Ortsunabhängige Steuerung hochpräziser Feinmesstechnikaufbauten : Entwicklung einer flexiblen Software-Architektur zum Fernstudium in der Messtechnik : development of a flexible software architecture for metrology research and education from a distance

Abstract

Metrology is performed in specially designed laboratories using highly precise machinery. Many institutions are no longer able to shoulder the costs of acquiring expensive equipment alone. In this thesis, a system architecture for the location-independent operation of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) via the internet is introduced. It aims to encourage collaboration between education and research institutions that are located far apart from each other. The reference architecture presented herein can be used as a starting point for the creation of a new type of CMM remote control systems. It uses a web-application as an interface for the operator to control either physical or simulated remote laboratories. A centralized control server, consisting of an Acquisition Server (AS) component and a Laboratory Server (LS) component is able to govern multiple machines and perform complex operations and calculations. The CMM is observed via webcam at physical remote experiments and a remote access tool or embedded simulation window at simulated remote experiments. Some changes in the control mechanisms have been made compared to conventional local CMM operation with regard to the inconstant latency and less reliable command transmission via the internet. Using the prototypical implementation Manejo, it was possible to show that the control system can achieve equivalent measurement accuracy within a local network and via the internet. Furthermore, it was discovered that internet control increases the mean duration of the probing process of a measuring object. The system can be used to promote new discoveries in the field of remote metrology, like the long-term effects of using remote or simulated laboratories in metrology education on the learning outcome of students.