Eye Gaze Communication

ABSTRACT

The field of human computer interaction has been undergoing a new

renaissance lately. While many companies have, and continue to spend
millions to develop highly visually appealing GUIs and state-of-art
interaction systems for the common users since the inception of desktops,
the development of interactive systems for the disabled has taken a kick
start relatively recently. And the Eye gaze systems are one of the most
pivotal inventions in this context. The Eye gaze System is a
communication and control system for people with complex physical
disabilities. You run the system with your 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. Eye gaze Systems are being used to write books, attend school and
enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities all over the world.

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INDEX

1. Introduction
2. Who is using the Eye gaze System?
2.1The skills needed by the user
2.1.1 Good control of one eye
2.1.2 Adequate vision
2.2 Ability to maintain a position in front of the Eyegaze monitor
2.3Mental abilities that improve the probability for successful
2.3.1 Cognition
2.3.2 Ability to read
2.3.3 Memory
3. How does the Eyegaze System work?
4. How to run the Eye gaze System?
5. Uses of Eye gaze
5.1 The Basic Eye gaze Can
5.2 With Options the Eye gaze Can
6. Menus of Eye gaze System.
6.1 The Phrase Program
6.2 Typewriter Program
6.3 The telephone program
6.4 Run Second PC
6.5 The Lights & appliances Program
6.6 Paddle games & Score Four
6.7 Read Text Program
6.8 Television
7. For people with limited eye control
8. Environment required for an Eye gaze system
9. New portable Eye gaze system
10. Applications
11. The Eyegaze Communication System Components & Prices
12. Conclusion
13. References

1. INTRODUCTION
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Eye Gaze Communication

The Eyegaze System is a communication and control system for

people with complex physical disabilities. You run the system with your
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.
Imagine yourself being a intelligent, motivated, and working person
in the fiercely competitive market of information technology, but just one
problem You can't use your hands. Or you can't speak. How do you do
your job? How do you stay employed? You can, because of a very good
gift from computer Industry : The Eyegaze, a communication & control
system you run with your eyes.
The Eyegaze System is a direct-select vision-controlled
communication and control system. It was developed in Fairfax, Virginia,
by LC Technologies, Inc.,

Figure: Block Diagram of Eyegaze System

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2. WHO’S USING THE EYE GAZE SYSTEM?

This system is mainly developed for those who lack the use of their
hands or voice. Only requirements to operate the Eye gaze are control of at
least one eye with good vision & ability to keep head fairly still. Eye gaze
Systems are in use around the world. Its users are adults and children with
cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, ALS, multiple sclerosis,
brainstem strokes, muscular dystrophy, and Werdnig-Hoffman syndrome.
Eye gaze Systems are being used in homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and
long-term care facilities. 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. Eye gaze Systems are being used
to write books, attend school and enhance the quality of life of people with
disabilities all over the world.

2.1The skills needed by the user:

2.1.1 Good control of one eye:

The user must be able to look up, down, left and right. He must be
able to fix his gaze on all areas of a 15-inch screen that is about 24 inches
in front of his face. He must be able to focus on one spot for at least 1/2
second.

 Several common eye movement problems may interfere with Eye

gaze use. These include:

Nystagmus (constant, involuntary movement of the eyeball):

The user may not be able to fix his gaze long enough to make eye gaze
Selections

Alternating strabismus (eyes cannot be directed to the same object, either

one deviates):

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The Eyegaze System is constantly tracking the same single eye. If,
for example, a user with alternating strabismus is operating the Eyegaze
System with the right eye, and that eye begins to deviate, the left eye will
take over and focus on the screen. The Eyegaze camera, however, will
continue to take pictures of the right eye, and the System will not be able to
determine where the user's left eye is focused. When the left eye deviates
and the right eye is again fixed on the screen the Eyegaze System will
resume predicting the gazepoint. Putting a partial eye patch over the nasal
side of the eye not being observed by the camera often solves this tracking
problem. Since only the unpatched eye can the screen, it will continuously
focus on the screen. By applying only a nasal-side patch to the other eye,
the user will retain peripheral vision on that side.

