The next
standard geometric element is the plane. A plane is an area having
the following characteristics:
|
infinite
extension along the area |
|
direction
given by the normal vector |
A plane is determined
by three points.
These three points are used to calculate
the center of gravity P(x,y,z) of the plane. This is done
automatically by the measuring software on the coordinate measuring machine.
This
center of gravity is where the normal vector of the plane begins. Its
number triple N (x,y,z) describes the direction of the plane.
The normal vector is always perpendicular to the plane. Using the normal and
the center of gravity is sufficient to define the position of the plane in space.
Important: The points used to
calculate the plane must not be on a straight line. Ideally the points are
located in the plane in such a way that they describe a triangle of maximum
size. |