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

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
• Daniel Vella
• Marie Buhagiar
• Daniel Calleja

Contributing

Pull requests are welcome. For major changes, please open an issue first to discuss what you would like to change.

License

GPL3

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).

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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.

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GazePoint GP3

• Use third-party applications built with the GP3 SDK to enable pointer control.
• Once enabled, open CACTUS and begin navigation.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 or contact the development team.

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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.

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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

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Happy browsing with CACTUS!