Generalized local mean normal measures μz, z ∈ Rd, are introduced for a nonstationary process X of convex particles. For processes with strictly convex particles it is then shown that X is weakly stationary and weakly isotropic if and only if μz is rotation invariant for all z ∈ Rd. The paper is concluded by extending this result to processes of cylinders, generalizing Theorem 1 of Schneider (2003).

Estimation methods for the directional measure of a stationary planar random set Z, based only on discretized realizations of Z, are discussed. Properties of the discretized set that can be derived by comparing neighbouring grid points are used. Larger grid configurations of more than two grid points are considered. It is shown that the probabilities of observing the various types of configurations can be expressed in terms of the first contact distribution function of Z (with a finite structuring element). An important prerequisite result concerning deterministic dilation areas is also established. The inference on the mean normal measure based on 2×2 configurations is discussed in detail.

The (unoriented or oriented) mean normal measure of a stationary process of convex particles carries information on the mean shape of the particles and may, in particular, be useful for describing and detecting anisotropy of the particle process. This paper investigates the mean normal measure under the aspect of its determination from intersections, especially with lines or hyperplanes.