Tobii Eye Tracker Setup Guide For Testing Mobile Devices

Eye Tracking Mobile
Devices with Tobii Eye
Trackers
Setup Guide

January 29, 2010
Tobii Technology AB

Before using this guide to setup your Tobii Eye Tracker we
strongly recommend reading the Tobii Whitepaper entitled
“Using Eye Tracking to Test Mobile Devices” for a detailed
explanation of the different factors to consider when doing
mobile device eye tracking.

Contents
1 Emulator setup ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Setup Procedure .......................................................................................................... 4
1.1.1 Equipment setup ..................................................................................................... 4
1.1.2 Creating the test in Tobii Studio ............................................................................. 4
1.2 Testing ......................................................................................................................... 6
2 Below table setup ................................................................................................................ 7
2.1 Setup Procedure .......................................................................................................... 8
2.1.1 Equipment setup ..................................................................................................... 8
2.1.2 Creating a Tobii Studio test ..................................................................................... 9
2.2 Testing ....................................................................................................................... 10
3 Inverted X‐series setup ....................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Setup Procedure ........................................................................................................ 12
3.1.1 Equipment setup ................................................................................................... 12
3.1.2 Creating the test in Tobii Studio ........................................................................... 14
3.1.3 Configuring the inverted Tobii X‐series ................................................................ 14
3.1.4 Perspective calibration ......................................................................................... 15
3.1.4 Participant calibration .......................................................................................... 17
3.2 Testing ....................................................................................................................... 18

© 2010 Tobii Technology ‐ All rights reserved. Tobii Technology and the Tobii logo are either registered trademarks 2
or trademarks of Tobii Technology in the United States and/or other countries.
www.tobii.com

1 Emulator setup

Figure 1. Illustration of this setup.
Equipment needed
• Tobii T‐series eye tracker (T60, T120)
• Height adjustable chair
• Deep table
• Two mouse devices
• Mobile device emulator installed on the test computer
• Test computer with Tobii Studio software

www.tobii.com

1.1 Setup Procedure

Figure 2. Overview of the setup.
1.1.1 Equipment setup
The first, and probably the most time consuming step of this setup is to locate and install the
emulator to be used during testing. As that procedure is specific for which device to be
emulated, we can unfortunately not provide any guidance regarding how to do this.
1.1.2 Creating the test in Tobii Studio
After installing a stable emulator on the computer running Tobii Studio, connect computer to
the Tobii T‐series eye tracker. Create a Tobii Studio Project and a test in which a screen
recording element (to record the emulator) is selected and dragged into the work space, i.e.
onto the timeline. If needed, also include an instruction element on the timeline to provide the
participants with some initial guidance before the test commences. Using the Questionnaire
element can also be valuable in order to collect data from the participants.
Figure 3. Extended desktop display. The dashed line highlights the division between the two screens.

www.tobii.com

It is advisable to use two screens connected to the computer running Tobii Studio during
testing using this setup. By using two screens the moderator control the start and stop of the
recording and ensure that the participant is positioned correctly as well as that eye tracking
data is collected continuously during the entire session. Set the screen on the Tobii Studio
computer to share the interface as an extended desktop with the eye tracker (see Figure 3).
Select the eye tracker as the presentation screen using the presentation screen selector tool in
Tobii Studio 1 . Click on [identify] to confirm you have selected the right screen setup. Connect
an extra mouse to the Tobii Studio computer to allow the participants to interact with the
interface of the emulator. Start the emulator and drag it onto the eye tracker screen. Choose a
suitable position for the emulator on the screen and ensure that position is not altered during
the testing as that will eliminate the possibility of quantitative analysis of the combined eye
tracking data from several participants. Enable Show Track Status (Ctrl+T) and position the
Track status window (see Figure 4) on the moderator’s screen. The Track status window is
useful when positioning the participant correctly in front of the eye tracker as well as for
ensuring that the participant stays within trackable distance from the eye tracker.

Figure 4. Track status window.

