等高線自動追跡システムによる立体形状の評価

抄録

Instead of conventional scanning methods, a new method for contour mapping a solid body is proposed. A surface tracing probe moves horizontally along a constant height on the solid, then the contour line at that height is obtained directly as a locus of the surface tracing probe. Therefore, the proposed method can be called a Direct Contour Mapping method (DCM). In comparison with the conventional scanning method, the DCM has following advantages : (1) local mapping is possible, (2) the storage of the height data of the solid can be minimized, and (3) the probe need not detect the absolute height. Owing to these advantages, the memory capacity and the time required for contour mapping by the DCM can be less than one-third of those by the scanning method. By using a micro-computer with Z 80 CPU, a direct contour mapping system is designed. A solid body to be measured is placed on an X-Y table, which is controlled by the micro-computer via GPIB bus. The probe of an electric micrometer attached to a computer controlled Z table traces the contour lines of the solid. Some examples of counter maps drawn by the system are shown.