2.1.2 Adequate vision:

Several common vision problems may affect a user's ability to see
text clearly on the Eyegaze monitor. These include the following:

Inadequate Visual acuity:

The user must be able to see text on the screen clearly. If, prior to his
injury or the onset of his illness he wore glasses, he may need corrective
lenses to operate the Eyegaze System. If he's over 40 years old and has not
had his vision checked recently, he might need reading glasses in order to
see the screen clearly.
In most cases, eye tracking works well with glasses. The calibration
procedure accommodates for the refractive properties of most lenses. Hard-
line bifocals can be a problem if the lens boundary splits the image of the
pupil, making it difficult for the system's image processing software to
determine the pupil center accurately. Graded bifocals, however, typically
do not interfere with eye tracking.
Soft contact lenses that cover all or most of the cornea generally work well
with the Eyegaze System. The corneal reflection is obtained from the

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contact lens surface rather than the cornea itself. Small, hard contacts can
interfere, if the lens moves around considerably on the cornea and causes
the corneal reflection to move across the discontinuity between the contact
lens and the cornea.

Diplopia (double vision):

Diplopia may be the result of an injury to the brain, or a side effect
of many commonly prescribed medications, and may make it difficult for
the user to fix his gaze on a given point. Partially patching the eye not
being tracked may alleviate double vision during Eyegaze System
operation.

Blurred vision:
Another occurrence associated with some brain injuries, as well as a
side effect of medications, a blurred image on the screen decreases the
accuracy of eye fixations.

Cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye): If a cataract has formed on the
portion of the lens that covers the pupil, it may prevent light from passing
through the pupil to reflect off the retina. Without a good retinal reflection
the Eyegaze System cannot accurately predict the user's eye fixations. The
clouded lens may also make it difficult for a user to see text on the screen
clearly. Surgical removal of the cataracts will normally solve the problem
and make Eyegaze use possible.

Homonymous hemianopsia (blindness or defective vision in the right or

left halves of the visual fields of both eyes): This may make calibration
almost impossible if the user cannot see calibration points on one side of
the screen.

2.2 Ability to maintain a position in front of the Eyegaze monitor:

It is generally easiest to run the System from an upright, seated
position, with the head centered in front of the Eyegaze monitor. However
the Eyegaze System can be operated from a semi-reclined position if
necessary.
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Continuous, uncontrolled head movement can make Eyegaze operation

difficult, since the Eyegaze System must relocate the eye each time the
user moves away from the camera's field of view and then returns. Even
though the System's eye search is completed in just a second or two, it will
be more tiring for a user with constant head movement to operate the
System.

Absence of medication side effects that affect Eyegaze operation:

Many commonly prescribed medications have potential side effects
that can make it difficult to operate Eyegaze. Anticonvulsants (seizure
drugs) can cause: nystagmus, blurred vision, diplopia, dizziness,
drowsiness, headache and confusion. Some antidepressants can cause
blurred vision and my driasis( abnormally dilated pupil.) And Baclofen, a
drug commonly used to decrease muscle spasms, can cause dizziness,
drowsiness, headache, disorientation, blurred vision and mydriasis. My
driasis can be severe enough to block eye tracking. If the retinal reflection
is extremely bright, and the corneal reflection is sitting on top of a big,
bright pupil, the corneal reflection may be indistinguishable and therefore
unreadable by the computer.

2.3Mental abilities that improve the probability for successful Eyegaze

use:

2.3.1 Cognition:
Cognitive level may be difficult to assess in someone who is locked
in, especially if a rudimentary communication system has not been
established. In general, a user with average intelligence will best maximize
the capabilities of an Eyegaze System.

2.3.2 Ability to read:

At present, the Eyegaze System is configured for users who are
literate. The System is text-based. A young child with average intelligence

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may not be reading yet, but probably has the capability to learn to read at
an average age. He may be able to recognize words, and may be moving
his eyes in a left to right pattern in preparation for reading. As an interim
solution many teachers and parents stick pictures directly onto the screen.
When the child looks at the picture he activates the Eyegaze key that is
located directly underneath it.

2.3.3Memory:
Memory deficits are a particular concern in considering the Eyegaze
System for someone with a brain injury. A user who can't remember from
one day to the next how to operate the system may find it too difficult to
use effectively.

Figure: Eyegaze System Application

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3. HOW DOES THE EYEGAZE SYSTEM WORKS?

