According to a report by wearable-technologies.com, people living with ALS may soon enjoy a new method of communication. A new technology, known as EyeControl, plans to provide a way for those with ALS to be able to interact with their loved ones in a manner that is both simple and innovative. The technology will allow for the translation of eye gestures to audio at any moment. Keep reading to learn more, or follow the original story here for further details.
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, neurological disease. ALS kills nerve cells in the brain stem, spinal cord, and brain. As a result, people living with ALS experienced weakened muscles, and an eventual lack of motor control. As the condition worsens, the muscles in the chest become so weak that it is difficult or impossible to breathe. ALS is eventually fatal.
Common ALS symptoms include difficulty with small motor functions, tripping/falling, muscle twitching/cramps, and slowed or slurred speech. Other names for ALS include Lou Gehrig’s disease and locked-in syndrome, the term for when voluntary movement is restricted to the eyes.
Click here to learn more about ALS.
Groundbreaking Communication
EyeControl is a first-of-its-kind. It is the first wearable eye-tracking device powered with artificial intelligence. This allows people living with ALS to communicate through eye gestures at any point throughout the day. The device is wearable, and translates the eye movements to audio via a portable speaker.
A head-mounted camera is the basis for EyeControl. Using this setup, the device is able to track the pupil movements of the person wearing it. These minute movements can be used to navigate various menus. Blinking is all it takes to select items within the menus. EyeControl allows its users to blink three times in order to trigger an emergency call, and will even be capable of being programmed by its users. This latter feature will allow some degree of customization, enabling personal patterns of speech.
Currently the EyeControl has only been launched in the UK. IndieGogo announced it is crowdfunding the EyeControl. Working prototypes currently exist, but more support is needed. The company responsible for EyeControl says it will match all public support in order to get its technology to those in need.
