Estimation of measurement uncertainties using virtual fringe projection technique

One of the main tasks of the quality test is the inspection of all relevant geometric parts related to the predefined tolerance range, whereas the uncertainty of measurement has to be less than the tolerance range. The reachable uncertainty of measurement can be determined using method A of the ISO Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM), which is expensive and time consuming and has to be carried out for each individual metrologic case. Furthermore, it is possible to check the suitability of the measurement system for the planned inspection using virtual measurement techniques and therewith to reduce the time and money spent. This means that the uncertainty of measurement is estimated using method B of the GUM. In this paper, a virtual fringe projection system is used for the estimation of the uncertainty of measurement, which is compared with the uncertainty of measurement determined with a real measurement system using method A of the GUM. With the presented method, it is possible to calculate an optimal measurement position within the measurement volume, based on a minimum uncertainty of measurement. Thereby, the influence of the operator related to the uncertainty can be significantly reduced.