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Human-Machine Interface: Devices That Can Be Controlled Through An Eye Blink

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7 years ago

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Human-Machine Interface: Devices That Can Be Controlled Through An Eye Blink

~By Dinesh C Sharma

Imagine being able to switch on a television set or open an electronic lock just with blink of your eyes. Indian scientists have developed a man-machine interface that can be operated using electric signals generated during eye blink. The system could potentially be used for persons with locomotive and other disabilities for performing day-to-day activities.

When you blink your eyes, the brain produces signals which can be captured from the scalp in the form of electroencephalography or EEG signals. These signals can be processed using a microcontroller and based on how it is programmed, it can take a decision to perform desired tasks by actuating a corresponding device from several devices connected to it.

Human-Machine Interface: Devices That Can Be Controlled Through An Eye Blink

This concept has been demonstrated in laboratory by a team of researchers from Central Scientific Instruments Organization (CSIO), Chandigarh, using EEG signals generated during intentional eye blinks. They say that such a system can be deployed to developed eye blink-controlled devices. Initial findings of the research have been published in the latest issue of scientific journal Current Science.

“This concept can easily be implemented for device development. In fact, we have used it in our laboratory to control devices like speed of a DC motor and results have been highly encouraging,” Dr Raj Kumar, scientist at the Holography Group, Optical Devices Systems Division at CISO, told India Science Wire.

An important feature of the system is that it can be adapted to particular needs of the user and can be attached or detached for actuation of different appliances according to one’s requirements, he added.

Since human brain works like a processor for body control, scientists have been exploring the use of electrical signals from the brain in the form of EEG and EOG (electrooculogram) to facilitate human–machine interface.

Simple tasks like switching on or off lighting systems or moving an assisted wheelchair can be performed by tracking eye-generated signals. Since eye movement is frequent and mounting electrodes directly on eyelids is rather difficult, scientists have been looking for other options. Signals emerging from the eye movement also get mixed with those generated by movement of facial muscles. Therefore, acquiring EEG signals in a non-invasive manner is critical, as done in the present study.

The new concept is based on intentional eye blinks and can eliminate the possibility of false detection. “Two consecutive intentional eye blinks are likely to be of the same amplitude. To actuate a device, if the subject blinks twice intentionally, followed by another unintentional blink as an after effect, then the difference in amplitude between the intentional and unintentional blinks will be significant. If the difference in amplitude between the two signals surpasses one-third of the prior blink, then it would be considered as a false signal and will be rejected by the system. This eliminates almost all detections which occur due to unintentional eye blink,” researchers have explained in the study.

The signals generated in the brain due to eye blinks are acquired by electrodes fixed on the scalp. They are then fed to a filtering block so that useful signal and random signal can be separated. The processed signals are then moved to ‘feature extraction block’ where, the number of blinks are extracted from the signals received. “Rejection of false signal is an important issue which we have addressed successfully and this makes the system more reliable. Even after thresholding, EEG signals can have some false detection due to involuntary blinks. So, rejection filter has been introduced to detect these false signals. The output signal is then fed to the actuator for any movement,” explained Dr Rajkumar.

In the laboratory setup, tasks were assigned for different number of blinks to demonstrate and validate functioning of the system. For instance, the system was programmed to convert one blink in display of word ‘water’ on an LCD panel; two blinks meant the person needed food, while three intentional blinks denoted the patient needed to consult a doctor. Similar programming was done to switch on and control the speed of a DC motor in the lab. In the same way, different number of eye blinks can be assigned to different functions of a wheelchair such as ‘left turn’, ‘right turn’, ‘forward move’, ‘backward move’, etc. Execution of particular function depends on the device that is connected to the system.

“These experiments clearly demonstrate that the system is suitable for human–machine interface and may be used for the development of devices that are helpful for persons with disabilities. The system allows a person freedom to control devices using his brain signals without any extensive training session,” the study says.

“Now we are looking for industry partners having interest, capability and track record of manufacturing related systems,” Dr Rajkumar said.

The research team included Dr Raj Kumar (Central Scientific Instruments Organization) and two research scholars -Subhra Sankha Sarma and Piyush Kant. The research was funded by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). (India Science Wire)

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max: A comparative look at prices and specs in India

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4 days ago

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January 23, 2025

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with car crash detection feature

Samsung has introduced its latest high-end flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, in India, igniting a new chapter in its ongoing rivalry with Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max. Both phones represent the pinnacle of smartphone technology, but they come at distinct price points and offer different specifications that cater to various user preferences.

Price comparison in India

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in three variants: the base model with 256GB of storage is priced at Rs 1,29,999; the 512GB model at Rs 1,49,999; and the 1TB version at Rs 1,65,999. These variants are offered in four color options: Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Gray, Titanium White, and Titanium Black.

In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,44,900 for the 256GB model, with the 512GB and 1TB versions priced at Rs 1,64,900 and Rs 1,84,900, respectively. Samsung’s offerings are notably less expensive across similar storage options, with the 1TB model being nearly Rs 19,000 cheaper than its Apple counterpart.

