Stuart Millheiser Discusses the Latest Portable Eye-Tracking Communication System

SAN DIEGO, July 23, 2015 /PRNewswire-iReach/ --  Stuart Millheiser, founder of the charity organization ALS Guardian Angels, has dedicated his life to spreading awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and supporting the search for a cure. According to Stu Millheiser, later-stage ALS patients cannot communicate with others without expensive technology. Fortunately, EyeControl technology could make speech more accessible to ALS patients and their families.

The company is creating portable glasses that would enable ALS patients to use their eyes for communication. This system captures eye movements with a glass-mounted infrared camera, and translates those actions into written text or words according to a specific eye-tracking algorithm.

When the camera detects a movement, it transmits data via a USB cable to a small computer, which then translates the movement into specific commands on a smartphone app. The commands then relay through the system's speaker or headphones, or via a Bluetooth connection.

Currently, the EyeControl system uses three steps to communicate. The first step calls for assistance. The second shares predefined sentences, such as "I'm hot." The third step enables users to compose their own sentences, similar to using a SMS messaging service.

If the patient attaches the earpiece to the headset, then the device can ask specific questions and recognize responses according to eye movements. This means that a patient can respond to a question with a certain movement, such as looking up to indicate "yes."

Currently, only 30 percent of ALS patients can afford communication solutions, which cost thousands of dollars. EyeControl has the potential to be more affordable, but at this point, there is no indication of what the cost will be. The creators are using a crowdfunding platform to raise money for additional research and development of both the app and its hardware.

The EyeControl system is pending patent. In addition to its affordability, the system's portability sets it apart from similar technologies. Most existing communication devices must connect to a stationary computer screen in order to function. The ALS community waits in anticipation for EyeControl's revolutionary approach to transcending the barriers this debilitating disease.

Stuart Millheiser is the founder of ALS Guardian Angels. Millheiser founded ALS Guardian Angels in 2007 to help patients that are suffering from ALS, formerly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Millheiser has helped hundreds of people with ALS by providing everything from medical equipment to support for basic living expenses.

Millheiser has been referred to as "a true angel on earth" for his charitable work. He feels a sense of accomplishment by helping those in need. After the viral spreading of the ice bucket challenge during the summer of 2014, Millheiser is hopeful that more people will continue to become aware of ALS and support this truly important cause.

Media Contact: Stuart Millheiser, ALS Guardian Angels, 949-488-9894, [email protected]

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SOURCE ALS Guardian Angels