Research on the theory and the virtual prototype of 3-DOF parallel-link coordinate-measuring machine

First, this paper describes the structure, the measuring theory, and characteristics of a new kind of coordinate measuring machine (CMM) using the parallel-link mechanism with three spatial degrees of freedom (3-DOF). Then, its measurement model is established according to the theory of the spatial mechanics, and the workspace of the probe is calculated and verified by computer simulation. Finally, the virtual prototype of the new CMM is studied by using the graphical functions in the OpenGL graphic library based on Windows 98 and Visual C++ 6.0. This research gives the foundation for manufacturing the real prototype of the parallel-link CMM.