Gaze, a powerful communication tool

2004/02/01 Atxotegi Alegria, Uhaina - Elhuyar Zientziaren Komunikazioa Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Softwarea

The client must learn to control the look to properly use the computer. (Photo: P. Palomo / iriscom).

People with sclerosis, disability, spinal cord injury or tetraplegia, for example, how do they communicate with people around them? Can they just turn on TV or radio? Can you read a newspaper or book?

To carry out these daily tasks they have enough work and, in most cases, they need help from someone else. Today, thanks to a computer, they will be able to cope with several problems.

Computer control by look

Some people with disabilities have difficulty using a computer correctly. For example, you may not be able to move the mouse or keyboard correctly. Iriscom has developed a service for these cases. The customer has the possibility to completely control his computer thanks to the movements of the eye.

They have invented a system called Quick Glance. This system follows eye movements and replaces mouse in Windows applications. The user can fix the look at any point on the screen and the mouse pointer will be located at that same point.

The mouse buttons are pressed slowly blinking the eyes and through this system the client can use all the functions: press and drag, press twice, right click, etc. In addition, this system incorporates to the client an on-screen keyboard that allows communication through text or voice.

System applications

The Quick Glance system has several applications. For example, the client can use it to communicate with others: write, speak with a voice synthesizer, participate in chats and internet forums or use email. You can also use computer games, watch DVD movies, read electronic newspapers or any other text and listen to music. In addition to leisure applications, the user can follow distance education programs or perform a telework.

The Quick Glance system is available on any computer. (Photo: P. Palomo / iriscom).

In the field of home automation you can also turn on and off the TV, change the channel or volume, turn on or off the lights, as well as handle other appliances.

2 models

This vision control system consists of two models: 2SH and 2B model.

With the first model, the user is free to make more movement with the head and works with any light and in any environment. Therefore, it is ideal for working with daylight or artificial. The user must have the ability to move the head but not have too strict control. This model is very suitable for those who can move their heads freely.

This system is mainly used by people with finger mobility problems.

The 2B model is much more restrictive in head movements. In addition, the customer can only use the light in a controlled area. The user must receive natural light or artificial lighting by the backrest. If above, the system does not work properly.

These two models are not exclusive to people with disabilities, but are also used by professors or students of universities and staff of advertising agencies.

For advertising agencies or other companies of this type to have the maximum possibilities, Iriscom has incorporated to both models the software Eye Science (communication system of the path of the customer's gaze) and the software SDK (Software Developer's kit). The latest software allows writing with programs that interact with the vision control system.

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