1
This feature is available from Tobii Studio 2.0. However, it is not included in the Basic version
of the software. If using the Basic version or a previous version of Tobii Studio, the eye tracker
monitor has to be set as the primary monitor by using the Display Settings in Windows.

www.tobii.com

Figure 5. Overview of the connections between the different parts of the setup.
1.2 Testing
Before the participants arrive, ensure that all cables are connected correctly (see Figure 5).
Also conduct a pilot test to ensure that both the test setup as well as the procedure to be used
during the testing are working properly. When the participant arrives, ask him or her to sit
down in front of the eye tracker. Use the Track Status window to guide the participant to adapt
an appropriate position at a correct distance from the eye tracker. Ensure that the participant
is sitting comfortably and is able to interact with the computer naturally. Start the calibration
procedure in Tobii Studio and initiate the test when the participant is ready. The actual test
procedure is identical to conducting a traditional eye tracking study using a screen stimulus.
Remember to…
• Make sure the emulator doesn´t move during or in between testing. Maintaining the exact same position of
the emulator is key to being able to use quantitative analysis tools such as Areas Of Interest.
• Consider choosing a lower resolution on the stimuli screen to relatively enlarge the emulator window (when
this is not possible to change within the emulator). By making the interface larger, analysis of gaze data
regarding small details becomes much more reliable as only a small part of the interface then will be seen
during each fixation. However, if testing is done to investigate which areas of the screen the participants
fixate on rather than which details they are interested in, it is better to use the actual size of the mobile
device’s screen.
o Consider using the full screen mode of the emulator. If a full screen mode is available it both ensures
that the emulator always appear in the same position and enlarges the user interface of the
emulator.
• Ensure that the participant maintains the distance to the eye tracker. The participant might try to lean closer
to get a better view of the screen (e.g. if small letters are presented on the screen). Try to prevent this by
placing the emulator towards the back of the table. This positioning uses the table as a barrier to limit
participant’s ability to get too close to the screen.
• Explain to the participant that there are two computer mouse devices so both the moderator and the
participant can interact with the mouse pointer. Using a single computer with an extended desktop display
which both the participant and the moderator can interact with might otherwise be confusing for the
participant.
o Make it clear to the participant when he or she can use the mouse or when the moderator is going
to be controlling it.

www.tobii.com

2 Below table setup

Figure 6. Illustration of the setup.
Equipment needed
• Tobii T‐series eye tracker (T60, T120)
• Floor stand to attach the mobile device holder, fixed in place
• Mobile device holder or a sled (long bended piece of plastic or metal) with adhesive
(tape strip) to hold the mobile device
• A small external video camera with a high resolution and frame rate (recommended at
least. 800X600 @ 15fps, preferably more)
• Adjustable lighting fixture with a light source (e.g. a small battery operated LED light)
• Deep table, height adjustable (preferable fixed)
• Mobile device to test
• User cam. (built‐in)

www.tobii.com

2.1 Setup Procedure

In this setup a deep and high table is needed. The depth of the table prevents the participant
from getting too close to the eye tracker. A high table provides more space for the participant
when interacting below the table with the phone and eliminates the need for the participant
to lean forwards to use the setup.
2.1.1.1 The eye tracker
Place the eye tracker close to the back of the table and connect it to a Tobii Studio computer. It
is recommended to position the table against a wall to eliminate the risk of the eye tracker
falling off the edge of the table. Position the floor stand with the mobile device holder
attached to it at a height that feels comfortable for the participant when using the mobile
device below the table. A height adjustable chair can provide more flexibility to this setup by
allowing the participant to adapt a comfortable position without changing the position of the
floor stand.
2.1.1.2 The light source
Mount a flexible light source to illuminate the mobile device. Either attach the light to the floor
stand, to the floor or fix it underneath the table. Ensure it doesn´t get in the way of the
participant when testing with the setup. After the camera is configured and properly set up,
check that no unwanted reflections caused by the light source are visible on the screen of the
mobile device when looking at the video feed.

