THE EYEGAZE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

The Eyegaze Communication System is an FDA- approved communication and control system for people with complex physical disabilities. The system is operated entirely with the eyes. By looking at control keys displayed on a screen, a person can synthesize speech, control his environment (lights, appliances, etc.), type, operate a telephone, run computer software, operate a computer mouse, and access the Internet and e-mail. Eyegaze Systems are being used to write books, attend school and enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities all over the world.

[Note: Detailed Medical and Technical Information is available with complete discussions of eye control, eye conditions and diseases, positioning, possible medication side effects, mental abilities that may have an effect, and the likelihood that Eyegaze can be used depending on the person's medical diagnosis.]

Who's using the Eyegaze System?

Eyegaze System users include adults and children with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, brain injury, ALS, multiple sclerosis, brainstem stroke (Locked-In syndrome), muscular dystrophy, and Werdnig-Hoffman syndrome. Eyegaze Systems are being used in homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.

Please see the Photo Gallery of Eyegaze Users for pictures and brief biographies of several Eyegaze System users and Books written with the Eyegaze System.

How does the Eyegaze System work?

As a user sits in front of the Eyegaze monitor, a specialized video camera mounted below the monitor observes one of the user's eyes. Sophisticated image processing software in the Eyegaze System's computer continually analyzes the video image of the eye and determines where the user is looking on the screen. Nothing is attached to the user's head or body.

How does the user run the Eyegaze System?

A user operates the Eyegaze Communication System by looking at rectangular keys that are displayed on the control screen. To "press" an Eyegaze key, the user looks at the key for a specified period of time. The gaze duration required to visually activate a key, typically a fraction of a second, is adjustable. An array of menu keys and exit keys allow the user to navigate the Eyegaze programs independently.

What can the user do with Eyegaze?

The Main Menu appears on the screen as soon as the user completes a 15-second calibration procedure. The Main Menu presents a list of available Eyegaze programs. The user calls up a desired program by looking at the Eyegaze key next to his program choice.

The Phrases program, The Phrases program, along with the speech synthesizer, provides quick communications for non-verbal users. Looking at a key causes a preprogrammed message to be spoken. The Phrases program stores up to 126 messages, which can be composed and easily changed to suit the user.

Simple word processing can be done using the Typewriter program. The user types by looking at keys on visual keyboards. Four keyboard configurations, simple to complex, are available. Typed text appears on the screen above the keyboard display. The user may "speak" or print what he has typed. He may also store typed text in a file to be retrieved at a later time. The retrieved text may be verbalized, edited or printed.

The Telephone program allows the user to place and receive calls. Frequently used numbers are stored in a telephone "book". Non-verbal users may access the speech synthesizer to talk on the phone.

The Run Second PC program permits the Eyegaze Communication System to act as a peripheral keyboard and mouse interface to a Windows computer. The user can run any off-the-shelf software he chooses on the second computer. He can access the Internet, and send e-mail by looking at keyboard and mouse control screens on the Eyegaze monitor. The programs being run are displayed on the second computer's monitor. Typed text appears simultaneously on the Eyegaze and second pc's screens.

The Lights and Appliances program, which includes computer-controlled switching equipment, provides Eyegaze control of lights and appliances anywhere in the home or office. No special house wiring is necessary. The user turns appliances on and off by looking at a bank of switches displayed on the screen.

Visually controlled Games include two Paddle games, and Score Four.

The Read Text program allows the user to select text for display and to "turn pages" with his eyes. Any ASCII format text can be loaded for the user to access. Books on floppy disk are available from Services for the Blind.

What skills does the user need?

• 1. Good control of one eye
• 2. Ability to keep eye in the Eyegaze camera's range
• 3. Some reading or word recognition skill

How do you calibrate?

A 15 second calibration procedure is required to set up the System for a particular user. To calibrate, the user fixes his gaze on a sequence of small circles that the system displays on the Eyegaze screen. There is no need to recalibrate if the user moves away from the Eyegaze System and returns later.

Can the Eyegaze System be customized?

Yes. The Eyegaze programs have many adjustable parameters. The gaze duration, phrases, telephone message and appliance labels, for example, can all be easily changed. An assistant or caregiver may edit the Eyegaze text or change Eyegaze data values by running a configuration program called ECSSettings.

Is Eyegaze Portable?

Yes. The system consists of a small computer, a flat panel monitor, a small camera, and an adjustable table mount. The computer weighs only 6 lbs (2.7 kg) and its dimensions are 8 x 7 x 3 inches (20 x 18 x 8 cm). The system can be run off a 12 or 24-volt battery or from 110 or 220 VAC house current.

A wheelchair mount is available for the portable Eyegaze System. A user can carry the Eyegaze Communication System with him. For the first time, the Eyegaze System becomes the only communication device its users need.

What environment does Eyegaze need?

Because eyetracking uses infrared light to illuminate the eye, other sources of infrared light must be kept to a minimum. Fluorescent rather than incandescent lighting insures the best system accuracy. The Eyegaze System should be located away from strong sunlight.

Is the Internet accessible using Eyegaze?

Yes. The user can independently go on-line, through two methods - by using the Second Computer option, and connecting the second pc to the internet, or by using the Eyemouse Option.

Where can we see an Eyegaze System?

Call us or one of our distributors or assessment centers to come try the system or to have a system brought to you.

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