NaviGaze: enabling access to digital media for the profoundly disabled

Graphical interfaces have become dominant in today´s computer environment. These interfaces typically consist of windows, icons, menus, and buttons that require the use of some continuous-input pointing device. Common examples of these devices include mice, styli, trackballs, touchpads, and joysticks. However, all of these devices are designed to be controlled by the user´s hands. This places people who can´t use their hands (amputees, quadriplegics, those with muscular disorders) at a serious disadvantage in using the computer. Therefore, there is a need for systems capable of controlling the mouse pointer without requiring hand manipulation. Because many disabled people still have significant control of their head motion, head tracking is a logical choice. We have developed a non-intrusive head tracking system for cursor control, coupled with eye blink recognition to emulate mouse clicking. The system, called NaviGaze, still allows the use of a standard mouse and keyboard, making it ideal for use in public computing environments.