Memorygraph vs Photo Overlay Aid

This app is developed and operated by ROIS-DS Center for Open Data in the Humanities (CODH). Memorygraph is a camera app that supports same-composition photography by showing the scene image semi-transparently on the viewfinder of a smartphone camera. The same-composition photography is helpful for various purposes, such as now-and-then photography, before-and-after photography, fixed-point photography, pilgrimage photography, etc., depending on how the scene images are selected. * Now-and-then photography: Comparison of past and present Select an old photo for the scene image. Same-composition photography of an old photo and a modern scene helps you grasp the changes that have occurred over a long period. Furthermore, it is an even more exciting experience when it leads to the discovery of small traces left behind from the past to the present day. * Before-and-after photography: Comparison between before and after rapid changes Select photos related to rapid changes caused by disasters for the scene image. Suppose you choose a photo taken before a disaster as the scene image. In that case, you can visualize the extent of damage caused by the disaster. Suppose you select a photo taken immediately after a disaster as the scene image. In that case, you can visualize the state of recovery from the disaster. * Fixed-point photography: Visualization of gradual changes Select a photo at a certain point in time for the scene image. Same-composition photography allows you to record gradual changes as time-lapse images, such as plants blooming and growing, buildings being completed, and scenery changing with the seasons. * Pilgrimage photography: Comparison at a specific location By registering images of scenes from your favorite content (manga, anime, movies, etc.) and applying same-composition photography at the places of the content, pilgrimage to sacred sites (content tourism) can become a more immersive experience. Furthermore, it is also possible to incorporate the difficulty of same-composition photography into a location game, similar to photo orienteering. --- There are two ways to register these scene images in the app: "My Project" and "Shared Project." * My Project The user of the app registers scene images. User can choose their favorite scenes but cannot share the photos they have taken with others in the app. * Shared Project The creator of the project registers scene images, and project participants share them. It is best for events where all participants shoot the same scene with the same composition, and the photos taken can be shared within the app. In the beginning, set your preferred image for the scene image in My Project, then carry the app to experience same-composition photography in various locations. On the other hand, various use cases have been accumulated for Shared Projects. For example, before-and-after photography has been used to plan new sightseeing tours using old photos, citizen science projects to explore the locations where old photos were taken, and workshops to discuss urban planning based on the changes in the town over time. Before-and-after photography has also been used for on-site tours and workshops to learn about disaster recovery. Currently, we are creating Shared Projects within the framework of collaborative research, but in the future, we would like to make it possible for anyone to create Shared Projects to further expand the use cases.

MemoryLens is a photo overlay camera that helps you recreate a picture with similar framing. Choose a reference photo, see it over your live camera view, and use the original pose, background, and angle as a guide for your next shot. From childhood photos to a favorite travel spot, a familiar composition can connect two moments in time. RECREATE FAMILY MEMORIES Bring back a childhood portrait, gather everyone for another family photo, or repeat a picture from a birthday, graduation, or anniversary. Use the reference to see where people stood, how much background was visible, and how the scene was framed. REVISIT PLACES AND TRAVEL PHOTOS Return to a street corner, a mountain viewpoint, or the beach where you took a favorite picture. Line up buildings, the horizon, or other recognizable details to find a similar view. Photograph the same place in another season, revisit a meaningful location years later, or use a reference image to plan a shot on your next trip. USE A POSE AND COMPOSITION REFERENCE Give a friend a clearer idea of the portrait you have in mind. A reference can help with head position, the space around a subject, and the balance between a person and the background. Try it for couple photos, outfit pictures, selfies, cosplay, or travel portraits. Adjust your pose and camera position while keeping the guide visible. RECORD GROWTH OVER TIME Take a family portrait by the same doorway each year, photograph your child beside a familiar chair, or capture your pet in a favorite spot. Use your previous shot to keep the subject's position and size similar. CAPTURE A ROOM BEFORE AND AFTER Document a renovation, a newly painted wall, a furniture rearrangement, or a satisfying decluttering project. Start with a clear photo of the room, then use door frames, windows, and corners as reference points for your next shot. Similar framing makes it easier to notice changes when you view the photos together later. The same approach works for a studio, shop display, or workspace. FOLLOW PLANTS AND CREATIVE PROJECTS Record new leaves, a garden through the seasons, or flowers opening on your balcony. Use a pot, branch, or fixed background to help line up each picture. You can also document a painting, a model, a craft project, or a furniture restoration at different stages. For handmade products and collections, reuse a composition you like to keep your photos visually consistent. KEEP A PERSONAL PHOTO RECORD Use an earlier picture as a guide when recording fitness progress, a new hairstyle, or changes in your personal style. Similar distance, lighting, and posture can make the pictures easier to compare. MemoryLens provides a visual reference for photography; it does not measure or analyze your body. TOOLS FOR YOUR NEXT SHOT • Transparent overlay: adjust the reference opacity to see both images clearly. • Outline guide: use line art and adjust its strength to focus on shapes and edges. • Reference orientation: rotate in 90-degree steps or flip horizontally or vertically. • Camera controls: zoom, tap to focus, switch between front and rear cameras, and control flash. • Save your new photo directly to your photo library. HOW TO GET STARTED 1. Choose a reference photo from your library. 2. Adjust its opacity or switch to the outline guide. 3. Move your phone and adjust the scene to match the framing by eye. 4. Take your photo. Does the reference appear in the saved photo? No. It is a guide for shooting. Your new photo is saved without the overlay or outlines. MemoryLens helps you capture matching shots; it does not combine pictures, make collages, automatically align images, or create comparison videos. Reference images are processed on your device. The app does not upload your photos to a server. Requires iOS 17.0 or later. Questions or feedback: ldjing@qq.com