Calibration Control Device for Metrology Tools

摘要

A calibration control device for being coupled to a measuring device such as a caliper, micrometer, or gauge is provided. The calibration control device includes a circuit portion and couples to a coupling feature on the measuring device. A calibration limit portion defines a parameter limit as related to a usage limit for which the measuring device is certified as calibrated. A controller operates a host-side data connection portion of the calibration control device to output measuring data in a first mode when the usage limit is not exceeded, and operates the calibration control device to perform a calibration limit function when the usage limit is exceeded. The calibration limit function may include stopping the output of the measuring data through the host-side data connection or providing an out-of-calibration warning to the host, or the like.

主权项

1. A calibration control device for being coupled to a measuring device, the calibration control device comprising:
a body portion configured to couple to a coupling feature on the measuring device; a circuit portion comprising:
an identifier portion for electronically identifying at least one of the calibration control device and the attached measuring device;a device-side data connection portion for coupling to the measuring device for receiving measuring data from the measuring device;a host-side data connection portion for coupling to a host device and outputting measuring data;a calibration limit portion that defines a parameter limit as related to a limited period for which the measuring device has been certified as being calibrated, the parameter limit being defined in terms of a parameter that is related to at least one of time or usage of the measuring device; anda comparison portion for comparing the current state of the parameter to the parameter limit; and a controller portion for providing control signals to operate the calibration control device, wherein:
the controller portion operates the calibration control device to output the measuring data to the host device in a first mode through the host-side data connection portion when the parameter does not exceed the parameter limit; andthe controller portion operates the calibration control device to perform a calibration limit function when the parameter exceeds the parameter limit, the calibration limit function being indicative that the parameter exceeds the parameter limit.