TIME SERIES OBSERVATIONS OF UPPER-EXTREMITY SKIN TEMPERATURE AND CORRESPONDING THERMAL SENSATIONS

摘要

This study explores the correlation of upper extremity skin temperature with overall body thermal sensation.Time-series temperature measurements on finger, hand, and forearm were taken during a program of tests in which subjects were heated and cooled. Subjective perception of whole body thermal sensation and comfort was collected with nine-point analog scales. The findings suggest that one can use finger temperature, or the temperature gradient from finger to forearm, to predict whether a subject is feeling cold or warm, or is currently neutral but in the process of becoming cold. The findings may be used to develop novel ways to monitor thermal sensation in indoor environments.