Part measurement prioritization system and method

A system for prioritized part measurement in a measuring system, the system comprising:

• a description module for describing a set of features to be measured on a plurality of substantially identical parts;
• a separating module for separating the set of features into sensitive features and non-sensitive features;
• a prioritizing module for prioritizing the part measurements to measure the sensitive features during every iteration of a measurement cycle and provide measurements of the non-sensitive features during alternating iterations of said measurement cycle;
• and,
• a coordinate measuring machine for measuring the set of features on the plurality of substantially identical parts in accordance with the prioritizing from the prioritization module.

An apparatus comprising:

• a coordinate measuring machine for receiving commands to control measurements;
• a processor providing commands for use by the coordinate measuring machine that are generated by software comprising:
• a description module for describing a set of features to be measured on a substantially identical plurality of parts;
• a separating module for separating the set of features into sensitive features and non-sensitive features;
• and
• a prioritizing module for prioritizing the part measurements to measure the sensitive features during every iteration of a measurement cycle and provide measurements of the non-sensitive features during alternating iterations of said measurement cycle.

A method for prioritized part measurement in a measuring system, the method comprising:

• describing a set of features to be measured on a plurality of substantially identical parts;
• separating the set of features into sensitive features and non-sensitive features;
• dividing the non-sensitive features into a plurality of groups;
• wherein the non-sensitive features of the plurality of parts are categorized into categories, and at least two of the plurality of groups contain a distinct feature of one of the categories;
• wherein the categories comprise a category of similar features produced by the same tool, a category of similar features made by different tools, and a category of dissimilar features;
• eliminating a measurement of a feature of a category;
• prioritizing the part measurements to measure the sensitive features and provide alternating measurements of the non-sensitive features during alternating iterations of said measurement cycle;
• and
• measuring the set of features on the plurality of substantially identical parts in accordance with the prioritizing.

A method for prioritized part measurement in a measuring system, the method comprising:

• describing a set of features to be measured on a plurality of substantially identical parts;
• separating the set of features into sensitive features and non-sensitive features;
• dividing the non-sensitive features into a plurality of groups;
• wherein the non-sensitive features of the plurality of parts are categorized into categories, and at least two of the plurality of groups contain a distinct feature of one of the categories;
• wherein the categories comprise a category of similar features produced by the same tool, a category of similar features made by different tools, and a category of dissimilar features;
• at least one of reducing and alternating a measurement of a feature of a category;
• prioritizing the part measurements to measure the sensitive features and provide alternating measurements of the non-sensitive features during alternating iterations of said measurement cycle;
• and
• measuring the set of features on the plurality of substantially identical parts in accordance with the prioritizing.

A system for prioritized part measurement in a measuring system, the system comprising:

• a description module for describing a set of features to be measured on a plurality of substantially identical parts;
• a separating module for separating the set of features into sensitive features and non- sensitive features;
• a division module for dividing the non-sensitive features into a plurality of groups;
• wherein the non-sensitive features of the plurality of parts are categorized into categories, and at least two of the plurality of groups contain a distinct feature of one of the categories;
• wherein the categories comprise a category of similar features are produced by the same tool, a category of similar features made by different tools, and a category of dissimilar features;
• an elimination module for at least one of eliminating and alternating a measurement of a feature of a category;
• a prioritizing module for prioritizing the part measurements to measure the sensitive features and provide alternating measurements of the non-sensitive features;
• and,
• a coordinate measuring machine for measuring the set of features on the plurality of substantially identical parts in accordance with the prioritizing from the prioritization module.

A system for prioritized part measurement in a measuring system, the system comprising:

• a description module for describing a set of features to be measured on a plurality of substantially identical parts;
• a separating module for separating the set of features into sensitive features and non- sensitive features;
• a division module for dividing the non-sensitive features into a plurality of groups;
• wherein the non-sensitive features of the plurality of parts are categorized into categories, and at least two of the plurality of groups contain a distinct feature of one of the categories;
• wherein the categories comprise a category of similar features are produced by the same tool, a category of similar features made by different tools, and a category of dissimilar features;
• a reduction module for at least one of reducing and alternating a measurement of a feature of a category;
• a prioritizing module for prioritizing the part measurements to measure the sensitive features and provide alternating measurements of the non-sensitive features;
• and,
• a coordinate measuring machine for measuring the set of features on the plurality of substantially identical parts in accordance with the prioritizing from the prioritization module.