MEASUREMENT TERMINOLOGY

(Ακρίβεια) Accuracy

The accuracy of a measurement relates to the closeness of agreement between the measured
value provided by the measurement system and the true value of the measurand (the dimension
being measured).

The true value of a measurement parameter (Volts,Amps,Kg,etc) is determined by National

Standards laboratories working under international agreement and is disseminated by an
unbroken chain of calibration.

(Ανάλυση) Resolution

The smallest distinguishable increment provided by a measurement system whether digital or

analogue systems are used.

The resolution of a measurement system is by itself no indication of accuracy.

(Ακρίβεια) Precision

The precision of a measurement system relates to the closeness of agreement between

measurements made of the same dimension.

It is possible to have a measurement system, which is precise but not accurate.

(Αβεβαιότητα) Uncertainty

This factor comprises two elements, the first being a systematic error; the second being due to
random variation. Uncertainty is an indication of the degree to which the variation in values
obtained when measuring can be reasonably attributed to the measured itself.

Uncertainty is normally expressed ratiometrically (%,dB,ppm,etc) or in the relevant engineering

units (kN,mm,etc) with a minimum 95% confidence level.

All errors affecting measurement uncertainty should be controlled by a documented

measurement procedure.

(Συστηματικό Σφάλμα) Systematic Error

This element is one, which is constant throughout the time taken to perform a measurement. This
can also be defined as the difference between the true value of the measurand and the mean
value resulting from an infinite number of measurements carried out under repeatable conditions.

The major contributing factor is likely to be the uncertainty of the measuring system as detailed in
its calibration certificate.

(Τυχαίο Σφάλμα) Random Error

The second element in uncertainty of a random nature and concerns the inherently variable
nature of repetitive, seemingly identical tasks such as successive measurements of a single item.
This random variation is the variation in a series of measurements of the same item using the
same measurement procedure.

Contributing factors could be:

Environmental: Temperature, Barometric Pressure

Human: Staff training, Qualifications, Experience

Physical: Working conditions, Jig & Fixture design

(Ιχνηλασιμότητα) Traceability

The concept of establishing a valid calibration of a measuring instrument or measurement

standard, by step-by-step comparison with better standards up to an accepted or specified
standard.

In general, the concept of traceability implies eventual reference to an appropriate national or

international standard.

(Μη γραμμικότητα)

Non-Linearity
Error

That part of the

instrumental error
whereby a change
of the indication, or
response, departs
from proportionality to the corresponding change of the value of the measured quantity over a
defined range.

Various methods can be employed for the numerical expression of non-linearity error, The MIRA
Calibration Centre generally uses the departure from a "least squares" fit straight line applied to
all the data.