Non-contact blink detection glasses utilising transparent conductive film for binary communication

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients can communicate via their residual capacity to voluntarily blink or move their eyes. Conventionally, electrooculography and video cameras have been used to detect blinks. However, these methods have several shortcomings for application to ALS patients. To overcome such weaknesses, a novel blink detection system that utilises transparent conductive films of indium tin oxide (ITO) is proposed. The ITO films, which are attached to the lenses of conventional glasses, detect blinks without obstructing the wearer´s field of vision. The system was validated by a binary communication experiment conducted with six subjects. The results show that 100% of the blinks given by subjects correctly indicated their intended answers.