Specifications face-off

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a 6.9-inch display, slightly larger than its predecessor, and features a more contemporary design with rounded edges. Despite its larger size, it maintains a lightweight feel at only 218 grams and includes a robust 5,000mAh battery. The camera setup has been significantly upgraded, featuring a 200-megapixel primary sensor paired with a 50-megapixel ultra-wide and a 50-megapixel telephoto lens. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, enhancing both efficiency and performance.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, also with a 6.9-inch display, utilizes Apple’s Super Retina XDR technology with Always-On and ProMotion features for a superior viewing experience. It includes a new gold color option and a novel Camera Control button, adding functionality exclusive to the Pro models. The device is equipped with the A18 Pro chipset and features a redesigned camera system with a 48-megapixel primary sensor and advanced video recording capabilities.

Performance and functionality

Both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are designed to offer top-tier performance. Samsung’s flagship includes 12GB of RAM, compared to the iPhone’s 8GB, potentially offering a smoother multitasking experience. The iPhone, however, continues to impress with its integration of hardware and software, leading to efficient performance in real-life usage scenarios.

This detailed examination highlights the strengths of each device, allowing consumers to make an informed decision based on their specific needs and preferences. Whether prioritizing camera technology, display features, or price, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max cater to all facets of premium smartphone requirements.

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Oppo Find N5 set to launch with 50W wireless charging and IPX9 water resistance

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6 days ago

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January 21, 2025

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Oppo Find N5 being tested underwater to showcase its IPX9 water resistance rating.

Oppo has officially confirmed that its latest innovation, the Find N5, will support 50W wireless charging and feature an IPX9 water resistance rating. The announcement comes as part of a series of teases highlighting the capabilities of this next-generation foldable smartphone, set to launch in February.

According to recent leaks, the Find N5 will be the first smartphone to incorporate the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, signaling significant performance enhancements. Pete Lau, Oppo’s Chief Product Officer, has touted the device as the “thinnest foldable phone,” positioning it against leading competitors like the latest iPhone in terms of sleek design.

Zhou Yibao, head of the Oppo Find series, shared insights via Weibo about the Find N5’s advanced features. The device not only matches the wireless charging speeds of newly released models like the Oppo Find X8 Pro and OnePlus 13 but also integrates seamlessly with in-car systems from major electric vehicle brands such as BYD and NIO.

In a compelling demonstration of its durability, a recent video posted by Yibao showed the Find N5 being submerged underwater, showcasing its capability to withstand significant water exposure, evidenced by its IPX9 rating. This test included recording underwater videos, highlighting the phone’s versatile camera capabilities in extreme conditions.

The Find N5 also sports a refined design with slimmer borders and a larger overall form factor compared to its predecessors, which could attract users looking for a sleek yet robust foldable phone.

As anticipation builds, Oppo has begun sharing images of the Find N5, revealing a foldable design as thin as a USB-C port when opened. This device promises to merge aesthetic appeal with functional excellence, setting a new benchmark in the evolving foldable phone market.

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Realme 14 Pro series set to launch in India tomorrow: Expected specs, price, and more

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2 weeks ago

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January 15, 2025

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Realme 14 Pro series launch with AMOLED display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, and advanced camera setup.

Realme is gearing up to unveil its latest mid-range smartphones, the Realme 14 Pro series, in India on January 16, 2025. The much-anticipated event will also mark the launch of Realme Buds 5 wireless earphones, adding to the excitement among tech enthusiasts.

When and where to watch the launch

The Realme 14 Pro series will be launched at 12 noon on Thursday, January 16. Fans can catch the live-streamed event on Realme’s official YouTube channel.

Realme 14 Pro series specifications (Expected)

The Realme 14 Pro series, including the Realme 14 Pro and Realme 14 Pro+, has already been introduced in China, offering a sneak peek into its features.

The Realme 14 Pro boasts a 6.83-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive 3840Hz PWM dimming for superior visuals. Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, coupled with up to 12GB LPDDR4X RAM and 512GB UFS 3.1 storage. It is expected to run on Android 15 with Realme UI 6.0.

For photography, the device offers a triple-camera setup featuring a 50MP Sony IMX896 primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto lens with up to 6x in-sensor zoom. The front houses a 32MP selfie camera.

Additional features include an in-display fingerprint sensor, IP66, IP68, and IP69 water resistance certifications, and a robust 6,000mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC fast charging.

Realme 14 Pro+ pricing (Expected)

The Realme 14 Pro+ is expected to be priced at approximately Rs 30,000 for the 12GB RAM/256GB storage variant and Rs 33,000 for the 12GB RAM/512GB version, based on its Chinese pricing of 2,599 yuan and 2,799 yuan, respectively.

As more details about the Realme 14 Pro surface, all eyes will be on tomorrow’s launch event for official specifications and pricing.

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