Coming soon, eye-controlled computer games for disabled kids

London, Feb 29 (ANI): Scientists at a UK university have found a way to help children who cannot use a mouse or keyboard to play computer games.

They are developing new computer games, which can be controlled by eye movements.

The project at De Montfort University aims to allow severely disabled youngsters to play computer games, the BBC reported.

Eye control "adds a whole new level of intelligence to games", said research leader Stephen Vickers.

The use of eye tracking as a way of interacting with devices has been explored for a number of years, he noted, but his project is developing a more accessible, low-cost system, which will bring games into the reach of disabled children who cannot operate a mouse or keyboard.

They will be able to "push" buttons and direct a character by looking at different points on the screen. In a spaceship game, he said, players can fire a gun by staring at a button.

Eye tracking uses an infrared light to identify where the eyes are looking - and can measure the movements as the person looks around a computer screen.

If the eyes focus on an on-screen button, this can be like using a mouse and cursor to "click" on a button.

Researchers at the project at the Leicester-based University have worked with a local special school.

As well as letting children play games, it is also a way of helping children with very limited mobility to learn how to move around virtual environments, including those showing the layout of real buildings. (ANI)