Interoperability Testing for Shop Floor Measurement

摘要

Manufactured parts are typically measured to ensure quality. Measurement involves equipment and software from many different vendors, and interoperability is a major problem faced by manufacturers. The I++ Dimensional Measuring Equipment (DME) specification was developed to solve interoperability problems and enable seamless flow of information to and from dimensional metrology equipment. This paper describes validation testing of the I++ DME specification. The testing was intended to improve the specification and also to speed up its adoption by vendors. Testing issues are described, and a software test suite is detailed. Interoperability testing with real equipment was done over several years, and lessons learned from the testing will be presented. The paper concludes with recommendations for improving this type of testing.