About Eye-Com
Eye-Com Corporation has developed a highly advanced Biosensor, Communicator and Controller device (EC7T), which in its seventh generation, has demonstrated the wide and varied applications of eye tracking technology. Eye-Com Corporation is an advanced center for research and development and the holder of 9 issued patents and 16 pending patents related to eye tracking and head tracking technologies.
Over the past decade, through the diligent research and product development of an experienced management team and diverse engineering teams, the revolutionary eye tracking technology has evolved from its original, primitive blink detection capabilities to encompass a range of powerful applications. These include:
- Accurate oculometric data collection for clinical studies and human factors research
- Advanced assistive communication through eye-based computer control
- Drowsiness and fatigue detection in drivers
The Inspiration
Dr. William C. Torch, an internationally recognized neurologist and sleep specialist with a passion for improving the quality of life of disabled individuals, founded Eye-Com Corporation. It all started in 1998 with the invention of a life-changing technology that was originally created to assist a quadriplegic patient who was able to move only his eyes. Using this limitation as inspiration, Dr. Torch developed the Eye-Com Biosensor, Communicator, and Controller (Eye-Com) using the concept of eye tracking technology to give the patient the ability to communicate through blinking of the eye. The technology has since evolved into the Eye-Com EC7T™ eye tracking system.
Strong support from the beginning….
John T. Zimmerman, PhD.
American Board of Sleep Medicine
Dec. 8, 1994
“In summary, I would wholeheartedly endorse the development of this eyelid detection device and would see many applications for it, both as a professional sleep researcher and clinician, and as an individual concerned with the epidemic of sleepiness in our society, which is claiming so many lives in terms of inattention, drowsiness, and outright falling asleep while driving a motor vehicle. The widespread use and application of this device in the future could undoubtedly save many lives and perhaps millions of dollars in property damage losses per year.”
Stephen C. McFarlane, Ph.D.
Foundation Professor and Chair
Dept of Speech Pathology/Audiology, University of Reno, NV
November 8, 1996
“Dear Dr. Torch:
I wanted to comment on your invention of the Eye Com Biosensor Device. The device has many potential uses in the area of augmentative Communication, and as an assistive device. The potential is very great to help a great number of disabled people. Importantly, the Eye Com Biosensor Device has application where there are no devices at present, and where a demand can be developed.
I find your work compelling.”
Robert B. Burn
President & CEO
Washoe Health System and Washoe Medical Center
May 15, 1998
“Dear Dr. Torch
I would like to congratulate you and Eye-Com Corporation on the achievement of having received a patent on the Eye-Com Biosensor. It is a remarkable invention with so many applications that will no doubt benefit millions of people.”
“From my perspective as President & CEO of Washoe Health System and Washoe Medical Center, I would be proud to join other hospitals in the Reno area by representing our medical center as a potential beta test site for the development of the Eye-Com Biosensor. I can see the Eye-Com being developed for our medical patients, including our sleep disorder and rehabilitation patients, those who suffer from transient loss of consciousness, and those patients being treated in our intensive care unit who are unable to communicate verbally.”
Glen McCullough
Patient
n.d.
“Several months ago Dr. Torch showed me a device that would work with just the blink of your eye. Needless to say I became very excited at the extensive possibilities this device had to offer. Some of the fear and frustration could be alleviated for a lot of other people. The possibilities are endless as to who and how this could be marketed and used for. Just think with the blink of your eye and you can communicate in Morse code, someone with a sleeping disorder never has to fear of falling asleep at the wheel as a means of depth perception, the possibilities are endless.”
Read more…
Karen Schembri
Patient
n.d.
“For someone disabled, it (the Eye-Com) could open a world of being able to do things for themselves instead of being dependent upon someone else. Someone who is totally disabled and unable to communicate (a quadriplegic mute) could now feel like they are a worthwhile person. They would have always been a worthwhile person, but they are not capable of voicing their thoughts, advice or even interjections. They would now be able to tell someone what they want or need. Even more importantly tell a Doctor or E.M.T. what was ailing them.”