Smart Eye Aurora - User Manual

Aurora
User Guide
Version 9.2

Summary

Introduction

Intended Use

Primary design for fixation-based eye tracking on screens up to 24 inches, including head and eyelid tracking.

Software and System Requirements

System Requirements

Specifies minimum hardware and software needs including OS version, RAM, CPU, and camera interface for Aurora.

Compatible Software

Lists compatible third-party software applications that can be used with the Smart Eye Aurora eye tracker.

Aurora Hardware

Whats in the Box

Lists all items included in the package with the Aurora eye tracker, such as cables and cleaning supplies.

Product Care

Guidance on cleaning the eye tracker's front glass to ensure optimal tracking performance and prevent damage.

Setup

Software Installation

Detailed steps for installing the Smart Eye Tracker software, including user account control and driver installation.

Mounting

Instructions and visual aids for correctly mounting the Aurora eye tracker onto a display screen.

Eye Tracker Calibration

Procedure for calibrating the Aurora eye tracker using the Smart Eye Setup Tool for accurate data.

Software Update

Upgrade Firmware

Steps to update the Aurora eye tracker firmware using the Smart Eye Setup Tool and .auimg files.

Support

Troubleshooting

Solutions to common problems encountered during installation, connection, and operation of the eye tracker.

Customer Support

Information on how to contact sales representatives or retailers for additional help and support.

Safety and Compliance

Compliance

Details safety standards like IEC 62368, IEC 62471, and EU directives for EMC and RoHS compliance.

Operating Temperature

Information on the tested operating conditions and temperature specifications of the Aurora eye tracker.

Technical Specifications

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Smart Eye Aurora is an advanced eye tracker designed to provide insightful data in various environments. Its compact size makes it highly portable and easy to transition between different screens and projects without compromising performance. The Aurora is also designed with future scalability in mind, allowing for upgrades to achieve higher framerates if user needs evolve.

Function Description

The primary function of the Smart Eye Aurora is fixation-based eye tracking on screens, including laptop displays and other monitors. It is engineered to perform reliably across all indoor illumination conditions, delivering precise and accurate tracking on screens up to 24 inches (16:9 aspect ratio). Beyond eye tracking, the Aurora also provides accurate head tracking and eyelid tracking capabilities. This comprehensive data collection makes it a versatile tool for various research and application scenarios.

The Aurora is built for collaborative use, meaning it can be seamlessly integrated with other sensors and bio-measuring systems. This capability enhances its utility in complex research setups where synchronized data from multiple sources is crucial. The device's ability to provide real-time gaze origin, gaze point, pupil diameter, eyelid opening, head position, and rotation, along with a real-time timestamp, ensures a rich dataset for analysis. All outputs are provided as binocular data, each accompanied by an associated quality index, allowing users to assess the reliability of the collected information.

The eye tracker operates on a dark pupil and corneal reflection principle, a robust method for accurate eye tracking. It supports sampling rates of both 60 Hz and 120 Hz, catering to different research requirements for temporal resolution. The headbox, which defines the freedom of head movement, is 50 x 40 cm at a 65 cm distance, offering a comfortable range for users. The optimal operating distance for the Aurora is between 50 and 80 cm from the screen.

Usage Features

Setting up the Smart Eye Aurora involves a straightforward process, beginning with software installation, followed by physical mounting, and finally, eye tracker calibration.

1. Software Installation: The Smart Eye Tracker software is essential for operating the Aurora. The installation process is initiated by launching the installer, clicking "Install," and confirming through the User Account Control and Windows Security prompts to install necessary drivers. Once completed, the installer can be closed. This ensures that the system is ready to communicate with the eye tracker.

2. Mounting: The Aurora is designed for on-screen mounting using a supplied bracket and adhesive tape.

   • First, identify the center of the lower screen edge. This can be done manually or with the center marker feature in the Smart Eye Setup Tool.
   • Clean the mounting area thoroughly with the provided Chem Pad™ wipes to ensure optimal adhesion.
   • Remove the adhesive tape cover from the mounting bracket.
   • Align the bracket's center with the screen's lower edge center, ensuring it is straight, and press firmly for 30 seconds to secure it.
   • Finally, attach the eye tracker to the mounted bracket. Connect the eye tracker to the computer using the supplied USB-C cable. If using a USB-A cable for 60 Hz operation, ensure it is connected to a USB 3.0 port for proper functionality.

