Description
signedDistance = (dot(point,normal)+offset)/norm(normal), for plane normal·x+offset = 0.
A signed distance depends on a chosen normal or axis orientation. Projection parameters, perpendicular distances and reflected signs are different quantities; a nonunit direction introduces a scale into its parameter.
signedDistance = (dot(point,normal)+offset)/norm(normal), for plane normal·x+offset = 0.
When to use this tool
Use Distance: Signed Plane Point Projection Distance when checking a supplied projection, orientation or reflection convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter point, normal, offset. Keep parallel arrays aligned. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read result. Expand result to inspect the returned fields.
Require three point coordinates and three normal components with positive normal magnitude. signedDistance = (dot(point,normal)+offset)/norm(normal), for plane normal·x+offset = 0.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| point | Point | Required. Array of finite number. Implementation limit: 128 items. |
| normal | Normal | Required. Array of finite number. Implementation limit: 128 items. |
| offset | Signed coordinate or index difference under the stated order and reference convention. | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| result | Object containing the named calculated members below. | Required. Object. |
| result.signedDistance | Signed Distance | Calculated result member: number. |
{
"input": {
"point": [
1,
2,
3
],
"normal": [
0,
0,
2
],
"offset": -2
},
"output": {
"result": {
"signedDistance": 2
}
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- The normal sets positive orientation and need not be unit length. Coordinate and plane units must agree; this does not infer a plane or test measurement uncertainty.
- Outputs are nested inside result. Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use complete geometric objects and consistent units to compute actual distances, projections or multi-axis reflections.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Signed Ray Distance Behind Origin Flag
Project a point onto a ray’s supporting line and flag a parameter behind the origin.
- Point To Plane Normal Scale Invariance Tool
Calculate point to plane normal scale invariance from explicit caller-supplied inputs.