A new computer-based technology for communicating with people with major neuro-locomotor disability using ocular electromyogram

This paper presents a new technology used for communicating with people with major neuro-locomotor disability by using ocular electromyogram (electro oculogram). The electromyogram is obtained with 5 electrodes placed on the ocular muscles which catch the signals produced by the muscles when the eyes move up and down or left and right. The proposed communication technology ensures communication with the patient as follows: the patient sees on a screen key words or ideograms displayed in different areas; the focusing of the patient´s gaze involves eye movement which is seized by the electromyogram; the selection of the ideogram is done by voluntary blinking and captured by the electromyogram as an impulse. The wish or need of the patient is then sent to the caretaker using a wire or a wireless transmission system. The absence of a selection within a certain time period causes the displaying of a new set of ideograms.