Source Documents

A source document is a document in which data is collected for entry into a computer
system.
Examples of source documents include:

Medical records
Lab reports
Subject diaries
X-rays
ECG printouts

Types of Source Documents

A turnaround document is a document that has been output from a computer, some
extra information added to it, and then returned to become an input document. For
example, the document on which electricity meter readings are recorded is then used as a
source of input for preparing electricity bills.
A machine readable document is one designed and printed in such a manner as to allow
the data on it to be read by a computer - for example a barcode.
Human-readable refers to a representation of information that can be naturally read by
humans, as compared to data designed for reading by computers. The numerals that
commonly accompany a UPC barcode are a human-readable form of the information
present in the barcode. In the case of barcodes used in stores, laws frequently mandate
that a human-readable price be displayed with the merchandise, rather than relying solely
on the machine-readable barcode and price disclosure only at the point of sale.

ISBN-13 represented as EAN-13 bar code showing both machine-readable and humanreadable data.
Data Logging
Data logging is the automatic collection of data over a certain period of time. The
logging period and interval can be altered depending on what is being measured.
Logging period is the time period over which the measurements take place.

Logging interval is the frequency with which the individual readings are taken (i.e. per
second, per minute, per hour).
Data logging systems may use a variety of sensors to receive input data.
Sensors
Sensors are used to detect various physical quantities, such as temperature, pressure,
sound, light. The sensors are connected to a computer through an interface and with
special software the readings are displayed on the computer screen.
Types of Sensors:
Mercury tilt switch
o A blob of mercury moves to close a circuit when a tilt is detected
Light sensor
o Detects high or low light levels
o Used to operate street lights
o Used in barcode readers
Push switch
o Can be used to switch on a light when pressure is removed from the push
switch
o Used in car doors and fridge doors to turn on a light when the door is
opened
Temperature sensor
o Responds to increases and decreases in temperature
o Used in central heating and air-conditioning systems to keep room
temperature constant
Sound sensor
o Measures the level of sound
o Used by environmental health officers to determine if sound levels are
unsafe for people
Proximity sensor
o Detects if distance is placed between the two halves of the sensor
o Used in some security systems e.g. to sound an alarm if a window is
opened
Pressure sensor
o Detects the presence of an object by the pressure exerted on it
o Used in traffic control systems to record the volume of traffic passing
through an intersection, so that traffic lights can be regulated
Advantages of data logging:
It can be used for fast events that would happen too quickly for manual readings
It can be used for slow events where manual recording would be tedious
Since readings are taken automatically, they are accurate and free from human
error

Readings are taken at exactly the right time every time