Portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine having integrated software controls

A method for performing a diagnostic or calibration procedure on an articulated arm coordinate measurement machine (AACMM), the method comprising:

• providing the AACMM, the AACMM having a manually positionable articulated arm portion having opposed first and second ends, the arm portion including a plurality of connected arm segments, each of the arm segments including at least one position transducer for producing position signals;
• providing a measurement device attached to the first end of the AACMM;
• providing an electronic circuit in the AACMM, the electronic circuit including a processor, the electronic circuit configured to receive the position signals from the transducers and to provide data corresponding to a position of the measurement device, the electronic circuit having a self-contained operating environment for the AACMM, the self-contained operating environment including a user interface application;
• providing a display device attached to the AACMM, the display device and the electronic circuit being an integral part of the AACMM, the display device in communication with the user interface application;
• displaying on the display device a plurality of choices, at least one of the choices being to perform a diagnostic or calibration procedure for the AACMM;
• selecting one of the diagnostic or calibration procedures responsive to input from an operator;
• displaying on the display device information for performing the procedure;
• performing, responsive to input from the operator, the selected diagnostic or calibration procedure;
• and
• displaying on the display device results of the selected diagnostic or calibration procedure.