Portable systems for the periodical in-situ calibration of force platforms

A system, for the in situ calibration of six-component force platforms, is presented. By the system, the calibration matrix of the force platform is accurately and precisely estimated, using a non-linear, weighted least square algorithm. The algorithm assumes that the calibration inputs are 3D, time-varying, known loads, not constrained in their direction of application, and applied to the force platform in different points, of known coordinates. The data are acquired by means of a device ad hoc designed. The device is simple in its structure, and the procedure is easy to be performed, also by non technical personnel. In the device, a high precision, 3D load cell is used. We show that, by means of the proposed system, the force platform functioning can be optimized, by processing its output signals, with the newly estimated calibration matrix.