Quinnipiac University has been awarded its first U.S. patent for a faculty- and student-developed technology.
The patented technology, called AccessiMove, is a software-only, hands-free mobility and communication tool powered entirely by facial gestures and artificial intelligence. It’s designed to increase independence for individuals with limited mobility.
It was developed by Chetan Jaiswal, associate professor of computer science, Karen Majeski, associate professor of occupational therapy, Brian O’Neill, associate dean of the School of Computing and Engineering and a team of students.
AccessiMove uses AI facial-landmark tracking, head-tilt detection, and wink/gesture recognition to deliver precise cursor control and command inputs using a standard webcam.
The system requires no special hardware, making it scalable, low-cost, and adaptable for hospitals, long-term care facilities, home-care environments and everyday use, according to the inventors.
In clinical and patient-care settings, the idea is that the technology can enable individuals with limited hand mobility to communicate more easily with caregivers and navigate telehealth platforms independently.
Integrated into motorized wheelchairs, the technology offers people who can only move their head a higher-precision, more comfortable and safer mobility option than many current solutions.
The developers also hope the technology will have applications beyond healthcare, saying it could enhance accessibility in gaming — enabling inclusive, hands-free gameplay — and also has potential in fields including assistive smart-home control, robotics and education and remote learning.
“AccessiMove reflects Quinnipiac’s commitment to developing technology that improves lives,” Jaiswal said. “This patent is a testament to interdisciplinary collaboration and the power of student innovation.”
The university says that this first U.S. patent marks a significant step forward for its innovation ecosystem.
