Method and arrangement for detecting edges and bores of a workpiece with an optical probe head

A method of detecting edges and bores on a workpiece with an optical probe head which emits an optical beam and includes a detector supplying a distance signal corresponding to the distance to the workpiece, the signal being derived from the position and shape of the beam spot occurring on the workpiece and the probe head being attached to a measuring arm of a coordinate measuring apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:

• guiding the probe head with the aid of the measuring arm along a pregiven path (s) over the surface of the workpiece to be measured thereby obtaining measured distance values (z') of the optical probe head and path signals (x.sub.0, y.sub.0, z.sub.0) of the coordinate measuring apparatus;
• determining the coordinates (x, y, z) of the scanned workpiece surface from said measured distance values (z') and said path signals (x.sub.0, y.sub.0, z.sub.0) and then storing said coordinates (x, y, z);
• utilizing said detector for determining the intensity I of the radiation for the coordinates (x, y, z) and likewise storing the intensity values I.sub.(x, y, z), said radiation being emitted by the probe head;
• and,
• determining the coordinates (x.sub.k, y.sub.k, z.sub.k) of said edges and bores from said intensity values I.sub.(x, y, z) obtained from said detector and stored in dependence upon the workpiece coordinates.

An arrangement for detecting edges and bores of a workpiece without contact with the workpiece, the arrangement comprising:

• a coordinate measuring apparatus having a measuring arm;
• means for positioning said measuring arm in three spatial directions;
• means for generating position signals (x.sub.0, y.sub.0, z.sub.0) determining the position of said measuring arm in said three spatial directions;
• an optical probe head mounted on said measuring arm for scanning the workpiece with radiation which is backscattered from the workpiece and including a detector for receiving the backscattered radiation and for supplying a signal (z') corresponding to the distance of said probe head from the workpiece;
• computer means for computing workpiece coordinate values (x, y, z) for points on the workpiece from said position signals (x.sub.0, y.sub.0, z.sub.0) and the distance signal (z');
• said detector being adapted for measuring the intensity of the radiation backscattered from the workpiece;
• memory means for storing the measured intensity values I.sub.(x, y, z) ;
• and,
• means for determining the coordinates (x.sub.k, y.sub.k, z.sub.k) of said edges and bores from said intensity values I.sub.(x, y, z) stored in dependence upon the workpiece coordinate values (x, y, z).