How does the C-Eye® system work?
Working with the C- Eye® system is based on eye contact with the device. The patient focuses gaze on the appropriate element displayed on the screen for a specified period of time (minimum 0.6 s – the time can be changed). After the time has elapsed, the item is selected. In this way, the patient can communicate with the environment, answer questions and even type on a virtual keyboard. In addition, the C-Eye® PRO system has a rich database of tasks and exercises that are used for neurorehabilitation.
How much does the C-Eye® system cost?
There are two versions of the device: C-Eye® for individual users and C-Eye® PRO for rehabilitation centers and hospitals. To find out the price of our products, please contact us https://assistech.eu/en/contact/
Can the C-Eye® system be used at home?
Yes, the C-Eye® variant is designed to work at home.
Can the C-Eye® system be used by children?
Learning and conducting therapy for children using C-Eye ® is very easy. Children are successful in using the C-Eye® system and achieve very good results. C-Eye® also has content intended for therapy with children.
Is the C-Eye® system suitable to work in hospital conditions, e.g. in intensive care units / ICUs?
Yes, the simplicity of use of the device and the intuitive user interface, and above all the medical device certificate make C-Eye® a system ready to work in medical facilities as well as in hospitals, including ICU wards. An important advantage is the “hospital communication” section available in the C-Eye® , in which patients can indicate the source of pain (location) as well as assess the severity of pain (on the NRS scale).
Are the infrared diodes in the eye tracker safe?
Yes, C-Eye® is a medical device (it has the appropriate safety certificates). The infrared light used in the C-Eye® does not pose a threat to the patient’s safety, even in the case of long work with the device (provided that the system is used in accordance with its intended use and the attached User Manual).
How long can I work on C-Eye®?
The therapists’ experience shows that the optimal duration of one session is from 15 minutes (the first so-called familiarization sessions) to 60 minutes (in the case of patients regularly working with C-Eye®). The frequency of sessions should be selected individually for each patient, according to his condition and preferences. Daily work with the use of C-Eye® is recommended .
Can C-Eye® be used as a trustworthy communication tool for resolving various types of legal disputes?
Yes, C- Eye® has a range of tests confirming the patient’s awareness, as well as a set of communication tables and functionalities, thanks to which the person conducting a communication or therapeutic session with the patient can clearly determine whether the patient’s response was intentional.
How can I be sure that the Patient understands what I am asking? How to check if the selected answers are not random?
Working with the C-Eye® system is based on the rule of repetition of the selected answers. If the patient selects the same answer several times, it is a sign that he or she understands the question. In such a case, we try to fulfil the patient’s request, for example when he or she selects “I’d like to listen to my favourite music” two or three times consecutively, we answer his or her request and play appropriate tracks. Such actions by the therapist not only motivate the patient to make further efforts but also form feedback that he or she is understood and retains some kind of power in spite of all the limitations.
What does the C- Eye® device consist of?
C- Eye® consists of an electronic device with specialized software that can be controlled by touch and eye-gaze. The set with the C-Eye® device also includes a specialized arm on wheels (Mobile Stand BASIC 2.0), enabling work with the patient in any position. In addition, accessories can be purchased for the C-Eye® system, e.g. transport case, switch with USB interface, quick attachment system. Find out more about all accessories at https://assistech.eu/en/accessories/
Does the C- Eye® system install on my own computer or other device, e.g. on a tablet?
The C-Eye® system is a complete device. It is not possible to separate the C-Eye® software from the hardware part. After purchasing C- Eye®, the user does not need anything else.
Does the C-Eye® device need to be adjusted individually for each patient?
Yes. The personalized C- Eye® configuration has a positive effect on the accuracy of the device’s operation, as well as on the effectiveness of therapeutic work. Personalized configuration includes: calibration of the device each time, adjustment of device parameters, i.e. time of selection, method of displaying content on the screen (e.g. in the case of page skipping), changing the background color, etc.
How much does the C-Eye® device help with communication?
Communication in C-Eye® can be carried out in three ways – depending on the patient’s capabilities – by typing with the eyes on a virtual keyboard, by means of pictograms, i.e. graphic symbols (for people who do not have the ability to read and write), or by ready-made text messages. Using C- Eye®, you can, for example, learn about the patient’s current needs – whether he or she is in pain, would like to eat or drink something, or would like to listen to music.
Can I write any text with eye-gaze on the C-Eye®?
Yes, there are 3 keyboards available in the system: basic (computer keyboard layout), alphabetic (letters displayed in alphabetical order) and modular.
Can the patient listen to music or view private photos on their own?
The C-Eye® system gives the patient access to a sound player, audiobooks, photo browser and e-books.Thanks to C-Eye®, the patient can look at family photos and listen to favourite music; it is enough to connect an external USB memory (flash drive, portable hard drive) and create slide shows with descriptions, open the text reader or music player. Playing audio files and viewing photos is available in the “Communication and entertainment” module.
Can I create my own lessons, exercises?
Yes, you can create your own exercises with your own photos, drawings and sounds in the C-Eye Editor in the “Communication and Entertainment” module. The C-Eye Editor makes it possible to use ready-made exercise templates available in the system. Thanks to this, you can create your own content, therapeutic and educational materials tailored to the needs and capabilities of a particular ward.
Does C-Eye® have access to the Internet?
Yes, an additional Internet Module is dedicated to support the Internet. The Internet Module provides a separate, special program for eye control of any computer applications running with the Windows operating system.
Is it possible to buy a cover for the C- Eye® device ?
Yes, you can buy an additional screen protector. In order to familiarize yourself with our offer of accessories for the C-Eye® system, please visit: https://assistech.eu/en/accessories/
How do I learn how to use the C-Eye® device?
