Blink-to-code: real-time Morse code communication via eye blink detection and classification

TL;DR

This paper presents a real-time, webcam-based system that translates eye blinks into Morse code, providing a low-cost communication aid for individuals with severe motor impairments, with promising accuracy and response times.

Contribution

It introduces a novel eye blink detection and classification system for Morse code translation using standard webcams, enabling accessible assistive communication.

Findings

Decoding accuracy of 62% achieved.

Response times ranged from 18 to 20 seconds.

System demonstrates viability as a low-cost assistive tool.

Abstract

This study proposes a real-time system that translates voluntary eye blinks into Morse code, enabling communication for individuals with severe motor impairments. Using a standard webcam and computer vision, the system detects and classifies blinks as short (dot) or long (dash), then decodes them into alphanumeric characters. Experiments with five participants show 62% decoding accuracy and 18-20 seconds response times, demonstrating a viable, low-cost assistive communication method.