United States Patent (19)
`Raab
`
`56)
`
`54 THREE DIMENSIONAL COORDINATE
`MEASURINGAPPARATUS
`75) Inventor: Simon Raab, Longwood, Fla.
`73) Assignee: Faro Technologies Inc., Lake Mary,
`Fla.
`21 Appl. No.: 21949
`22 Filed:
`Feb. 23, 1993
`51) Int. Cl................................................ G01B 7/03
`52 U.S.C. ........................................ 33/503; 33/504;
`33/1 PT; 364/413.13
`58 Field of Search ................. 33/503, 502,504, 1 V,
`33/1 N, 1 M, 1 PT; 364/413.13
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2,906,179 9/1959 Bower .
`3,531,868 "10/1970 Stevenson .
`3,890,958 6/1975 Fister et al. .
`3,944,798 3/1976 Eaton .
`4,571,834 2/1986 Fraser et al. ....................... 33/1 PT
`4,638,798 1/1987 Sheldon et al. .
`4,653,011 3/1987 Iwano .
`4,670,851 6/1987 Murakami et al. .
`4,676,002 6/1987 Slocum ................................. 33/503
`4,679,331 7/1987 Koontz .......
`... 33/503
`4,703,443 10/1987 Moriyasu ............................ 364/559
`4,750,487 6/1988 Zanetti.
`4,769,763 9/1988 Trieb et al. ......................... 364/559
`4,791,934 12/1988 Brunnett .
`4,819, 195 4/1989 Bell et al. .............................. 33/503
`4,888,877 12/1989 Enderle et al.
`... 33/504
`4,891,889 1/1990 Tomelleri.......
`... 33/504
`4,942,545 7/1990 Sapia ..................................... 33/504
`4,945,501 7/1990 Bell et al. .
`
`
`
`US0054.02582A
`Patent Number:
`Date of Patent:
`
`11
`45
`
`5,402,582
`Apr. 4, 1995
`
`4,962,591 10/1990 Zeller et al. .......................... 33/502
`4,982,504 1/1991 Söderberg et al. ...
`... 33/503
`5,040,306 8/1991 McMurtry et al. ................... 33/556
`5,050,608 9/1991 Watanabe et al. .
`5,088,046 2/1992 McMurtry .
`5,088,055 2/1992 Oyama .
`5,131,844 7/1992 Marinaccio et al. .
`5,148,377 9/1992 McDonald .
`5,187,874 2/1993 Takahashi et al. .................... 33/503
`5,189,806 3/1993 McMurtry et al. .
`5,204,824 4/1993 Fujimaki.
`5,230,623 7/1993 Guthrie et al. .
`5,251,127 10/1993 Raab .................................... 606/130
`5,251,156 10/1993 Heier et al. .
`5,259,120 11/1993 Chapman et al. .
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2597969 4/1986 France .
`2674017 3/1991 France .
`2094590 9/1982 United Kingdom.
`Primary Examiner-Christopher Fulton
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Fishman, Dionne & Cantor
`57
`ABSTRACT
`A novel, portable coordinate measuring machine com
`prises a multijointed (preferably six joints) manually
`positionable measuring arm for accurately and easily
`measuring a volume, which in a preferred embodiment,
`comprises a sphere ranging from six to eight feet in
`diameter and a measuring accuracy of 2 Sigma-0.005
`inch. In addition to the measuring arm, the present
`invention employs a controller (or serial box) which
`acts as the electronic interface between the arm and a
`host computer.
