Near optimal measuring sequence planning and collision-free path planning with a dynamic programming method

A near optimal measuring sequence was introduced to complete the entire mea suring process and reduce the measuring time of a coordinate measuring mach ine (CMM) for a work-piece whose shape consists of several geometric elemen ts. The number and positions of the measuring points of the work-piece were planned by a CAD/CAM software system. A weight matrix of the number of pro be spins and the concept of the angle difference matrix were proposed for t he measured feature face using the assumptions in this paper, for the purpo se of dynamic programming. First, a dynamic programming method was carried out to plan the optimal measuring sequence of the feature face of the geome tric elements. Then, a measuring point distance difference matrix was estab lished for an individual feature face. Then, a dynamic programming method w as used to plan the measuring path of the measuring points for solving the approximated shortest path. A collision-free interference inspection method established in this paper was also used to include a collision-free path f or paths with interference. The entire measuring path planning was thus com pleted. With the help of CAD/CAM software and the powerful computation and analytical capability of computers, the system was able to achieve an appro priate measuring sequence in a short time.