Prague - They are not able to move their arms and hands but they are able to work with a computer. They write emails and play computer games. They are able to do that all thanks to a new Czech device that allows people to command the computer with their eyes.
The new device was introduced on Tuesday in Jedlička Institute and Schools for physically disabled people in Prague that helped with its development. The production will start shortly. The device will be sold for CZK 38.900 even though prices of similar equipment outside of the Czech Republic are several times higher.
Every computer accepts it
The I4 Control how the device is called is actually a computer peripheral that can be connected to each computer via a USB port. Glasses with an attached miniature camera are an integral part of the invention.
The camera follows the eyes of the user and moves the cursor around the screen based on the moves of the eyes.
When the user opens the keyboard on the screen, he or she can actually type by clicking (actually blinking) on the keys with their eyes.
I could not stop
Marcela Fejtová, the main author of this device started working on her invention as a student. Lately, she has been working on it as a professional scientist at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague.
Every year, dozens of brilliant ideas are developed by university and high school students. But then they remain unfinished because students shift their interests and start spending their time with other things.
But Marcela Fejtová persevered. "I found out that developing something is only ten percent of the work. Then you have to make your invention ready for production, rework, and get certifications. That includes much more work and drains you energy," she explains.
"But I persevered. I could not let it be when I saw how the children in the institute were looking forward to it because the device would make it easier for them to use the internet," adds Fejtová.
Scandinavian markets
The license was given to company Medicton that prepared the device for production. "Right now we are negotiating with insurance companies if they would be willing to contribute to people who are interested in the device," says Vratislav Fabián from Medicton.
At the beginning of the next year, the company will be ready to sell the new device abroad as well. It has obtained the required certification by the European Union.
"It seems that many people will be interested in the device in Scandinavia where the care for the disabled is very well developed," says Vratislav Fabián.
In future, the company plans to focus on communication of doctors with their patients that underwent a complicated surgery and are not able to talk or move.
They should be able to communicate with their doctors and tell them how they feel by moving the cursor on the screen with their eyes. They should also be able to move the position of their bed with their eyes.
