Analog Devices' data converters enable hands-free, 'eyes only' user control technology

NORWOOD, USA: Analog Devices (ADI) announced that National Instruments has used ADI’s data converters in a breakthrough user interface technology that allows users to control a system by merely moving their eyes.

In a departure from traditional gaming systems that use hand, wrist and body movements to play video games, Waterloo Labs, a team of engineers at National Instruments that creates experimental projects using NI products, designed a first-of-its kind video game.

This hands-free, “eyes only” video game prototype leverages a technology called electro-oculography that records eye motion (see video). Analog Devices’ ADCs (analog-to-digital converters) play a critical role in the system by converting eye motion into a series of digital commands that move the on-screen character through the game.

The potential applications for this technology go beyond the gaming world to include treatment for amblyopia (or “lazy eye”) and a number of other uses for people who have lost the use of their hands or have other disabilities.

“In its current state, this application is a sophisticated next-generation video gaming system, but we foresee a number of other exciting and valuable uses for this technology. We are in the early stages of exploring some of these applications,” said Hunter Smith, Waterloo Labs team member and applications engineer at National Instruments.

“A key component of this hands-free, ‘eyes only’ video gaming system is Analog Devices’ high-speed ADCs. We plan to continue using ADI’s data converters to help us push design boundaries to develop new applications and products.”