Development of a Remote-Controlled Drone System by Using Only Eye Movements for Bedridden Patients

Abstract

In recent years, the number of bedridden patients with limb disabilities such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has increased due to an extended life span and an aging society. Human eye movements are not relatively attacked even if ALS develops. Focusing on this point in this paper, we proposed a new remote-controlled drone system by using only the patient’s eye movements in order to maintain and improve the quality of life of bedridden patients, including ALS patients. Furthermore, we presented experimental results to verify the effectiveness of the drone system. The experiment was conducted for three medical staff members who can evaluate this system considering bedridden patients. From the experimental results, we clarified what should be improved in order for bedridden patients to use this drone system.