CAD-based CMM dimensional inspection path planning – a generic algorithm

Abstract

This paper describes a newly developed algorithm for CAD-based dimensional inspection path planning utilizing coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). The algorithm guarantees to provide optimum collision-free inspection probe paths by using the topological structure of the boundary representation (B-rep) solid CAD models of the inspected parts. A concept of automatic generation of optimum and collision free path in three dimensional space using available CAD database is proposed. The algorithm is generic for generating probe path over prismatic polyhedral parts. It serves as a principal part of the inspection path planning system. It is based on the modified ray tracing technique which uses a B-Rep data from any geometric modeling systems. Between start point and target point, an imaginary ray is established and if an intersection with part is encountered, an optimal detour path is created avoiding interference of the probe with the part. The generated path consists of linear segments joining start point and target point by various intermediate points. To locate these intermediate points in the consideration space, topological and geometrical structures of the part models are used at the time of decision making. To examine and implement the algorithm, a user-friendly application is developed employing AutoCAD Runtime Extension (ARX) development environment with object oriented programming (OOP) techniques, running on a Windows NT workstation. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by the results of the implementation demonstrating optimum collision-free dimensional inspection path generation for four representative prismatic part models. All in all, this work contributes to the knowledge-base formation of automated dimensional inspection research area and paves a way for the integration of CMMs into a CAD/CAM environment, thus automate the process of design, manufacturing and quality assurance.