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.
In detail the procedure can be described as follows: The Eyegaze
System uses the pupil-center/corneal-reflection method to determine where
the user is looking on the screen. An infrared-sensitive video camera,
mounted beneath the System's monitor, takes 60 pictures per second of the
user's eye. A low power, infrared light emitting diode (LED), mounted in
the center of the camera's lens illuminates the eye. The LED reflects a
small bit of light off the surface of the eye's cornea. The light also shines
through the pupil and reflects off of the retina, the back surface of the eye,
and causes the pupil to appear white. The bright-pupil effect enhances the
camera's image of the pupil and makes it easier for the image processing
functions to locate the center of the pupil. The computer calculates the
person's gaze point, i.e., the coordinates of where he is looking on the
screen, based on the relative positions of the pupil center and corneal
reflection within the video image of the eye. Typically the Eye gaze
System predicts the gaze point with an average accuracy of a quarter inch
or better.
Prior to operating the eye tracking applications, the Eye gaze System
must learn several physiological properties of a user's eye in order to be
able to project his gaze point accurately. The system learns these properties
byperforming a calibration procedure. The user calibrates the system by
fixing is gaze on a small yellow circle displayed on the screen, and
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following it a sit moves around the screen. The calibration procedure
usually takes about 15seconds, and the user does not need to recalibrate if
he moves away from the Eye gaze System and returns later.

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4 . HOW TO RUN THE EYE GAZE SYSTEM?

A user operates the Eye gaze System by looking at rectangular keys

that are displayed on the control screen. To "press" an Eye gaze 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 around the Eye
gaze programs independently.

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5. USES OF EYE GAZE

5.1 The Basic Eye gaze Can:

 ADJUST TO A NEW USER in about 15 seconds. (Calibration)

 TYPE with one of four keyboards, then print or speak. (Typewriter)

 TURN pages on the computer screen by looking at "up" or

"down". (Read text)

 PLAY games, two "Paddle" games, plus Solitaire and Slot Machine.
(Game)

 TEACH new users with simplified screens. (Teach Screens)

5.2 With Options The Eye gaze Can:

 BE AT TWO SITES!! Portable computer has a handle to hand-

carry between two sites. Two sets of other components and cables
for access to Eye gaze System at school, work or home.
Dimensions9"x5'txl7'1, weight approximately 16 lbs. (Transportable
Computer)

 BE A KEYBOARD to a second computer to run any keyboard-

controlled software, by means of the T-TAM connector. (Second
Computer Mode)

 SPEAK 100 "canned phrases" through a speech synthesizer, with a

single glance of the eye. Phrases can be changed by caregiver or
user.(Phrases)

 CONTROL appliances anywhere in the home or office from one

Eye gaze screen. No special wiring. (Lights and Appliances)

 DIAL and answer a speaker phone from one screen. "Phone Book"
stores 16 frequently used numbers.( Telephone)

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6. MENUS OF EYEGAZE SYSTEM

The main menu : 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 Eye gaze programs. The user calls up a desired
program by looking at the Eye gaze key next to his program choice.

Figure: Main Menu

Main Menu options :

6.1 The Phrase 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
to126 messages, which can be composed and easily changed to suit the
user.

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Figure: Phrases Screen

6.2 Typewriter Program :

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.

Figure: Keyboard

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6.3 The telephone program :

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.

Figure: Telephone Control Screen

6.4 Run Second PC :

The Run Second PC program permits the Eye gaze 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 Eye gaze
monitor. The programs being run are displayed on the second computer's
monitor. Typed text appears simultaneously on the Eye gaze and second
pc's screens.
For children, Two new Eye gaze programs have been added to the
Eye gaze System. Both run with the Second PC option. Eye Switch is a big,
basic on-screen switch to run "cause & effect" software programs on a
Second PC.
Simple Mouse is an easy mouse control program to provide simplified
access to educational software on a Second PC.

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Figure: Mouse control screen

6.5 The Lights & appliances Program :

The Lights & appliances Program which includes computer-
controlled switching equipment, provides Eye gaze 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.

Figure: Mouse control screen

6.6 Paddle games & Score Four:

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These are the Visually controlled Games.

6.7 Read Text Program :

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.

6.8 Television :

Television programs can be displayed directly on the desktop Eye

gaze System screen. On-screen volume and channel controls provide
independent operation.(Not available on the Portable Eye gaze System.)

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7. FOR PEOPLE WITH LIMITED EYE CONTROL

Scanning Keyboard is the new row/column keyboard with an on-

screen eye "switch" for people with limited eye movement. The switch can
be placed on either side, above, or below the keyboard to accommodate
users with only horizontal movement, or only vertical movement. The user
may "speak" what he has typed.

