Faces and Tech: A New Way to Communicate

Technology is changing how we talk to each other. A group of professors and students from Quinnipiac University created software that lets people control devices with their faces. This is a big deal for people who can't move much. The idea started when Chetan Jaiswal, a computer science professor, saw a young man in a wheelchair struggling to talk to his parents. Jaiswal thought, "We can do better. " He teamed up with Karen Majeski, an occupational therapy professor, and Brian O’Neill, another computer science professor. Together, they built software that turns facial movements into commands. Here's how it works: A regular webcam watches your face. If you tilt your head left or right, the cursor on the screen moves. If you blink, it's like clicking a mouse. This means people who can't use their hands can still use a computer or even control a wheelchair. The team tested the software with students. They made sure it works even if someone wears glasses or has a stiff neck. The software adjusts to how much each person can move. This tech isn't just for computers. It can help in hospitals, schools, and homes. Imagine a senior in a wheelchair using facial gestures to move around. Or a child with mobility issues playing a game just by blinking. The professors want to partner with hospitals and other groups to make this tech available to everyone who needs it. They hope it becomes as common as any other tool we use every day.