Is this something you saw, or something you want to build?A microcontroller based sensor that can measure a given board (ex wood, cardboard, pcb) 2d only
ex. when you placed a PCB inside it, it will measure the PCB's current size (or area) and then show it to the user via Graphics LCD
that's too sophisticated ,I'm sure you didn't think about something as sophisticated as this laser scanner,right?
http://www.creaform3d.com/en/handyscan3d/handyscan3d-video.aspx
we would like to measure also the surface area of irregularly shaped PCBs, then the microcontroller will output the image/coordinates/measured size to Graphics LCDHow will this be any faster than just measuring it with a micrometer/caliper?
What "precision" do you require?
since PCB is made up of Copper (plain PCB, not etched), i would like to run a current on it then use a current sensor or something like that, that will scan the board on a gantry.I's not as cool as lasers but you could use a box w/ raised contacts.
One positive contact in the center of the grid, then its just a matter of calculating the resistance for a given board size.
Or the number of contacts conducting..w/e
OR a grid of phototransistors/resistors on the bottom and bright light over head..
Think it just comes down to the ability to map a grid w/ a pic, of which i know jack squat...but im sure it's doable.
Interesting project tho i would like to see what you come up w/.
Think what he is talking about is the point to point resistance of the copper.Not sure where you are going with the current sensor..
Again..What precision do you require?
Whats the real end use? Who just gets small random un-etched copper clad in irregular shapes that they need to accurately determine surface area..
Maybe you could do it by weight instead