LusoVU presents its new product, EyeSpeak, which will literally allow its users to talk with their eyes. The system is based on Epson’s BT200 smart glasses on which a microcamera, a microphone and a speaker will be integrated. All these will be controlled by a microprocessor unit that will monitor the user’s eyes position. To reduce latency the eye tracking algorithms will be embedded on the systems firmware. With the augmented keyboard shown in the user’s field of view and the eye tracking routines, the users will be able to write words or sentences and have them spoken by a synthetic voice through the systems speaker. This device was designed specifically for people who have disabilities affecting their communication and motor abilities such amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, locked in syndrome, spinal cord injuries, tetraplegia, and some cases of traumatic brain injuries.
View: Photos of the Day: Speak with Your Eyes
EyeSpeak’s story is also inspirational: the idea behind the device appeared after the company’s CEO, Ivo Vieira, became aware of the fact that his father was diagnosed with ALS. After the initial impact he decided he would transform this tragic event into something meaningful. He realized his team’s deep knowledge of technology could change for the better the lives of thousands of persons throughout the world. This is a huge drive and this is why LusoVU is totally committed to make this development come to fruition.
LusoVU launched a Kickstarter campaign between June 16 and July 16, 2014 to gather the necessary funds to make the product available within approximately 6 months. In case the campaign’s goal is not reached LusoVU is still committed to develop the device but it will surely take much longer for the product to be available in the market and therefore reach the people that are eager to have it. And time is of essence for people with some of these diseases. The campaign is also an excellent opportunity to acquire the device at much lower prices than it will be commercialized at a later stage.
“…LusoVU’s project to enable eye controlled communication via a wearable device will make a dramatic difference in my daily life…I hope that you will consider supporting this very important project that can help people like me and others with similar paralysis live better lives and communicate freely without bounds again.” Francis Tsai – Artist
