LiveEOG / Project completed

Development of a multi-purpose Input Device based on the Electrooculography (EOG)

The development of a special input device, which detects and evaluates the eye movements (electrooculogram, EOG) and head movements of the wearers, is the main objective of the national cooperation project LiveEOG.

Motivation

Often there is nothing else for people with high paraplegia, bilateral amputations or progressive diseases such as muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis (MS) but to interact with their environment with the help of minimal head movement, movement of lips, mouth or eyes. Depending on point of time, course, duration and severity of the restriction by the above-mentioned diseases around 2.6 million people are affected in Europe. Special input devices allow the above mentioned target group to act independently with computers or their environment, and as a result provide an essential contribution to inclusion. The eye muscles and the conscious movement of the eyes can be controlled by the majority of patients. This finding immediately suggests itself to develop a computer control system based on eye movements (and deliberately triggered head movements).

Objectives

The main goal  is the development and analyzes of a special input device, which detects the eye movements (Electrooculography, EOG) and head movements of the wearers. Using this input device it should be possible for people with disabilities, e.g. with high paraplegia, to use a computer or an environment control system.

In addition, the device should be used as a new input device in the field of the (computer-) game industry and for so-called augmented reality services.

In addition to the above mentioned direct opportunities for the users, this input device also enables a new method for the detection of EOG bio-signals in medical research. Especially in field tests outside of laboratory environments (e.g. studies on the micro-sleep monitoring).

Target Group/Beneficiaries

• People with disabilities
• Leisure (computer gamer)
• Science and Research