ConductVision Annotator Software
Professional behavioral video annotation software for preclinical and translational research. Define custom ethograms, score timestamped behavioral events across multiple subjects and trials, and export structured CSV data — replacing manual frame-by-frame review with a keyboard-driven annotation workflow.
ConductVision Annotator is a desktop annotation platform purpose-built for behavioral neuroscience. Load any video file, define your ethogram, bind behaviors and subjects to hotkeys, and score observations with millisecond precision — all without taking your hands off the keyboard. Export analysis-ready CSV data directly from the annotation session.
How It Works
ConductVision Annotator structures the scoring workflow into three phases. In the setup phase, the researcher creates a project, loads video files, registers subjects with number-key bindings, and builds the ethogram — either manually or from a saved JSON template. In the annotation phase, the video plays in real time while the scorer uses keyboard hotkeys to record the start and stop of each behavioral event; subject switching and behavior selection require no mouse interaction, so attention stays on the video. In the review phase, the annotation table can be inspected row by row — clicking Search jumps the video to that exact frame, clicking Play replays the clip from start to stop — and individual frame numbers can be edited inline before recalculating durations. The final export is a structured CSV ready for direct import into R, Python, SPSS, or GraphPad Prism.
Features & Benefits
Weight
- 0.22 lbs
Dimensions
- 25.0 × 20.0 × 5.0 cm
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Platform | Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit) |
| Installation path | C:\appAnnotatorUI\bin\AnnotatorUI.exe |
| Supported video formats | MP4, AVI, MOV (and other system-codec formats) |
| Recommended frame rate | Constant frame rate (CFR); VFR not recommended |
| Max subjects per project | 9 (keyboard keys 1–9) |
| Behavior entries | Unlimited |
| Export format | CSV — Trial, Video, Subject, Behavior, Start Frame, Stop Frame, Start Time, Stop Time, Duration |
| Project file format | JSON (bin/_database/) |
| License type | Perpetual, single workstation |
| License file | LicenseVision.txt (same directory as executable) |
| Internet required | No — fully offline operation |
| Updates included | 6 months from activation date |
Product Highlights
| Feature | This Product | Category Context |
|---|---|---|
| Annotation method | Keyboard hotkeys — no mouse required during live scoring | Manual stopwatch + paper log or spreadsheet |
| Timestamp precision | Frame-level start and stop (sub-second) | Second-level with manual note-taking |
| Multi-subject | Up to 9 subjects with number-key switching | Separate log files per animal |
| Multiple trials | Built-in trial management within a single project | Separate files per trial, merged manually |
| Data export | Structured CSV with frame, time, subject, behavior, duration | Manual spreadsheet with transcription risk |
| Review & correction | In-app video replay and inline frame editing | Re-watch full video from scratch |
ConductVision Annotator replaces the error-prone paper-log workflow with a structured, keyboard-driven system that captures events at frame-level precision and exports directly to analysis-ready CSV.
Applications & Use Cases
Practical Tips
Bind all behaviors before the first annotation session
Changing key assignments mid-project can introduce inconsistencies across trials
Use constant frame rate (CFR) video files
Variable-frame-rate recordings from smartphones can cause timestamp errors — convert to CFR before loading
Score a shared calibration video before the study begins
Agreement on the calibration set establishes the behavioral definition standard across all scorers
Save the annotation table every 10-15 minutes during long sessions
The application does not auto-save; unsaved data is lost on unexpected close
Back up the JSON project file after each session
The CSV export contains only the annotation table; the JSON contains your full ethogram, configuration, and all trial data
Setup & Operation Guide
-
Install the applicationCopy the package to C:\appAnnotatorUI. The folder contains bin\ (executable and license) and doc\ (documentation) subfolders.
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Launch AnnotatorUI.exeDouble-click C:\appAnnotatorUI\bin\AnnotatorUI.exe. The application opens to the main project panel.
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Activate your licenseYour LicenseVision.txt file ships pre-placed in the bin\ folder. To update it, overwrite the existing file with the new one provided by support.
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Create a projectClick Annotator Projects in the left panel, then New. Enter a project name and click Save.
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Load your videoDouble-click the project, go to Configure Project, and browse to your video file. Duration, FPS, Resolution, and Frame Count are displayed automatically.
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Define subjects and behaviorsAdd subjects in the Subject panel and bind each to a number key (1-9). Define your ethogram in Behavior Specification manually or by loading a template.
-
Begin annotationPlay the video and use your bound hotkeys to select subject and behavior, then press your annotation key at each event start and stop.
What's in the Box
- ConductVision Annotator Software (AnnotatorUI.exe)
- Single-workstation perpetual license (LicenseVision.txt)
- Behavior template library (.json format)
- User manual (PDF)
- Installation support via email
- 6 months free updates and bug fixes
Warranty & Support
6-month software update and bug fix coverage from the date of activation. License is perpetual and workstation-specific. For license transfers or technical support, contact [email protected].
Can I annotate videos from any camera or recording system?
Yes. ConductVision Annotator loads standard video files (MP4, AVI, MOV) regardless of the recording hardware. The application reads Duration, FPS, Resolution, and Frame Count automatically on load.
How many behaviors can I define per project?
There is no hard cap. Define as many behaviors as your ethogram requires, either manually or from a saved template file (.json). Templates can be saved from any project for reuse across studies.
Can multiple scorers annotate the same video for inter-rater reliability?
Yes. Each scorer runs an independent annotation session or trial. Export both CSV files and compare them using Cohen's kappa, intraclass correlation (ICC), or percent agreement in your statistical software of choice.
Does the software require an internet connection?
No. ConductVision Annotator runs entirely offline. License activation uses the local LicenseVision.txt file — no internet validation is required after installation.
What video formats are supported?
MP4, AVI, and MOV, plus other formats compatible with the installed system codec. For best results, use constant frame rate (CFR) recordings. Variable frame rate (VFR) files from smartphone cameras may produce timestamp inconsistencies.
Can I correct a scoring mistake without re-doing the whole annotation?
Yes. The Frame column in the results table is directly editable. Change the frame number, then click Calculate to recompute timing. Use Search and Play to navigate to and replay any annotated event before or after editing.
Is ConductVision Annotator compatible with the ConductVision AI tracking modules?
Yes. It is designed as a companion tool. Use it to generate human ground-truth labels that validate automated tracking output, or to score behaviors outside the AI module's automated detection scope.
What does the CSV export include?
Trial, Video, Subject, Behavior, Start Frame, Stop Frame, Start Time (s), Stop Time (s), and Duration (s). The file opens directly in Excel, R, Python (pandas), SPSS, and GraphPad Prism without reformatting.
Can I score the same video more than once?
Yes. The Multiple Trials feature lets you annotate a video as many times as needed within one project. Each trial is stored separately and can be deleted independently.
Where is my data stored?
Annotation results are saved in the JSON project file under bin\_database\. The JSON contains your full configuration, ethogram, and all trial data. Always back up this folder — the CSV export is a snapshot, not the primary data store.
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