Development and experimental validation of an Advanced Virtual Coordinate Measuring Machine

The proposed Advanced Virtual Coordinate Measuring Machine (AVCMM) features vivid graphical representation and powerful simulation of CMM operations, together with Monte Carlo based uncertainty evaluation. It provides an integrated virtual environment, in which user can plan inspection strategy for a given task, carry out virtual measurements, and evaluate the uncertainty associated with the measurement results, all without the need of using a physical machine. The obtained estimate of uncertainty can serve as a rapid feedback for user to optimize the inspection plan in the AVCMM before actual measurement, or as an evaluation of the measurement results performed. This paper discusses the development of the AVCMM system and reports the experimental results of the validation of the AVCMM.