German researchers develop eye control for computers

A German university has developed a system that makes it possible to control a computer mouse with the blink of an eye.

The Eye-Controlled Interaction system (EYCIN) developed by researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO) in Stuttgart tracks the human user’s eye movement via camera.

This camera observes the movement of the pupils from a distance of up to 1m. Software then calculates the coordinates and transmits these to the mouse pointer on the monitor.

The researchers said the process happens so quickly that the mouse pointer moves smoothly.

Once the mouse has been guided to the required "button", it has to be activated by eye movements.

Although calculating the movement to the required button is comparatively easy, clicking presents a challenge. The mouse cannot be controlled as accurately this way as it can with the hand.

To solve this problem, the researchers have developed sensitive areas that can be activated by fixing the eyes on them for a certain length of time. The button changes colour twice before it "clicks".

The changing colours give crucial feedback to users, who can thus tell whether or not the computer has understood their commands.

The technology is designed to make tasks easier for maintenance technicians, who can hold equipment and control the computer with their eyes. The researchers also said it would make PC work easier for disabled people who are unable to use a keyboard.