Development of an EOG based computer aided communication support system

The current study delineates the development of an electrooculogram (EOG) controlled computer-aided communication support system for the severely disabled patients. The functionality of the eye remains intact in these patients even in the late stages. The EOG and the voluntary blink signals were acquired using Ag/AgCl disposable electrodes placed on the orbital and canthus positions. The acquired signals were processed and classified to detect multi-directional eye movements. The classified signals were used to initiate communication protocols like telephonic call, sending text SMS and email through human-computer interface (HCI). A graphical user interface (GUI) was designed using MATLAB to monitor the proper functionality of the system. The operation of the device is very simple and can be used as a communication assistive aid for the severely disabled persons.