Automated dimensional inspection planning using the combination of laser scanner and tactile probe

Combining multiple sensors on CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines) is useful to fulfil the increasing requirements on both complexity and accuracy in dimensional metrology. Yet, the methodology to plan measurement strategies for systems combining different types of sensors is still a major challenge. Such planning is commonly done in an interactive way. This paper presents a methodology which can create inspection plans automatically for CMM inspection combining a touch trigger probe and a laser scanner. The inspection features are specified based on the extracted geometry features and the associated PMI (Product and Manufacturing Information) items from a CAD model. A knowledge based sensor selection method is applied to choose the suited sensor for each inspection feature. For touch trigger measurements, the sampling strategy considers the measurement uncertainty calculated by simulation. A geometry-guide method is developed for collision-free probing path generation. For laser scan measurements, the required view angles and positions of the laser scanner are determined iteratively, based on which the scan path is generated automatically. The proposed methodology is tested for several cases and validated by measurement experiments. The methodology provides suited planning results and can be used for automated dimensional inspection, i.e. Computer Aided Quality Control (CAQC).     

A feature-based inspection planning system for coordinate measuring machines

A feature-based inspection planning system is proposed in this research to develop more efficient measuring methodology for a CMM for complicated workpieces having many primitive form features. The proposed strategy is composed of two stages; global inspection planning and local inspection planning stages. In the global inspection planning stage, the system generates an optimum inspection sequence of the features in a part. The sequence is determined by analyzing the feature information such as the nested relations and the possible probe approach directions of the features, and by forming feature groups. A series of heuristic rules are developed to accomplish it. In the local inspection planning stage, each feature is decomposed into its constituent geometric elements, and then the number of sampling points, the locations of the points and the optimum probing sequence are determined. Also, an effective collision avoidance methodology is proposed. After required simulation, the effectiveness of the proposed system is verified .     

Inspection Planning Strategy for the On-Machine Measurement Process Based on CAD/CAM/CAI Integration

The objective of this research is to develop an effective inspection planning strategy for sculptured surfaces in the OMM (on-machine measurement) process. As a first step, effective measuring-point locations are determined to obtain optimum results for given sampling numbers. Two measuring-point selection methods are suggested in this study based on newly proposed CAD/CAM/CAI integration concepts: 1. By the prediction of cutting errors. 2. By considering cutter contact points to avoid the measurement errors caused by cusps. As a next step, the TSP (travelling salesman problem) algorithm is applied to minimise the probe moving distance. Appropriate simulations and experiments are performed to verify the proposed inspection planning strategy in this study, and the results are analysed.     

Sculptured surface recognition and localization strategy in the CMM process

This paper presents a sculptured surface recognition and localization strategy for the inspection process using the CMM. First, the database is generated from the CAD data based on the Z-Layer concept. Then, the three-dimensional shape of the object on the CMM table is constructed using a vision guided CMM. Two vision cameras are implemented to guide the CMM to the object, and B-spline interpolation method is applied to generate a surface that passes through the obtained data points. As a following step, the Z-layers of the generated surface are created and the geometric properties are calculated to determine the best matching surface in the database. Rough location and orientation of the object are determined by analyzing the image data, and the minimization algorithm is applied as a next step to obtain more accurate localization results. The experimental results show that the proposed method can be applied effectively for sculptured surface recognition and localization in the inspection processes.     

Measuring external profiles of porous objects using CMM

Coordinate measuring machine (CMM) has been extensively used in surface measurement and inspection. CMM produces more accurate and reliable results compared with non-contact measurement devices, since CMM measures target surfaces in a tactile way and is not affected by surface reflection quality. However, when there is porosity on the outside surfaces, CMM measurement will have errors because part of the probing stylus will come into the porosity spaces. This paper presents a method of using CMM to measure external profiles of objects with external porosity spaces. The center of a CMM probing stylus will be compensated to avoid porosity spaces and located above external surface areas along surface normal directions. Such a probing strategy can be implemented in both computer-aided design (CAD)-guided mode and non-CAD-guided mode. When the CAD model is available, the probing styli are guided to approach the surface along its normal directions successively to identify and avoid porosity spaces. When the CAD model is unavailable, surface normal directions will be estimated first and then adjusted. The presented method is able to avoid porosity spaces in CMM measurement regardless of the availability of CAD models.     

