Both system configurations emphasize high performance real-time data collection and analysis. To achieve this, device control functions, tool functionality, and the video image are integrated on a single screen. Direct manipulation interfaces support a number of features and a variety of input devices including a touch screen, digital stylus, mouse, trackball and keyboard. However, while the system emphasizes real-time annotation it additionally supports detailed analyses and exploration of video data. The user may customize the system for the needs of the particular application.
Users define their own index markers by duplicating index buttons and assigning each a unique name.
A single button press immediately creates an index label and links it to the corresponding timed location in the video document. These indices are used to capture the instantaneous occurrence of important events in the video. They can also be labeled to reflect ratings of behavioral data such as mood and mood changes. To capture events having durations, a special index type called an interval is used. Users create intervals by duplicating and uniquely labeling each one.