Eye Tracking Technology for People with Limited Mobility Controlling Computers and Devices with Eye Movements
A Guide To Motion and Eye-Tracking Technology
Motion- and eye-tracking technologies have made impressive strides in recent years, making our interaction with the digital world more intuitive and inclusive. Motion-tracking systems use cameras, sensors, or wearable devices to detect and analyze body movements while eye-tracking technology relies on infrared cameras and advanced algorithms to monitor gaze patterns.
These innovative solutions have found applications across diverse fields, including healthcare, gaming, education, and accessibility, making it possible for those with disabilities to interact with the digital world more seamlessly. As these technologies continue to evolve, they are opening up new possibilities for more immersive digital experiences that cater to the needs of everyone.
How does motion tracking work?
Motion-tracking systems are fascinating pieces of technology that can detect and analyze the movements of our bodies. Imagine a virtual world that can interact with you based on your movements, like waving your hand or jumping in place. That's what motion-tracking systems can do.
Some of these systems rely on cameras that capture your body in action, while others use sensors attached to your body or wearable devices, such as smartwatches or fitness bands. As you move, these devices detect the changes in your position and orientation, allowing them to interpret your actions.
Once the system collects the data about your movements, it processes the information using advanced software and translates it into data that can be used in other ways to control characters in video games, for example. As a result, you can swing a virtual sword or kick a virtual ball just by moving your body in real life.
The applications of motion-tracking systems go far beyond gaming, though. In healthcare, these systems can help analyze patients movements during rehabilitation to provide valuable insights to therapists. In sports, they can track an athlete's performance, helping coaches and trainers identify areas for improvement.
They even play a crucial role in accessibility, allowing people with disabilities to interact with technology in once unimaginable ways. Here are some of the promising ways motion tracking is making a difference for users with impairments.
Assistive devices
Motion-tracking systems can integrate with assistive devices like prosthetic limbs or exoskeletons. These devices can then be controlled by the user's natural body movements, providing greater freedom and independence in their daily lives.
Environmental control
For people who have limited mobility, being able to control their environment can make all the difference. Motion-tracking technology can help these users achieve this control by performing simple head movements or specific gestures.
Using motion tracking with smart home devices such as lights, thermostats, or entertainment systems means the user can operate these devices without touching them.
Accessible gaming and virtual reality (VR)
Accessible gaming and VR, made possible by motion-tracking technology, are opening up new opportunities for people with physical and visual impairments to have fun and connect with others.
Special controllers can be designed to suit the individual needs of users with physical impairments. For example, a controller with larger buttons or a different shape might make it easier for someone with limited hand mobility to play games. In some cases, adaptive equipment can be attached to existing gaming systems or virtual reality headsets. This equipment can be configured for the user's specific needs, making it easier for them to interact with the game or virtual environment.
Game developers are also starting to design games with accessibility in mind. This includes creating games that offer alternative ways to play, such as using voice commands or gestures instead of traditional controllers.
Communication and interaction
Communication is an essential aspect of our lives, and motion tracking can be extremely helpful for those with communication challenges or speech impairments. For instance, motion-tracking systems can interpret a persons specific gestures or movements and convert them into speech or text. By using these alternative communication systems, those who have trouble speaking clearly can participate in conversations more naturally and can express their thoughts and feelings without relying on traditional speech.
How do eye-tracking systems work?
As the name suggests, eye-tracking tools analyze how people look at and interact with various visual elements. These systems measure eye movements, gaze patterns, and eye positions to determine where and how long a person is looking at something.
Eye-tracking systems use cameras or other sensors to detect the position of a person's eyes. Some use infrared light to illuminate the eyes and create reflections on the cornea and pupil. The system can then identify the position of the eyes based on these reflections.
Once the eyes are detected, the system follows their movements by watching how the reflections change position. The system then uses algorithms to identify where the user is looking, factoring in eye position, head movements, and the distance between the person and the object they are looking at.
As the eye-tracking system records the person's gaze, it collects valuable data on their eye movements, gaze patterns, and the amount of time spent looking at specific areas. This data can provide insight into the person's visual attention, cognitive processes, and overall interaction with the visual element.
Popular assistive devices and software that use motion and eye-tracking technology
Tobii Dynavox
Tobii Dynavox is a leading company that creates eye-tracking devices and communication software for People who have difficulty speaking or communicating. With their innovative technology, users can control communication aids or computers using only their eyes.
Microsoft Kinect
Microsoft Kinect began as a device designed for gaming, but it has since expanded its potential and now plays a role in accessibility too. The gadget can detect an individual's body movements, so users with restricted mobility or dexterity can interact with video games, computer applications, and even smart home devices simply by using gestures and moving their bodies in specific ways.
