System and method for automated object measurement

#This invention relates generally to the field of manufacturing, and more specifically to a new and useful method for automated physical assembly validation within a working volume in the field of manufacturing.

#FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the probing method for a flexible manufacturing process.

#FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an example of the probing method.

#FIG. 3 are schematic representations of an example part as a part precursor in a first, second, and third stage of manufacturing, and of the part as a finished part in the fourth stage of manufacturing.

#The following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this invention.

#As shown in FIG. 1, the method of automated object measurement includes: generating a virtual model of the physical object to be measured; generating a probing routine based on the virtual model; receiving probe outputs based on the probing routine from a probe system; and validating the physical object based on the probe outputs. The method functions to verify that the parameters of a physical object or assembly (real object or assembly) substantially matches those specified by the corresponding virtual model, such that subsequent processes can be performed on the physical object. The method is preferably performed with the system described below, but can alternatively be performed with any other suitable system. This method can be used in rapid prototyping applications (e.g., low-volume, high-mix manufacturing runs), but can alternatively be used for high-volume runs, mid-volume runs, low-mix runs, mid-mix runs, or for any suitable combination and volume of parts. The method can be used in manufacturing parts, fixtures, molds, casts, or any other suitable manufacturing component or product.

#In one variation, the method functions to confirm that a physical object is arranged in a physical position specified by the virtual model, such that subsequent position-dependent processes (e.g., machining processes) can be performed on the physical object. In an example of this variation, the method includes: generating a virtual fixture assembly including a virtual part fixed at one of a predetermined set of fixture retention positions on a virtual fixture plate; generating fixture instructions based on the virtual fixture assembly to assemble a physical fixture assembly corresponding to the virtual fixture assembly; generating a probing routine to probe the physical fixture assembly, based on the virtual fixture assembly; and verifying that the physical fixture assembly substantially matches the virtual fixture assembly based on the probe outputs. The method can additionally include: executing a manufacturing process on the physical parts within the physical fixture assembly in response to physical fixture assembly verification; and correcting the physical position of a physical fixture assembly component in response to the physical fixture assembly failing verification.