Eye Size Recognition to Control AAC Devices for Persons with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Toshihiro Kawai, Takahashi Hironobu, Kamimura Akira, Yoshiaki Inoue, Lao Shihong, Hidehisa Oku · IOS Press eBooks · 2011
Objective: Various kinds of control switches for AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices have been developed so far. It is, however, difficult for persons with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) to use these switches effectively in their advance stages, because of severe physical constraints. Then, blinking that is the typical residual function of the severely physically disabled is not an available one for persons with ALS (PALS) in their advanced stages. On the other hand, some of PALS can open their eyes normally and widely, even in their advanced stages. However, no control switches can be operated by this residual function. In these circumstances, the purpose of this research is to develop a control switch, for AAC devices, that can be operated by PALS residual function to open their eyes normally and widely.