INTERCHANGEABLE OPTICAL ELEMENT FOR OPTICAL PEN IN CHROMATIC RANGE SENSOR, AND METHOD OF DETECTING DETACHMENT CONDITION THEREOF

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and method for a chromatic range sensor probe (CRS) detachment sensor.SOLUTION: A detachment signal element 299 positioned to receive light from a light source is included in an interchangeable optical element 280 for an optical pen 220 in a CRS system 100. The detachment signal element 299 is configured to substantially transmit light in a measurement wavelength range corresponding to a measuring range of the system, and at least partially reflect light in a detachment signal wavelength range. For example, the detachment signal element 299 may comprise a thin film coating such as a sharp edge filter. Detection of a detachment condition can be achieved using existing probe electronics 160 without requiring addition of other external sensors or wiring to a probe or three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine. The sensing of the detachment condition may be utilized to urgently halt movement of the probe to minimize damage in the event of a collision.