Investigation of a measurement scheme based on IGES

The integration research of measuring machine and CAD information, just CMM/CAD integration technology, is far behind the information integration of mechanical processing and CAD. With the rapid development of information integration industry and in the manufacturing process of the parts with complex curve surface, it is crucial to integrate the measurement and machining procedures based on IGES as that IGES is a general ANSI standard of information exchange for CAD/CAM among different computer systems. The measuring path planning determines the realization of measuring each sampling point and the completion of all sampling points safely and effectively by using measuring equipment. Based on IGES in this paper, the calculation method of normal direction at the location of sample point is studied for different surfaces, so as to improve the measuring precision. Then the calculation strategy for the positioning points and the measuring range is established, and the identification method for the topological relation between surfaces is also researched for improving the measuring efficiency and security. At last, the measuring sequence of the sampling points to be planned reasonably based on TSP is given. It is believed that the research results can provide some useful contributions towards the development of automated inspection task planning and systems, especially for coordinate measuring machines.     

An Automated Inspection System

An automated inspection system for manufactured parts is proposed using a cloud of 3D measured points of a part provided by a range sensor, and its CAD model. In spite of the high precision attained by coordinate measuring machines (CMM), range sensors offer significant advantages for dimensional inspection: a high speed of digitisation and the capacity to take 3D measurements on the whole surfaces of a part without physical contact. The system first registers a cloud of 3D points with a CAD model of the part, then segments the 3D points in different surfaces by using the CAD model, and finally measures the control of the specified tolerances on the part. Results of the inspection are displayed in two ways: visually, using a colour map to display the level of discrepancy between the measured points and the CAD model, and a hardcopy report of the evaluation results of the tolerance specifications. Two range sensor technologies have been tested and inspection results are compared with the results obtained with a CMM.     

面向三坐标测量机应用的检测特征自动提取和识别

为了解决三坐标测量机(CMM)中手工输入检测信息的问题,提出了自动提取和识别检测特征的方案。应用特征技术,实现了基于CAD模型公差特征的自动提取。利用CAD模型中几何要素标识唯一的特点,建立了STEP和QDAS中性文件的匹配,解决了几何信息和检测信息在CAD和CMM之间的传递和识别问题。在Unigraphics上进行了二次开发,使其能自动输出匹配好的STEP和QDAS文件,并能被CMM软件识别和应用。     

A Surface Based Approach for Constant Scallop HeightTool-Path Generation

The machining of sculptured surfaces such as moulds and dies in 3-axis milling relies on the chordal deviation, the scallop height parameter and the planning strategy. The choice of these parameters must ensure that manufacturing surfaces respect the geometrical specifications. The current strategies for machining, consist primarily in driving the tool in parallel planes which generates a tightening of the tool paths. A constant scallop height planning strategy has been developed to avoid this tightening. In this paper, we present a new method of constant scallop height tool-path generation based on the concept of the machining surface. The concept of the machining surface is developed and its use to generate constant scallop height tool paths is described. The approach is compared with existing methods in terms of precision and in particular its aptitude to treat curvature discontinuities.     

Enhance performance of inspection process on Coordinate Measuring Machine

Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) has been an important inspection tool in quality control for several years owing to its high accuracy and precision. Effectiveness of inspection plan generated by CMM greatly depends on measurement cycle time. Lesser the inspection time taken by CMM to measure a given part better will be the performance of inspection process. Therefore, it has been critical to reduce measurement time for efficient performance of inspection process. In this paper, methodologies to generate most suitable measurement path resulting into minimum inspection time has been introduced. These methodologies are based on different algorithms to reduce measurement cycle time for CMM. The different algorithms have successfully been explored and compared to show their effectiveness in minimizing inspection time for stationary CMM equipped with touch trigger probe. The proposed methodologies have also been implemented and tested on real-world mechanical part with certain number of features to demonstrate their applicability.     

