Mobile Spatial coordinate Measuring System (MScMS) - introduction to the system

In many industrial fields (for example, automotive and aerospace) dimensional measurements of large size objects should be easily and rapidly taken. Nowadays, the problem can be handled using many metrological systems, based on different technologies (optical, mechanical, electromagnetic, etc.). Each of these systems is more or less adequate, depending on measuring conditions, a user's experience and skill, or other factors like time, cost, dimensions, accurateness, portability, etc. In general for measuring medium-large size objects, portable systems can be preferred to fixed systems. Transferring the measuring system to the measured object place is often more practical than vice-versa. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new system called Mobile Spatial coordinate Measuring System (MScMS). The system has been designed to perform dimensional measurements of medium-large size objects. MScMS is made up of three basic parts: a 'constellation' of wireless devices, liberally distributed around the working area; a mobile probe to register the coordinate points of the measured object; and a PC to store data sent by the mobile probe - via Bluetooth - and to process them by means of ad hoc application software. MScMS is easily adaptable to different measuring environments and does not require complex procedures for installation, start-up or calibration. This document presents the system hardware/software/firmware architecture and functionalities and describes the peculiarities and metrological performances of MScMS first prototype, which has been developed at the industrial metrology and quality laboratory of DISPEA - Politecnico di Torino. Finally, the most critical aspects of MScMS are illustrated and the research perspectives for future improvements are given.