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8. ENVIRONMENT REQUIRED FOR AN EYEGAZE

SYSTEM

Because eye tracking is done using infrared light. Eyegaze system

must take care of light sources in the room in order to ensure the best
accuracy. The Eyegaze System must be operated in an environment where
there is limited of ambient infrared light. Common sources of infrared light
are sunlight and incandescent light bulbs. The System makes its predictions
based on the assumption that the only source of infrared light shining on the
user's eye is coming from the center of the camera. Therefore, stray sources
of infrared may degrade the accuracy or prevent Eye gaze operation
altogether. The System works best away from windows, and in a room lit
with fluorescent or mercury-vapor lights, which are low in infrared.

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9. NEW PORTABLE EYE GAZE SYSTEMS

The Portable Eye gaze System can be mounted on a wheelchair and

run from a 12-volt battery or wall outlet .It weighs only 6 lbs (2.7 kg) and
its dimensions are 2.5"x8"x9" (6.5cm x20cm x23cm).The Portable Eye
gaze System comes with a flat screen monitor and a table mount for its
monitor. The monitor can be lifted off the table mount and slipped into a
wheelchair mount.

Figure: Portable Eyegaze System Mounted on Wheelchair

Figure: Screen of Eyegaze System

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10. APPLICATIONS

Every year more than 100,000 people are diagnosed with motor
neurone diseases. Typically, even when all other ways of communicating
are either severely damaged or completely lost, the eyes still function.
Communication by Gaze Interaction (COGAIN) is a Network of
Excellence designed specifically to help people with these disabilities to
communicate more effectively with eye gaze. At the COGAIN stand you
can see how this technology is used by a person who relies on it.

Current eye tracking equipment allows users to generate text on a

computer by using eye gaze. Users are able to select letters and numbers by
looking at a keyboard on a screen with their eyes, and can construct words
and sentences that can be spoken aloud by the system. Using these systems
both empowers and enables people with disabilities as they can now
communicate without the need for an assistant or helper, giving the users
greater freedom in their lives.

A wide variety of disciplines use eye tracking techniques, including

cognitive science, psychology (notably psycholinguistics, the visual world
paradigm), human-computer interaction (HCI), marketing research and
medical research (neurological diagnosis). Specific applications include the
tracking eye movement in language reading, music reading, human activity
recognition, the perception of advertising, and the playing of sport. Uses
include:

 Cognitive Studies
 Medical Research
 Laser refractive surgery
 Human Factors
 Computer Usability
 Translation Process Research
 Vehicle Simulators
 In-vehicle Research
 Training Simulators

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 Virtual Reality
 Adult Research
 Infant Research
 Adolescent Research
 Geriatric Research
 Primate Research
 Sports Training
 fMRI / MEG / EEG
 Commercial eye tracking (web usability, advertising, marketing,
automotive, etc)
 Communication systems for disabled
 Improved image and video communications
 Computer Science: Activity Recognition

Figure: Eyegaze System Communication System

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11. THE EYEGAZE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM:

COMPONENTS &PRICES

Desktop Eyegaze System $14,900 US$

Software Programs
Main Menu
Keyboard
Games
Read Text
Teach
Settings Program

Hardware
Desktop computer with Windows 2000, Video frame
grabber, sound,
CD and floppy drives
15" LCD Flat Panel Monitor
Adjustable monitor tray with camera bracket
High-speed infrared sensitive camera and lens
Surge protector, cables and connectors

Upgrades and Options

Portable computer (in place of desktop computer) $1000
Computer access (hardware and software to run a $500
PC) $350
Lights & Appliances $350

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Telephone $350
Television

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12. CONCLUSION

Today, the human eye-gaze can be recorded by relatively un

remarkable techniques. This thesis argues that it is possible to use the eye-
gaze of a computer user in the interface to aid the control of the
application. Care must be taken, though, that eye-gaze tracking data is used
in a sensible way, since the nature of human eye-movements is a
combination of several voluntary and involuntary cognitive processes.
The main reason for eye-gaze based user interfaces being attractive is that
the direction of the eye-gaze can express the interests of the user-it is a
potential porthole into the current cognitive processes-and communication
through the direction of the eyes is faster than any other mode of human
communication. It is argued that eye-gaze tracking data is best used in
multimodal interfaces where the user interacts with the data instead of the
interface, in so-called non-command user interfaces.

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13. REFERENCES

 http://www.eyegaze.com/content/assistive-technology
 http://www.eyegaze.com/content/eyetracking-research-tools
 http://www.gschlosser.de/eyegaze_english.htm
 http://www.sensorysoftware.com/132.html
 http://www.wikipedia.com/
 http://www.google.com/
 https://www.seminarstopics.com

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