Interpolatorimerkinnät

Interpolatorimerkinnät, often translated as interpolator markings or interpolator marks, are a type of historical measurement or alignment aid found on some older tools and scientific instruments. These markings are not intended for precise measurement in the modern sense but rather served as visual guides for setting or aligning components. The term "interpolator" suggests their use in estimating or approximating positions between more defined reference points.

These marks were typically etched or engraved onto surfaces and could take various forms. They might appear as a series of dots, dashes, or fine lines, sometimes arranged in a pattern or along a curve. Their function was often to help a user quickly set a mechanism to a specific, albeit not perfectly defined, position, or to ensure consistent alignment of different parts of a device. For example, on some early optical instruments, they might have indicated approximate focal lengths or alignment points.

The level of precision offered by interpolatorimerkinnät was generally lower than that of finely graduated scales. They were more about providing a recognizable point of reference or a visual cue for repeated adjustments. In some cases, they might have been used in conjunction with other, more precise measuring systems, acting as a rough guide before fine-tuning. The use of interpolatorimerkinnät has largely been superseded by more sophisticated and accurate measurement and alignment technologies in modern equipment.