The computer mouse could become a thing of the past if a project in development by a team of West Virginia University students becomes a reality.

TheeyeMouseuses a standard webcam to track a users eye movements and relate them to the cursor on the screen.

Seniors in the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering in the WVU College of Engineering and Mineral Resources will demonstrate this and other innovative projects during the departments annual senior design competition Wednesday, Dec. 5.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 1-3 p.m. in the ground floor lobbies of the Engineering Sciences and Mineral Resources buildings on the Evansdale Campus.

Another student-designed project that will be on display allows users to control a remote control car over a computer network. Yet another integrates a biometric identity system into the security system of a vehicle.

Students and faculty members will examine the projects and cast their votes for the best. Last years first-place winner developed University 101, a computer program that allows prospective students and other visitors to learn more about WVU in an interactive environment. An automated system for restaurants placed second.

This event provides our students with the opportunity to conceive, design and build innovative systems and present them to their peers,said Ramana Reddy, professor of computer science and electrical engineering who coordinates the event.The students gain valuable skills at every step along the way.