Join now

General User Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the Televagal PhysioCam! This guide will walk you through the installation, setup, and usage of PhysioCam, ensuring a smooth experience. Please follow the steps carefully to get started and make the most of this tool.
We have also created a walkthrough video for you, taking you through all the steps necessary for set up and use of the Physiocam.
Watch the Walkthrough Video

Installation

To install PhysioCam, follow these steps:
  1. Check your email
    After your purchase, you’ll receive an email with:
    a. Your username and temporary password
    b. A download link for the PhysioCam software

  2. Download and run the installer
    Click the link in your email to download the installer. Once downloaded, open the file to begin installation.

  3. Follow the installation prompts
    Click “Next” on each screen to proceed with the default settings. The installer will take care of the setup for you.

  4. Install required software (OBS Studio)
    After PhysioCam is installed, the system will automatically begin installing OBS Studio, which is needed for the virtual camera.

  5. Configure OBS Studio
    a. When the OBS Auto-Configuration Wizard appears, select:
        “I will only be using the virtual camera”
    b. Click “Next”, then “Apply Settings”

  6. Finish installation
    Once everything is installed and configured, click “Exit” in OBS. You’re now ready to start using PhysioCam.

Setting Up Your Webcam

  1. Purchase your webcam here
  2. Plug in your webcam using a USB port on your computer.
  3. Confirm that your camera is recognized by your operating system.
  4. Once recognized, your camera is ready for use with PhysioCam.
IMPORTANT: To use the Televagal PhysioCam, your camera may not be actively in use by any other application. Before starting the PhysioCam, please close any other applications that may be using your camera.

Logging Into PhysioCam

Before logging in, ensure the following:
  • An active WiFi connection is available.
  • A valid PhysioCam Subscription is active.
Steps to Log In:
  1. Launch the PhysioCam software.
  2. Enter your Televagal Username and Password when prompted on the login screen.
    • If this is your first time, use the username and temporary password that were emailed to you after your purchase. You will be prompted to create a new, permanent password.
    • If this is not your first time, use your username and your own, permanent password.
  3. Accept Terms and Conditions by clicking on the check box.
  4. Click the “Log In” button.
  5. Once logged in, you will be directed to the main software window.

Starting a Session

Once logged in, you will see three main control buttons:
  • Start (Green) – Initiates a session.
  • Color Bar On/Off (Yellow) – This toggles the color bar on and off when in a call.
  • Stop (Red) – Ends the session.

Additionally, available camera sources will be available in a drop-down menu labeled Camera Sources.

  • This list should include any connected USB cameras that are available to the PhysioCam software. 
  • Selecting a camera from this list sets it as the camera to be used in your next PhysioCam session. This cannot be changed during a session. 
Steps to Start a Session:
  1. Verify the Status Indicator: Before beginning, the status indicator will show Stopped.
  2. Click the Green “Start” Button: This initiates a new session.
  3. Wait for the System to Start: The middle window will remain empty momentarily while PhysioCam initializes. This may take 60-90 seconds to show your video. During this time, the status indicator for the PhysioCam interface will show “Setting Up”.
  4. Video Feed Activation: After a few moments, the central window will display the front-facing video feed of the subject.
  5. Calibration Period: For a short time after the PhysioCam session begins (approximately 90 seconds), PhysioCam will calibrate to the subject’s face and environment.
    • The meter marker will be white during this process.
    • As the PhysioCam completes its setup and calibration, the status label on the PhysioCam interface shows the following calibration stages:
      1. “Collecting Pulses”
      2. “Creating Baseline”
    • After calibration, the meter marker will turn black and start moving along the gradient color bar. Additionally, the status label on the PhysioCam interface becomes “Live”.

Ending a Session

To end a PhysioCam session:
  1. Click the Red “Stop” Button.
  2. Wait for the Status Indicator to Change: The indicator will switch from Running to Stopped.
  3. Session Window Resets: The middle window will return to a black, inactive state.
  4. Once stopped, PhysioCam is ready to start another session.

Using PhysioCam with Zoom and Other Video Conferencing Platforms

PhysioCam is designed to integrate with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other video conferencing platforms using a Virtual Camera.

Steps for Using PhysioCam with Zoom:
  1. Start your Zoom call.
  2. Change the Zoom camera source to OBS Virtual Camera in the video settings.
    • If PhysioCam is not running, the OBS Virtual Camera feed may display an OBS logo on a blue background. This is normal and expected.
  3. Ensure Your Camera is Not in Use:
    • If the physical camera is already active in Zoom, you will be unable to use it for PhysioCam simultaneously.
  4. Start a PhysioCam Session:
    • Once the PhysioCam window displays your video feed with the color bar overlay, the same image will appear for you and your Zoom participants.
  5. Ending the Zoom Call:
    • First, end the Zoom call.
    • Then, stop the PhysioCam session before closing the software.

