Eyetyping

Eyetyping is a form of assistive technology that enables text entry and computer control by using eye movements. It relies on eye-tracking sensors to determine where a user is looking on a display, and translates gaze into keystrokes or commands. Eyetyping is commonly used by people with severe motor impairments, such as those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, or locked-in syndrome, and is a key component of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

How it works: Infrared or video-based eye trackers detect the eye's position by tracking reflections from the cornea. The system maps gaze to an on-screen keyboard or interface. Entry can be achieved through dwell-time typing (holding the gaze on a key for a preset duration), by selecting keys with intentional blinks or saccades, or by using predictive text and word completion to reduce keystrokes.

Interfaces and methods: Some eyetyping systems present a traditional QWERTY keyboard; others use scanning interfaces that highlight rows or columns and advance until the desired key is reached. Advanced systems integrate machine learning to improve accuracy and speed and may support switch access or head movement as a supplementary input.

Practical considerations: Effective eyetyping requires proper calibration, a stable head position, suitable lighting, and a comfortable seating arrangement. Accuracy and speed vary with user experience, device quality, and environmental conditions. Training and practice, along with word prediction and language models, can significantly increase communication rates.