Method of scanning an object

• US 7,165,335 B2
• Filed: 08/29/2003
• Issued: 01/23/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Renishaw PLC
• Original Assignee: Renishaw PLC
• Inventors: McMurtry, David Roberts
• Primary Examiner(s): Fulton; Christopher W.
• Application Number:
  US10/523,687
• Publication Number:
  US 20060037208A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,243 Days
• Field of Search: 335/03, 335/49, 335/51, 335/53, 335/54, 335/55
• US Class Current: 33/503
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 5/004 for measuring coordinates of points

Abstract

A method of scanning an object is disclosed comprising the steps of providing a scanning device having a probe and a sample holder whereby the sample holder is rotatable relative to the probe, providing a first feature for indicating the start and/or end of a scan, and recognising the first feature whereby when the first feature is recognised the scanning device is ready to start or end a scan. The scanning device may have a fixed stop which comprises the first feature alternatively, the first feature is provided on the scanning device or on the object. A second feature, located on the scanning device or object for example, may be provided wherein the first feature indicates the start of a scan and the second feature indicates the end of the scan. Also disclosed is an apparatus for scanning an object.

Claims

1. A method of scanning an object comprising the steps of:

providing a scanning device having a probe and a sample holder whereby the sample holder is rotatable relative to the probe;

providing a first feature for indicating the start and/or end of a scan; and

recognising the first feature whereby when the first feature is recognised the scanning device is ready to start or end the scan.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein, the scanning device has a fixed stop which defines a known relationship between the probe and the sample holder.

3. A method according to claim 2 wherein, the fixed stop comprises the first feature.

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein, the fixed stop indicates the start of a scan.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein, the first feature is provided on the scanning device.

6. A method according to claim 5 wherein, the scanning device further comprises a fixture for at least partially housing an object.

7. A method according to claim 1 wherein, the first feature is provided on the object.

8. A method according to claim 1 wherein, the first feature indicates the start of a scan and on recognition of the first feature the scanning device is ready to start a scan and the method further comprises the steps of:

providing a second feature for indicating the end of the scan; and

recognising the second feature whereby when the second feature is recognised the scanning device is ready to end the scan.

9. A method according to claim 8 wherein, the second feature is provided on the scanning device.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein, the scanning device further comprises a fixture for at least partially housing an object.

11. A method according to claim 8 wherein, the second feature is provided on the object.

12. A method according to claim 8 wherein, the second feature comprises a datum stop.

13. A method according to claim 8 wherein, a scan automatically starts or ends when the scanning device recognises the first feature.

14. A method according to claim 8 wherein, a scan automatically ends when the scanning device recognises the second feature.

15. An apparatus for scanning an object comprising:

a scanning device having a probe and a sample holder whereby the sample holder is rotatable relative to the probe; and

a control device for controlling relative motion between the probe and sample holder and for recognising a first feature whereby the control device starts and/or ends a scan on the basis of recognising the first feature.