Measuring system and method for automated measurement of an object

1. A measuring system for automated measurement of an object and detection of differences between features of the object and CAD data of the object, the CAD data being stored in a database, the measuring system comprising:

a measuring device having a distance meter for measuring a position of at least one remote target point;

a local computer terminal that is connected to or part of the measuring system;

an assigned memory unit for storing the database comprising the CAD data, wherein the assigned memory unit is provided at least partially at the site of the local computer terminal; and

an assigned set of measurement software programs for controlling the measuring system,

wherein the stored CAD data of the object comprise dimensions and tolerances of the features of the object;

wherein the assigned set of measurement software programs for controlling the measuring system comprises an optimization algorithm for the measurement of each feature, the optimization algorithm being designed to select automatically, dependent on the stored dimensions and tolerances of the features of the object to be measured, measuring parameters of the measuring system and a measurement software program from the set of measurement software programs;

wherein the assigned set of measurement software programs for controlling the measuring system is installed at least partially in a central computer of a local network or an internet server and accessible from the local computer terminal over a local network connection and/or an internet connection; and

wherein the optimization algorithm is adapted to effect, after selection of a feature of the object to be measured by an operator, a presentation of a set of options to the operator for selection, the set comprising:

possible accuracy levels for the measurement of the feature,

an input option for the operator for selection of an accuracy level,

needed software packages comprising additional measurement software programs for measuring the feature with the selected accuracy level, the needed software packages being installed on the central computer, and

an input option for the operator for selection of a needed software package to be accessed over the local network or internet connection.

2. The measuring system according to claim 1 , wherein the measuring device is adapted for measuring the position of the target point by determining a position and an orientation of a measuring auxiliary means, wherein:

the measuring device is a laser tracker,

the distance meter is a laser distance meter, and

the measuring auxiliary means comprises a retro-reflector and an optically perceivable pattern comprising light spots.

3. The measuring system according to claim 1 , wherein the distance meter is a laser distance meter, and the measuring device comprises at least one of a theodolite or a total-station, a laser scanner, and a laser tracker.

4. The measuring system according to claim 1 , wherein the assigned memory unit is provided at least partially:

on the central computer of the local network and/or the internet server and accessible over the local network connection and/or the internet connection, respectively, wherein the local computer terminal is connected with the internet.

5. The measuring system according to claim 1 , wherein the further set of features to be presented comprises at least an estimated time for measuring with a certain measurement accuracy.

6. A measuring system for automated measurement of an object, the measuring system comprising:

a measuring device having a distance meter for measuring a position of at least one remote target point;

a local computer terminal that is connected to or part of the measuring system; and

an assigned set of measurement software programs for controlling the measuring system,

wherein the assigned set of measurement software programs for controlling the measuring system comprises an optimization algorithm for the measurement of a feature, the optimization algorithm being designed to select automatically, dependent on feature data and/or measurement data selected by a user, measuring parameters of the measuring system, and/or a measurement software program from the set of measurement software programs, wherein the feature data comprises dimensions of a feature of the object and the measurement data comprises a speed or tolerance level for the automated measurement;

wherein the assigned set of measurement software programs for controlling the measuring system is installed at least partially in a central computer of a local network or an internet server and accessible from the local computer terminal over a local network connection and/or an internet connection; and

wherein after selection of a feature of the object to be measured, effected by the optimization algorithm a set of options is presented to an operator, the set comprising:

possible accuracy levels for measurement of the feature,

an input option for the operator for selection of an accuracy level,

needed software packages for measuring the feature with the selected accuracy level, the needed software packages being installed on the central computer, and

an input option for the operator for selection of a needed software package,

wherein a selected software package is accessed over the local network or internet connection.

7. The measuring system according to claim 6 , wherein the measuring device is adapted for measuring the position of the target point by determining a position and an orientation of a measuring auxiliary means, wherein:

the measuring device is a laser tracker,

the distance meter is a laser distance meter, and

the measuring auxiliary means comprises a retro-reflector and an optically perceivable pattern comprising light spots.

8. The measuring system according to claim 6 , wherein the distance meter is a laser distance meter, and the measuring device comprises at least one of a theodolite or a total-station, a laser scanner, and a laser tracker.

9. The measuring system according to claim 6 , wherein an assigned memory unit is provided at least partially:

on the central computer of the local network and/or the internet server and accessible over the local network connection and/or the internet connection, respectively, wherein the local computer terminal is connected with the internet.

10. The measuring system according to claim 6 , wherein the assigned set of measurement software programs for controlling the measuring system is installed at least partially at the site of the local computer terminal.

11. The measuring system according to claim 6 , wherein the further set of features to be presented comprises at least an estimated time for measuring with a certain measurement accuracy.

