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SPECIFICTION
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OpenGazer

github.com

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Spec score 7.9 #11 of 27 in Eye Tracking Software

What it is

OpenGazer is a Linux application that uses an ordinary webcam to estimate gaze direction and send it to other programs. It also tracks head position and rotation, and displays the estimated gaze point, head-rotation lines, and calibration target. Setup calls for a camera at 640×480, placed centrally below the monitor. Users calibrate by looking at indicated screen points while keeping their head still, then choose facial tracking points; the project calls for at least four and recommends seven or eight. Gaze estimates appear on screen, print to standard output, and are sent through a local UDP socket on port 20230. Dasher is an example of software that can use the gaze direction for writing with the eyes. OpenGazer is free under GPLv2 and uses the X Window System interface. It is marked Alpha, with a last update listed as 2013-04-24. Building it requires VXL, OpenCV, gtkmm, cairomm, and Boost.

Spec sheet

Purpose
OpenGazer is an open-source gaze tracker designed for ordinary webcams.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The repository lists the GNU GPL version 2.0 license.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Approach
The project describes itself as a low-cost software alternative to commercial hardware-based eye trackers.Read 3 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Audience and interface
SourceForge describes it as a Linux desktop application with an X Window System interface for end users.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Build requirements
The README lists VXL, OpenCV, gtkmm, cairomm, and Boost as build requirements.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Calibration
Calibration asks the user to look at screen points while keeping their head still.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Camera setup
The instructions specify a 640×480 camera mode and access to the webcam device file.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Custom use
The README says two calibration points can configure the tracker as a binary switch.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Development status
SourceForge lists the project status as Alpha and its last update as 2013-04-24.Read 3 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Example integration
SourceForge gives Dasher as an example program that can use gaze direction for eye based writing.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Gaze output
The program estimates the gaze point and displays it on screen.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Head tracking
Users select facial points to track head position and rotation alongside gaze.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Output
The README says gaze estimates are printed to standard output and sent over a local UDP socket on port 20230.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Output methods
Gaze coordinates are written to standard output and sent over a local UDP socket on port 20230.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Platform
SourceForge lists Linux as the operating system and X Window System (X11) as the user interface.Read 3 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Project status
SourceForge labels the project Alpha and lists its last update as 2013-04-24.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Tracking setup
The README instructs users to select at least four facial tracking points and recommends seven or eight.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Use case
The project gives Dasher as an example of software that can use OpenGazer so a person can write with their eyes.Read 3 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net

Plans and prices

OpenGazer Free Open-source gaze tracker; requires a webcam and Linux build dependencies Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every OpenGazer plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Uses an ordinary webcam for gaze tracking.
  • Sends coordinates over standard output and local UDP.
  • Can track head position and rotation.
  • Free under GPLv2.

Limits

  • Project status is Alpha.
  • Last update is listed as 2013-04-24.
  • Building requires five listed dependencies.
  • Requires a webcam and specified calibration setup.

Who it suits

OpenGazer may suit Linux users who want to route webcam-based gaze estimates to another program, including an eye-based writing tool such as Dasher. It requires the listed build dependencies and camera setup.

Verdict

OpenGazer provides a free webcam-based gaze output path for Linux, with a documented calibration and UDP workflow. Its Alpha status and dated last-update listing are important context before relying on it.

Where Specifiction places it

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