical movement and therefore generates a count state that corresponds to the relative displacement of the foot in relation to the pins. As each pin contacts the surface of the foot, a control mechanism automatically stores the relative displacement position at which the pin is touched by the foot. These stored values provide a digital representation of the sensed contour of the foot. This digital data may be used to provide a contour image of the foot or select or manufacture shoes or shoe inserts. The contour data may also be used to obtain medical information concerning the shape of the foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement method for determining the position and the orientation of a moving assembly in a base frame of reference. According to the invention, the method comprises the steps of: taking an image of an optical reference mark associated with the moving assembly by means of a first camera having a focal axis lying in a direction that is known in the base frame of reference; taking an image of an optical reference mark associated with the first camera by means of a second camera associated with the moving assembly; measuring the distance between a point associated with the first camera and a point associated with the second camera by using self-contained measurement means that are independent of said first and second cameras; and computing the position and the orientation of the moving assembly in the base frame of reference on the basis of the images taken and of the measured distance.

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: The invention relates to a coordinate measurement device comprising a stylus (11) which can be displaced in the coordinate directions (x, y, z) for sampling a workpiece (12), a mechanism (10) with drive units by means of which the stylus can be moved and a control unit (15, 16) for controlling the mechanism. To define the points (pk2) to be sampled on the workpiece, parameters of geometric elements (k1, k2, e1, e2) and parameters of the points (pk1, pk2, pe1, pe2) to be sampled on the corresponding geometric elements are memorized. To be able to modify the measurement sequence of such a coordinate measurement device more easily, the invention provides for the parameters of the points (pk2) to be sampled on a particular geometric element to be memorized separately in relation to a coordinate system (xk2, yk2, zk2) which is specific to the corresponding geornetric element (k2).

Abstract: A surface texture measuring apparatus allowing effects of vibration disturbance to be removed and a highly accurate measurement to be achieved. The surface texture measuring apparatus is further provided with a small surface texture measuring apparatus, which detects the amount of vibration of a workpiece while maintaining a detecting device in contact with the surface of the workpiece without moving the device along the workpiece. The main surface texture measuring apparatus conducts measurement with a high accuracy based on the detected unevenness value of the surface of the workpiece and on the amount of vibration detected by the small surface texture measuring apparatus.

Abstract: A position-to-electrical transducer circuit primarily intended for use in meteorological instruments for measuring a characteristic of a surface of a workpiece. An excitation signal generator provides to a transducer an excitation signal whose voltage varies in a known manner with time and a processor analyzes an electrical signal from the transducer to generate a measurement signal. The processor corrects for any phase shift between excitation signal and the electrical signal to provide an accurate measurement. A meteorological instrument for measuring a characteristic of a surface of a workpiece in which a pivotably-mounted arm holding a stylus is traversed relative to the surface of the workpiece and a variable transducer converts the position of the stylus into a corresponding electrical signal.

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: Numerically controlled surface processing wherein contour coordinates of a workpiece clamped in a clamping device are determined in a number of default positions by a sensor, and the coordinates are imaged point by point. Through interpolation of these coordinates, at least one continuous function for the contour profile of one coordinate is determined in one spatial direction from at least one other coordinate in a second spatial direction.

Abstract: An improved device for measuring the contact force between a contact wire and a power collector in an electrically powered vehicle, specially an electrical railway vehicle, by use of optical fiber force sensors. To this end, two compact force sensors are arranged between the base body (7) of the contact strip (6) and the pantograph rocker frame (5) or between the wearing element or shoe (8) and the base body (7) of the contact strip (6). Each sensor includes a deformable body (11), which is elastic in an axial direction but highly rigid crosswise, with the body being fitted with an integrated optical fuber reflex sensor (19). Axial deformations of the deformable body (11) equivalent to the contact force are detected by the reflex sensor (19) with high resolution, accuracy and no interference, are then signaled to a device (27) via optical fibers requiring no potential and converted therein into contact force-equivalent signals (28) or instructions (29).

Abstract: A programmable probe system for a machine includes a probe, an interface and a two-way optical communication link between them. The probe includes signal conditioning electronics, a power supply, a plurality of on/off switch circuits whereby the electronics may be connected to, and disconnected from, the power supply by a variety of means, for example, an optical signal, or a mechanical switch and a timing circuit. The probe also includes a microprocessor which can be externally programmed from the interface to select one or other of the on/off switch circuits. Where the probe includes a radio transmission for transmitting probe data to the interface, it is also provided with a synthesiser for generating different operating frequencies for the transmission system. The microprocessor can also be programmed from the interface to change the frequency of the system where required.

Abstract: A phase delay correction system for use in a shape measurement is capable of removing the distortion of a restored shape and the mechanical positional deviation caused by a phase delay occurring during signal processing, and enables a Fourier series processing procedure to be adopted as is. A detector performs a relative scan of an object to be measured at a constant speed. A signal processing unit converts a shape detection signal obtained by the scan to digital data, and processes the digital data.

Abstract: An eccentricity adjusting motor (83) is provided in eccentricity adjusting device (17) that adjusts an eccentricity in a work. A tilt adjusting motor (86) is also provided in tilt adjusting device (18) that adjusts a tilt of the work. A processor (2) computes the eccentricity and tilt of the work, based on which eccentricity/tilt compensating means (105, 106) control the motors (83, 86) to compensate the eccentricity and tilt of the work.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus is provided, in which a machined part is measured very simply and rapidly without affecting the effect unique to a machining center and the correction work with the measuring work can be immediately performed. The apparatus comprises a base mounted removably on a spindle of a machining center A, a slider provided in the axial center of the base in such a manner as to be slidable by operation of an operating unit exposed outside of the base, probes adapted to slide into and out at equidistant positions on the outer peripheral surface at the forward end of the base and adapted to protrude through an appropriate interlocking mechanism when the slider slides in one direction, and a display unit arranged outside of the base for detecting, through a detector, the size of the portion of the probe protruded with the sliding of the slider and displaying the measurement of the detector, wherein the machined part is measured immediately after machining.