A PC-based system integrating CMM and CAD for automated inspection and reverse engineering

A personal computer (PC)-based system integrating a manual CMM and a CAD system has been developed for on-line capture of 3D point data, resulting in the automation of the inspection process. The sequence of steps taken to measure a master component using the CMM is stored in a measurement program in teach mode and replayed for repetitive measurement of a batch of identical components in the replay mode. The measurement program guides the CMM operator regarding the geometric entity to be measured, the number of points to be input and the direction to be followed for taking the points on the CMM. The operator has simply to follow the sequence displayed on the computer screen. The program automatically computes the dimensions and the deviations from the corresponding dimensions of the master component. The 3D measurement data from the CMM are transferred to a CAD system in real time. Programs have been developed to create 3D cubic splines and surfaces from the 3D point data taken on the CMM. The full features of the CAD software can be used to manipulate the 3D point data for CAD applications.     

Investigation on sampling size optimisation in gear tooth surface measurement using a CMM

Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are widely used in the gear manufacturing industry. One of the main issues for contact inspection using a CMM is the sampling technique. In this paper the gear tooth surfaces are expressed by series of parameters and inspection error compensation and initial value optimisation method are presented. The minimum number of measurement points for 3D tooth surfaces are derived. If high precision is required, more points need to be inspected. The sampling size optimisation is obtained from the criterion equation. The surface form deviation and initial values are optimised using the minimum zone method and genetic algorithms. A feature-based inspection system for spur/helical gears is developed and trials and simulations demonstrate that the method developed is suitable and very effective. This revised version was published online in October 2004 with a correction to the issue number.     

A computer-aided inspection planning system for on-machine measurement — part I: Global inspection planning —

Computer-Aided Inspection Planning (CAIP) is the integration bridge between CAD/CAM and Computer Aided Inspection (CAI). A CAIP system for On-Machine Measurement (OMM) is proposed to inspect the complicated mechanical parts efficiently during machining or after machining. The inspection planning consists of Global Inspection Planning (GIP) and Local Inspection Planning (LIP). In the GIP, the system creates the optimal inspection sequence of the features in a part by analyzing the various feature information such as the relationship of the features, Probe Approach Directions (PAD), etc. Feature groups are formed for effective planning, and special feature groups are determined for sequencing. The integrated process and inspection plan is generated based on the sequences of the feature groups and the features in a feature group. A series of heuristic rules are developed to accomplish it. In the LIP of Part II, the system generates inspection parameters. The integrated inspection planning is able to determine optimum manufacturing sequence for inspection and machining processes. Finally, the results are simulated and analyzed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed CAIP.     

Efficient inspection planning for coordinate measuring machines

The coordinate measuring machine (CMM) has been recognized as a powerful tool for dimensional and geometric tolerance inspection in the manufacturing industry. The power of the CMM depends heavily on an efficient inspection plan that measures a part in minimal time. This paper proposes CMM inspection planning that can minimize the number of part setups and probe orientations and the inspection feature sequence. In our planning, a greedy heuristic method is adopted to obtain the minimal number of part setups and probe changes. Meanwhile, a continuous Hopfield neural network is developed to solve the inspection feature-sequencing problem. The proposed method was successfully implemented and tested using a machine spindle cover part. The results show that the proposed method can achieve excellent performance compared to the other methods.     

Stereo vision for 3D measurement: accuracy analysis, calibration and industrial applications

This paper evaluates the accuracy of different camera calibration and measurement methods used in 3D stereo vision with CCD cameras. These methods are evaluated by means of several precision tests, determining their error limits under specified conditions of operation. To check the precision of such systems, a CMM and some calibration objects, such as grids, plates, spheres, etc. are used. Two practical applications are described: a cost-effective system for the measurement of free-form surfaces, able to generate CAD models and measuring programs for CMMs. The system aims to reduce some difficulties associated with stereo vision and to speed up the traditional digitizing process. The other application involves car frame measurement. A new automatic measuring system has been developed, allowing contactless car frame measurement through two rotating CCD cameras.     

