The paper considers an algorithm for increasing the accuracy of measuring systems operating on moving objects. The algorithm is based on the Kalman filter. It aims to provide a high measurement accuracy for the whole range of change of the measured quantity and the interference effects, as well as to eliminate the influence of a number of interference sources, each of which is of secondary importance but their total impact can cause a considerable distortion of the measuring signal. The algorithm is intended for gyro-free measuring systems. It is based on a model of the moving object dynamics. The mathematical model is developed in such a way that it enables to automatically adjust the algorithm parameters depending on the current state of measurement conditions. This makes possible to develop low-cost measuring systems with a high dynamic accuracy. The presented experimental results prove effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in terms of the dynamic accuracy of measuring systems of that type.

The paper presents a new method for building measuring instruments and systems for gyro-free determination of the parameters of moving objects. To illustrate the qualities of this method, a system for measuring the roll, pitch, heel and trim of a ship has been developed on its basis. The main concept of the method is based, on one hand, on a simplified design of the base coordinate system in the main measurement channel so as to reduce the instrumental errors, and, on the other hand, on an additional measurement channel operating in parallel with the main one and whose hardware and software platform makes possible performing algorithms intended to eliminate the dynamic error in real time. In this way, as well as by using suitable adaptive algorithms in the measurement procedures, low-cost measuring systems operating with high accuracy under conditions of inertial effects and whose parameters (intensity and frequency of the maximum in the spectrum) change within a wide range can be implemented.

The commercially available metal-oxide TGS sensors are widely used in many applications due to the fact that they are inexpensive and considered to be reliable. However, they are partially selective and their responses are influenced by various factors, e.g. temperature or humidity level. Therefore, it is important to design a proper analysis system of the sensor responses. In this paper, the results of examinations of eight commercial TGS sensors combined in an array and measured over a period of a few months for the purpose of prediction of nitrogen dioxide concentration are presented. The measurements were performed at different relative humidity levels. PLS regression was employed as a method of quantitative analysis of the obtained sensor responses. The results of NO2 concentration prediction based on static and dynamic responses of sensors are compared. It is demonstrated that it is possible to predict the nitrogen dioxide concentration despite the influence of humidity.

While cycloid pin-wheel precision reducers (referred to as RV reducers) are widely used in industrial robots, a widely accepted design standard or verification method of their test platforms is not available. In this study, a comprehensive sliding-separation test platform of RV reducers was developed. The test platform can test various measurement items such as transmission error, static measurement of lost motion, dynamic measurement of lost motion, torsional rigidity, no-load running torque, starting torque, backdriving torque, and transmission efficiency of the RV reducer for robots. The principle and method of dynamic measurement of lost motion tests based on the two-way transmission error method were studied and this test function was successfully integrated with the comprehensive test platform in order to increase the test items of the dynamic performance parameters of RV reducers. The measurement results of the no-load running torque of the RV reducer were consistent with the Stribeck curve. Based on the concept of optimal measurement speed, a decomposition test method of the geometric component of the dynamic measurement of lost motion and the elastic component of the dynamic measurement of lost motion was proposed in the dynamic measurement test of lost motion. Through precision calibration, function test and repeatability test, the results were compared with the data of enterprise’s samples. The consistent results have proved that the test platform met engineering requirements and measurement accuracy requirements. Based on the new test principle, the developed platform can test more parameters of RV reducers with high precision and display the comprehensive test performance.