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Contextual Instruments

What is Contextual Instruments ?

Contextual Instruments exists to make measurement simple, relevant, and real-world. It answers the need for fast, unconstrained insights—capturing what truly matters directly in everyday contexts, without the delays and limitations of traditional lab-based methods.
Discover more details here: contextual website

What is it composed of ?

The Contextual Instruments ecosystem comprises:

  • A Contextual Instruments sensor that works in tandem with the app via a BLE connection.
  • A mobile app that drives the sensor and sends data to the cloud platform.
  • A cloud-based platform where you can find all the measurements — and much more.
  • Depending on your role and permissions, you can access the platform through a compatible web browser.


Contextual Instruments workflow

About the sensors 🌡️

  • Only sensors compatible with Contextual Instruments can be used with the mobile app.
  • All compatible sensors and their technical details are provided in the Sensors section.
  • To operate correctly, each Contextual Instruments sensor requires a dedicated sensor setup. This setup is configured via the app in LIVE mode and on the platform in TRIAL mode.
ℹ️ A sensor setup is a defined set of parameters that specifies how a sensor performs a measurement. Each sensor has a unique sensor setup, which can be instantiated in multiple variants depending on the range and combination of adjustable settings it supports.

About the mobile app 📱

  • You can download the Contextual app directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Its name is Contextual Instruments.
  • To log in, please use the provided ID/password or follow the procedure outlined in the contextual email you received.
  • ️️As presented above, the app sends data to the cloud platform.
⚠️ Caution : This means the smartphone must be connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or cellular network. Additional carrier fees may apply.

About the platform 🌐

  • The platform supports the following web browsers: Chrome / Safari / Edge / Firefox
  • Contextual Instruments platform is available here: app.contextual.fr.
  • To log in, please use the provided ID/password or follow the procedure outlined in the contextual email you received.
ℹ️ The same credentials are used for both the mobile app and the platform.

Operating modes and users

The Contextual Instruments solution provides two operating modes: LIVE and TRIAL.

  • The LIVE mode is specifically designed for conducting measurements. Experimenter connects to its sensor, adjusts the sensor setup parameters, and manages the measurement. For certain sensors, a live stream of the acquisition is available on a dedicated interface in the mobile app. At the end of the measurement, the user can visualize the acquired data. Before saving, the user can also add notes or assign a subject to the measurement.

  • The TRIAL mode is specifically designed for large-scale measurement campaigns involving many users, while adding contextual insights. Experimenters design their trial by defining the measurement schedule and adding both measurements and contextual questions. Subjects then perform the requested measurements and answer the questions. Finally, the experimenter analyzes the results of the trial.

ℹ️ An experimenter is a user type with full access to the entire ecosystem (sensors, mobile app, and platform). In LIVE mode, the Experimenter can configure sensors via the mobile app, manage measurements, and retrieve them on the platform. In TRIAL mode, he can design his trial, monitor it, and analyze the results.
ℹ️ A subject is a user type with restricted access to the mobile app and sensors. Subjects can only access the trial to which they have been assigned by their experimenter. They are only involved in TRIAL mode.