An Alternative Method for Obtaining Performance Figures

A performance figure indicates the ability of a system to perform a task. At present, several checkout systems obtain performance figures by employing the prime equipment directly in a mission simulation. The measure-compute approach is proposed as an alternative which might sometimes be applied more advantageously. In the measure-compute approach, the prime equipment is not directly involved in the mission simulation; hence, the simulation need not occur in real time. This paper first discusses general considerations related to performance figures. Then, the foundations for the measure-compute approach are presented, including techniques for overcoming certain measurement problems. Finally, two possible applications are discussed.