Quickstart Guide
1. Setting up the Webcam
Start by connecting a webcam to your PC and placing it at the top of the screen in the middle. Make sure that the lens is pointing forward and positioned parallel to the screen.
For laptops with built-in webcams, nothing needs to be done.
2. Starting the Eyetracker Server
Launch the HoloGold Eyetracker Server application. Then, press START to run the server. For most webcams, this will make the indicator light start flashing.
In most cases, increasing the Resolution beyond 1080p will not be necessary.
Smoothing will stabilize tracking but may impact responsiveness.
3. Launching HoloGold
Launch the HoloGold application.
4. Setting the Display Profile
Configure the Display Profile (monitor size and aspect ratio).
Save the display setting Save the calibration result (Configuration->Display->Save Display Configuration) for future access.
5. Selecting the Webcam Model
Check if the installed webcam appears in the list below:
- NexiGo N980P (*Recommended)
- Logitech MX BRIO
- Logitech C920
- MacBook Air 15inch M2 2023 built-in webcam
- Spedal 920
These webcam models are pre-calibrated and the calibration files are available for download on the Resources page.
If the webcam is not listed, simply proceed to the next step (STEP6-A).
If the webcam is listed, access Configuration:Webcam from the top menu bar and load the provided webcam configuration file. Then, proceed to the next step (STEP6-A).
6-A. Specifying the Webcam Position Offset
Correctly setting the Webcam Position before running webcam calibration should improve the resulting eyetracking accuracy.
Use a tape measure or a ruler to measure the distance between the top center of the screen and the center of the webcam lens, and specify the offset values.
For example, if the webcam camera lens is located 3 cm above the top-center pixel of the screen, the Y-offset should be set to "3 cm".
6-B. Running Webcam Calibration
This step is optional if a laptop with an in-built webcam is used.
The three-step webcam calibration - tilt, depth and offset - should be completed in the given order. The depth and offset calibration steps are optional also for external webcams but still recommended for enhanced visual perception.
Tilt calibration should be completed only when an external webcam is used. For a laptop with an in-built webcam, skip tilt calibration.
If a webcam model was selected from STEP5, skip the depth and offset calibration steps and proceed directly to STEP7.
Depth calibration requires a tape measure, and having access to a small box-shaped object with a flat top will help achieve a more accurate tilt/offset calibration. Ensure that Display Profile and Webcam Position are both configured properly before running these two calibrations.
Save the calibration values (Configuration->Webcam->Save Calibration) for future access.
7. Testing out the Display & Webcam
Press Display Logo or Display Cube to test out the display device and eyetracking.
8. Using HoloGold
Display a hologram by accessing the menu (Run->Run Hologram) using one of the following modes:
Demo - Lite Version
- Display a set of demo OBJ 3D models as holograms.
- Follow the link on the download page to get the demo 3D OBJ files.
OBJ/GLTF/GLB/PLY - Standard Version
- Display OBJ/GLTF/GLB/PLY files as holograms.
- GLTF/GLB animation sequences can be selected using the bottom menu bar in hologram view mode.
- The HoloGold scene state file (.hgs) can be placed inside the folder to restore the scene setting next time the OBJ file is loaded.
HoloClock - Standard Version
- Display a holographic clock screensaver.
Function 3D - Standard Version
- Display 3D functions (real & complex) as holograms.
- See the GitHub page: