Eye-gaze is a method of accessing the computer generally adopted by children and adults whose eye control is their most efficient and reliable movement. Eye gaze, eye control, gaze interaction, eye tracking or eye gaze control are some of the terms used to refer to this access method.
In selecting an eye gaze system, consideration must be given to the suitability of the camera, the interface or software and ensuring that the device is positioned correctly for the user.
Who could benefit from eye gaze?
- A child or adult who has difficulty using their hands to access a screen
- A child or adult who is unable to use the regular computer keyboard and/or mouse
- A child or adult who has been using switch/scanning
- A child or adult who has been using head-tracking
- A child or adult with a progressive condition
Eye gaze cameras offered by Zyteq
We currently offer the following eye gaze cameras: Evo, Lumin-i, Vida, Alea Intelligaze NXT, Tellus i6 and Tellus 6.
Contact our team to support you in understanding if eye gaze is the right access method for you or your client, to navigate the options available and organise a trial.
Key uses for eye gaze:
1. Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)
For an individual who has Complex Communication Needs (CCN) a Speech Generating Device (SGD) may be used for voice output communication (speaking out messages), and for additional forms of communication such as email, Skype and social media. A specialised portable computer-based device can offer these forms of communication and can accompany the user wherever the device may be required. Operating (or accessing) the device should be independent, non-fatiguing and as efficient as possible. Eye gaze is available as an access method for SGDs. The eye gaze camera may be in-built and designed as part of the device, or it may be added onto the main device. The entire system will need to be mounted so that the correct positioning for eye gaze can be established for different contexts and environments (e.g. when out and about and also when lying in bed).
2. Full computer control - alternative to keyboard/mouse and touchscreen
For an individual who uses mainstream software on a Windows computer, eye gaze control can provide an effective and comprehensive alternative to the standard input methods if the use of a mouse or keyboard is not efficient or possible. People with a range of diagnoses may fall into this category, whether acquired or developmental and regardless of age. This type of computer user is likely to rely on the computer for work, study and leisure, for email, internet, word processing, website maintenance, music, e-books, news and so on. Eye gaze control software supplied with the camera provides an on-screen keyboard for entering text and alpha-numeric characters and mouse controls for selecting items on the screen. It also provides access to settings for the eye gaze camera to help adjust settings for the individuals needs. These eye gaze controls work with almost any other software.
Contact our team to support you or your client in exploring eye gaze.
