Genetic search methods for assessing geometric tolerances Original Research Article

This paper investigates computational methods for assessing tolerance specifications of geometric features in a context of computer aided inspection. It is concerned with checking the sampled features for containment within tolerance zones specified at the design stage, not with explicit shape measurement. The approach is based on assessing the feasibility of sets of geometric constraints. Genetic search methods are explored as a possible alternative to formal non-linear programming and guidelines for their efficient use for this problem are proposed. These methods are then compared and contrasted with formal methods, particularly generalised reduced gradient (GRG) methods. GRG appears to have the most favourable combination of good and poor features for the simpler test data, but there is some evidence that genetic search might be relatively more efficient for more complex inspection problems.