3. Eye Tracker Calibration: Calibration is crucial for accurate tracking.

   • Launch the Smart Eye Setup Tool from the Windows Start Menu.
   • Select "Aurora" as your eye tracker type.
   • If you have multiple screens, specify the display where the eye tracker is mounted. The "Identify" button can help display unique letters on each screen to assist in selection.
   • Click the "Calibrate" button to open the calibration window in full-screen mode on the selected display.
   • During calibration, align the dashed lines on the screen to the edges of the physical eye tracker. Confirm this alignment by pressing "Enter." Once confirmed, the calibration data is saved, and the Smart Setup Tool can be closed. This ensures the eye tracker accurately maps gaze data to the screen coordinates.

Maintenance Features

Proper maintenance of the Smart Eye Aurora is essential to ensure optimal tracking performance and longevity.

1. Product Care: The front glass of the eye tracker must be kept clean to maintain optimal tracking quality.

   • If dirt or dust accumulates on the front glass, it should be cleaned carefully.
   • Use a dry microfiber cloth specifically designed for cleaning cameras, camera lenses, or eyeglasses. Gently wipe the front glass to remove any debris.
   • Warning: It is critical not to use alcohol or any other unsupported cleaning methods on the front glass, as this can cause permanent damage to the eye tracker.

2. Firmware Updates: The Aurora eye tracker's firmware may require periodic upgrades to enhance performance and stability.

   • Firmware images are provided as .auimg files and are applied using the Smart Eye Setup Tool.
   • To upgrade, open the Smart Eye Setup Tool and navigate to "Advanced Settings" after selecting "Aurora."
   • Ensure the eye tracker is connected to a USB port (USB 3.0 for USB-A cables) and verify that the eye tracker information is displayed.
   • Select the .auimg file containing the new firmware and click the "Upgrade" button.
   • The upgrade process may take several minutes. Warning: It is crucial not to unplug the Aurora eye tracker during a firmware upgrade, as this could render the device unusable.

3. Troubleshooting and Support: The manual provides solutions for common issues.

   • Installation Issues: If unable to install the Smart Eye Tracker, ensure you have administrator rights on the computer.
   • Laptop Sleep Mode: If the laptop enters sleep mode when the eye tracker is connected, it might be due to a magnet in the eye tracker interacting with the laptop's lid sensor. Adjust the power settings in the Control Panel's "Power Options" to keep the computer awake when the lid is closed.
   • Connection Problems: If there are connection issues with the eye tracker, try unplugging and re-plugging it.
   • Low or Fluctuating Framerate: Ensure the computer is connected to a power source and is using a high-performance Windows power plan. This setting can be adjusted in the "Power Options" menu in the Control Panel; creating a new power plan with the high-performance option is recommended.
   • For persistent problems or issues not covered in the troubleshooting guide, users are advised to contact their sales representative or retailer for customer support.

The Smart Eye Aurora is designed for robust operation, with safety and compliance being key considerations. It adheres to safety standards IEC 62368 and IEC 62471, and declarations of conformity include EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS). The device has been tested for operating temperature, reaching a stable temperature after approximately one hour of use. While the device may feel warm to the touch, the maximum temperatures (40 degrees Celsius for 60 Hz and 43 degrees Celsius for 120 Hz) are not harmful to the user and do not affect the function or lifespan of the product.

Smart Eye Aurora Specifications

Performance

sampling rate	60, 120 and 250 Hz
accuracy	0.3 degrees (typ.)
precision	0.1 degrees (typ.)
time stamp precision	1 µs
latency	25 ms (60 Hz), 17 ms (120 Hz), 12 ms (250 Hz)

Operating Environment

operating environment	Indoor (all illumination conditions)
eye tracking principle	Dark pupil and corneal reflection
operating system	Windows 10 and 11

Connectivity

cable length	2 m (up to 8 m with additional hardware)
camera interface	USB-C
synchronization	8-bit markers

Weight and Dimensions

headbox freedom of head movement	50 x 40 cm at 65 cm distance
operating distance	50 - 80 cm
size	146 x 24 x 27 mm
weight	162 g
maximum display size	24” (16:9 aspect ratio)