https://github.com/hci-lab-um/cactus
Constraint-free multi-modal Access to Communication Technology for Users with Severe motor impairments. This proposal pushes the state of the art through novel eye-tracking interaction patterns along with the introduction of secondary input modalities to improve throughput and usability.
https://github.com/hci-lab-um/cactus
assistive-technology browser eye-tracking multimodal
Last synced: 2 months ago
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Constraint-free multi-modal Access to Communication Technology for Users with Severe motor impairments. This proposal pushes the state of the art through novel eye-tracking interaction patterns along with the introduction of secondary input modalities to improve throughput and usability.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/hci-lab-um/cactus
- Owner: hci-lab-um
- License: gpl-3.0
- Created: 2019-07-04T09:15:00.000Z (over 6 years ago)
- Default Branch: master
- Last Pushed: 2025-05-08T10:51:38.000Z (5 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-05-08T11:23:05.409Z (5 months ago)
- Topics: assistive-technology, browser, eye-tracking, multimodal
- Language: JavaScript
- Homepage:
- Size: 9.25 MB
- Stars: 1
- Watchers: 0
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 45
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
- Roadmap: ROADMAP.md
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
CACTUS Eye Browser – Setup Guide
Welcome to CACTUS – an accessible browser for users who rely on eye-tracking and alternative input devices. This guide outlines the required settings and software configurations to use CACTUS effectively across various platforms and devices.
## Installation
There are two ways to get started.
### Download and install the latest release
[Download latest release](https://github.com/hci-lab-um/cactus/releases)
### Download code and build
20.11.1 <= Node Version < 21 (It cannot be used with versions later than 20 because node-sass is depricated)
```
1. Download and install node
2. `cd` into repository
3. Run `npm install`
4. Run `npm install -g gulp`
5. Run `npm rebuild node-sass`
6. Run `npm rebuild electron`
```
You may create a binary for your platform by calling
`npm run dist`
#### Running
1. If you have the executable: look under the 'dist' folder
2. Alternatively use ```npm run start``` from your commmand line
## People
- [Chris Porter](https://www.um.edu.mt/profile/chrisporter)
- [Daniel Vella](https://www.linkedin.com/in/velladaniel/)
- [Marie Buhagiar](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-buhagiar-283155267/)
- [Daniel Calleja](https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-calleja-2a9670240/)
## Contributing
Pull requests are welcome. For major changes, please open an issue first to discuss what you would like to change.
## License
[GPL3](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.en.html)
## Setup and Usage Instructions
- Ensure your eye tracker or pointer device is properly calibrated.
- Open CACTUS using your preferred method (e.g. desktop shortcut, pinned taskbar).
- For pointer-based control (e.g. using eyes or head), make sure a system-wide pointer movement tool is active and configured (explained below).
---
## Tobii and Tobii Dynavox
### Windows Control (MyTobiiDynavox)
> Required for: Tobii Dynavox I-Series, PCEye, or similar devices using **Windows Control**.
#### Setup Steps:
1. Open **Settings** > **Taskbar**.
2. Add the **Move Cursor** task to the taskbar:
- Click on the **Change** button of **Tasks**.
- Tick the checkbox next to the **Move Cursor** if not already selected.
3. Navigate to the **Selection** tab.
4. Enable **Tertiary Selection** by ticking the checkbox.
#### After Setup:
- Open CACTUS.
- Activate **Sticky Move Cursor** using Tertiary Selection (visit the Tutorial from the Settings for guidance).
- You can now browse using eye-based pointer and dwell selection.
### Classic Tobii Gaze Interaction Software
> Legacy software used with older Tobii devices.
- Enable mouse emulation within the Gaze Interaction settings.
- Launch CACTUS once gaze-to-pointer is active.
### TD Control (Tobii Dynavox)
> ⚠️ Does **not** support mouse pointer movement directly.
#### Workaround:
- To use CACTUS, switch to **Gaze Point**:
1. Close TD Control.
2. Open **Gaze Point** software (enables gaze-controlled mouse movement).
3. Use CACTUS as normal.
4. When done, close Gaze Point and reopen TD Control to return to AAC use.
### Gaze Point (Standalone)
- Launch **Gaze Point**.
- Ensure the pointer control is working.
- Open CACTUS and use it with gaze control.
---
## GazePoint GP3
- Use third-party applications built with the **GP3 SDK** to enable pointer control.
- Once enabled, open CACTUS and begin navigation.
---
## Pupil Labs – Pupil Core
- Requires third-party software built on the **Pupil Core SDK**.
- Make sure pointer control is active through your application.
- Launch CACTUS for interaction.
---
## IrisBond Hiru
> Pointer control feature not yet tested with CACTUS.
- Built-in pointer control is available in some configurations.
- Users may attempt to use CACTUS with pointer enabled and report back on functionality.
---
## EyeTech Digital Systems
- Pointer control is available through:
- **EyeOn**
- **QuickACCESS**
- Third-party applications (SDK required)
> Note: These configurations are **not fully tested**. Use at your own discretion.
---
## Quha Zono (Head Mouse)
- Works out of the box.
- No extra setup required for pointer movement.
- Simply open CACTUS and use as with a standard mouse.
---
## Experimental and Not Yet Tested
Some devices or software have not yet been fully tested with CACTUS. If you attempt to use CACTUS with these and encounter issues, please [open an issue](https://github.com/hci-lab-um/cactus/issues) or contact the development team.
---
## 💡 Troubleshooting
- If the pointer is not moving: Confirm that your pointer control software is active and not blocked by other applications. Ensure tertiary selection is enabled (when using Windows Control).
- CACTUS is unresponsive: Try restarting the browser and pointer control software.
- Eye tracker not detected: Verify hardware connection, calibration, and system permissions.
---
## 🆘 Need Help?
If you're unsure how to configure your system or need help with setup, feel free to:
- Open an issue in this repository
- Contact the support team on: [cactus@um.edu.mt](mailto:cactus@um.edu.mt)
---
Happy browsing with CACTUS! 🌵