I-Talk: Eye Controlled, Direct Selection AAC Device

描述（申请人提供）：沟通是生活的基本必需品。有语言障碍的个体依赖于辅助和替代交流（AAC）设备。这些设备通常通过在键盘上打字或使用开关扫描来访问。虽然肌萎缩性侧索硬化症（ALS）患者的身体状况经常恶化到键盘和开关难以使用或无法使用的程度，但眼球运动通常保持不变。我们建议建立一种新的眼动交流系统的可行性。我们认识到市场上有几种眼睛控制系统，但它们都存在类似的问题，包括设置和使用困难，通信速率慢，需要不断重新校准。我们的系统采用最先进的眼睛

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Communication is a basic necessity of life. Individuals with disabilities that impair speech rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. These devices are typically accessed by typing on a keyboard or by scanning using a switch. While individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) often deteriorate physically to the point where keyboard and switch access is difficult or impossible, eye movement usually remains intact. We propose to establish the feasibility of a new AC system operated by eye movement. We recognize that there are several eye control systems on the market, but they all suffer from a similar set of problems including difficulty in set up and use, slow communication rates, and the need for constant recalibration. Our system employs state-of-the-art eye tracking hardware with innovative, rate-enhancing keyboards that are designed to provide access to verbal communication for people with ALS. Our long-term goal is the development of a system that is easy for families and caregivers to install and support, which requires no calibration, and which provides an intuitive user interlace - all with the goal of maximizing functional communication for individuals for whom eye pointing is indicated.