Computer aided error analysis for a three-dimensional precision surface mapping system

This paper describes the development of a three-dimensional (3-D) non-contact surface mapping system. Both systematic and random sources of error are discussed, including thermal, mechanical and electrical errors. Simulation has been used to model some of these errors. Measurement of calibrated spheres has been adopted for the calibration of the 3-D coordinate measuring system. Several sphere fitting parameters, including radius, sphericity and residual error, are employed as references to judge the errors of 3-D measurement system. Uncertainty in the radius is inspected to evaluate the random error. Deviation of mean radius, sphericity and residual errors are used to estimate the orthogonality between the axes. The technique provides a simple, low-cost method for estimating the errors present in such a measurement system.