System for automatically certifying the accuracy of a manufacturing machine

A machine that is capable machining workpieces in at least a sequential fashion by moving a tool relative to the workpieces, the machine comprising:

• a holder that is capable of holding the workpiece;
• a manipulator comprising a clamp that is operable for gripping the tool, wherein the manipulator is operative for moving the clamp relative to the holder so that the tool can be used upon the workpiece;
• a stimulus device mounted at a fixed position for remaining fixed relative to the holder while the machine machines the workpieces in the sequential fashion, wherein the stimulus device is selected from a group consisting of:
• a mechanical device comprising a mechanical stimulus located at a first reference position, wherein the first reference position is in fixed relation to the holder, and
• an optical transmitter operable for transmitting an optical stimulus so that the optical stimulus is located at a second reference position, wherein the second reference position is in fixed relation to the holder;
• a sensor assembly that is capable of being gripped by and carried by the clamp while the clamp is moved relative to the holder, wherein the sensor assembly comprises:
• a sensor that is operative for generating a signal in response to being proximate a stimulus selected from the group consisting of the mechanical stimulus and the optical stimulus, and
• a transmitter for transmitting the signal;
• and
• a computer system comprising a receiver operative for receiving signals transmitted by the transmitter and a memory comprising a database, wherein the computer system is operable for:
• repeatedly sequentially:
• causing the clamp to hold the sensor assembly,
• causing the manipulator to move the sensor assembly to proximate a reference position selected from the group consisting of the first and second reference positions while the stimulus device remains at the fixed position and the sensor assembly is held by the clamp so that the sensor generates a signal in response to being stimulated by the stimulus and the signal is received by the receiver,
• storing data representative of the signal in the database,
• causing the clamp to release the sensor assembly,
• causing the clamp to hold the tool,
• causing the manipulator to move the tool into contact with a workpiece that is being held by the holder, and
• causing the clamp to release the tool, and
• comparing the data in the database and generating a signal if the difference between the data exceeds a predetermined value.