This Glove Translates Sign Language Into Speech In Real Time
July 3, 2020
Bioengineers at UCLA have designed a high-tech glove that can translate sign language into speech in real time through a smartphone app.
Jun Chen Lab / UCLA
The glove contains sensors that run along the five fingers to identify each word, phrase or letter as it is made in American Sign Language.
The device then turns the finger movements into electrical signals, which are sent to a small circuit board worn on the wrist. The board transmits those signals wirelessly to a smartphone that translates them into spoken words at the rate of about one word per second.
"Our hope is that this opens up an easy way for people who use sign language to communicate directly with non-signers without needing someone else to translate for them," said Jun Chen, an assistant professor of bioengineering at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and the principal investigator on the research. "In addition, we hope it can help more people learn sign language themselves."
The scientists also added adhesive sensors to testers' faces — in between their eyebrows and on one side of their mouths — to capture facial expressions that are a part of American Sign Language.
Previous wearable systems that offered translation from American Sign Language were limited by bulky and heavy device designs or were uncomfortable to wear, Chen said.
This device is made from lightweight and inexpensive but long-lasting, stretchable polymers. The electronic sensors are also very flexible and inexpensive.
UCLA has filed for a patent on the technology. However, a commercial model based on this technology would require added vocabulary and an even faster translation time, Chen said.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Zoo Visitor Captures Incredible Moment An Elephant Saves A Gazelle From Drowning
She Meant Every Word Of 'In Sickness And In Health'
Soaked, Scared, And Alone - Baby Raccoon Melts Hearts After Rescue
The Grade That Saved A Life: A Professor's Unforgettable Act Of Kindness
Hummingbirds Are Nesting On String Lights - And People Are Sharing The Cutest Photos
Parents Secretly Build Disney-Themed Backyard While Kids Sleep
Golden Retriever Pushes Owner Into Water Causing Hilarious Chaos
Man Claims He Can Speak Chicken - And Then Proves It
Emu Has An Absolute Blast Playing Chase With Dogs
Kid's Freestyle Dance To Live Jazz Is Pure Joy — And Viewers Can't Get Enough
Only 2 Students Show Up For Class Hike, But Their Professor Makes It A Day They'll Never Forget