www.tobii.com

2.1.1.3 The camera position and video feed
Connect the camera to the computer
running Tobii Studio and monitor the
image while setting it up. Position the
webcam just at the edge directly
underneath the table, facing the mobile
device (see Figure 8). Make sure it will not
obstruct the participant when using the
mobile device, and secure it firmly to
eliminate any accidental movement. Make
sure the hands of the participant will be
visible as well on the video stream shown
on the eye tracker screen. This helps with
orientation and coordination of the
participants’ actions while performing the
test and will decrease the time needed for
learning how to use the setup when using
it for the first time.
2.1.1.4 The mobile device
Adjust the mobile device to a downward
pointing angle in relation to the webcam.
This is to improve the perception of depth
and perspective for the participant. The
video camera will otherwise degrade this
Figure 8. Positions of the camera, the light source and the
mobile device. significantly which will make it harder for
the participants to operate the mobile
device accurately and intuitively.
2.1.2 Creating a Tobii Studio test
Create a new Tobii Studio project and a
test with an external video element.
Double click the element, select the video
source and adjust the settings of the video
feed. Choose a codec and settings which
provides a good quality image as what the
participant sees on the screen is what will
guide them on how to interact with the
phone. Also ensure that the time delay of
the video feed is kept at a minimum as it
otherwise can be confusing or frustrating
for the participant when they cannot see
the feedback of actions they have done as
quick as they might expect. Tick the
Figure 9. External Video Setup. checkbox that is labeled ‘Use video as
stimulus’ (see Figure 9).

www.tobii.com

Figure 10. Overview of the connections between the different parts of the setup.
2.2 Testing
If everything is connected correctly, the connections between the different parts of the setup
should be as can be seen in Figure 10.
When the participants arrive, ask them to position themselves comfortably whilst holding the
mobile device below the table. Once seated, ensure the participants are sitting at a good
distance from the eye tracker. As discussed in ‘Testing’ for the Emulator setup, using the Track
Status feature in Tobii Studio simplifies this activity. Start the calibration and test recording
whenever the participant is ready.
Remember to…
• Make sure everything that needs to be stationary is securely fixed in place during the testing. If the data is
going to be used for creating Areas Of Interest (AOIs), it is important that the position of the mobile phone
and the camera remains the same for all participants.
• Ensure that the video settings and the mobile device’s screen settings are configured correctly. It might be
necessary to lower the mobile device´s screen’s brightness to avoid overexposing the video stream when
switching between interfaces on the device with large differences in contrast.
• Fix the focus on the camera so the screen of the mobile device is in focus. This is to avoid the screen
appearing less sharp and therefore unreadable at any point during testing.
• Consider adding an extra light source. Participants might unintentionally obstruct the single light source by
their arms or hands below the table, leaving them with a dark image on the viewed video stream. Poor
viewing conditions can be annoying and distracting both for the participant during testing and as well as for
the researcher during analysis.
• Make sure the mobile device is fully charged to avoid having to use a charger during testing.
• Consider having a second mobile device (same as the one being tested) available if explanations about how
to interact with the device or how it works are necessary before the testing commences. Using the device
mounted below the table for such explanations is difficult. Hence, using a second device is to be preferred.
o Depending on the type of testing being done, the participants might want to get acquainted with the
phone by handling it like they normally would before using the testing setup. If testing the physical
interface of the phone is not the purpose of the test, letting the participant get to know the phone
before the actual testing begins can reduce the time needed for getting used to interact with the
phone under the table.

www.tobii.com

3 Inverted Xseries setup

Figure 11. Illustration of the setup.
Equipment needed
• Tobii X‐series eye tracker (X60 or X120)
• Modified stand or adjustable tripod/stand suitable for mounting an X120 upside down
(inverted)
• Short‐depth table (preferably fixed)
• Mobile phone holder or stand with adhesive tape to fix the mobile device in place
• Zoom camcorder (preferably HD) to act as a Scene Camera
• Mobile device to test
• User camera to capture participant reactions (optional)

