Assistive Technology

The Eyegaze Edge^®

21st Century Technology

The Eyegaze Edge^® is an FDA- approved communication and control system for people with complex physical disabilities. The system is operated entirely with the eyes. By looking at control keys displayed on a screen, a person can synthesize speech, control his environment (lights, call bells, etc.), type, run computer software, operate a computer mouse, and access the Internet and e-mail. Eyegaze Edge ^® Systems are being used to write books, attend school and enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities all over the world.

[Note: Detailed Medical and Technical Information is available with complete discussions of eye control, eye conditions and diseases, positioning, possible medication side effects, mental abilities that may have an effect, and the likelihood that the Eyegaze Edge ^® can be used depending on the person's medical diagnosis

**Who's using the Eyegaze Edge ^® ?**

Eyegaze Edge^® users include adults and children with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, brain injury, ALS, multiple sclerosis, brainstem stroke (Locked-In syndrome), muscular dystrophy, and Werdnig-Hoffman syndrome. Edge Systems are being used in homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.

Please click on the Eyegaze Users link for pictures and videos of some of our users.

**How does the Eyegaze Edge ^® work?**

As a user sits in front of the Eyegaze Edge ^® screen, a specialized video camera mounted below the screen observes one of the user's eyes. Sophisticated image processing software in the Edge System's computer continually analyzes the video image of the eye and determines where the user is looking on the screen. Nothing is attached to the user's head or body.

A user operates the Eyegaze Edge ^® by looking at rectangular keys that are displayed on the control screen. 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. An array of menu keys and exit keys allow the user to navigate the Eyegaze programs independently.

A 15 second calibration procedure is required to set up the system for a particular user. To calibrate, the user fixes his gaze on a sequence of small circles that the system displays on the Eyegaze Edge's ^® screen. There is no need to recalibrate if the user moves away from the Edge and returns later.

Can the Eyegaze Edge ^® be customized?

Yes. The Edge programs have many adjustable parameters. The gaze duration, phrases and appliance labels, for example, can all be easily changed. An assistant or caregiver may edit the Eyegaze Edge ^® text or change data values by running a configuration program called ECS Settings. The Edge can be adjusted to accommodate users with very large and very small pupils, drooping eyelids, and irregularly shaped pupils. It can be operated in any position. The user does not need to sit erect in front of the screen. His head can be tipped to the side.

Is the Eyegaze Edge ^® portable?

Yes. The Eyegaze Edge Tablet is our portable system. It consists of a 13.3 inch tablet PC a small camera, and an adjustable table mount. The tablet weighs 5 pounds, and can be mounted on a wheelchair with a Daessy mount.

What environment does the Eyegaze Edge ^® need?

The Eyegaze Edge systems works well in a normal indoor environment, but should not be placed directly in front of uncovered wndows. Because eyetracking uses infrared light to illuminate the eye, it will not run in full sun, although users report successful operation outdoors when shaded from the sun. Fluorescent rather than incandescent lighting insures the best system accuracy.

Is the Internet accessible using the Eyegaze Edge ^®?

Yes. The user can independently go on-line, through two methods: by using the Computer Access option and connecting the Eyegaze Edge ^® to his own PC or MAC, or by using the EyeMouse option and running the Grid II program (www.sensory software.com), which include Internet /email programs. Both Eyegaze Edge ^®systems have WiFi capability. If he choses to connect to his own computer the user can operate all programs, and the Eyegaze screen functions as his keyboard and mouse.