Tips and tricks
Want to learn some tips and tricks about IRISBOND products and eye-tracking technology? We have made it easy for you, learn more with these video tutorials.
How do I find the correct positioning?
When positioning a user for eye gaze, always remember that the user should be in a comfortable position, and the eye gaze solution should adapt to the user. Eye tracking is used ideally with screens between 10 and 20 inches in size, with the screen in an upright position, with the eye tracker just below. The user should have their eyes in line with the top of the screen, at a distance of 50 – 60cm from the camera. The feedback ring on the Hiru will indicate when eyes are detected.
Now, find a position where there is minimal direct light on the eyes or the camera. The avatar or video feed in the eye gaze application in use will show the ideal distance and positioning. Use these indicators to find the correct positioning before calibrating.
How to calibrate with Hiru
Calibration is important when using eye tracking to ensure accurate, quick tracking. To get started, place the user’s eyes in front of the camera and use the indicator bar on the left to find the proper distance. The top of the bar indicates the user is too close, and the bottom, too far. Use this information with the avatar or video feed within an app to get in the right position.
Next, choose how many points you’d like to calibrate. Depending on the time you want to dedicate, and the accuracy you need, choose 1 – 16 points. 1 point is quick and painless, but the more points, the more accuracy the camera can have! Choose the option that works best for you.
Once you have calibrated, set the speed of click for dwell or blink, generally around 1 second is a good starting point, as well as the mouse smoothing: the higher the smoothing, the more stable the mouse. Try different settings until you find your preference. Some apps offer a step by step option, allowing the assistant to the user the power to click, when the user is focused on the correct point on the screen.
Can I use Hiru with a child or someone who experiences head movements or eye conditions?
In calibration, some special cases arise especially with younger users. To keep the user engaged, here are a few tips:
- Personalize the calibration for the user: everything from colors, to speed to calibration points can be customized in most eye gaze software. In fact, in Irisbond’s access software, EasyClick, you can even upload a personalized image for the calibration.
- Invisible calibration and the Hiru’s calibration button can also be configured to provide a quick, one point calibration to get a user back on track when a new calibration is needed! The fewer the calibration points, the quicker it’ll be to get started learning, you can always build more precision in calibration as the user develops.
For users with involuntary eye or head movements, here are a few handy tips:
- Use a step by step calibration, available in most AAC software, to have more control over the moment when the camera captures the calibration information.
- Wait till the user is positioned and gazing correctly, and trigger the calibration at that moment. Once the calibration is finished, you can also increase the smoothing level so that the mouse does not react so much to the involuntary movements.
- If needed, Hiru can be programed to track only one eye. For users with eye conditions such as amblyopia, tracking only the user’s dominant eye can provide a more convenient and smooth eye tracking experience.
How to mount Oskol
Oskol has a rehadapt mounting plate built-in, which can be used with various mounting systems seamlessly. Simply pull back the quick release mechanism and slide the mountin plate in. When you are setting up the mounting, first find the desired position, and attach the Oskol as the last step.
How to insert and remove an iPad from Oskol
How to insert and remove a Surface from Oskol
How can I use Hiru with glasses?
If you’re wearing glasses, clean them to get rid of light reflections and tilt your head up and down to identify and avoid any light reflections from the camera. Avoid using bifocals or metal frames when possible, as they can create extra glints for the eye tracker. If detection is lost with glasses, try gently covering the frames with tape to block reflections.
How to work with Hiru’s feedback ring?
Hiru has a feedback ring which will show if the eyes are being tracked. If the light is on, you’re good to go. If the light is distracting, it can be turned off when using IRISBOND’s computer access software, EasyClick.
Hiru is not recognized by the eye-tracking software
First check to see the Hiru is correctly connected by the cables and plugged directly into the computer or tablet. Avoid using a hub or other adapter, and remember to wait 10 seconds, until the LEDs and feedback ring turn on before using Hiru. Next, check if any other eye gaze programs are open, these could be blocking your access to the eye tracker on your desired app.
How do I update Hiru in Windows?
Hiru has continuous updates and new versions of firmware are released regularly. Update Hiru in Windows using our Systray app:
- Just download Systray and follow the installation steps, making sure you select both “public and local networks”.
- Once installed, Systray’s blue icon will appear on your Windows Device’s task bar.
- Check that your focus assistant is turned off, and Windows Notifications for Systray are turned on. This can be done from the control panel of your device.
- Now all you’ll need to do it plug in Hiru. Wait 10 seconds, and click systray’s “check updates” section.
- If you have one available, the installation will download as soon as you click update.
- Leave Hiru plugged in for a few minutes after, while the update completes!
How do I update Hiru in iPadOS?
In Hiru App, when a new version is available, the “Update Hiru” Button will appear in the upper right corner in blue.
- Click there, then click “Upgrade Hiru”.
- Leave the Hiru plugged in while the Update completes.
- Click “Cancel Upgrade” to stop this process.
What to do when Hiru pointer is jumping or not accurate
This means, it might be time to keep calm and recalibrate. First, see if a one point calibration will do the trick. If not, check your positioning and lighting to see if anything has changed. Use the avatar or video feed in your software to reposition and calibrate! If you still find the cursor to be more reactive that you like, increase the smoothness of the mouse to lower the eye tracker’s reaction to small movements