Each of the sensors is explained below and a sample of the data taken from each sensor is shown for clarity. Each of these sensors is described in detail below. The sensors all attach to the Thought Technology ProComp Encoder Unit, a device that receives the signals and translates them into digital form. The output from the ProComp unit then ports to a computer for processing and recognition. Sensor Galvanic Skin Response is a measure of the skin's conductance between two electrodes.
Electrodes are small metal plates that apply a safe, imperceptibly tiny voltage across the skin.
To measure the resistance, a small voltage is applied to the skin and the skin's current conduction is measured. Skin conductance is considered to be a function of the sweat gland activity and the skin's pore size. An individual's baseline skin conductance will vary for many reasons, including gender, diet, skin type and situation. Sweat gland activity is controlled in part by the sympathetic nervous system. After a startle, the skin's conductance will decrease naturally due to reabsorption.