Note: this analysis was scored using the criteria described here in late 2011/early 2012. Since then some device capabilities have changed, some devices are no longer sold.
Table 2 shows the evaluation scores for the three visual life-logging devices considered. There are many smartphone apps (such as Instagram) available for image life-logging to social network sites, but none of these were considered because they require manual image recording and uploading and manual life-logging is outside the scope of the research questions under consideration. The only device currently suitable for all day life-logging is the Vicon Revue still image camera since it is the only device with enough battery capacity to record images for an entire day. There are other small video recording devices similar to the Looxcie device also evaluated, but, as with the Looxcie, the recording time is less than 2 hours making them inappropriate as a life-logging tool despite their higher accuracy.
Name/URL | Charge/ Sync | Invasive -ness | Accuracy | Open Data |
Vicon Revue www.viconrevue.com £500 (discontinued as of Jan 2013) |
2 -daily cable charge/sync with custom PC software |
4 -worn as a pendant, fiddly button to activate private mode |
2 -VGA quality still images, motion, light, temp sensors |
4 – each image stored as JPEG |
Veho Muvi micro DV Camera
£60 www.veho-uk.com |
1 -90 min capacity, cable charge, cable sync |
4 -clipped to pocket, single button |
4 -full motion HD video for 90 min or shorter clips |
4 -video stored as AVI |
Looxie
£150 www.looxcie.com |
1 -2 h capacity, cable charge, wireless sync |
4 -worn as Bluetooth earpiece, single button |
4 -full motion SD video for 2h or shorter clips include 30 second loop |
4 -video stored as AVI |
Table 2: Visual Life-logging Device Analysis
The lower accuracy of the Vicon Revue image and the fact that it recorded still images over video was compensated by its additional sensors. These cause the camera to wait until something interesting seems to have happened and the camera has stopped moving before attempting to record. Even with its day-long capacity, the Vicon Revue has some issues making it less appropriate for life-logging, notably the daily requirement to plug in and run software to extract images and the lack of cloud synchronization.
Hi Blaine,
just saw video of your presentation at QS London event: EXCELLENT !
You must be fully aware of Autographer concept: have you had a chance to see it yet ?
Would love to get some of your expertise in our soon to open Forum for Wearable Technology community at RED-DOLPHIN.COM (see if you’d like to participate?)
Take care,
Laurent.