Patent ID: 6651351
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
A method for measuring the structure of an object by means of a flexible feeler means that is operatively connected to a coordinate measuring instrument, wherein the feeler means is brought into contact with the object and the position of the feeler means is then determined, the feeler means comprising a mechanically flexible and deflectable feeler extension, wherein said feeler extension is deflectable due to its inherent flexibility, the position of the feeler extension, or of a target extending from the feeler extension and operatively connected to the feeler extension is directly determined with an optical sensor, and wherein certain coordinates of the feeler extension or of the target are linked with those of the coordinate measuring instrument for measuring the structure of the object, using the optical sensor.2.Method according to claim 1, wherein the feeler extension or the target is moved towards the object from its side facing towards the sensor.