Custom-made software tool for the automatic implementation of surface extraction methods based on gradient operators

The computed tomography (CT) process for metrology applications is affected by many factors that influence its measurement uncertainty. One of the most critical ones is the edge detection algorithm used, also called surface extraction or image segmentation. The authors of this paper have developed several segmentation algorithms based on gradient methods for metrological applications. These algorithms focus on improving the accuracy and reducing the influence of the user decisions during the segmentation process. In order to reach these goals, it is not only necessary to develop the segmentation algorithm but to implement it in a complete tool that guides the user from the tomography file to the Point Cloud. This paper presents the custom-made software developed by the authors for the surface extraction with gradient techniques and the results achieved when used in the dimensional verification of two calibrated parts.