Computer acquisition and analysis of skin temperature and heat flow data from heat flux transducers.

A computer-controlled system for the collection and analysis of skin temperature and heat flow data originating from an array of heat flux transducers is described. The system is based on a program ('THERMAL') that reads, stores, prints and displays skin temperatures and heat flow data every 2 min for up to 4 h. It also simultaneously calculates important environmental physiology parameters such as mean skin and mean body temperatures as well as mean heat flow according to four different combinations of transducers such as the established 3-, 4-, 7- and 12-point (site) formulae. Core temperature, heart rate and environmental condition indices such as dry bulb, wet bulb and globe temperatures are also continuously monitored.