EyeTech Digital Systems produces external eye-tracking hardware that connects to computers with associated software. This is used to improve the lives of those suffering from paralysis, carpal tunnel, and other impairments that limit the use of the hands. Currently, they manufacture and sell an eye-tracking device that connects to a computer and uses the movement of the viewer’s eyes in place of a mouse. These eye-trackers are also used for research purposes, such as tracking a person’s gaze when viewing websites. However EyeTech Digital Systems’ current eye-tracking devices did not meet all of their customers’ needs. The eye-tracking device was difficult to position, and often covered the lower part of the screen on laptops. In order to improve their customers’ lifestyle, Eye Tech asked BYU capstone students to develop and prototype a single housing that integrates an eye tracker, display screen, and a computer.

The design the team developed integrates all three requirements into a single housing similar to a tablet PC. The single housing they designed will provide more mobility and more convenience for their customers. The capstone team selected and ordered the main components for the computer including the motherboard as well as assembled a list of potential long-term suppliers. After analyzing the functioning of the eye tracker device provided by EyeTech Digital Systems, positions and orientations of the eye tracking sensors were tested for best accuracy. Creating a prototype, the optimal location of the infrared LED arrays was found to be 2.33 inches from the bottom of the screen, or about a third of the way up. Heat analyses were also conducted with good results, which confirmed the feasibility of cooling the processor using the case as a heat sink.

The sponsor from Eye Tech Digital Systems was very pleased with the team’s success and is exploring paths to commercialization.

BYU News, April 6, 2011