C-Eye® is a very intuitive device, it has a touch-controlled interface that is very clear and legible. The device comes with a detailed User Manual in English and a Quick Start Guide, which presents and explains the most important rules for operating the system.
Does the C-Eye® is difficult to install/configure?
The C-Eye® system does not require installation. The device is immediately ready for operation. You only need to turn on the power button. The configuration of the device is extremely simple. After starting, basic personal data should be entered and the patient’s position in relation to the device should be ensured – it is important that the patient’s eyes are in the camera’s field of view (preferably in the middle of the camera’s viewing field). Access to the camera preview is possible in the so-called therapist menu (in the side menu).
Is the device difficult to operate? Will an older person be able to handle it?
C-Eye® is very intuitive to use and even an elderly person should have no problems using it.
How to check if the patient is intentionally focusing his/her gaze on one point?
There is a special exercise in the C-Eye® system that tests and exercises the patient’s visual focus and saccadic movements. In addition, the purposefulness of focusing the patient’s gaze, as well as the intentionality of the selected answers, is verified by repeating the exercise (we repeat the exercise with the Patient, giving the same command and additionally mixing the location of the answers to choose from).
What does the Patient need to do to mark the answer on the screen?
To confirm his choice, the Patient must focus his eyes on a specific place (on the selected answer, pictogram or message) for a long time. Then a green circle appears measuring the time of focusing, which disappears after closing (filling in) – then the answer is marked. The element selection time can be shortened and extended depending on the Patient’s needs in the range: 0.6s – 4.4s.
Do I need a keyboard and mouse to control the device?
The screen of the C-Eye® device is touch-sensitive and it is by means of touch that the caretaker and therapist controls the device. Keyboard and mouse are not needed for normal operation of the device and work with the Patient.
Where can I buy the C-Eye® device?
C-Eye® can be purchased directly from the manufacturer. Feel free to contact us via the contact form or directly – by contacting us by phone. Details on our website: https://assistech.eu/en/contact/
How does the delivery and installation of the device look like?
C- Eye® is delivered by courier to the address provided. Online instruction is also provided.
What is the approximate waiting time for the C- Eye® device from the date of ordering it?
From the moment of payment of the full amount for the device, the waiting time for delivery of the equipment to the indicated address is from 14 to 28 days (the exact date of installation is agreed each time with the Customer).
Is it possible to test the C-Eye® device in advance? On what terms?
The possibilities of testing are determined individually, depending on the place where the tests will be carried out. In order to find out more detailed information – please contact us via the contact form, or directly – by contacting us by phone: https://assistech.eu/en/contact/
Is online training available for the C-Eye® device?
Yes. We use various tools for this type of remote training – e.g. Teams, Google Meet, WhatsApp, Skype.
Who are the intended users of the C-Eye® system and who can use it?
C-Eye® system is primarily intended for neurological patients – after hypoxia, strokes, craniocerebral injuries, as well as for patients with quadriplegia, aphasia, ALS. In addition to adults, C-Eye® can be used by children with communication barriers of various origins – developmental disorders, intellectual disabilities, genetic diseases, etc. There are no restrictions on who can work with C-Eye®, but a common feature of all C-Eye® users is communication barrier (problems with verbal communication and gesticulation).
Can I use C-Eye® with only one eye functioning?
Yes, the system works stably also in monocular mode. It is possible to choose the working mode with the left or right eye. Monocular mode is also often used for patients with convergent/divergent strabismus. Then, in the system, we select the eye that is dominant and use this eye to contact the device.
Can a person diagnosed with unreactive wakefulness state (UWS) use the device?
Must try. According to the literature, approximately 40% of people diagnosed as UWS actually have at least minimal awareness and then can use C-Eye®. However, if it turns out that the person is actually in a state of unreactive wakefulness, they will not work on the device. Then the fixation of the eye-gaze and the reception of messages are abolished, the patient in this case has a deep disturbance of attention.
C-Eye® system support communication and development of a child with cerebral palsy?
Yes. C-Eye® is currently used in many centers caring for children with various disorders. Therapists of these centers confirm the significant influence of C-Eye® on the support of communication and development of children, including children with cerebral palsy. When working with children, the eyefeel® module integrated with C- Eye works great, in which colorful multimedia interactive animations are available, as well as games and an editor that allows you to create your own therapeutic content, also with the use of video materials (films).
Can a deaf person work with the C-Eye® system?
Yes. Then we rely mainly on visual-spatial orientation exercises and memory exercises. In addition, the device not only reads, but also displays commands on the screen, therefore someone who is deaf can also use the C-Eye® system.
Can people with motor aphasia use the system?
Yes, a person with any type of aphasia can use C-Eye®. Depending on the severity of the disorder, individuals will only need more time to use the device efficiently. It is worth noting that the device significantly supports the process of speech therapy.
Can the device be used if the person has a comprehension disorder (sensory aphasia)?
Yes, we only need to change the scope of the tasks. We teach a person to understand simple words, then commands using C-Eye®. An additional advantage is the speech synthesizer, which preserves the names of objects.
Is the C-Eye® device suitable for people with Rett syndrome?
Yes. C-Eye® supports the communication of people with Rett syndrome and positively influences the patient’s quality of life by performing exercises available in the system, also for children.
Can a person in a coma use the device?
No, a person in a coma is not awake or conscious. He or she always has his or her eyes closed, so this definitely confirms the inability to work on the C- Eye® device .
Please note! People in a coma should be distinguished from people struggling with the drooping eyelid syndrome. In this case, patients can be helped by holding the upper eyelids. Remember to nourish and moisten the eyeballs with artificial tears. It has often happened that patients with drooping eyelids cooperated very well with C- Eye®.