Tobii Eye Trackers
Introduction
Tobii Pro eye trackers are used to measure eye movement and pupil size.
Availability, support and advice
A Tobii eye tracker can be borrowed from SOLO through the Helpdesk. Note that only a limited amount of eye trackers is available. The Tobii eye trackers are supported by SOLO, for questions please contact labsupport@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.
Software
Tobii Eye Trackers can easily be used with Tobii software, such as Tobii Pro Lab. To incorporate Tobii eye tracking in other stimulus presentation software, see the E-Prime and Tobii and OpenSesame and Tobii pages or see the Tobii software guide for a complete overview of software that can be used with Tobii eye trackers.
System and software compatibility
See here for an overview of system and software compatibility for all Tobii eye trackers.
Eye tracker setup
How the eye tracker is set-up depends on the eye tracker model. See below for more information on the specific model. For questions, contact labsupport@fsw.leidenuniv.nl. When using a Tobii Pro remote eye tracker (e.g. Fusion, X3-120, X2-60, Nano) the eye tracker needs to be configured after connecting it to a computer. This configuration needs to be performed each time the eye tracker is connected to another computer. See the Eye Tracker Manager for instructions how to configure the eye tracker. Only after this setup, the eye tracker can be used with the desired task presenting software.
Tobii Pro eye tracker models
A list of Tobii eye tracker models that are (or were) used at FSW Leiden are given below. Note that this is not an exhaustive list of all Tobii Pro eye trackers. For currently available models, see the Tobii Pro website.
Spectrum
The Tobii Pro Spectrum is a screen based eye tracker, sampling at 300, 600 or 1200 Hz (depending on the hardware version). The eye tracker comes with a screen, but can be detached from the screen when stimuli are presented without screen. The eye tracker is connected to the PC with a network cable and the eye tracker screen can be connected to the PC with various display connectors. The Spectrum is Tobii's most powerful eye tracker and its usage is recommended in more detailed studies, infant research and it has special modes for eye tracking with apes and monkeys. The FSW has one Spectrum eye tracker (600 Hz) which is part of a fixed setup in an infant lab. For more information, contact labsupport@fsw.leidenuniv.nl. The latest version of the manual and other Spectrum related products can be downloaded here.
Fusion
The Tobii Pro Fusion is a remote screen based eye tracker, sampling at 60, 120, or 250 Hz (250 Hz is not available by default). The bar can be connected to a monitor with a magnetic strip and is connected to the PC via USB. It is recommended to connect the power adapter for best performance. A Fusion eye tracker can be borrowed from SOLO through the Helpdesk. Note that some difficulties have been observed with the Fusion, especially in infant research. For more information, contact labsupport@fsw.leidenuniv.nl. The latest version of the manual and other Fusion related products can be downloaded here.
Nano
The Tobii Pro Nano is a small remote screen based eye tracker, sampling at 60 Hz. The bar can be connected to a monitor with a magnetic strip and is connected to the PC via USB. This eye tracker can only be used with relatively small screens (up to 24"), see the specifications for more info. A Nano eye tracker can be borrowed from SOLO through the Helpdesk. The latest version of the manual and other Nano related products can be downloaded here.
Spark
The Tobii Pro Spark is a remote screen based eye tracker, sampling at 60 Hz. The bar can be connected to a monitor with a magnetic strip and is connected to the PC via USB. The Spark is Tobii's entry-level eye tracker, which means it is most affordable, but lacks a bit mainly in accuracy and precision compared to the other eye trackers (see the specifications for more info and a comparison with other Tobii eye trackers). The latest version of the manual and other Spark related products can be downloaded here.
X3-120
The Tobii X3-120 is a remote, screen based eye tracker sampling at 120 Hz (but note that pupil size samples at 40 Hz). The bar can be connected to a monitor with a magnetic strip and is connected to the PC via an external processing unit (EPU). An X3-120 can be borrowed from SOLO through the Helpdesk. The latest version of the manual and other X3-120 related products can be downloaded here.
X2-60
The Tobii X2-60 is a remote, screen based eye tracker sampling at 60 Hz. The bar can be connected to a monitor with a magnetic strip an is connected to the PC via a processing unit. The latest version of the manual and firmware can be downloaded here.
T120
The Tobii T120 is a screen based eye tracker consisting of a screen with built in eye tracker, sampling at 120 Hz. The manual is available .
Glasses 2
The Tobii Pro Glasses 2 is a wearable eye tracker, sampling at 50 or 100 Hz. Data recordings are controlled by the Tobii Pro Glasses 2 Controller and data can be analyzed with Tobii Pro Lab (using an Analyzer license). For more information see the Learn how to use Tobii Pro Glasses 2 video. The manual and other Glasses 2 related products can be downloaded here.
Synchronization between Glasses 2 and other equipment
The Glasses 2 can send and receive pulses (TTL triggers) through a sync port, which enables synchronization between the Glasses 2 and other equipment (such as Biopac).
By default, the Glasses 2 sends synchronization pulses. These pulses, which consist of one bit (on or off), start when the recording starts with a sequence consisting of a 500 ms high pulse (3.3 V), followed by a 500 ms low pulse (0 V), repeated 3 times. After that, one pulse is emitted once every ten seconds and has a duration of 1000 ms. See the Glasses 2 User Guide (which can be downloaded here) for more information.
The Glasses 2 can also receive pulses. These pulses also consist of one bit (on or off) and can be sent from stimulus presentation software such as OpenSesame or E-Prime. The pulses are logged as SYNC IN HI and SYNC IN LOW events, as viewed in Tobii Pro Lab.
Sending pulses to the Glasses 2 is generally preferred over sending pulses from the Glasses 2, as it provides more flexibility in determining the timing of the triggers. Please contact labsupport@fsw.leidenuniv.nl for advice on your specific setup and synchronization needs. Labsupport can also provide the necessary cables for synchronization (whether it'd be sending or receiving pulses) and advice on electrical safety when using the sync port.
HTC Vive Pro Eye with Tobii Eye Tracking
The Vive Pro Eye is a VR headset that can be integrated with Tobii eye tracking. More information can also be found here.
Resources
- Tobii website
- Tobii instruction videos by FSW Leiden (note that the remote eye tracker configuration is outdated, see the Eye Tracker Manager for up-to-date instructions)
- Tobii Pro Academy: free online courses offered by Tobii
- The latest manuals and other Tobii products can be downloaded here
- What software and operating systems are compatible with Tobii pro eye trackers?