Smart Glasses for ELA in partnership with La Fe Hospital

The challenge: Restoring the ability to communicate to people with advanced ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) causes a progressive loss of motor function that isolates the patient from their surroundings. In the most advanced stages of the disease, the ability to squint or blink becomes one of the few movements the patient retains, making it extremely difficult to express everyday needs and emotional states.

Traditional technological solutions to this problem, such as pupil scanners connected to desktop computers, are bulky, not very portable and extremely expensive. The challenge lay in developing a lightweight, intuitive and accessible solution that could be worn as part of everyday clothing without compromising the user’s comfort.

La Fe University Hospital, Valencia

A leading hospital in Spain and a pioneering health research institute in the application of advanced biomedical technologies.

Health

Dr. Juan Francisco Vázquez Costa
Research group on neuromuscular diseases and ataxias

We have decided to make the most of what these glasses have to offer. It’s very simple. When the patient communicates with their carers, family members or children, they connect with the world around them.

The solution: GlassWare ELA, accessible technology integrated into smart glasses

GlassWare ELA was conceptualised and developed in collaboration with the La Fe Institute of Health Research, Tyris Software and the Polytechnic University of Valencia. It is a piece of software designed for Google Glass-type devices that translates a slight blink into the equivalent of a mouse click, allowing the user to navigate freely through a simplified menu.

Through this interface, the patient can select pictograms or predefined messages which are sent immediately to the carer’s tablet or smartphone. The tool facilitates smooth, two-way communication, reducing technical complexity through a quick and ergonomic calibration process.

100%

Real-time messaging between patients and carers

A wink is all it takes to carry out actions and select options

70%

Cost savings compared with traditional eye-tracking systems

Innoarea Projects desarrolla proyecto realidad aumentada para La Fe

Algorithm optimised to interpret intentional blinking as a mouse click
An intuitive, structured menu designed to convey moods and basic needs
Two-way connection in real time with smartphones and tablets
Direct integration into smart glasses for continuous use as a fashion accessory

Key findings

The implementation of GlassWare ELA represented a substantial step forward in the autonomy of the patients assessed, leading to the system’s immediate adoption thanks to its simple learning curve. As patients are able to convey their feelings and needs instantly, the barrier of emotional and social isolation is significantly reduced from the very first sessions of use.

Recognised as part of the funding scheme for UPV-La Fe collaborative projects on biomedical technologies, this project demonstrates the potential of commercially available wearable devices to make healthcare more widely accessible, directly improving the quality of life of patients and their families.