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OpenGazer
What it is
OpenGazer is a free Linux application that uses an ordinary webcam to estimate gaze direction and pass coordinates to other programs. It also tracks head position and rotation, and displays the estimated gaze point, head-rotation lines, and a calibration target. To set it up, users position a 640×480 camera centrally below the monitor, calibrate by looking at indicated screen points while keeping their head still, and select facial points for tracking. The project calls for at least four points and recommends seven or eight. Gaze estimates appear on screen, print to standard output, and are sent over a local UDP socket on port 20230. The project gives Dasher as an example of software that can use gaze direction for eye-based writing. OpenGazer is distributed under GPLv2 and uses the X Window System interface. It is listed for Linux, Debian, and Ubuntu. The project is marked Alpha, with its last update listed as 2013-04-24. Building it requires VXL, OpenCV, gtkmm, cairomm, and Boost.
For and against
For
- Uses an ordinary webcam for gaze tracking.
- Sends gaze coordinates to other programs.
- Can track head position and rotation.
- Free under the GPLv2 license.
Against
- Project status is Alpha.
- Last update is listed as 2013-04-24.
- Building requires five listed dependencies.
- Requires calibration and facial tracking-point selection.
The verdict
OpenGazer provides webcam-based gaze estimates and several ways to send them to other software. Its Alpha status, listed update date, and build requirements are worth considering.
Who it suits
OpenGazer may suit Linux users who want webcam-based gaze estimates for another program, such as eye-based writing with Dasher. It requires the listed build dependencies and a specific camera setup.
Plans and prices
OpenGazer
Open-source gaze tracker; requires a webcam and Linux build dependencies
Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Approach
- The project describes itself as a low-cost software alternative to commercial hardware-based eye trackers.sourceforge.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Audience and interface
- SourceForge describes it as a Linux desktop application with an X Window System interface for end users.sourceforge.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Build requirements
- The README lists VXL, OpenCV, gtkmm, cairomm, and Boost as build requirements.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Calibration
- Calibration asks the user to look at screen points while keeping their head still.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Camera setup
- The instructions specify a 640×480 camera mode and access to the webcam device file.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Custom use
- The README says two calibration points can configure the tracker as a binary switch.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Development status
- SourceForge lists the project status as Alpha and its last update as 2013-04-24.sourceforge.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Example integration
- SourceForge gives Dasher as an example program that can use gaze direction for eye based writing.sourceforge.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Gaze output
- The program estimates the gaze point and displays it on screen.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Head tracking
- Users select facial points to track head position and rotation alongside gaze.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository lists the GNU GPL version 2.0 license.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Output
- The README says gaze estimates are printed to standard output and sent over a local UDP socket on port 20230.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Output methods
- Gaze coordinates are written to standard output and sent over a local UDP socket on port 20230.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Platform
- SourceForge lists Linux as the operating system and X Window System (X11) as the user interface.sourceforge.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Project status
- SourceForge labels the project Alpha and lists its last update as 2013-04-24.sourceforge.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- OpenGazer is an open-source gaze tracker designed for ordinary webcams.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Tracking setup
- The README instructs users to select at least four facial tracking points and recommends seven or eight.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Use case
- The project gives Dasher as an example of software that can use OpenGazer so a person can write with their eyes.sourceforge.net · read 3 Oct 2026
