Eye Gaze Actuator Control for Safe Wheelchair and Bed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with advanced motor neuron diseases or disabilities, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or muscular dystrophy, cannot use traditional joystick and button-based control systems for powered wheelchairs and beds, relying on caregivers for ambulation and movement.
Innovation Solution
The Eye Gaze Actuator Control System (EGACS) uses eye gaze technology to control actuators, allowing users to control powered wheelchairs, beds, and other devices by gazing at virtual buttons on a display, with algorithms filtering out unintentional actions to ensure safe and deterministic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional joystick and button-based control systems are used, then the control mechanism is simple and reliable, but individuals with advanced motor neuron diseases cannot operate it independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical joystick and button-based control system with an eye gaze-based control system. The eye tracking system uses cameras and image processing algorithms to detect gaze direction and translate it into control signals, enabling individuals with motor neuron diseases to control powered wheelchairs and beds independently through eye movements rather than manual manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an eye tracking system as an intermediary between the user and the control system. The eye tracker captures eye movements, processes them through algorithms to determine gaze targets, and converts them into control commands for the powered device, serving as a mediator that translates involuntary eye movements into deliberate control actions
2Ease of operation
If eye gaze control is implemented, then independence of operation is achieved, but safety risks arise from unintentional actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a target acquisition mode where the user must first gaze at a target to select it before execution mode activates the corresponding action. This two-stage process allows the system to distinguish between exploratory eye movements and intentional commands, reducing unintentional activations while maintaining responsiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides visual feedback by displaying the detected gaze point on the screen and highlighting selected targets. This feedback loop allows the user to verify that their eye movements are being correctly interpreted and to adjust their gaze accordingly, improving control accuracy and reducing errors
3Speed
If eye gaze control responds immediately to eye movements, then responsiveness is high, but false activations from involuntary eye movements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires a target selection phase before action execution, where the user gazes at a target to select it without immediately triggering the action. This preliminary selection step creates a temporal separation between eye movement detection and action execution, allowing the system to filter out brief involuntary movements while maintaining fast response to intentional commands
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and techniques for controlling actuators by using eye gaze technology such as in a wheelchair or bed, are provided. Example embodiments provide an Eye Gaze Actuator Control System (“EGACS”) which enables people with advanced motor neuron diseases or disabilities like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or muscular dystrophy to use eye gaze technologies to control their actuators that control seating, bed positioning, and movement of motor-controlled devices. In one embodiment, the example EGACS comprises a display device, eye gaze sensor, eye gaze control application, and device interface(s) to one or more other devices that control aspects of a powered wheelchair, bed, vehicle, or other device. These components cooperate to control the powered wheelchair, bed, or vehicle using eye gaze technology as opposed to by manual control.