Advancements in digital signal processing (DSP) and video technology have created an opportunity to develop a low-cost sytem to allow people with disabilities to control a computer using head and eye movements. A software-based system would be developed to track head and eye movements at much lower cost than the hardware-based systems currently available. The processing power available on the computer~vould be used rather than designing and manufacturing specialized circuit boards for this purpose. Many of the algorithms required for head tracking are also applicable (with mod)fication) to eye tracking, which will increase the effectiveness of the development effort and result in additional cost savings for the development of an eyetracking system.
Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research::Expense is a major obstacle to computer access for people with mobility impairments who require headtracking or eyetracking systems that can cost over $10,000. A softwarebased system for head tracking and eye tracking will be developed that is much more affordable than the hardware-based models currently available. The system will consist of the software, a low cost video camera, and a standard multimedia computer.
