Software engineer Steve McHugh has come up with a great use for Google’s upcoming computer eyewear, Google Glass.

Google Glass is a wearable computer resembling a pair of glasses. It will have a display and voice-activation just like a smartphone. One of its features is the ability to track eye movement.

Google recently asked people to post their suggestions. It occurred to Mchugh that the eye-tracking function could be used to control wheelchairs. To see how it feels to wear the glasses click here.

Although the finer technical details of the device are as yet unconfirmed, Google’s patent indicates the glasses will use very precise eye-tracking technology. Eye movement can be used to select buttons on the screen, and selection be made to depend on how long you stare. The glasses could also give other information such as speed and McHugh believes the device can also be used to help in identifying obstacles and optimal paths.

“Google Glass would be potentially life-changing for quadriplegics and even paraplegics, freeing their hands to do other tasks” according to McHugh in an interview last month. “I really hope that this project becomes a reality to help anyone who could benefit from supplemental control interfaces improve their lives.”

He is currently seeking funding for the equipment to build the app and construct a prototype, which will then enable him to seek further funding for its manufacture.

More details on Steve’s idea and his fundraising push can be found here.