Eye tracking user interface for Internet access used in assistive technology

This paper proposes a new technique that can be used by patients with neuro-motor disabilities to control a PC by means of eye tracking. The technique uses a system that includes an infrared camera and a computer that processes the signals provided by the pupil detection algorithm. The software component is represented by the pupil detection algorithm, which offers information about the cursor position on the user's screen in real-time, and a graphic user interface developed specifically for this system, represented by a browser for internet access and e-mail client. The Internet access technique based on eye gaze detection described in this paper is destined for people with disabilities, but with slight modifications can also be used by healthy subjects. The tests done in laboratory conditions on healthy subjects show that the system is robust in terms of eye gaze detection, and has great utility in re-integrating people with disabilities in society.