Design of virtual keyboard using blink control method for the severely disabled

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Assistive Technology

Background:

• Individuals with severe physical disabilities, motor neuron diseases, or cerebral palsy face significant communication challenges.
• Existing assistive technologies may not fully address the needs of users with profound motor impairments.
• Eye-based control offers a potential avenue for enhancing interaction and independence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate a novel human-machine interface (HMI) based on blink control.
• To develop a blink scanning keyboard as an assistive device for severely disabled individuals.
• To enable communication and interaction for users with limited motor function.

Main Methods:

• Acquisition of pseudo electromyography (EMG) signals from eye blinks using a Bluetooth headset with forehead and ear sensors.
• Development of algorithms to detect and filter variations in pseudo EMG signals corresponding to conscious blinks.
• Integration of blink detection as a trigger mechanism for a scanning keyboard interface.

Main Results:

• The proposed system successfully detects conscious blinks through pseudo EMG signal variations.
• Algorithms effectively filter and interpret blink signals for triggering keyboard functions.
• The blink scanning keyboard demonstrates feasibility as an assistive communication tool.

Conclusions:

• Blink control offers a viable and intuitive method for human-machine interaction in assistive devices.
• The developed blink scanning keyboard can empower individuals with severe physical and visual impairments.
• This technology has the potential to significantly improve communication and quality of life for target users.