A novel EOG-based wireless rapid communication device for people with motor neuron diseases

Abstract

In this study, a new electrooculography (EOG) based system that provides efficient communication for people suffered from motor neuron diseases is presented. The system consists of two distinct devices. The first device operates as a main unit that is activated by the subject’s eye movements. This unit is capable of transmitting 10 different command/state messages. These messages enable subject to choose his/her situation such as “I’m fine”, “I feel bad”, “I’m hungry” and “I’m thirsty”. Commands such as “Come”, “Go”. The number of messages can be increased. The main unit acquires the EOG signal from the subject. Newly developed analogue and digital signal conditioning interprets the eye movements as specific messages and transmits them to the second unit (receiver) using radio frequency transmitter. The messages related to the subject’s demands and situation can be heard from both main and receiver unit speakers. The wireless receiver unit is capable of notifying the patient’s command by auditory and visual indicators. The realised device was tested by 2 healthy and 2 ALS patients and confirmed to be successful with 100% performance for sending correct messages.