Upon visiting the FutureParc section of this year's CeBIT, we've come across a product we had covered before, but which we've never been able to see first hand up until now. And seeing is actually a very
important aspect when speaking about the MyTobii P10, because this fully-functional Windows computer can be controlled just by using one's eyes (even the ones in bad need of glasses, like that of the editor who actually got to test this product).
The gadget's manufacturers tout their MyTobii P10 as a portable eye-controlled communication device. The device is comprised of the 15-inch screen, the eye-control device and the computer. It can be mounted on a desk, or on a wheelchair as well as on any place suitable for the user. The device is more than a nifty gadget to abuse when you're too lazy to lift your hand in reach of the mouse. First of all, it is a medical appliance that is suitable for users with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, ALS, high level spinal injuries, or multiple sclerosis.
MyTobii can accurately read the users' input no matter whether they are using glasses or not. It also works unbiased by contacts, eye color or light conditions, and allows users with uncontrolled head movements to use eye control. The rugged casing shelters the fragile components inside, so the MyTobii is suitable for all the environments.
The eye-tracking device does not require the subject to wear additional hardware or perform any actions. All they have to do is get positioned in front of the device, then follow a dot during a 30-second calibration while the machine gets accustomed to the user's eye movement, then it can be used at its maximum potential.
Due to the nature of the built-in technology, the device can easily reach selling prices of around 15,000 Euro, which makes it extremely expensive, but on the other hand, the MyTobii's level of versatility could prove to be priceless for those unfortunate people with severe health problems.
Live report by Bogdan Popa and Alex Vochin from CeBIT 2008 Hanover, Germany.
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