`
`41 Claims, 17 Drawing Sheets
`
`EX1077
`Yita v. MacNeil
`IPR2020-01139
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
`
`Sheet 10f17
`Sheet 1 of 17
`
`5,402,582
`5,402,582
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`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
`
`Sheet 2 of 17
`Sheet 2 of 17
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`5,402,582
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
`
`Sheet 3 of 17
`Sheet 3 of 17
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`5,402,582
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
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`Sheet 4 of 17
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`5,402,582
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
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`Sheet 5 of 17
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
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`Sheet 6 of 17
`Sheet 6 of 17
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`5,402,582
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
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`Sheet 7 of 17
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
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`Sheet 8 of 17
`Sheet 8 of 17
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`5,402,582
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`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
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`Sheet 9 of 17
`Sheet 9 of 17
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
`
`Sheet 10 of 17
`Sheet 10 of 17
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
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`Sheet 11 of 17
`Sheet 11 of 17
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`5,402,582
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`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
`
`Sheet 12 of 17
`Sheet 12 of 17
`
`5,402,582
`5,402,582
`
`
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`FIG./6
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
`
`Sheet 13 of 17
`Sheet 13 of 17
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`5,402,582
`5,402,582
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
`
`Sheet 14 of 17
`Sheet 14 of 17
`
`5,402,582
`5,402,582
`
`
`
`FIG.1/8
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
`
`Sheet 15 of 17
`Sheet 15 of 17
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`5,402,582
`5,402,582
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
`
`Sheet 16 of 17
`Sheet 16 of 17
`
`5,402,582
`5,402,582
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 4, 1995
`Apr. 4, 1995
`
`Sheet 17 of 17
`Sheet 17 of 17
`
`5,402,582
`5,402,582
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`5
`5
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`1.
`1
`
`THREE DIMENSIONAL COORDINATE
`THREE DMENSIONAL COORDNATE
`.
`MEASURING APPARATUS
`MEASURING APPARATUS
`
`5,402,582
`5,402,582
`2
`2
`present invention employs a controller (or serial box)
`present invention employs a controller (or serial box)
`which acts as the electronic interface between the arm
`whichacts as the electronic interface between the arm
`and a host computer.
`and a host computer.
`The mechanical measuring arm used in the CMM of
`The mechanical measuring arm used in the CMM of
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`this invention is generally comprised of a plurality of
`this invention is generally comprised of a plurality of
`transfer housings (with each transfer housing compris
`This invention relates generally to three dimensional
`transfer housings (with each transfer housing compris-
`This invention relates generally to three dimensional
`ing a joint and defining one degree of rotational free
`coordinate measuring machines (or CMM’s). More par
`ing a joint and defining one degree of rotational free-
`coordinate measuring machines (or CMM’s). Morepar-
`ticularly, this invention relates to a new and improved
`dom) and extension members attached to each other
`ticularly, this invention relates to a new and improved
`dom) and extension members attached to each other
`with adjacent transfer housings being disposed at right
`three dimensional CMM which is portable and provides
`three dimensional CMM whichis portable and provides
`with adjacent transfer housings being disposed at right
`improved accuracy and ease of use.
`angles to define a movable arm preferably having five
`improved accuracy and ease of use.
`angles to define a movable arm preferably having five
`It will be appreciated that everything in the physical
`or six degrees of freedom. Each transfer housing in
`It will be appreciated that everything in the physical
`or six degrees of freedom. Each transfer housing in-
`world occupies volume or space. Position in a space
`world occupies volume or space. Position in a space
`cludes measurement transducers and novel bearing ar
`cludes measurement transducers and novel bearing ar-
`may be defined by length, width and height which, in
`rangements. These novel bearing arrangements include
`may be defined by length, width and height which, in
`rangements. These novel bearing arrangements include
`engineering terms, is often called an X, Y, Z coordinate.
`prestressed bearings formed of counter-positioned coni
`engineering terms,is often called an X, Y, Z coordinate.
`prestressed bearings formed of counter-positioned coni-
`15
`The X, Y, Z numbers represent the dimensions of
`The X, Y, Z numbers represent the dimensions of 15
`cal roller bearings and stiffening thrust bearings for high
`cal roller bearings and stiffening thrust bearings for high
`length, width and height or three dimensions. Three-di
`length, width and height or three dimensions. Three-di-
`bending stiffness with low profile structure. In addition,
`bending stiffness with low profile structure. In addition,
`mensional objects are described in terms of position and
`mensional objects are described in termsof position and
`each transfer casing includes visual and audio endstop
`each transfer casing includes visual and audio endstop
`orientation; that is, not just where an object is but in
`orientation; that is, not just where an object is but in
`indicators to protect against mechanical overload due
`indicators to protect against mechanical overload due
`what direction it points. The orientation of an object in
`whatdirection it points. The orientation of an object in
`to mechanical stressing.
