Patent ID: 7784333
Filing Date: 2010-08-31
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
1. A measurement control device, comprising: a probe including a force sensor that detects a measuring force generated when the probe contacts with a workpiece and outputs the measuring force as a force detection signal, a position detector that detects a measuring position of the workpiece detected by the force sensor and outputs the measuring position as measuring position information, and a force sensor moving unit that moves the force sensor relative to the workpiece; a force control loop that compares the force detection signal from the force sensor as a force fed-back signal with a set force value and drives the force sensor moving unit such that the force fed-back signal becomes equal to the set force value; a position control loop that compares the measuring position information from the position detector as a position fed-back signal with a set position value and drives the force sensor moving unit such that the position fed-back signal becomes equal to the set position value; a control loop switcher that enables one of the force control loop and the position control loop; an approach controller that controls the control loop switcher to enable the position control loop and drives the force sensor moving unit to move the force sensor to a close position, the close position being a position where the position fed-back signal becomes equal to the set position value; and a contact controller that, when recognizing that the force sensor is moved to the close position under the control of the approach controller, controls the control loop switcher to enable the force control loop and drives the force sensor moving unit to bring the force sensor into contact with the workpiece in such a manner that the force fed-back signal becomes equal to the set force value.