Lab Streaming Layer
Overview
Lab Streaming Layer (LSL) is a software framework designed to synchronize time series data collected from multiple sources.
It enables precise time alignment between data streams produced by different software applications or instruments.
Key Concepts
- Time series: A sequence of data points recorded over time.
- Stream: A continuous flow of data from a source (e.g., sensor, software).
- Time synchronization: Ensuring that multiple streams are aligned to a common time reference.
- LSL outlet: A source that publishes data to the network.
- LSL inlet: A receiver that subscribes to data from outlets.
Main Uses
- Synchronize measurements from multiple instruments
- Align software-generated data streams with hardware signals
- Enable combined analysis of multi-modal data
- Facilitate reproducible experiments requiring precise timing
Why It Matters
- Ensures accurate temporal alignment across devices
- Supports complex experiments involving multiple sensors or systems
- Reduces errors caused by timing inconsistencies
- Simplifies data collection and integration in research workflows
When You Will Use It
- Recording data from multiple devices simultaneously
- Performing experiments that require precise timing
- Integrating new instruments into existing measurement setups
- Analyzing synchronized multi-source datasets
Good Practices
- Test synchronization before critical experiments
- Document all connected devices and streams
- Use consistent naming for outlets and inlets
- Monitor stream performance during data acquisition