`to mechanical stressing.
`20
`space can be defined by the position of three points on
`20
`space can be defined by the position of three points on
`The movable arm is attached to a base or post which
`The movable arm is attached to a base or post which
`the object. Orientation can also be described by the
`the object. Orientation can also be described by the
`includes (1) a temperature monitoring board for moni
`includes (1) a temperature monitoring board for moni-
`angles of alignment of the object in space. The X, Y,
`angles of alignment of the object in space. The X, Y,
`toring temperature stability; (2) an encoder mounting
`toring temperature stability; (2) an encoder mounting
`and Z coordinates can be most simply measured by
`and Z coordinates can be most simply measured by
`plate for universal encoder selection; (3) an EEPROM
`plate for universal encoder selection; (3) an EEPROM
`three linear scales. In other words, if you lay a scale
`three linear scales. In other words, if you lay a scale
`circuit board containing calibration and identification
`circuit board containing calibration and identification
`along the length, width and height of a space, you can
`25
`along the length, width and height of a space, you can
`data so as to avoid unit mixup; and (4) a preamplifier
`data so as to avoid unit mixup; and (4) a preamplifier
`measure the position of a point in the space.
`measure the position of a point in the space.
`board mounted near the encoder mounting plate for
`board mounted near the encoder mounting plate for
`Presently, coordinate measurement machines or
`Presently, coordinate measurement machines or
`transmission of high amplified signals to a remote
`transmission of high amplified signals to a remote
`CMM’s measure objects in a space using three linear
`CMM’s measure objects in a space using three linear
`counter board in the controller.
`counter board in the controller.
`scales. These devices are typically non-portable, expen
`scales. These devices are typically non-portable, expen-
`30
`As in the prior art METRECOM system, the transfer
`sive and limited in the size or volume that can be easily
`Asin the prior art METRECOMsystem, the transfer
`30
`sive and limited in the size or volumethat can be easily
`casings are modular permitting variable assembly con
`measured.
`casings are modular permitting variable assembly con-
`measured.
`figurations and the entire movable arm assembly is con
`FARO Technologies, Inc. of Lake Mary, Fla. (the
`figurations and the entire movable arm assemblyis con-
`FAROTechnologies, Inc. of Lake Mary, Fla. (the
`assignee of the present invention) has successfully pro
`structed of one material for ensuring consistent coeffici
`assignee of the present invention) has successfully pro-
`structed of one material for ensuring consistent coeffici-
`duced a series of electrogoniometer-type digitizing de
`ent of thermal expansion (CTE). Similarly as in the
`ducedaseries of electrogoniometer-type digitizing de-
`ent of thermal expansion (CTE). Similarly as in the
`35
`vices for the medical field. In particular, FARO Tech
`METRECOM system, internal wire routing with rota
`vices for the medical field. In particular, FARO Tech-
`35
`METRECOMsystem, internal wire routing with rota-
`nologies, Inc. has produced systems for skeletal analysis
`tion stops and wire coiling cavities permit complete
`nologies, Inc. has produced systemsfor skeletal analysis
`tion stops and wire coiling cavities permit complete
`known as METRECOM(R) and systems for use in sur
`known as METRECOM@®andsystems for use in sur-
`enclosure of large numbers of wires. Also consistent
`enclosure of large numbers of wires. Also consistent
`gical applications known as SURGICOMTM. Elec
`gical applications known as SURGICOM ™. Elec-
`with the prior art METRECOM system, this invention
`with the prior art METRECOMsystem,this invention
`trogoniometer-type devices of the type embodied in the
`trogoniometer-type devices of the type embodied in the
`includes a spring counterbalanced and shock absorbed
`includes a spring counterbalanced and shock absorbed
`METRECOM and SURGICOM systems are disclosed
`METRECOM and SURGICOMsystems are disclosed
`support mechanism for user comfort and a two switch
`support mechanism for user comfort and a two switch
`in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,670,851 and 5,305,203 and 5,251,127
`in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,670,851 and 5,305,203 and 5,251,127
`(take/accept) data entry device for allowing high preci
`(take/accept) data entry device for allowing high preci-
`all of which are assigned to the assignee hereof and
`all of which are assigned to the assignee hereof and
`sion measurements with manual handling. Also, a gen
`sion measurements with manual handling. Also, a gen-
`incorporated herein by reference.
