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CES: Using Eye Movements to Control a Computer or TV (Video)
Imagine not being able to move a mouse or use a keyboard to control your computer. Frustrating, right? A company Timothy Lord found at CES named Eyetech has a solution for this problem: an eye tracker system that can control your computer or TV (or whatever) purely through eye movements. This isn't something you buy on a whim; the system costs $3000. That's a lot, but Eyetech claims they were the first ones to produce a high-accuracy eye tracker for less then $20,000. Obviously, this is a boon to profoundly disabled people. But Eyetech's Keith Jackson says, in the video, that they also have customers who use Eyetech instead of a mouse because of carpal tunnel syndrome, and that with voice recognition and on-screen keyboards -- and Eyetech, of course -- you can use your computer without (literally) lifting a finger.
The Nouse, from years ago. $150.
I believe there was another version that used eyeblinks for mouse clicks.
I can still move the mouse easily. It's what's happening with my other hand that gets more frustrating the older I get.
(-1: Post disagrees with my already-settled worldview) is not a valid mod option.
It's 2013. I want to hear about brain controlled computers, not eye-tracking systems. We've had that for decades.
http://www.blinktracker.com/
'nuff said.
Speaking of advertisements, I could see this being abused for next gen of intrusive ads.
I mean clearly, we have these extremities which can do fine manipulation work that are being WASTED on "controlling things with dexterity".
Lets use our eyes to do the job, or better yet make it so we can hear using our feet or kick a ball with our nostrils.
Honestly what are you hands so busy doing that you can't control the video you are watching with them...
Oooooooooooooooh ok, nevermind.
Of course I will also send 'em a cookie that will tell me, what visitors to my website like to see and not just click. Ha ha me cookie can see.
No more worrying about click throughs or whatever. Imagine your computer or TV just being able to report back to ad central which ads the users are looking at. THAT is the only impetus that would ever push this technology forward into common use in the future. It would, of course, be marketed as a convenience for the user or viewer, but it all comes back to the advertisers wanting to know exactly what the user is focusing on. Don't think for a minute that that information wouldn't be a gold mine to the right people, privacy be further damned!
Now I'll be able to set my window manager to use look-to-focus.
This tech would work great with the MacBook Wheel. I see you rolling your eyes there - exactly.
I have tried a similar system at Eyetech's competitor Tobii where eye-tracking was used instead of a mouse.
While it was relatively precise and fast, it felt weird and constraining. Instead of the pointing device being an extension of myself, where I was controlling the pointer, the computer was controlling where I was going to look.
I don't keep my gaze fixed on the mouse pointer all the time, just as I don't always keep both eyes on both hands all the time when I am doing various tasks.
It felt also as if gaze-as-mouse could give me serious eye strain after prolonged use.
I think that the model is fundamentally wrong. My eyes are part of my input device, not my output device (that is controlling the pointer when I am using a mouse).
"We mustn't be caught by surprise by our own advancing technology" -- Aldous Huxley
In all seriousness, we have incredibly high resolution cameras available for years. I harbor a belief that the cost of these systems reflects a massive premium that we see attached to any 'medical' device, and that those who need them simply have to buy them, whatever the price. Add to this, the benefits we are all reaping from patents...
It's wonderful what these systems do. It's just disheartening that millions are being deprived of the technology, not because they couldn't afford the hardware, but because there's more profit to be made by keeping prices high for those in the west with insurance policies or governments that will pay for the adaptive equipment.
Why spend $3000 when a similar program that uses any webcam is available at the link below for free?
http://eyemouse.org/
It's been around for a while. I remember trying it about 5 years ago. It might be useful in some areas.
"Magnetic mounting capability" that doesn't sound good to use close to your computer.
I agree. I have not purchased a Kinect, mainly for this reason. An always on camera system just seems a bit too much 1984 for me.
Here is a chilling thought: what if those proprietary smart phones we use provide a back door to allow others to listen in while they are in our pockets, in a purse, on a desk nearby... (yikes, scary!).
"So don't get programmed by anybody but yourself" --Bill S. Preston, Esquire
In Soviet Samsung, TV eye controls YOU! ;)