Vol. 3, No. 2, March/April 1995	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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In the Wink of an Eye

Ken Gardner, AT Specialist
Sussex County Assistive Technology Resource Center

People with severe physical disabilities typically want to live as normal and independent life as possible. The EyeGaze Computer System from LC Technologies (http://www.lctinc.com/) is one doorway to such independence.

If a person has steady head control and the ability to move one eye, he or she can access a system that can control lights and appliances, turn on the TV or VCR, use the telephone, read text, type a letter, play various games, or access the DOS mode on the computer. One of the beauties of the EyeGaze is that the client needs no prior knowledge of computer operation. The computer is the tool by which the many facets of the EyeGaze can be utilized.

Seated in front of the computer monitor, the user operates the system by looking at rectangular EyeGaze keys that are displayed on the computer monitor. To press an EyeGaze 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. Following are some examples of daily living activities that can be accomplished with the EyeGaze system:

• Turning on lights and appliances (no special house wiring is required)
• Communication - In conjunction with a speech synthesizer, it provides voice output for non-verbal users.
• Typewriter - A total of four keyboard configurations range from simple to complex. Whatever is typed on the screen can be printed or spoken by the speech synthesizer.
• Telephone - The user may place or receive calls. Frequently used numbers can be stored in a "book". Non-verbal users may utilize the speech synthesizer to talk on the phone.
• Second computer mode - The system can operate as a keyboard input to a second computer giving the user the ability to operate off-the-shelf programs.
• TV/VCR - The system, used in conjunction with an infrared remote control device, allows the user to control both a TV and a VCR.
• Read Text - A program that allows the user to select text for display and provides visually controlled "page-turning".

The system is portable in that cameras and monitors are installed at each of two sites. A small computer is carried between those sites. Along with portability, the EyeGaze system has many adjustable parameters that can easily be changed to suit the individual. Additional information is available by contacting:

Nancy Cleveland
LC Technologies, Inc.
9455 Silver King Court
Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: (703)385-7133
Fax: (703)385-7137

LC Technologies also has a toll-free number available for consumers to speak with a Registered Nurse about patient evaluation, medical questions, and the usefulness of the EyeGaze System. That number is (800)733-5284.