Samsung Unveils New EYECAN+: Eye-Tracking Mouse Allows the Disabled to Use Computers, Type by Blinking [Video]
Using a computer can be a challenge for people with certain disabilities. A quadriplegic cannot use a mouse or navigate a computer with ease -- until now. Samsung has created eye-tracking technology that allows the disabled to navigate their computer easily.
A group of Samsung engineers volunteered to develop a second generation of the company's EYECAN eye-tracking technology, which is designed to allow disabled people to navigate a computer interface, reports The Verge.
EYECAN+ does not require glasses like its predecessor. The self-contained unit attaches under a computer's monitor. Once in place and switched on, it gives the user options, which can be highlighted with a glance and "clicked" by blinking the eyes.
According to The Verge, the device was exhibited in Seoul where it was being used by graduate student Hyung-Jin Shin, a quadriplegic. Shin has been helping test the EYECAN+'s functionality. He used the technology to write this message:
"Nice to meet you, everyone. I am happy that the eye mouse is developed in Korea. The eye mouse isn't just an IT device but arms and legs for a patient with advanced disease. I hope that these kind of research will be continued."
It took Shin about 20 minutes to create the message using the eye-tracking mouse. He had one typo, which he quickly and easily deleted.
EYECAN+ brings disabled people a new level of autonomy. User can perform drag-and-drop commands, which allow for playing such games as Angry Birds as well.
Samsung does not plan to commercialize the eye mouse because the market is too small. Companies interested in the technology will be able to use it as Samsung plans to open source the design.
The cost to produce EYECAN+ is nearly $500, according to Samsung.
Eye-tracking technology is not new. There are about a dozen companies designing gadgets using "gestural computing," which is the technology to track eyeballs, arms and legs to change the way one drives, reads and games.
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