Data points and signals that can be collected using D4L Collect
This page offers an overview of the signals and data points that can be collected using D4L Collect.
| Device | Device type | Data point/sensor signal | Raw or processed | Data transfer protocol | Configuration mode in D4L Collect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dexcom G7 | Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) * | Estimated glucose value (in blood) | Processed | API | CBR |
| Estimote Beacon | Indoor positioning | Distance (via UWB) | Raw | BLE, UWB * | ARS |
| Indoor positioning | RSSI – Received Signal Strength Indicator (used to determine distance) | Raw | BLE | ARS | |
| Mobile phone’s internal sensors | Inertial measurement unit (IMU) | Acceleration | Raw | BLE | ARS |
| Inertial measurement unit (IMU) | Angular velocity | Raw | BLE | ARS | |
| Inertial measurement unit (IMU) | Magnetic field | Raw | BLE | ARS | |
| Movella/Xsens DOT | Inertial measurement unit (IMU) | Via the Custom mode 1 and the Rate quantities data streaming mode: angular velocity | Raw | BLE (up to 60 Hz) Manual export for 120 Hz data |
ARS |
| Inertial measurement unit (IMU) | Via the Custom mode 1 and the Rate quantities data streaming mode: euler angles | Processed | BLE (up to 60 Hz) Manual export for 120 Hz data |
ARS | |
| Inertial measurement unit (IMU) | Via the Custom mode 1 and the Rate quantities data streaming mode: free acceleration | Processed | BLE (up to 60 Hz) Manual export for 120 Hz data |
ARS | |
| Inertial measurement unit (IMU) | Via the Rate quantities data streaming mode: acceleration | Raw | BLE (up to 60 Hz) Manual export for 120 Hz data |
ARS | |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 | Smartwatch | Acceleration | Raw | BLE | ARS |
| Smartwatch | Angular velocity | Raw | BLE | ARS | |
| Smartwatch | Magnetic field | Raw | BLE | ARS | |
| Smartwatch | Activity detection: PASSIVE, ASLEEP, EXERCISE, UNKNOWN | Processed | BLE | CBR | |
| Smartwatch | Daily calories | Processed | BLE | CBR | |
| Smartwatch | Daily distance | Processed | BLE | CBR | |
| Smartwatch | Daily floors | Processed | BLE | CBR | |
| Smartwatch | Daily steps | Processed | BLE | CBR | |
| Smartwatch | Electrocardiogram (ECG) | Raw | BLE | ARS | |
| Smartwatch | Heart rate | Processed | BLE | ARS & CBR | |
| Smartwatch | Interbeat interval (IBI) | Processed | BLE | CBR | |
| Smartwatch | Skin temperature | Processed | BLE | CBR | |
| Smartwatch | Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) | Processed | BLE | ARS | |
| Smartwatch | Health Services data points: 1) Absolute elevation 2) Total positive elevation 3) Total negative elevation 4) Minimum speed 5) Maximum speed 6) Average speed 7) Speed 8) Steps per minute 9) Minimum steps per minute 10) Maximum steps per minute 11) Average steps per minute |
Processed | BLE | ARS | |
| Fitbit Charge 6 | Fitness tracker | Intraday activity data, calories burned | Processed | API | CBR |
| Fitness tracker | Intraday activity data, steps * | Processed | API | CBR | |
| Fitness tracker | Intraday data for breathing rate * | Processed | API | CBR | |
| Fitness tracker | Intraday data for heart rate * | Processed | API | CBR | |
| Fitness tracker | Intraday data for heart rate variability * | Processed | API | CBR | |
| Fitness tracker | Intraday data for SpO2 metrics * | Processed | API | CBR | |
| Fitness tracker | Daily data for sleep * | Processed | API | CBR | |
| Fitness tracker | Daily data for skin temperature * | Processed | API | CBR | |
| Apple HealthKit | Platform for users to manage and track their health information | Active energy | Processed | Data is stored locally on the device | CBR |
| Platform for users to manage and track their health information | Step count | Processed | Data is stored locally on the device | CBR | |
| Platform for users to manage and track their health information | Walking and running distance | Processed | Data is stored locally on the device | CBR | |
| Platform for users to manage and track their health information | Sleep (only available with an Apple Watch) | Processed | Data is stored locally on the device | CBR |
Important: (*) To collect data points marked with an asterisk, a specialised research project agreement must be established between the device manufacturer (for example, Dexcom, Samsung), the research partner, and Data4Life.
More info: Websites of the device manufacturers
Apple HealthKit
List of abbreviations and concepts
| Abbreviation | Term | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| API | application programming interface | Connection between computers or between computer programs. A type of software interface offering a service to other pieces of software. Can handle larger amounts of data and is not limited by proximity. |
| ARS | active recording session | Configuration mode in D4L Collect: time-limited, activity-specific data collection. |
| BLE | Bluetooth Low Energy | Wireless communication technology designed for low power consumption. Designed for short-range, low-power wireless communication between devices (for example, IoT devices and wearables). |
| CBR | continuous background recording | Configuration mode in D4L Collect where data is continuously collected around the clock. |
| configuration mode | Data collection method configured by researchers in Research Studio to define how, when, and how frequently data should be collected. | |
| data transfer protocol | Method by which data is transmitted from the sensor or wearable device to the D4L Collect app. | |
| IMU | inertial measurement unit | Electronic device that measures and reports a body's specific force, angular rate, and sometimes the orientation of the body. IMUs use a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and sometimes magnetometers. |
| UWB | ultra-wideband | Radio technology that can use a very low energy level for short-range, high-bandwidth communications over a large portion of the radio spectrum. |
Please note: D4L Collect is continuously evolving, with an expanding ecosystem of devices, sensor signals, and data points for modern digital health research.
Last Update: May 22, 2026
