Developing a magnification prototype based on head and eye-tracking for persons with low vision

Abstract

Severe visual impairments make it difficult for users to work on a computer. For this reason, there is great demand for new technical aids on the computer to compensate for these limitations. Current magnification software makes it possible to adjust the screen content, but due to the lack of overview and the time-consuming use of the mouse it is sometimes difficult to find the right content. If another physical disability is involved, working on a computer often becomes even more difficult. In this paper, we present the development of an affordable magnification system based on a low-cost eye-tracking device, which can be adjusted to the visual impairment without the need for a mouse or keyboard by using the line of vision derived from eye or head movements. Two studies with experts and potential users showed the usefulness of the system.