Abstract: A non-contact inspection system has one or more pairs of non-contact sensors, pointing at the braking surfaces and a non-contact sensor pointing at the outer diameter of a disc. The non-contact sensors can be inductive sensors, capacitive probes and/or laser sensors. A controller is connected to each sensor for signal processing and measurement output. The system measures various features and characteristics, such as braking surface thickness variation, lateral run-out, flatness, parallelism and diameters. Measurements are made while the disc rotates at a specified speed or while the disc is stationary. The pairs of non-contact sensors continuously measure the distance from the sensor or calibrated surface to the pointed surface. Thereby the run-out and thickness variations can be calculated from the measurements at different radii. By combining the measurements on the same braking surface, the flatness and parallelism are calculated.

Abstract: A surface-following type measuring machine is provided, which is capable of setting the measuring force to a proper value in an efficient and accurate manner without imposing a burden on the operator in exchanging at least one of the stylus and stylus holder according to the surface contour of an object to be measured. A main body is disposed for movement relative to an object to be measured. A measuring arm is supported by the main body for displacement relative thereto, and carries at one end thereof a stylus holder and a stylus in a manner permitting replacement of the stylus holder and the stylus. Displacement of the measuring arm is detected by a displacement detecting device. The measuring force acting upon the measuring arm is adjusted by a measuring force adjusting device. A memory stores a measuring force command value table having a plurality of command values of the measuring force corresponding respectively to combinations of plural kinds of the stylus holder and plural kinds of the stylus.

Abstract: To determine the measuring uncertainty of a coordinate measuring machine, a real measurement is first made of a workpiece, with any compensation provided for on the machine disabled, to obtain a measured value of one or more required quantities; a predetermined number of simulation cycles are then performed according to the Monte Carlo method to statistically vary a given number of influence parameters affecting the measurement and generate simulated values of the required quantity; and the measuring uncertainty value is determined by statistically analyzing the deviations between the simulated values and the measured value.

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 surface replicating and contour measuring device substantially comprises a mechanical pin array having calibration pins mounted on a frame, an imaging system for recording contour and a data processor for storing and manipulating the recorded information.

Abstract: A part program (measurement procedure) file 61 including definition information that defines the shape of a measurement object and measurement procedure information that defines a measurement procedure is read by a part program editing/executing section 62. The part program file 61 is used to control and edit a measuring apparatus. A solid modeler 65 generates solid models of the measurement object and a probe in a virtual space with the definition information and the measurement procedure information included in the part program file 61. The solid models are displayed on a displaying section 66. A measurement result can be displayed in the virtual space. With the measured result, a solid model can be generated. With the generated solid model, a part program file 61 is generated.

Abstract: An adjustable support structure having an indicator device for use with a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) capable of minimizing deformation of an object to be measured. The adjustable support structure includes a base portion being secured to a pillar support of the CMM. A top and bottom swivel plate are further included in the adjustable support structure and are mounted to the base portion to frictionally retain a first swivel arm. Additional swivel arms are pivotally mounted to the first swivel arm. A point support post and locking nut are still further included and threadedly engaged with an end of the final support arm. The indicator device is finally included for indicating when the point support post is in electrical contact with the object, so as to maximize support of the object while minimizing deformation thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of determining the surface condition of a workpiece, operate by measuring a roughness profile of the surface across a certain measuring distance, splitting up the roughness profile into wave frequencies and amplitudes associated with them, dividing the wave frequencies into wave frequency ranges, and determining the surface condition of the workpiece based on the amplitudes in the respective wave frequency ranges. The roughness profile may be understood as the superpositioning of harmonic oscillations having certain wavelengths and amplitudes. By subjecting them to a Fourier analysis, these harmonic oscillations are split up into their wave frequencies and associated amplitudes. Then wave frequency ranges are combined to form bands such that a high intensity in one of the bands each corresponds to a certain physical appearance of the surface. The invention thus provides an objective, calculable measure of the surface condition of a workpiece.

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 CMM control system which presents a three-dimensional graphic representation to the operator showing the active probe tip recognized by the CMM software. The controller software determines whether a motorized probe head is present and the exact location the probe tip. By using three-dimensional vector graphic routines, the controller software presents a graphic display of the probe relative to the machine's coordinate system. This technique minimizes the occurrence of measurement errors which could be introduced by the unwary operator who inadvertently used CMM data taken with an unrecognized probe tip.

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: The invention is directed to a method for controlling a coordinate measuring apparatus wherein the probe head (2) and the probe pin (19) of the apparatus are control driven in accordance with desired data Pi. The probe pin (19) is movably attached to the probe head (2). In the method, the probe pin for measuring the workpiece (15) can touch down on the surface of the workpiece to be measured or can be lifted off of this surface. The speed of measurement is increased by selecting the angle (.alpha.down, .alpha.up) between the direction of movement vres of the probe head (2) when touching down or when lifting off and the projection of the direction of movement toward the plane tangential to the workpiece surface in the touchdown/liftoff point (Pdown, Pup) to be less than 30.degree..

Abstract: A sensor in the probe head of a coordinate measuring device supplies probe signals. The first, and if necessary, higher time derivatives of the probe signals are formed and evaluated for the exact determination of the moment of contact of the probe head with a workpiece to be measured. During the evaluation, the time course of the differentiated signals is examined by means of automatically generated trigger thresholds.