Patent ID: 9021344
Filing Date: 2015-04-28
Classification: G01B,G05B

Abstract:
1. An off-line graphical user interface (GUI) system for input control of a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine (CMM) using the CMM's probe, comprising: a passive physical representation of a GUI image existing in at least two dimensions, said passive physical representation of a GUI image presenting a plurality of control operation icons associated with the CMM, each of said control operation icons being indicative of an operational function of the CMM; and a central processing unit (CPU) programmed to carry out a plurality of functions, said CPU adapted to interface with the CMM, said CPU using the CMM to locate said passive physical representation of a GUI image in a coordinate system of the CMM; said functions including defining coordinates of said control operation icons, referencing said coordinates to the coordinate system of the CMM, defining, for each of said control operation icons, a respective three-dimensional spatial zone corresponding uniquely to each of said control operation icons, each said spatial zone extending from one of said control operation icons associated therewith, each said spatial zone referenced to the coordinate system of the CMM and identifying, for said CPU, the operational function of the CMM associated with said one of said control operation icons, and defining, for each said spatial zone, a respective three-dimensional function activation zone that is volumetrically smaller than and disposed within each said spatial zone, each said function activation zone defining one of a plurality of specific movements of the CMM's probe within said function activation zone required to activate the operational function of the CMM associated with one of said control operation icons corresponding thereto, wherein only satisfaction of said one of said plurality of specific movements causes the operational function of the CMM to be carried out by the CMM.