The Multiple Runs feature allows you to capture and analyze measurement data across several iterations or "runs" for the same set of measurement points. This is useful when you need to perform repeated measurements to verify consistency, check stability over time, or evaluate different conditions.
How It Works
- Data Entry Across Multiple Runs:
- In a standard measurement process, you enter data for each measurement point once. With Multiple Runs, the form is divided into sections corresponding to each run.
- For example, if you have 3 runs configured, each measurement point will have three separate fields—one for each run (see image below).
- You complete all points for the first run before moving on to the second run, and so on.
Tabulation Order:
- Instead of entering all measurements in a single pass, you tabulate through all points for the first run, then repeat for the subsequent runs.
- This ensures that each run is completed fully before moving to the next, maintaining the sequence of data capture.
Reversing Measurement Direction:
- The direction of data entry can be reversed on subsequent runs. For example, if the first run captures data from Point 1 to Point 10, the second run can capture data from Point 10 back to Point 1.
- This is particularly useful for calculations involving hysteresis, where the direction of measurement matters.
How the Results Are Processed
When you configure multiple runs in a measurement form, the system provides different ways to calculate and display the results. Here’s how the multi-run logic works:
All Runs Combined:
- All runs are treated as a single dataset. The system combines the readings from each run and calculates metrics like mean, range, and standard deviation as if they were one continuous set of readings. This is useful when you want a summary of all measurements together, similar to handling multiple readings for a single measurement point in a standard calibration form. The key difference is the sequence in which the readings are obtained (Run 1, Run 2, etc...)
Individual Runs:
- Each run is processed independently. The system calculates metrics like mean and standard deviation separately for each run. This is ideal when you need to compare results across different runs, treating each as a distinct set of data rather than combining them. It helps in identifying variations between runs or evaluating performance under different conditions.
Odd and Even Runs Combined:
- This option separates the results into two groups: one for the odd-numbered runs and another for the even-numbered runs. It’s particularly useful when paired with the reverse measurement direction option, as it allows you to compare measurements taken in one direction (e.g., up) versus the opposite direction (e.g., down).
Last Run Only:
- In this mode, the system only uses and displays the results from the final run. Any previous runs are ignored in the final calculations. This is useful when the most recent data is the most relevant, and earlier runs were preliminary or for validation purposes.
- In this mode, the system only uses and displays the results from the final run. Any previous runs are ignored in the final calculations. This is useful when the most recent data is the most relevant, and earlier runs were preliminary or for validation purposes.
Application of Multi-Run Logic
These logic options allow you to tailor the analysis of your measurement data to suit specific calibration needs. Depending on the nature of the test or calibration, you can choose the most appropriate method to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the data being captured and reported.
By understanding and selecting the correct Multi-Run Logic, you can ensure that the measurement data you gather is processed in the most meaningful way for your specific application, whether you need a comprehensive combined result, a detailed run-by-run comparison, or a focus on the most recent measurement.
Practical Use Cases
- Stability Checks: Capture initial measurements, and then re-measure after a set period to ensure that the instrument remains within specification.
- Drift Analysis: Perform measurements in both directions (up and down) to detect any drift in accuracy.
- Multi-Condition Testing: Use multiple runs to capture data under different conditions, such as varying temperature or pressure.