This section provides definitions and further explanations for terms used in the document. If a term
uses an acronym, it is spelled out in this section. This section is meant to assist the reader in
understanding the terminology used in this document.
Accelerometer: A device that measures the force on a sensor, primarily vibrations. Variations in the
accelerometers readings could be analyzed and find a specific pattern such as a heart beat or
motion along a spatial axis.
Accuracy: The sensors ability to determine a correct result. Not to be confused with precision, the
exactness of the sensor’s result. Such as the thermometer reads 75.001 degrees. Which is a
precise value with +/- .001, but inaccurate given that the temperature is actually 90 degrees.
Algorithm: A series of finite instructions that are given a particular order.
CO2: Carbon Dioxide, chemical combination for air that is exhaled. The change in the air composition
from low to high levels of carbon dioxide may indicate human respiration. These sensors can be
infrared gas sensors or chemical gas sensors.
CPU: Central Processing Unit, the device inside of a computer that executes machine code (runs
programs).
DAQ: National Instruments USB-6008 or USB-6009 Data Acquisition Device, a device that is used to
send data to a computer using an external interface, usually connected to proprietary hardware.
DFM: Don’t Forget Me, a system designed to prevent harm to humans and animals by detecting life
and high temperatures in a vehicle.
GUI: Stands for Graphical User Interface. A display on a computer that uses graphics to display
content and can allow user manipulation.
Heartbeat Sensor: A sensor that detects tiny vibrations and determines if they match the signal of a
heartbeat.
Hyperthermia: The state at which the human body is no longer able to cool down through natural
processes. The effort the body takes to reduce heat only causes one’s temperature to rise due to
the advanced state heat exposure.
Interoperability: Interoperability is the ability of diverse systems to work together (inter-operate).
Key Fob: An item attached to a key ring or key chain, used either for decoration or to assist the owner
in the act of authentication.
LabVIEW: Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Engineering Workbench, platform and development
environment for a visual programming language created by National Instruments. A graphical
programming tool allowing for the display and acquisition of data from a great deal of devices
including external hardware.
Microcontroller: A microprocessor that is optimized for self-sufficient systems, usually runs on low
power, and does not require a complex set of hardware.
Motion sensor: Sensor for detecting movement or motion. This sensor could use radio frequency or
changes in light to detect motion.
Pressure sensor: Sensor for detecting change in pressure.
Proprietary Hardware: A device that is designed for specific purpose and lacks generic qualities that
would allow it to be used outside of its original implementation.
Pulse Oximeter: A medical device that is used to measure oxygen saturation in one’s bloodstream. The
arterial blood vessels expand and contract with each heart beat changing the oxygen
concentration which allows the device to measure pulse rate.
Radio Frequency (RF): Any frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radio
wave propagation. When an RF current is supplied to an antenna, an electromagnetic field is
created that then is able to propagate through space. Many wireless technologies are based on
RF field propagation.
Respiration: Breathing in order to bring oxygen to the bloodstream and remove carbon dioxide. The
act of respiration reduces the amount of oxygen and increases the amount of carbon dioxide
enriched.
Sensor: Any device designed to measure conditions or ambient pressures and temperatures. A sensor is
electronic in nature and designed to send a voltage signal to computer device.
Thermistor (Temperature sensor): A thermally sensitive resistor that produces a difference in
electrical resistance when a change in temperature occurs.
Universal Serial Bus (USB): USB is a serial bus standard to interface devices. USB is intended by
design to allow peripherals to be connected using a single standardized interface socket and
utilizing plug and play capabilities.
Virtual instrument (VI): Is an object that represents an instrument which contains the behaviors for
which the instrument produces. A VI can be designed using Labview software that utilizes G
code. By programming the input and output criteria as well as the logic of a LabVIEW file a
virtual instrument can be created.