A method of estimating the precision of an apparatus that generates a continuous stream of information. The method comprises dividing the information in successive or overlapping pairs and calculating an index of precision therefrom for evaluation against a benchmark such as a standard value, a specification, or a contract requirement. Calculations can be done by a microprocessor and microprocessor instructions internal to the instrument or by a microprocessor and microprocessor instruction external to the instrument. The microprocessor instructions comprise any of various standard mathematical algorithms which return an estimated index of precision.
A method of estimating the precision of an apparatus that generates a continuous stream of information. The method comprises repeated resampling of the dataset defined by the data stream for a selected time interval, or repeated sampling of a theoretical distribution fitted to a dataset defined by the data stream for a selected interval, calculating the sample estimate of the population mean for each resample, calculating the index of precision from the series of the population means thus obtained for evaluation against a benchmark such as a standard value, a specification or a contract requirement. Calculations can be done by a microprocessor and microprocessor instructions internal to the instrument or by a microprocessor and microprocessor instructions external to the instruments.
A method is provided for detecting or predicting an undesired deviation in variability of at least one parameter being monitored, wherein the variation in the parameter is incrementally recorded. The method comprises establishing the number of subsets of a dataset that have a range of the difference between any two datapoints within the dataset, and computing a control chart for the range based thereon. The method accurately detects changes in variability in real time. The true distribution of the data is reflected, and the desired result is achieved without requiring an inordinate number of computations.
The method comprises establishing the number of subsets of a dataset that have a range of the difference between any two datapoints within the dataset, and computing a control chart for the range based thereon. In another aspect, a software program for accomplishing the method of the present invention is provided. The method of the invention allows monitoring variability of a product being produced by a particular piece of machinery, of a process conducted by the machinery, or of a product stream generated thereby, accurately detecting changes in variability in real time. The true distribution of the data is reflected, and the desired result is achieved without requiring an inordinate number of computations.
