Eye-tracking systems allow patients to communicate with speech-generating devices
For Marianjoy patients with limited upper-extremity coordination, speech-generating devices can be used with eye-tracking technology. Users spell words and phrases using eye movement, which devices convert to synthesized speech.
Individuals with limited upper-extremity coordination and speech impairment who may benefit from eye-gaze technology include:
- Amputation patients
- Cerebral palsy patients
- Brain injury patients
- Stroke patients
How does eye-gaze technology work?
Eye-tracking systems include a camera that continuously scans one of the user's eyes. In lieu of a mouse-click, software analyzes the images captured by the camera to determine at which exact point on the speech-generating device's screen the user is looking.
What are the advantages of eye-gaze technology?
- Uncontrolled head movements do not affect eye-tracking ability, so people with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities can use speech-generating devices.
- Eye-gaze technology allows patients to communicate with audio production in real-time.
- Quick calibration ensures optimally customized experiences for each patient.
- Eye-gaze communication devices can interface with other electronics to enable patient access to items like computers and smart phones.