12. A method for automated measurement of an object with a measuring system and for automated detection of deviations between a feature of the object and CAD data of the object, the CAD data being stored in a database, the measuring system comprising

a measuring device having a distance meter for measuring a position of at least one remote target point;

a local computer terminal that is connected to or part of the measuring system;

an assigned memory unit for storing the database comprising the CAD data, wherein the assigned memory unit is installed at least partially at the site of the local computer terminal; and

an assigned set of measurement software programs for controlling the measuring system,

the method comprising:

selecting a feature of the object to be measured by the measuring system;

selecting measurement parameters of the measuring system;

measuring the feature of the object;

detecting deviations between the feature and the CAD data; and

presenting deviations between the feature and the CAD data;

wherein the stored CAD data of the object comprises dimensions and tolerances of the features of the object; and

wherein selecting measurement parameters of the measuring system comprises automatically selecting, by an optimization algorithm, for the measurement of each feature, dependent on the stored dimensions and tolerances of the features of the object to be measured, measuring parameters of the measuring system, and/or a measurement software program from a set of measurement software programs,

wherein the assigned set of measurement software programs for controlling the measuring system is installed at least partially on a central computer of a local network or an internet server and accessed over a local network connection and/or an internet connection, and the method is executed at least partially in connection with the local network or the internet server; and

wherein the optimization algorithm is adapted to effect, after selection of a feature of the object to be measured by an operator, a presentation of a set of options for the operator, the set comprising:

possible accuracy levels for the measurement of the feature,

an input option for the operator for selection of an accuracy level,

needed software packages comprising additional measurement software programs for measuring the feature with the selected accuracy level, the needed software packages being installed on the central computer, and

an input option for the operator for selection of a needed software package to be accessed over the local network or internet connection.

13. The method according to claim 12 , wherein:

the measuring device is adapted for measuring the position of the target point by determining a position and an orientation of a measuring auxiliary means;

the measuring device is a laser tracker,

the distance meter is a laser distance meter, and

the measuring auxiliary means comprises a retro-reflector and an optically perceivable pattern comprising light spots.

14. The method according to claim 12 , wherein

the distance meter is a laser distance meter, and

the measuring device comprises at least one of a theodolite or a total-station, a laser scanner, and a laser tracker.

15. The method according to claim 12 , wherein:

features of the object having different sizes and tolerances are measured, and/or

the set of measurement software programs comprises measurement software programs for measuring features of different sizes and tolerances, which are automatically selected and executed in the course of performing a measurement.

16. The method according to claim 12 , wherein the assigned memory unit is installed at least partially:

on the a central computer of the local network and/or the internet server and accessed over the local network connection and/or the internet connection, respectively.

17. The method according to claim 12 , wherein:

the automatic selection of the measurement software program is subject to:

parameters of the measuring system, particularly the kind of laser-based distance measuring device,

attributes of the feature of the object to be measured, and/or

operator-selected parameters, in particular an accuracy or tolerance level, and/or a throughput or speed level of measurement to be executed.

18. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing one or more programs that are configured, when executed, to cause one or more processors to execute the method as recited in claim 12 .

19. The method according to claim 12 , wherein at least an estimated time for measuring with a certain measurement accuracy is presented to the operator.

20. A method for automated measurement of an object with a measuring system, the measuring system comprising:

a measuring device having a distance meter for measuring a position of at least one remote target point;

a local computer terminal that is connected to or part of the measuring system; and

an assigned set of measurement software programs for controlling the measuring system,

the method comprising:

selecting a feature of the object to be measured by the measuring system;

selecting measurement parameters of the measuring system;

measuring the feature of the object; and

presenting the result of measuring the feature;

wherein selecting measurement parameters of the measuring system comprises automatically selecting, by an optimization algorithm, for the measurement of each feature, dependent on feature data and/or measurement data selected by a user, measuring parameters of the measuring system, and/or a measurement software program from a set of measurement software programs, wherein the feature data comprises dimensions of a feature of the object and the measurement data comprises a speed or tolerance level for the automated measurement;

wherein the assigned set of measurement software programs for controlling the measuring system is installed at least partially on a central computer of a local network or an internet server and accessed over a local network connection and/or an internet connection, and the method is executed at least partially in connection with the network or the internet server; and

wherein the optimization algorithm is adapted to effect, after selection of a feature of the object to be measured by an operator, a presentation of a set of options for the operator, the set comprising:

possible accuracy levels for the measurement of the feature,

an input option for the operator for selection of an accuracy level,

needed software packages comprising additional measurement software programs for measuring the feature with the selected accuracy level, the needed software packages being installed on the central computer, and

an input option for the operator for selection of a needed software package to be accessed over the local network or internet connection.

21. The method according to claim 20 , wherein:

the measuring device is adapted for measuring the position of the target point by determining a position and an orientation of a measuring auxiliary means;

the measuring device is a laser tracker,

the distance meter is a laser distance meter, and

the measuring auxiliary means comprises a retro-reflector and an optically perceivable pattern comprising light spots.

22. The method according to claim 20 , wherein

the distance meter is a laser distance meter, and

the measuring device comprises at least one of a theodolite or a total-station, a laser scanner, and a laser tracker.

23. The method according to claim 20 , wherein:

features of the object having different sizes and tolerances are measured, and/or

the set of measurement software programs comprises measurement software programs for measuring features of different sizes and tolerances, which are automatically selected and executed in the course of performing a measurement.

24. The method according to claim 20 , wherein an assigned memory unit is installed at least partially

on the central computer of the local network and/or the internet server and accessed over the local network connection and/or the internet connection, respectively.

25. The method according to claim 20 , wherein the assigned set of measurement software programs for controlling the measuring system is installed at least partially at the site of the local computer terminal, and the method is executed at least partially on the local computer terminal.

26. The method according to claim 20 , wherein the automatic selection of the measurement software program is subject to:

parameters of the measuring system, particularly the kind of laser-based distance measuring device,

attributes of the feature of the object to be measured, and/or

operator-selected parameters, in particular an accuracy or tolerance level, and/or a throughput or speed level of measurement to be executed.

27. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing one or more programs that are configured, when executed, to cause one or more processors to execute the method as recited in claim 20 .

28. The method according to claim 20 , wherein at least an estimated time for measuring with a certain measurement accuracy is presented to the operator.