www.tobii.com

3.1 Setup Procedure
3.1.1.1 Table, chair and eye tracker positioning
Set up a short table and a height adjustable chair. If possible, ensure that the table is fixed in
place as even small movements of the phone once the calibration has been done degrade the
accuracy of the eye tracking data collected. It is important that the chair can be adjusted to
compensate for differences in height of different participants. The chair should preferably not
have wheels as the participant should stay roughly in the same position during the entire
testing session.
Position the eye tracker (Tobii X‐series) just behind the table at approximately 65 cm distance
from the participants´ expected head position while seated. Choose a low position for the eye
tracker (just above the edge of the table) to provide it with a better view of the participants’
eyes. This is because the participant will be looking down on the device and his/her eyelids
might obstruct the eye trackers view on the eyes if the eye tracker is positioned to high.
3.1.1.2 The Tobii Studio computer
Connect the eye tracker to the Tobii Studio computer. The computer on which the moderator
can follow the participants’ interactions should be positioned slightly behind the participant.
This is because the movements on the computer screen otherwise might distract the
participants during testing.
Start Tobii Studio. Create a new project (or select a project previously created). Select the eye
tracker to be used from the Eye Tracker Selector which is found by clicking Tools in the top
navigation, selecting Settings and then clicking on the Eye Tracker tab 2 . To help with
positioning the eye tracker more accurately, the Show Track Status function in Tobii Studio
(accessible from the View menu or with the shortcut keys Ctrl+T) can be used. When having

2
Note: Use the Tobii X120 in a 60Hz mode to obtain more robust and accurate eye tracking,
due to the greater head movement box this mode provides.

www.tobii.com

opened the show Track Status function, position the eye tracker in a way that makes the
participants’ eyes (i.e. the white dots) appear in the center of the Track Status window and
with a distance measure (i.e. what can be seen to the right in the Track Status window) of
approximately 65‐70cm.
3.1.1.3 The mobile device
Position the holder with the mobile device in a
position which makes it comfortable for the
participants to interact with the device when sitting at
the chair. Keep in mind the following guidelines:
A variation to this setup
Place the phone in such a way that from the has previously been
participants´ point of view the top of the mobile device implemented, but not
is aligned with the bottom of the inverted Tobii X‐ thoroughly tested. The
series Eye Tracker. This is to avoid obstructing the eye phone was then placed
tracker’s field of view (see Figure 13). Placing the directly below the eye
mobile device more towards the participant may tracker. What needs to
improve accuracy of tracking (the screen appears be considered if such a
bigger to the participants’ eyes when held closer), but setup is used is that the
might also cause the participants’ eyelids to obstruct distance between the
Figure 13. Position of the eye tracker and
the mobile device. the eye tracker’s view of the participants’ eyes. When eye tracker and the
the participant looks downwards, the eyelids cover participant still needs to
more of the eye and, in addition, the eyelashes also become a factor that obstructs the view be at least 50 cm which
of the eyes. For our test setup we used a distance of about 36 cm from the front of the can be problematic if the
phone to the back of the eye tracker. This provided a good compromise between trackability participant has short
and a comfortable holding and viewing position for the participants. arms or a tendency to
lean forward to get a
3.1.1.4 The scene camera better look at the screen
Place the scene camera just above the expected head
(which then also is
position of the participant, allowing some extra space
positioned at least 50 cm
for the participants to get in and out of the seat
from the participant).
without obstructing the view of the camera or
accidentally change its position. Also take in to
consideration that the participants´ hair might potentially
block the camera´s view. If you, during the setup, notice
that this might become a problem, try to place the
camera more towards the front of the participant. Use a
camera with good zoom functionality to get a full view on
the mobile device’s screen. To ensure accurate results,
zoom in as much as possible whilst still keeping the
whole interface (screen and buttons) of the device
visible.
Also consider adding a camera to the setup positioned in
Figure 14. Scene camera setup. a way that allows it to record the participants´ physical
behavior during the test as this can be used for
qualitative analysis of the participant reactions.

www.tobii.com

3.1.2 Creating the test in Tobii Studio
When the setup of the equipment is completed, create a test in Tobii Studio and select the
‘Scene Camera’ option from the stimuli tool bar and drag it into the main work space.