Interpreting PhysioCam Output

PhysioCam provides real-time feedback on autonomic nervous system activity through a gradient color bar, which transitions from green to yellow to red. This system is inspired by the Polyvagal Ladder developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, though it does not mirror it exactly.

Understanding the Color Bar and Meter Movement
  • Unlike the Polyvagal Ladder, which represents absolute nervous system states, PhysioCam’s color bar is dynamic and reflects relative movement and trends in your autonomic nervous system.
  • The marker on the meter moves in response to shifts in autonomic activity, indicating a transition towards regulation (green) or dysregulation (red).
  • Important: The movement of the meter does not signify an absolute state (e.g., fully ventral vagal or fully dorsal vagal). Instead, it indicates the direction of change in your nervous system’s state relative to your baseline at the start of the session.
Key Considerations for Interpretation
  • Session-Specific Readings: Each PhysioCam session establishes a unique baseline. Movement on the meter should be interpreted within a single session, not compared across multiple sessions.
  • Context Matters: The meter’s response should be considered alongside your environment and external stimuli. If a particular situation causes a notable change in the marker’s position, this shift might provide insights into nervous system regulation and responses to stimuli.
  • Therapeutic Use: By observing how the meter moves in different contexts, you can gain a deeper understanding of nervous system responses, potentially informing therapeutic strategies and interventions.

PhysioCam Troubleshooting Guide

Welcome to the PhysioCam Troubleshooting Guide. If you’re experiencing an issue with the PhysioCam software, this guide will walk you through the most common problems and their solutions.

If your issue is not listed here, please contact our support team at su*****@*******al.com or open a support ticket within your Televagal.com account.

Login Issues

I can’t log into my PhysioCam account.
  • Check your email and password for typos or incorrect capitalization.
  • Ensure your internet connection is active and stable.
  • Confirm that your PhysioCam subscription is active.
  • Still not working? Use the “Forgot Password” option to reset your credentials.

Camera Issues

The camera feed is black or not showing.
  • Make sure no other application is using the camera (e.g., Zoom, FaceTime, OBS).
  • Restart PhysioCam and try again.
  • Confirm that the PhysioCam software has permission to access your camera:
    • On Mac: Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera, and ensure PhysioCam has permission.
    • On Windows: Go to Settings → Privacy → Camera, and allow access for PhysioCam.
  • If the issue persists, close the PhysioCam software fully and terminate any remaining processes:
    • On Mac: Go to Activity Monitor and end any processes called PhysioCam
    • On Windows: Go to Task Manager and end any processes called PhysioCam
    • When all PhysioCam processes have been ended, try restarting the PhysioCam software.
Camera freezes or lags.
  • Close any unnecessary programs running in the background.
  • Check your device meets the minimum system requirements.

Data and Reading Issues

PhysioCam readings are stuck or not updating.
  • Ensure that you are well-lit and facing the camera with minimal movement.
  • Ensure yours is the only face visible to your camera.
  • Avoid strong backlighting or sitting in the dark.
  • If you’re wearing glasses or a mask, try removing them.
  • Restart the software and try again.
Values are jumping or inconsistent.
  • Sit still, breathe normally, and try to minimize head movement.
  • Make sure the background is not moving (e.g., ceiling fans or shadows).
  • If your lighting conditions are extreme, try adjusting your position or the lighting.

PhysioCam Performance

The software won’t open or crashes on launch.
  • Ensure your operating system is up to date.
  • Restart your computer and try launching again.
  • Reinstall the latest version of PhysioCam from the official download link.
The software is slow or unresponsive.
  • Close other apps that may be using large amounts of memory
  • Close browser tabs to free up memory

Updates and Installation

The installer doesn’t work / file won’t open.
  • Make sure you are running a compatible operating system version. For compatible versions and minimum device requirements, please visit our website.
  • Make sure the installer file download is fully completed. If the downloaded file name starts with ‘unconfirmed…’ or ends in ‘.crdownload’, it hasn’t finished downloading and is incomplete. Check the downloads log in your web browser to identify the issue.
  • On Windows, try right-click → Run as Administrator.
I'm being asked to select an app to open the EXE file.
  • This usually means the file isn’t associated properly with the Windows executable system.
  • Make sure you are opening the file ending in .exe, and not a temporary download file. If your Downloads folder contains files that start with ‘unconfirmed…’ or end in ‘.crdownload’, it is possible the installer file hasn’t finished downloading and is incomplete. Check the downloads log in your web browser to identify the issue.
  • Try re-downloading the installer and running it directly.

Still Need Help?

If you’ve tried the steps above and you’re still having issues, please contact us with the following information:

  • A description of the issue you’re having
  • Your device type and operating system (e.g., Windows 10, macOS 13)
  • The version of PhysioCam you’re using (found in the bottom-right corner of the login screen)
  • Any screenshots or error messages you’ve received

Fill out the contact form on this page. 

Be Notified When
Televagal Launches

Be notified when the
Mac version is available