A Research on Eye Movement Detection and Application to Welfare Equipment by Image Processing

Abstract

In recent years, population aging is continuing and people with physical disabilities is increasing. Device that supports the operation of life equipment and communication is indispensable not only to improve the living environment for people with disabilities and support their independence, but also to reduce the burden on caregivers. In this research, we developed a gaze input device that can be used by people with physical disabilities such as neuropathy and limb defect. This device consists only of a personal computer and UVC camera. We created a program to detect eye movements from images captured in real time from UVC camera and operate the mouse cursor on a personal computer. Detect eye position and identify the gaze direction were performed using image processing. Using the identified gaze direction, the mouse cursor movement processing of the personal computer was realized. Also, click processing was realized using blinking eyes. We think that people with physical disabilities can operate not only the mouse cursor but also various devices by using eye movements.