Theoretical enhancement of the Gaussian filtering of engineering surfaces

Abstract

This study is an extension of the current use of Gaussian filters to smooth surface texture waveforms. It suggests an extension using Hermite polynomials to improve the definition of boundary lines and edges in the geometry of structured surfaces, and to enhance scratch and flaw detection. In addition, a new filtering concept is introduced to enhance the detection of boundary lines and edges and to improve the understanding of their local geometry, thereby minimizing the uncertainties in structured surface filtering and characterization. How this approach can incorporate the measurement of free-form surfaces as well as help improve the fidelity in scratch and crack detection, positioning and characterization is also discussed. © 2013 The Author(s).