Wheelchair Diffusion Blog

In the blink of an eye you can control your iPod and maybe more. A Japanese researcher, Osaka University’s Kazuhiro Taniguchi, says he has developed a blink based system that will soon let people run their iPods and more with the flick of an eye.

As a person does not have to move either hand, the system can serve as "a third hand" for caregivers, rock-climbers, motorbike drivers and astronauts, as well as people with disabilities.

You don’t have to worry about signal misfires since the system only reacts to blinks that are firm and last for at least one second.

The Kome Kami Switch is also capable of operating television sets, air conditioners, room lighting, household electronics and maybe even a power wheelchair.

While managing your iPod is cool, managing electronic devices in  the immediate environment is even cooler for some people with disabilities.

There has been eye-sensor technology in the past. Most were mounted on headbands or glasses frames and obstructed vision. Taniguchi’s system is also head mounted but sensors are in the area of the temple and out of the line of sight.