OrCam MyEye
This cutting-edge wearable gadget combines motion and eye-tracking technology to help individuals with visual impairments. When users point at any text, the OrCam MyEye device will read it aloud, making it much easier to access written information. Plus, it can identify faces, money, and everyday objects, significantly enhancing the independence of people experiencing vision loss.
EyeTech Digital Systems
EyeTech Digital Systems develops eye-tracking systems that connect to tablets or computers, which helps people who have trouble moving around to use technology without using their hands. These users can look at the screen to navigate, type, and work with different apps, making it easier for them to be involved in the digital world with limited mobility.
IRISBOND
IRISBOND eye-tracking is a revolutionary technology that can identify where you're looking and what you're focusing on. For people who might have trouble using their hands or speaking, this tech means they can use their eyes to communicate with others or even control things around them.
One of the IRISBOND devices, Hiru, works with Windows and iPads and is designed to make their eye-tracking system work with different gadgets. They also have a software development kit (SDK), a toolkit that lets other people use IRISBOND's eye-tracking in their own projects. So other developers could use it to create a range of new possibilities, like controlling elevators, lights in a building, or even a coffee machine, just by looking at them.
IntelliGaze
IntelliGaze is a unique eye-tracking software designed to assist people who cant type or use a mouse to use computers and other devices. Since it tracks the user's eye movements, Intelligaze allows them to control various functions on their computer screen, such as clicking buttons, typing, and navigating through applications.
Sip-and-puff systems
Sip-and-puff systems, like the Jouse3, help people with limited movement control their computers, smartphones, or tablets with their mouths. These systems have a tube connected to the device, which the user places in their mouth.
When the user either sips (inhales) or puffs (exhales) into the tube, the device recognizes these actions as specific commands. These commands can include moving the cursor, clicking on icons, typing on a virtual keyboard, or scrolling through web pages. If someone has difficulty using traditional input methods, such as a keyboard or a mouse, a sip-and-puff system can provide an alternative way to interact with technology and gain more independence.
Building an inclusive digital future with motion and eye-tracking systems
Imagine a person with restricted mobility, for whom typing on a keyboard or navigating a touchscreen is daunting. Motion-tracking technology becomes their key to the digital realm, granting them control over computers or devices with simple gestures or body movements. As a result, the web becomes a more welcoming space for them to explore and engage with.
Similarly, the power of eye-tracking tools allows users to command their devices by merely gazing at the screen. For those facing severe physical constraints, this breakthrough gives them the freedom to access information and communicate online without being bound to conventional input methods.
By embracing motion and eye-tracking technology and integrating it into websites and apps, developers can contribute to a barrier-free digital landscape, enabling the latest internet innovations and use cases to become more accessible to everyone.
Eye Tracking Communication for Individuals that are Non-Verbal
Tobii I-Series Eye Tracking Communication Device Opens World of Communication for Non-Verbal Individuals
Opening up the world of communication for a nonverbal child or adult can be a challenge, but today, technology continues to amaze.
Tobii Technology, which has led the charge for eye tracking and gaze interaction technology for individuals that are nonverbal and with limited ability to physically interact, announced that its new Tobii I-Series is now available. The new generation of speech generating devices offers several improvements based on customer feedback and technological advances that build on the success of its C-Series.
The I-Series brings about numerous game-changing innovations to the assistive technology market, helping us all re-envision what an assistive device can do for our users, said Oscar Werner, executive vice president of assistive technology at Tobii. With the precision of Tobiis gaze interaction technology, the ISeries gives not only voice to people who cant speak but also a sense of control and greater independence. It gives people their lives back.
The Tobii I-Series was designed as an assistive/augmentative communication device for people who are nonverbal, but also have difficulty controlling other parts of their body. Often, people with Cerebral Palsy, muscular dystrophy, Lou Gehrigs disease or spinal cord injuries have little or no control of their hands or feet. The Tobii is unique in that it is operated by the eyes which opens up a new option for people who previously had few.
The device works by using forward- and rearward-facing infrared cameras that are mounted on a screen. The cameras pick up the activity of the cornea, which allows a user to stare at a phrase or a symbol and activate it much like a mouse click would activate a computer screen. The user can then spell words, string together phrases, and express ideas that allow them to take part in conversations, build relationships, participate in educational and recreational activities and take part in aspects of life that other people enjoy.Big changes, new opportunities
The new I-Series features two versions the I-12 and the I-15. The I-12 has a 12-inch captive touch screen, and the I-15 has a 15-inch screen. The larger screen display is typically a better option for users that require more communication options. Both versions are designed to process acute measurement of eye faster than previous devices which means users should be able to converse quicker, and for longer periods of time.