`incorporated herein by reference.
`eralized option of the type used in the prior art
`eralized option of the type used in the prior art
`While well suited for their intended purposes, the
`While well suited for their intended purposes, the
`METRECOM system is provided for the measurement
`METRECOMsystem is provided for the measurement
`45
`METRECOM and SURGICOM electrogoniometer
`METRECOM and SURGICOM electrogoniometer-
`45
`of variables in three dimensions (e.g., temperature may
`of variables in three dimensions(e.g., temperature may
`type digitizing systems are not well suited for general
`type digitizing systems are not well suited for general
`be measured in three dimensions using a thermocouple
`be measured in three dimensions using a thermocouple
`industrial applications where three dimensional mea
`industrial applications where three dimensional mea-
`attached to the option port).
`attached to the option port).
`surements of parts and assemblies are often required.
`surements of parts and assemblies are often required.
`The use of a discrete microprocessor-based controller
`Theuse of a discrete microprocessor-based controller
`Therefore, there is a continuing need for improved,
`Therefore, there is a continuing need for improved,
`box is an important feature of this invention as it permits
`boxis an importantfeature of this invention as it permits
`accurate and low cost CMM’sfor industrial and related
`accurate and low cost CMM's for industrial and related
`preprocessing of specific calculations without host level
`preprocessing of specific calculations without host level
`applications.
`applications.
`processing requirements. This is accomplished by
`- processing requirements. This is accomplished by
`mounting an intelligent preprocessor in the controller
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`mounting an intelligent preprocessor in the controller
`box which provides programmable adaptability and
`box which provides programmable adaptability and
`The above-discussed and other problems and defi
`The above-discussed and other problems and defi-
`compatibility with a variety of external hosts (e.g., ex
`compatibility with a variety of external hosts (e.g., ex-
`55
`ciencies of the prior art are overcome or alleviated by
`ciencies of the prior art are overcomeoralleviated by
`55
`ternal computers). The serial box also provides intelli
`ternal computers). The serial box also provides intelli-
`the three dimensional measuring instrument (e.g., elec
`the three dimensional measuring instrument(e.g., elec-
`gent multi-protocol evaluation and autoswitching by
`gent multi-protocol evaluation and autoswitching by
`trogoniometer) of the present invention. In accordance
`trogoniometer) of the present invention. In accordance
`sensing communication requirements from the host. For
`sensing communication requirements from the host. For
`with the present invention, a novel, portable coordinate
`with the present invention, a novel, portable coordinate
`example, a host computer running software from one
`measuring machine comprises a multijointed (prefera
`example, a host computer running software from one
`measuring machine comprises a multijointed (prefera-
`manufacturer will generate call requests of one form
`bly six joints) manually positionable measuring arm for
`60
`manufacturer will generate call requests of one form
`bly six joints) manually positionable measuring arm for
`60
`which are automatically sensed by the controller box.
`accurately and easily measuring a volume, which in a
`which are automatically sensed by the controller box.
`accurately and easily measuring a volume, which in a
`preferred embodiment, comprises a sphere preferably
`Still other features of the controller box include serial
`Still other features of the controller box include serial
`preferred embodiment, comprises a sphere preferably
`port communications for standardized long distance
`ranging from six to eight feet in diameter (but which
`port communications for standardized long distance
`ranging from six to eight feet in diameter (but which
`communications in a variety of industrial environments
`may also cover diameters more or less than this range)
`communications in a variety of industrial environments
`may also cover diameters more orless than this range)
`65
`and a measuring accuracy of preferably 2 Sig
`and novel analog-to-digital/digital counter boards for
`and a measuring accuracy of preferably 2 Sig-
`and novel analog-to-digital/digital counter boards for
`65
`ma-0.0005 inch (and optimally 2 Sigma-0.001 inch).
`simultaneous capture of every encoder (located in the
`ma-+0.0005 inch (and optimally 2 Sigma=0.001 inch).
