The data recorded by the SenseCam can be downloaded onto a desktop or laptop PC, typically at the end of a day or week. The information can then be manipulated using a simple image viewer application that we have developed. The basis of this viewer, which is designed to be very straightforward to use, is a window in which images are displayed, and a simple VCR-type control which allows an image sequence to be played slowly (around 2 images/second), quickly (around 10 images/second), re-wound and paused.

The fast-play option creates a kind of ‘flip-book’ movie effect – the entire event represented by the images is replayed as a time-compressed movie. Such rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) techniques are well-studied in psychological literature¹ and are particularly suited to SenseCam images. It is possible to delete individual images from the sequence if they are badly framed or of poor quality. An additional option is provided to correct for the ‘fish-eye’ lens effect using an algorithm, which applies an inverse model of the distortion.

It is also possible to import SenseCam image sequences into a more sophisticated application such as MyLifeBits. MyLifeBits will allow the large number of images generated daily to be easily searched and accessed.

¹See for example: Spence, R., “Rapid, serial and visual: a presentation technique with potential,” Information Visualization, 2005, Vol: 1, Pages: 13 - 19, ISSN: 1473-8716.