Using The Eye Wink Control Interface To Control A Powered Wheelchair

Abstract

TheEye WinkControlInterfaceisaninputdevicebasedon timed closings of one or both eyelids and is intended for use by persons withseveremotorimpairments. Integral to theunit isadedicated computer which greatly enhances the capabilities of two otherwise simple input switches: the left and right eyelids. In this paper we present the implementation and preliminary results of testing our prototype system, which utilizes the Eye WinkControl Interface in the control of a powered wheelchair. We discuss the interface, the design of command sequences for the unit, the development of wheelchair control training software and the integration with the powered chair. eyeglass frames. The sensors, one for each eyelid, continually pass the status (w or DOWN) of the respective lids to a dedicated computer. Thecomputertimestheperiodthatthestatusofboth eyes remains unchanged. The timed period is categorized by thelengthof time thattheeyelidsremaininonepositionas~~~~, SHORT, LONG or SUPER LONG. Any reflex eye blinks are timed out by the computer. [3] The computer also provides audio feedback to aid the user in timing input. Commands are defined as a combination of the status of the eyelids and the length of time that status was held e.g. BOTH WWN - SHORT, LE^ DOWN - LONG etc. With four possible time lengths and four possible states of the eyelids (two eyes, two positions) there are sixteen possible commands a user can issue.