An apparatus for determining the profile of an object provides a sensor having at least one light source which projects a sheet of light that is intersected by the object, whereby a stripe of points on the object are illuminated. The light source projects the sheet from multiple angles, so that the resulting stripe represents a continuous profile. The profile is collectively viewed by at least two optical detectors, which each have a different view than the others and provide an output signal representing its particular view of the profile. The output signals are received by an image processor, which digitizes the signals, provides filtering, and identifies (extracts) the points in each view that represent the profile. The image processor uses a predetermined set of calibration parameters to transform the coordinates of the extracted points to corresponding coordinates in a common reference system that collectively represent the profile of the object. Methods for evaluating a profile of a blade edge are also provided, including methods for locating the tip of a profile, comparing the profile to a tolerance band, and finding a width (thickness) of the profile. These methods provide quick and accurate evaluations and are not prone to errors during data manipulation. Nor do they require measurements of other profile portions not of primary concern.
A computer-implemented method of generating an inspection program for a computer-controlled coordinate measuring probe comprises the steps of: (a) receiving nominal geometry data for a component, (b) receiving inspection requirement data specifying one or more selected shape characteristics of the component, (c) determining from the nominal geometry data and the inspection requirement data an inspection path for a computer-controlled coordinate measuring probe, the inspection path enabling the measuring probe to measure actual component coordinates associated with the selected shape characteristics, and (d) generating an inspection program for moving the computer-controlled coordinate measuring probe along the inspection path.
A method and apparatus is provided for making impressions of edges and profiling the edges using a profiling machine. The apparatus allows the impressionable material used for forming the impression to be held in a fixed position while the impression of the edge is formed, and then allows the impression to be withdrawn in a manner that leaves the impression substantially unchanged and substantially true to the profile of the edge. The apparatus also comprises fittings to make the apparatus compatible with a profiling machine and allows the impression to be positioned in the profiling machine in substantially the same orientation every time an impression is taken.
