Proposal and demonstration of equipment operated by blinking

Abstract

This paper describes a new input method that makes use of eyelid blinking. We found that the electromyographic (EMG) signal generated by blinking can be detected using a commercially available brain sensor. Since it is impossible to distinguish between voluntary and involuntary blinks, we propose setting a specific time duration between eyelid closing and opening. This duration can be used as a trigger for signal generation and at the same time for selection of a particular operation. The blink pattern is interpreted as a signal pattern for operation and corresponding commands are assigned for the operation selected. We built a demonstration system to evaluate the proposed method. The validity of the method and the effectiveness of the system were confirmed by the experiment using the system.