Diseño de la Interfaz Gráfica de Usuario para el software controlado por eye-blinks, para permitir la comunicación a pacientes en pseudocoma

Abstract

[EN] Communication, from its basic to its more complex form, serves as a way of interacting with other people via messages where we express needs, feelings, thoughts. Nonetheless, severe motor impairments can wrest this natural capability leading to incomprehension, anguish and loneliness. Several efforts have been made in order to minimize those negative effects, yet with no satisfactory results for patients in pseudocoma. Thus, the focus of this BA thesis has been set on the development of a user-centered interface that uses eye-blinking as inputs for the computer so as to enable pseudocoma patients to communicate and get some independence back. Based on the interviews and questionnaires the Graphical User Interface for eye-blink controlled Human-Computer Interface was designed. The project was implemented in Python with the use of Qt library. In accordance with the GUI design and universal design principles the window application was developed consisting of 3 levels. Performed tests showed that the simplification of the user interface reduces significantly the number of blinks required for performing the desired action, what results in the reduction of time of the operation and the reduction of user’s effort.