Project Process

We started our process by research Stephen Hawking and the equipment that he used to be able to speak while still having Lou Gehrig's Syndrome. He used an app called ACAD, which would read his facial twitches using a camera, and then type out the words that Mr. Hawking was trying to say.

Then we thought about if you could wear a VR headset, that was an interactive projection, so you would see the ACAD software in one corner, while seeing the rest of the room all over the glasses. In the corner you would be able to move your eyes or twitch your cheek or do a slight facial movement to operate the ACAD software. The information would then be relayed to a computer, typing out the words that you want to say.

Our second idea was that there would be a camera that would track your facial movements, and you could use your phone to see what message the person was trying to convey.

We had another idea of using the same design as Mr. Hawking but making it a lot cheaper. We would use a laptop instead, therefore saving money, and using higher technology, hopefully not to exceed 1000 dollars.

Lou Gehrig's disease also called ALS, is a nervous system disease that weakens muscles and impacts physical function. This disease is very rare, with fewer than 20,000 cases in the US every year. No one knows of the cause of ALS and can last for years or the rest of your life.