基于多传感器集成的三坐标测量机自动检测规划系统研究

为了充分发挥多传感器集成的优势，提高检测自动化水平，提出了该环境下三坐标测量机自动检测规划系统的体系结构。构建了专家规则库来制定检测策略，选择检测设备。重点分析了接触式测量检测规划的流程，提供了零件定位、测点自动生成等模块的解决方案。讨论了光学自动检测规划的要点。通过中性文件的使用和映射，实现了CAD与三坐标测量系统的集成，从而为产品的自动检测和质量控制提供了保障。     

Accurate evaluation of free-form surface profile error based on quasi particle swarm optimization algorithm and surface subdivision

Although significant progress has been made in precision machining of free-form surfaces recently, inspection of such surfaces remains a difficult problem. In order to solve the problem that no specific standards for the verification of free-form surface profile are available, the profile parameters of free-form surface are proposed by referring to ISO standards regarding form tolerances and considering its complexity and non-rotational symmetry. Non-uniform rational basis spline(NURBS) for describing free-form surface is formulated. Crucial issues in surface inspection and profile error verification are localization between the design coordinate system(DCS) and measurement coordinate system(MCS) for searching the closest points on the design model corresponding to measured points. A quasi particle swarm optimization(QPSO) is proposed to search the transformation parameters to implement localization between DCS and MCS. Surface subdivide method which does the searching in a recursively reduced range of the parameters u and v of the NURBS design model is developed to find the closest points. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods, the design model is generated by NURBS and the measurement data of simulation example are generated by transforming the design model to arbitrary position and orientation, and the parts are machined based on the design model and are measured on CMM. The profile errors of simulation example and actual parts are calculated by the proposed method. The results verify that the evaluation precision of freeform surface profile error by the proposed method is higher 10%-22% than that by CMM software. The proposed method deals with the hard problem that it has a lower precision in profile error evaluation of free-form surface.     

三坐标测量机检测数据与CAD系统之间的接口技术研究

提出一种需要人工适当干预的曲面处理方法。该方法通过对大量的点位数据进行处理，生成相应的曲线，然后由设计人员对曲线进行修整，生成相应的曲面。并采用ObjectARX为开发工具，在MDT环境下开发了三坐标测量机与CAD系统之间的接口程序。     

基于CAD数模的零件自动检测

三坐标测量机能够实现基于CAD数模的零件自动检测,该技术具有测量精度高、效率高、测量结果直接反映零件加工实际值与设计理论值的误差等特点,是坐标测量技术的一个新的发展方向。本文结合ARCOCAD测量软件,对基于CAD数模的零件自动检测的关键技术进行了分析。     

Standardised Reference Data Sets Generation for Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) Software Assessment

Rapid and accurate in-process measurement has recently become more common in product cycles, especially for producing parts having 3D contoured shapes. As a result, the ability to analyse large quantities of dimensional data requires today’s coordinate measuring machines (CMM) to employ their extreme functionality. With the increasing demand for performance of the software supplied for a CMM, the testing methods for these software packages must be rigorous, stable, and efficient. Motivated by the aforementioned demand, this work is intended to design and develop an algorithm and computer code to generate the reference data sets representing the coordinates of Gaussian associated features for CMM measured parts. These reference data sets can be used to test the CMM software submitted for approval to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). A generic algorithm for the development of the data sets is proposed and the program code is designed and developed by employing object oriented concepts. Dynamic errors during measurement are also accounted for, using Fourier harmonics representing the form errors and noise in the measured data. The data sets, being an integral part of the proposed International Standard – ISO 10360, will become a significant step towards the standardisation of software testing procedures for coordinate measuring machines.