Sensor glasses: Move the wheelchair independently with your eyes

Please give a basic description of MyEcc Pupil? For whom is it suitable or unsuitable?

Thomas Rosner: MyEcc Pupil is a special control system that can operate, for example, a power wheelchair including seat settings via eye movement, but can also control a robotic arm. It works as follows: A sensor is attached to the lower edge of the spectacle frame that detects eye movement. So when a user looks to the left, the connected software translates this command to drive the wheelchair to the left, for example. When the eyes are closed, for example in a dangerous situation, the control system pauses immediately, that means the wheelchair stops immediately until the user releases the control system with the eyes.

In order to establish this communication between the glasses and the wheelchair or robot arm, we need, among other things, a high-performance display that is also used to calibrate the detection of the pupil, hence the name "pupil". So far, we have supplied many people with ALS with our special control, but also children and adults with muscular dystrophy or other muscle diseases. Our special control is mainly used when all other controls are no longer possible, that means there is no longer any independent body or head movement – as mentioned, the MyEcc Pupil only needs the movement of the eyes and corresponding cognitive abilities.

The system is controlled by the eyes – two very sensitive parts of the body. How can the product be adapted if, for example, users wear glasses themselves?

Rosner: We have developed different adjustment possibilities. We can provide the frame with three different temple lengths to optimally adjust the fit of the glasses. The integrated sensor can also detect the eye movement in sunlight – but since the pupil shrinks in this case, we deliver the MyEcc Pupil with self-tinting lenses as standard, so that the eyes can relax and the sensor can detect the eye correctly. For spectacle wearers, it is possible to have the frame retrofitted with lenses of their own prescription by an optician. We have also been able to carry out positive tests on people with nystagmus and even on a person who is blind in one eye. We are currently working on further developing the MyEcc Pupil for other user groups, for example for people with spasticity.

In which areas of (daily) life is the product used?

Rosner: For people without any independent body movement, every small activity that is done by oneself again can mean a small happiness. Here, of course, it's always about movement in the home environment and outside the home, that means changing rooms independently, adjusting one's seat so that it's comfortable. Turning the wheelchair in the right direction without having to ask someone to do it or giving something to someone with the robot arm are also part of this. Of course, it takes some practice, but all these activities are possible with the MyEcc Pupil. Leaving the house independently, accompanied by an assistant of course, and going to the garden or the nearest park, and again being able to choose the direction or stop to look at something, that is a whole new way of life for many of our clients.

How does MyEcc Pupil help people with disabilities to participate more?

Rosner: The MyEcc Pupil can partly help to compensate for the respective disability so that elementary basic needs in daily life can be carried out again – and thus help people to participate more. Elementary basic needs include walking, sitting, standing, lying down, but also, for example, grasping or independent living – accordingly, independently steering a wheelchair is also one of such needs. This also means that, for example, in the advanced stage of ALS, one also has a legal right to this aid.


Customer statement about MyEcc Pupil:

Eberhard Wurst is happy with the sensor glasses: "I use MyEcc Pupil every day. On the one hand in connection with my robotic arm, for example to drink coffee, open the door or operate light switches, and on the other hand to go for a walk or shopping at the market. I also use the joint software of MyEcc Pupil and MyEcc for the PC all the time in the flat for wheelchair driving and changing the sitting position."