I was reading a magazine that came free with the times that was lying around my boyfriend’s house. It was called Eureka – and issue about the brain and how it works etc. I picked it up and flicked through and went to the page about the brain that I wanted to read. After I thought id just carry on looking and I came across a double page but in the corner there was a small article...
PICTURE THIS
The 24hr camera – Microsoft’s new gadget has a life of its own.
The researcher’s most interesting memory tool is the sensecam, created by Microsoft researchers in Cambridge. The camera, which is hung around the neck, has a wide angle fisheye lens and is about the size of a pack of cards. As well as ticking pictures automatically – usually about every 30 seconds – it contains several sensors. When it detects a chance in light level, it presumes you have changed position and takes a snap. When its passive infra red sensor detects the appearance of a warm body, it takes a snap. An accelerometer helps it to avoid motion blue. The device can shoot thousands of pictures a day, all of which can be reviewed and played back like a stop motion film.
Cathal Gurrin, a lecturer at Dublin City University, has worn a sensecam during all his walking hours as part of his research into human digital memories. He has amassed more than 3 million photos in 3 years. One of his favourite is the moment he first met his girlfriend – not that either of them knew its significance at the time. A version of the sensecam is being launched by Vicom; a British company to help suffers of Alzheimer’s disease to cope with memory loss.
I read this and straight away wanted one. I would love to document a day. I think the idea of using the camera to help Alzheimers suffers is amazing.