`simultaneous capture of every encoder (located in the
`It will be appreciated that "Sigma' means "one stan
`transfer housing) resulting in highly accurate measure
`It will be appreciated that “Sigma” means “one stan-
`transfer housing) resulting in highly accurate measure-
`ments.
`dard deviation'. In addition to the measuring arm, the
`dard deviation”. In addition to the measuring arm, the
`ents.
`
`

`

`O
`
`15
`
`5,402,582
`5,402,582
`3
`4.
`3
`4
`Efficient on-site calibration of the CMM of the pres
`Efficient on-site calibration of the CMM ofthe pres-
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`ent invention is improved through the use of a reference
`ent invention is improved throughthe use of a reference
`EMBODIMENT
`EMBODIMENT
`ball positioned at the base of the CMM to obviate poten
`ball positioned at the base of the CMMtoobviate poten-
`tial mounting complications to system accuracy evalua
`Referring first to FIG. 1, the three dimensional mea
`Referring first to FIG. 1, the three dimensional mea-
`tial mounting complications to system accuracy evalua-
`suring system of the present invention generally com
`suring system of the present invention generally com-
`tion. In addition, the CMM of this invention includes 5
`tion. In addition, the CMM ofthis invention includes
`prises a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) 10 com
`means for performing a volumetric accuracy measure
`prises a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) 10 com-
`means for performing a volumetric accuracy measure-
`posed of a manually operated multijointed arm 12 and a
`ment protocol on an interim basis, preferably using a
`posed of a manually operated multijointed arm 12 and a
`ment protocol on an interim basis, preferably using a
`support base or post 14, a controller or serial box 16 and
`novel coneballbar device.
`support base or post 14, a controller or serial box 16 and
`novel cone ballbar device.
`a host computer 18. It will be appreciated that CMM10
`The above-discussed and other features and advan-
`a host computer 18. It will be appreciated that CMM 10
`The above-discussed and other features and advan
`electronically communicates with serial box 16 which,
`tages of the present invention will be appreciated and
`electronically communicates with serial box 16 which,
`tages of the present invention will be appreciated and
`in turn, electronically communicates with host con
`in turn, electronically communicates. with host com-
`understood by those skilled in the art from the follow
`understood by those skilled in the art from the follow-
`puter 18.
`ing detailed description and drawings.
`puter 18.
`ing detailed description and drawings.
`As will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, CMM
`Aswill be discussed in more detail hereinafter, CMM
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`10 includes transducers (e.g., one transducer for each
`10 includes transducers (e.g., one transducer for each
`degree of freedom) which gather rotational positioning
`Referring to the drawings, wherein like elements are
`degree of freedom) which gather rotational positioning
`' Referring to the drawings, wherein like elements are
`data and forward this basic data to serial box 16. Serial
`data and forward this basic data to serial box 16. Serial
`numbered alike in the several FIGURES:
`numbered alike in the several FIGURES:
`box 16 provides a reduction in the overall requirements
`box 16 provides a reduction in the overall requirements
`FIG. 1 is a front diagrammatic view depicting the
`FIG.1 is.a front diagrammatic view depicting the
`of host computer 18 to handle certain complex calcula
`of host computer 18 to handle certain complex calcula-
`three dimensional measuring system of the present in
`three dimensional measuring system of the present in-
`tions and provides certain preliminary data manipula
`tions and provides certain preliminary data manipula-
`vention including a coordinate measuring machine, a
`vention including a coordinate measuring machine, a
`20
`tions. As shown in FIG. 2, serial box 16 is intended to be
`tions. As shown in FIG.2,serial box 16 is intended to be
`20
`controller box and a host computer;
`controller box and a host computer;
`positioned under the host computer 18 (such as the
`positioned under the host computer 18 (such as the
`FIG. 2 is a side elevation view depicting the host
`FIG.2 is a side elevation view depicting the host
`notebook computer shown in FIG. 2) and includes EE
`notebook computer shown in FIG.2) and includes EE-
`computer mounted on the serial box, which is in turn,
`computer mounted on the serial box, which is in turn,
`PROMS which contain data handling software, a mi
`PROMSwhich contain data handling software, a mi-
`mounted on a maneuverable arm;
`mounted on a maneuverable arm;
`crocomputer processor, a signal processing board and a
`crocomputer processor, a signal processing board and a
`FIG.3 is a side elevation view of the three dimen-
`FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the three dimen
`number of indicator lights 20. As mentioned, basic
`number of indicator lights 20. As mentioned, basic
`25
`sional measuring system of the present invention
`sional: measuring system of the present
`invention
`transducer data is sent from CMM 10 to serial box 16.
