Real-time
Definition: Real-time defines that the acquisition and processing of data occurs during the recording within a relatively short period of time. Although the term ‘real-time’ is used very frequently, these processes never actually take place in real-time, but only take place in batches of data. With a small batch size, these processes are perceived as real-time. In fNIRS, batch processing can be found, for instance, in some recording softwares (e.g., real-time channel quality assessment) or in the context of applications such as fNIRS-guided neurofeedback and brain computer interfaces.
Alternative definition: Real-time refers to the operations applied to the data -i.e., the acquisition, processing, and if appropriate, analysis- that occur within the time lapse between consecutive samples acquisition.
Synonym: online
References: https://doi.org/10.1117%2F1.NPh.4.4.041504https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00346
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2020.00113
Related terms: Neurofeedback, Brain Computer Interfaces, Lab Streaming Layer