User's guide for algorithm testing system, version 2.0
David A Rosenfeld · 1995
IntroductionThe Algorithm Testing System (ATS) is a software system used for testing data analysis software typically found in Coordinate Measuring Systems (CMSs).The ATS is one of the tools used in NIST's Algorithm Testing and Evaluation Program for Coordinate Measuring Systems (ATEP-CMS)-a NIST Special Test Service for evaluating the performance of CMS data analysis software.(ATEP-CMS was recently approved as a NIST Special Test Service, numbers 1007OS and 1008OS.)The basic approach of ATEP-CMS is to compare fit results calculated by the software under test to fit results calculated by NIST.The ATS is used in ATEP-CMS to generate test data sets, generate NIST fit results, and compare the results.The ATS provides a graphical interface, extensive on-line help, and graphical capabilities for viewing data sets and fit residuals.The subject of CMS software evaluation, however, is technical in nature.NIST therefore recommend that ATS users have a good understanding of coordinate metrology and CMS operation.LA How to Use this Guide This User's Guide is written primarily as a means of getting started with the ATS.NIST strongly recommends that it be carefully read it in its entirety.Section n provides installation instructions.Section IK provides general information about the ATS and defines some of its general concepts.Section IV is a hands-on tutorial which will train the user in many of the basic ATS capabilities.Beyond this, the ATS on-line help is very extensive.The user should find this sufficient for most of his help needs.The ATS graphical capabilities also allows the user to view what he is doing.For further details, the user is referred to the Reference Manual for the ATS Version 2.0 (see below for complete bibliography).The Reference Manual is the companion volume to the User's Guide.It provides tables and information completely describing virtually all of the ATS capabilities, and is most useful for occasional look-up.LB Typefaces and Fonts Used in this Guide ALL CAPS Refers to the names of keystrokes, such as ENTER, INS, and DEL.Italics Refers to the names of ATS-named objects, such as one of the ATS windows, or a field of an ATS window."Helvetica Narrow" This font is used to refer to the names of user-generated objects, such as experiments (default name, "new Experiment") and tests ("new Test").Such names are typically entered by the user.