`transducer data is sent from CMM 10 to serial box 16.
`mounted on a theodolite stand;
`mounted on a theodolite stand;
`Serial box 16then processes the raw transducer data on
`Serial box 16 then processes the raw transducer data on
`FIG.4 is a rear elevation view of the CMM shownin
`FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the CMM shown in
`an ongoing basis and responds to the queries of the host
`an ongoing basis and respondsto the queries of the host
`FIG. 1;
`FIG.1;
`computer with the desired three-dimensional positional
`computer with the desired three-dimensional positional
`FIG. 5 is a longitudinal view, partly in cross-section
`FIG.5 is a longitudinal view, partly in cross-section
`or orientational information.
`or orientational information.
`of the CMM of FIG. 1;
`of the CMM ofFIG.1;
`Preferably, all three components defining the three
`Preferably, all three components defining the three
`FIG. 6 is an exploded, side elevation view of a trans
`FIG.6 is an exploded, side elevation view of a trans-
`dimensional measuring system of this invention (e.g.,
`dimensional measuring system of this invention (e.g.,
`fer housing used in the CMM of FIG. 1;
`fer housing used in the CMM of FIG.1;
`CMM 10, serial box 16 and host computer 18) are
`CMM 10, serial box 16 and host computer 18) are
`FIGS. 6A and 6B are views along the lines 6A-6A
`FIGS. 6A and 6B are views along the lines 6A—6A
`mounted on either a fixed mounting surface using a
`mounted on either a fixed mounting surface using a
`and 6B-6B, respectively, of FIG. 6;
`35
`and 6B--6B, respectively, of FIG. 6;
`rigid plate and/or a standard optical measurement in
`rigid plate and/or a standard optical measurement in-
`35
`FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevation view. of two
`FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevation view of two
`strument thread followed by mounting on a known and
`strument thread followed by mounting on a known and
`assembled, transversely orientated transfer housings;
`assembled, transversely orientated transfer housings;
`standard theodolite mobile stand such as shown at 22 in
`standard theodolite mobile stand such as shown at 22 in
`FIG. 8 is an enlarged, side elevation view of a coun
`FIG.8 is an enlarged, side elevation view of a coun-
`FIG. 3. Preferably, theodolite stand 22 comprises a part
`FIG.3. Preferably, theodolite stand 22 comprises a part
`terbalanced spring device used in the CMM of FIG. 1;
`terbalanced spring device used in the CMM ofFIG.1;
`no. MWS750 manufactured by Brunson. Such a mobile
`no. MWS750 manufactured by Brunson. Such a mobile
`FIGS. 9A and 9B are top and bottom plan views
`FIGS. 9A and 9B are top and bottom plan views
`stand is characterized by a stable rolling platform with
`stand is characterized byastable rolling platform with
`depicting the handle/probe assembly of FIG. 1;
`depicting the handle/probe assembly of FIG.1;
`an extendable vertical tower and with common attach-
`an extendable vertical tower and with common attach
`FIGS. 10A and 10B are respective side elevation
`FIGS. 10A and 10B are respective side elevation
`ments and locking mechanisms. As shown in FIGS. 2
`ments and locking mechanisms. As shown in FIGS. 2
`views of a ball probe and a point probe;
`views of a ball probe and a point probe;
`and 3, support base 14 of CMM10 is threaded or other
`and 3, support base 14 of CMM 10is threaded or other-
`FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view of the controller
`FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view of the controller
`wise attached onto a vertical support member 24 of
`wise attached onto a vertical support member 24 of
`45
`box of FIG. 1;
`box of FIG.1;
`stand 22 while serial box 16/host 18 is supported on a
`stand 22 while serial box 16/host 18 is supported on a
`45
`FIG. 12 is an enlarged rear view of the controller box
`FIG.12 is an enlarged rear view of the controller box
`shelf 26 pivotally connected at a first joint 28 to an arm
`shelf 26 pivotally connected at a first joint 28 to an arm
`of FIG. 1;
`of FIG.1;
`30 which is pivotally connected to a second joint 32.
