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Should You Be Concerned with Software Measurement Uncertainty?

Published

Author(s)

Craig M. Shakarji, J D. Raffaldi

Abstract

The contribution of software to the uncertainty of measurements is an important but often overlooked aspect of uncertainty evaluations. In coordinate metrology, software is often relied upon for complicated fitting of data, filtering, calibrations, and statistical calculations. Metrology equipment using software can range from hand-held digital calipers to coordinate measurement machines of several meters and can occur in almost any industry. We show that historically software has often been responsible for measurement errors. While some of these errors have been reported, others are still surfacing. This paper highlights some of the errors, explores potential problem areas and their causes, and recommends methods to manufacturers and end users to identify and in some cases evaluate and reduce the uncertainty component due to software.
Proceedings Title
Proceedings of the International Dimensional Workshop
Conference Location
, USA

Keywords

coordinate measuring machine, coordinate metrology, fitting, least-squares, measurement, software

Citation

Shakarji, C. and Raffaldi, J. (2003), Should You Be Concerned with Software Measurement Uncertainty?, Proceedings of the International Dimensional Workshop, , USA, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=822070 (Accessed April 19, 2024)
Created July 31, 2003, Updated October 12, 2021