Background
People with certain neurological diseases may experience muscle weakness or spasticity in their fingers, hands, and arms. This makes independent gripping and handling difficult or no longer possible. In this situation, individual eye control solutions can support independence in everyday life.
A current development and innovation in the eye control segment is the availability of eye control goggles. Previous eye control systems are based on an infrared signal that is sent by the communication system, reflected by the eye, and received back by sensors in the communication system. This process is susceptible to interference and can only be implemented with major restrictions in daylight.
Due to the considerable processing power, the eye control goggles require a powerful processor in the communication system or the installation of a separate computer, which is also transported in the patient’s environment (e.g., on the wheelchair). The eye control goggles can be used to control wheelchairs, communication systems, and assistance robots.
By linking special controls with certain electronic components on everyday objects, it is possible to control televisions, light switches, windows, doors, ventilation systems, blinds, and other objects and devices.
Function and structure
The eye control goggles are fitted with a micro-camera that produces a real-time video of the eye movements and transmits it to the communication system. The connected software is used to control the wheelchair in the direction of gaze. It is not only possible to drive the wheelchair and stop it by closing the eyes, but also to make seat adjustments to the wheelchair or move robotic arms. A special feature is that this also works outdoors and in sunlight.
The eye control glasses are supplied with photochromic lenses. They are also available as pure sunglasses or can be fitted with prescription lenses by your optician if required.
Advantages of eye control systems
Intuitive: control each power wheelchair with eye movement only.
Outdoor use: Self-controlled driving of a power wheelchair, even outdoors.
Safe: Clear view and increased safety.
Versatile use: changing the seat settings of a wheelchair or operating a robotic team using only eye movement.
Mobile use: not cable-bound and lightweight.
Cost coverage: Costs can be covered by health insurance based on a doctor’s prescription and a trial by specialized providers.
Social participation
The ease of use supports the control of televisions, light switches, windows, doors, ventilation systems, blinds, and other objects and aids. In addition, the availability of eye control and the combination of eye control with everyday objects enable a high degree of independence in everyday life. Whenever you feel like it – regardless of whether there is another person in the room with you – you can communicate or move the power wheelchair.
With eye control, controlling a power wheelchair becomes a self-determined experience. The ability to move independently of others contributes to better social interaction in everyday life.
Prerequisites
Users of an eating robot may have the following conditions:
- Eye control users may have the following conditions:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Amputations
- Cerebral palsy
- Essential tremor
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Spinal cord injury
- Other diseases that affect the motor function of the upper extremities
- Users must be able to operate the eye control safely. The following criteria must be observed during fitting:
- Cognitive skills to operate a simple machine
- Decisions about how to use the device in everyday life can be made independently.
- The user can use the eye control to operate an electric wheelchair, a communication device, or a robotic arm.