`30 which is pivotally connected to a second joint 32.
`FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the electronic compo
`FIG.13 is a schematic view of the electronic compo-
`Connecting member 34 interconnects joint 32 to a
`Connecting member 34 interconnects joint 32 to a
`nents for the three dimensional measuring system of
`nents for the three dimensional measuring system of
`swivel connection 36 attached to a cap 38 mounted over
`swivel connection 36 attached to a cap 38 mounted over
`50
`FIG. 1;
`FIG.1;
`the top of member 24.
`the top of member 24.
`50
`FIG.14 is a side elevation view of the CMM of FIG.
`FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the CMM of FIG.
`Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4-9, CMM 10 will
`Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4-9, CMM 10 will
`1 depicting a probe tip calibration system;
`1 depicting a probe tip calibration system;
`now be described in detail. As best shown in FIG. 5,
`now be described in detail. As best shown in FIG.5,
`FIG. 15 is a schematic top plan view showing a
`FIG. 15 is a schematic top plan view showing a
`CMM 10 comprises a base 14 connected to a first set of
`CMM10 comprises a base 14 connectedtoafirst set of
`method of calibrating the probe tip;
`two transfer housings including a first transfer housing
`method ofcalibrating the probe tip;
`twotransfer housings includinga first transfer housing
`FIG.16 is a side elevation view of the CMM of FIG.
`35
`FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the CMM of FIG. 55
`40 which, in turn, is connected to a second transfer
`‘40 which, in turn, is connected to a second transfer
`1 being calibrated with a ballbar;
`housing 42 (positioned transverse to housing 40). A first
`1 being calibrated with a ballbar,;
`housing 42 (positioned transverse to housing 40). A first
`FIGS.17 and 18 are side elevation views of the CMM
`FIGS. 17 and 18 are side elevation views of the CMM
`extension member 44 is rigidly attached to a second set
`extension member44 is rigidly attached to a second set
`of FIG. 1 being calibrated by a novel cone ballbar de
`of two transfer housings including a third transfer hous
`of FIG. 1 being calibrated by a novel cone ballbar de-
`of two transfer housings including a third transfer hous-
`vice;
`ing 46 transversely attached to a fourth transfer housing
`ing 46 transversely attached to a fourth transfer housing
`Vice;
`FIG. 19 is a side elevation view depicting a method
`48. First extension member 44 is positioned perpendicu
`FIG.19 is a side elevation view depicting a method
`48. First extension member 44 is positioned perpendicu-
`for optimizing the CMM of FIG. 1 using an optimiza
`larly between transfer housings 42 and 46. A second
`for optimizing the CMM of FIG.1 using an optimiza-
`larly between transfer housings 42 and 46. A second
`tion jig;
`extension member 50 is aligned with and rigidly at
`tion jig;
`extension member 50 is aligned with and rigidly at-
`FIGS. 20A-E are respective front, rear, top, right
`tached to transfer housing 48. Rigid extension member
`FIGS. 20A-E are respective front, rear, top, right
`tached to transfer housing 48. Rigid extension member
`side and left side elevation views of the precision step
`50 is rigidly attached to a third set of two transfer hous
`side andleft side elevation views of the precision step
`50 is rigidly attached to a third set of two transfer hous-
`65
`ings including a fifth transfer housing 52 transversely
`gauge used in the jig of FIG. 19; and
`gauge used in the jig of FIG. 19; and
`ings including a fifth transfer housing 52 transversely
`65
`FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing a method of
`attached to a sixth transfer housing 54. Fifth transfer
`FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing a method of
`attached to a sixth transfer housing 54. Fifth transfer
`optimizing the CMM of FIG. 1 utilizing the apparatus
`housing 54 has attached thereto a handle/probe assem
`optimizing the CMM of FIG.1 utilizing the apparatus
`housin