Research Initiation Awards: Process Planning for Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)-Based Dimensional Inspection

本研究项目旨在开发计算机集成制造环境下基于三坐标测量机的离散零件尺寸检测的基于知识的工艺设计系统。该项目旨在严格调查此类尺寸检测中的关键问题，包括软件算法的评估、测量结果的不确定度评估、检测策略的设计、计算机系统中尺寸检测知识的获取以及标准检测程序的生成。该系统使用产品定义数据、尺寸检验专业知识和基于知识的专家系统来生成尺寸检验应用的工艺计划。该系统还生成在坐标测量机上执行的零件检测程序，这代表了一种被业界广泛接受的新兴自动尺寸检测技术。研究是一个务实的问题，包含了丰富的研究问题，需要创新的思路。预计在产品质量、检测吞吐量和中到小批量应用的灵活性方面将有重大改进。研究的重点是产品和生产信息的无缝流动。研究结果将适用于在设计和检查的自动化孤岛之间建立关键联系。它还可以促进自动尺寸检测技术的发展。

This research project is aimed at developing a knowledge- based process planning system for dimensional inspection of discrete-part products using coordinate measuring machines in a computer-integrated manufacturing environment. The project is structured to rigorously investigate critical issues in such dimensional inspection, including evaluation of software algorithms, evaluation of uncertainties in measurement results, design of inspection strategies, capturing of dimensional inspection knowledge in computer systems, and generation of standard inspection programs. The system uses product definition data, dimensional inspection expertise, and knowledge-based expert systems to generate process plans for dimensional inspection applications. The system also generates part inspection programs to be executed on coordinate measurement machines, which represent an emerging automated dimensional inspection technology widely accepted by industry. The research is a pragmatic problem and contains a wealth of research problems that require innovative ideas. Major improvements in product quality, inspection throughput and flexibility for moderate to low volume applications are anticipated. The research focus is on seamless flow of product and production information. The research results will be applicable in establishing a critical link between the islands of automation of design and inspection. It may also advance the state of the art of automated dimensional inspection technology.