Because the Tobii is individually-customized to meet a persons specific needs, it represents a huge step forward for individuals that are nonverbal.
As researchers and engineers at Tobii began to develop the I-Series, they took into account customer feedback and made some changes they believe users and their caregivers will find attractive, said Tara Rudnicki, the President of Tobii ATI.
Independence and inclusion is something that should occur 24/7, and we wanted to build a device that enabled users to be more social, she said. We also wanted it to be more durable and have more features for the user. So we changed its weight distribution and sound quality so people can enjoy better oral communication. We also developed Wake-On-GazeTM and Sleep-on-GazeTM, which allows the device to sleep. This should make the device easier to use for people who cant turn it on and off themselves.
Wake-On-GazeTM and Sleep-On-GazeTM, when paired with the improved battery life in the I-Series also represents a significant development for users. The Tobii I-Series can be used continuously for about nine hours; if its sleeping during the time of non-use, the batteries could be used without re-charging for significantly longer periods of time. This improvement is of benefit for those whose batteries frequently run low.
Efficient use of the gaze options can provide over 24 hours without having to recharge batteries, she said.
Another big plus for users is that the new I-Series is fully-integrated with no separate parts, which eliminates the prospect of assembly. Also, the new device has a wedge-design that allows users to stand it upright for ease of use without having to mount the device. Or, the device can be laid on a surface for touch interaction whatever is easier based on a users physical needs.
Additionally, the long-term durability of the Tobii was enhanced by the inclusion of a damage-resistant touch screen made of Gorilla GlassTM, which is a first for any assistive device.Social prospects
The biggest advantage people who are non-verbal can realize by using assistive and augmentative devices is the prospect of engaging in two-way conversation. Thats the basis of forming attachments with family members and friends. Its also a game-changer in terms of participating at school, or being able to participate in the workplace.
For Tobii users, sometimes its the first time such an avenue is available, which is a source of pride for its creators.
The children that have used our devices are resilient, and its one of the best parts of our job, said Stephan Flloyd, the marketing manager at Tobii.
To meet a users social needs, the Tobii I-Series has improved its interactive options. Tobii communicator page allows users to use social media sites like Facebook or Skype with near-pixel precision, and send instant messages and emails with ease. This alone allows a user to communicate easily with someone who is not in a room with them. Additionally, the dual cameras allow users to take photos easily.
Environmental controls have also been modified to manage lights, air conditioning, doors, telephone and televisions, which gives users an increased capacity to act independently.Availability and affordability
For people who have barriers communicating with others, any assistive device that can help break the barrier is highly-desired because it has the possibility of enhancing a persons life at a critical, and basic, level.
Ryan Carter, a Tobii user who participated in beta testing for the I-Series, said the new device has given him options in his life that he did not have before.
Tobii has given me a tool that has changed my life, he said. It has given me freedom to say whatever I want to say when I want to say it. I can now make phone calls and text, get on the Internet and look-up what I want to. I can control my TV with it and thats a big deal for me! I can communicate quickly and effortlessly now.
But from a practical standpoint, is the Tobii the right solution for everyone? Is it an affordable option? Those are questions the Tobii team can help a parent or potential user resolve.
Weve worked with private insurers and with philanthropic organizations to provide resources to people who can help them, said Rudnicki. Two big factors that we face are money and the market supply and demand is important.
Rudnicki added that if the market for the Tobii increases, more units would be sold which could drive down costs and make it more affordable for others to purchase. Currently, there are about 7,500 Tobiis in use in the United States, but the number of people who could benefit from the technology is likely far greater than the number of devices in circulation.
Tobii does offer a rental program that allows a potential user to use the device for 30 days to see if its beneficial to them before making a financial investment. Also, there is a comprehensive funding guide that can help potential buyers determine what resources are available to acquire the product.
Medicare coverage depends on whether Medicare is paying for the device directly or through a Health Maintenance Organization, and what condition an individual has. Medicaid coverage for assistive devices vary widely from state to state, as well.
For more information
For more information about the Tobii I-Series, visit theTobii website.
For more information on eye tracking technology and solutions, visitTobii eye tracking communication devices.
To learn about Tobii on YouTube, visitTobii YouTube.
To learn more about Tobii I-12 and Tobii I-15, visitTobii eye tracking communication devices.
To learn about Tobii I-Series Wake-on-GazeTM and Sleep-on-GazeTM components, mounting versatility, Gorilla GlassTM durability, and battery live, visitTobii is Ready When You Are.
To learn how users of Tobii I-Series can access Facebook, Twitter, blogs and websites, as well as text and email family and friends, visitGet Socially Connected with Tobii.
To contact Tobii for more information, visitTobii contact information.
