Knowledge base model for automatic probe orientation and configuration planning with CMMs

- Our research considers inspection planning for direct application in real cases.
- Formal representation of knowledge in coordinate measuring inspection planning is done.
- Knowledge representation is for Computer Aided Inspection Planning.
- Rules are formally expressed with detail and the programming skeleton is provided.
- Drawbacks found in other author's works due to unpractical rules are resolved.

Different support applications are available for generating programs to run inspection with Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM). However, the operator must decide the criteria and strategies to apply, so that quality of inspection depends on his knowledge and skills. Nevertheless, many of the activities involved in inspection planning are repetitive, therefore an adequate formalization of the involved knowledge makes it possible to develop applications to automate inspection and, thereby, to avoid operator errors during the decision making in planning. To this end, a knowledge base model for inspecting prismatic parts with complex surfaces has been developed. First, the required knowledge is represented in an informal model using an ontology called ONTO-Process. Later on, a formal model is generated that constitutes the basis for developing a computer application to support the automatic inspection planning. This article provides the definition and modeling of the necessary rules for one of the most complex activities to automate: determination of probe orientations in the inspection by contact of mechanical parts.