A Microcomputer-Based System for Area Measurement

An electronic system developed for area measurement is described. A standard X-Y recorder specially adopted with a light pen was made to scan the area under test and give a TTL logic signal that changes state whenever the area circumference is crossed. From such information the microcomputer is programmed to calculate the area using Simpson´s rule and display the result on a seven-segment display. Sources of error in measurement and its nature are investigated. Modifications in the basic system to reduce the error are included. The designed system can also be used for determining the perimeter and locating the centroid of an object.