Figure 15. Timeline with Scene Camera element.
3.1.3 Configuring the inverted Tobii Xseries
Since the eye tracker will be used in an inverted position with the ‘screen’, i.e. the mobile
device, positioned in front of the eye tracker, the configuration of the eye tracker will need to In our case all the values
account for this. This is achieved by using negative values in the configuration tool where measured had to be
either the eye tracker or the calibration screen is placed in the opposite position compared to entered as negative
regular use of the eye tracker. numbers into the Tobii X‐
series configuration tool.
To assist with these measurements the following configuration images show how the
measurement should be interpreted in this inverted setup. Observe the plus (+) and minus (‐)
icons that indicate whether the measured values should be entered as positive or negative.
Use the letters (in the inverted Tobii X‐series setup configuration image) to see which
measures that correspond with the input boxes in the Tobii X‐series configuration tool.
Guide Tobii X‐series configuration tool
Figure 16. Tobii X‐series configuration tool.
The Active Display Area is the area that is the focus of the eye tracking, e.g. the entire surface
of the mobile device if that is what is going to be tested. Ensure that this area is measured and

www.tobii.com

input into the configuration tool as this has impact on the accuracy of the eye tracking. Also
keep in mind that it is from the surface of the Active Display, i.e. in our case the front of the
mobile device, that the distance B in the configuration tool should be measured (see Figure
16).
3.1.4 Perspective calibration
When using the Tobii X‐series in an inverted setup, the dots in the Perspective calibration tool
in Tobii Studio need to be inverted as well. Use the following instruction to do this:
3.1.4.1 Opening up the calibration tool
Open the Scene Camera Setup by double clicking on the Scene Camera element on the
Set the camera resolution
timeline in Tobii Studio (see Figure 17). Select the Video Source you want to use, e.g. a HD USB
to at least 640x480 pixels
zoom camera connected to the computer, and do the necessary adjustments to the camera
and the frame rate of
and/or video settings to provide a clear high resolution image with a reasonable frame rate.
minimum 25 frames per
Our testing showed that the resolution of the camera has to be at least 640x480 and the frame
second.
rate 25 frames per second (fps). When selecting which codec to use, keep in mind that it needs
to be able to handle the extensive amount of data generated by the scene camera efficiently.
Use the Live Viewer to identify which codec is most suitable and what are the best possible
settings for the compression rate while still maintaining the video quality. The Live Viewer can
be accessed by clicking on View in the top navigation and selecting Live Viewer from the drop
down list.
Figure 17. How to get to the Scene Camera Setup.
3.1.4.2 Setting up the calibration grid
When using the Scene Camera option in Tobii Studio, the calibration has to be set manually as
there is no screen available for the participants to look at. In order to do this a calibration grid
has to be created. During the calibration, the calibration grid should be placed where the
surface of the device will be positioned during the test. Ideally, the calibration grid should be
shown on the display of the mobile device if the mobile device display is the main focus of the
eye tracking test. This is because that automatically places the grid in the same plane as the
object to be eye tracked.

www.tobii.com

Active Display Area height / 1.25 = Calibration grid height
Active Display Area Width / 1.25 = Calibration grid width
Figure 18. How to calculate the Calibration grid size.
The object that is to be eye tracked, i.e. the Active Display Area as discussed in the previous
step, should be 25% larger than the calibration grid. Make sure that the corners of the
calibration grid are exactly 90 degrees and that the center point is exactly in the middle of the
grid. How to calculate the size of the calibration grid can be seen in Figure 18.
Perspective Errors
If the calibration grid is not placed in the

same plane as the surface the participant is
going to see and on which the eye tracking
data will be collected for, an error or offset
might be introduced into the gaze data as
presented in Tobii Studio. This is because
the data collected by the eye tracker is
presented as two dimensional points super
positioned on the video feed captured by
the scene camera. If the distance between
the eyes and the scene camera is large, the
image seen by the eyes and by the camera
will differ in perspective. What the
calibration does is to compensate for this
difference in perspective by mapping the
gaze point from the eyes onto the image
seen by the camera. However, if this
perspective difference is altered after
Ensure the scene camera and the mobile device is kept calibration is completed, this mapping is no
still after the Perspective Calibration is completed. longer accurate.

www.tobii.com

3.1.4.3 Mapping the calibration grid with the eye tracker
Once the calibration grid has been created it is time to do the mapping between what the user
sees and the scene camera. For this, the Perspective Calibration tool is used. The Perspective
Calibration tool is accessed by first taking a snapshot using the scene camera (which can be
done by clicking New in the Scene Camera Setup window) and then by clicking the Zoom
button (see Figure 19).
1 2 2 2
4
The circle in the
1 1 centre will move
away from there
3 4 3 4 3 during this process.
Don’t worry – when
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
the process is
completed it will
automatically be
4 4 3 positioned at the
centre again.
2 1 2 1
3
Step 4 Step 5

Figure 19. Modifying the Perspective Calibration points.

3.1.4 Participant calibration
The participant calibration is, similar to the Perspective calibration, used to map collected data
together in Tobii Studio. However, this time the data to combine is the eye gaze data, i.e. what
the participant actually is looking, and what the eye tracker thinks the participant is viewing.
This is done by asking the participant to look at the dots in the calibration grid in a predefined
order known by the eye tracker. In the previous step the calibration grid was ´flipped´ in order
to compensate for the inverted eye tracker position. Hence, the calibration will also need to be
done in a different order than normal as well, i.e. upside down and back to front.

3.1.4.4 Selecting to use a manual calibration
procedure
The gaze data calibration of a participant when using the
Scene Camera stimuli needs to be done using the manual
calibration routine in Tobii Studio. This calibration mode is
selected by clicking on Setup in the Design and record view,
selecting Settings in the drop down list, clicking on the
Calibration tab and ticking the radio button next to Manual
under Calibration Type. Also ensure that the number of
calibration points selected in this view corresponds to the
number of points in the calibration grid.

Figure 20. Selecting manual calibration.

www.tobii.com

3.1.4.5 Doing the calibration with the participant
When starting the recording of the participant and doing the calibration, the moderator
conducting the study has to manually step through the calibration points by asking the
participant to look at the points in the order as presented on the screen of the computer
running Tobii Studio. However, as mentioned above, this order is not correct when using the
eye tracker in the way done when using this setup. Hence, the moderator has to modify the
order of looking at the points according to Figure 21. This means that, e.g., when the manual
calibration procedure indicates that the participant should look at the top left dot, the
participant should instead be asked to focus on the lower right dot and so forth.
Calibration order as seen on the Tobii Studio computer screen
1 3
5
2 4
Calibration order as it should be carried out with the participants
2 4
5
1 3
Figure 21. Order of the calibration points when using an inverted setup.
3.2 Testing
Now the actual setup is completed and everything should be ready for the testing to begin.
However, during testing some things need to be considered. To verify that the setup is set up
and working properly it is always advisably to make a few test recordings. Also check that the
connections are done correctly (see Figure 22).
Figure 22. Overview of the setup and the connections between the different parts of the setup.
Prior to each test, check that the equipment and the setup are working properly. When
participants arrive, ensure that they adapt a comfortable seating position as changing this
position radically, e.g. by moving too close to or too far away from the eye tracker, during the

www.tobii.com

testing might have a negative impact on the accuracy of the eye tracking data. Use the Show
Track Status window to verify that the participant is positioned at an appropriate distance from
the eye tracker. Start the test and perform the inverted calibration procedure as described in
step 4. When calibration is completed and the participant is ready, initiate the recording and
start the test.

Remember to…
• Fix the focus on the camera (to the distance to the screen) to avoid the screen becoming less sharp and
therefore unreadable during testing.
• Set the devices´ brightness so it doesn’t cause overexposure or underexposure when being filmed by the scene
camera. Beware of external light sources causing reflections on the screen and move the setup or the light
sources to avoid them showing up in the video recording.
o Lowering the brightness of the mobile device avoids overexposing the scene camera image when
switching between functions in the device that has big difference in contrast. Overexposure might
otherwise make the screen unreadable and the test results difficult to analyze.
• Use a power cord for the scene camera. This enables it to stay on and eliminates the risk of accidentally re‐
adjusting the zoom and the camera view when changing batteries. By keeping the scene camera and the
mobile device in the same position during all tests, good accuracy can be maintained which simplifies
quantitative analysis of the results.
• Make sure the mobile device is fully charged to avoid having to use a charger during testing.

www.tobii.com

Tobii Eye Tracker Setup Guide For Testing Mobile Devices

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Исходное описание:

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Tobii Eye Tracker Setup Guide For Testing Mobile Devices

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

If the calibration grid is not placed in the

Вам также может понравиться