Gesture Bridge
Highlights the project’s role in bridging the gap between
persons who could not speak and persons who could speak
Introduction
Communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, yet
individuals with hearing and speech impairments often face significant
barriers in expressing themselves and understanding others. This
project aims to address these barriers through the development of a
Sign Language Translator Device. The device is designed to facilitate
communication between sign language users and those who do not
understand sign language, thereby reducing social isolation and
enhancing opportunities for education, employment, and daily
interactions.
Problem Statement
Individuals who cannot speak often face significant challenges in
communication, leading to social isolation and limited opportunities.
This group, which includes those with conditions such as cerebral palsy
or autism, frequently struggles to convey their thoughts and needs
effectively. The lack of accessible communication tools exacerbates
their difficulties, making it hard to engage with the broader community.
Our project aims to develop a real-time sign language translator that
not only bridges the gap for deaf individuals but also accommodates
non-verbal communication. By leveraging advanced technologies like AI
and machine learning, we seek to create an inclusive platform that
enhances interaction and understanding for all users.
The primary objectives of the sign language translator project are:
1. Cost-Effective Solutions
Develop affordable methods to bridge the communication gap
between sign language users and non-users. This includes creating
accessible tools and resources that can be widely adopted
without significant financial burden.
2. Gesture Interpretation
Simplify the process of interpreting sign language gestures into
readable text or spoken language. Utilizing artificial intelligence
(AI) and machine learning algorithms can enhance the accuracy of
gesture recognition and translation.
3. Portable Device Design
Create a compact device or application that assists individuals
with hearing and speech impairments in daily interactions. Key
features may include:
Real-time translation of sign language into text or audio.
User-friendly interface for both signers and non-signers.
Compatibility with various sign languages (e.g., American Sign
Language, British Sign Language).
4. Community Engagement
Incorporate feedback from the deaf, hard-of-hearing, and non-
verbal communities to ensure that the technology developed
meets their needs effectively. Engaging with users will enhance
usability and acceptance within these communities.
5. Integration of Advanced Technologies
Utilize cutting-edge technologies such as:
Computer Vision: To analyze video input of sign language
gestures, focusing on hand movements, facial expressions, and
body language for accurate interpretation.
Machine Learning: To improve gesture recognition through
extensive training datasets that encompass diverse sign language
expressions.
Natural Language Processing (NLP): To convert visual information
from sign language into coherent written text, ensuring
meaningful translations.
By achieving these objectives, the project aims to enhance
communication accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments
and those who cannot speak, fostering social inclusion and improving
their overall quality of life.
Proposed Solution
The proposed solution for our sign language translator project utilizes
an Arduino-based glove equipped with flex sensors to facilitate
communication for individuals who cannot speak. Each finger of the
glove is fitted with a flex sensor that detects bending movements,
translating these gestures into corresponding text or speech outputs.
When a user bends a finger, the sensor readings are sent to an Arduino
microcontroller, which processes the data and displays the appropriate
message on an LCD screen. For example, bending the thumb could
display "I need water," while bending the index finger might show "I
need food." Additionally, we can integrate Bluetooth functionality to
allow real-time communication with a smartphone app, enhancing
accessibility and interaction with others. This solution not only
empowers non-verbal individuals to express their needs but also
bridges the communication gap between them and the broader
community.
Features of the Device
1. Input Mechanism:
Flex sensors attached to gloves detect the bending of
fingers, translating these movements into specific gestures.
2. Processing Unit:
The Arduino Nano processes the analog signals from the flex
sensors.
A preloaded program interprets these signals into
alphanumeric characters corresponding to recognized
gestures.
3. Output Display:
The interpreted text is shown on an LCD screen, allowing
non-sign language users to read the communicated message
easily.
4. Design Advantages:
Compact and Portable: The device is lightweight and easy to
carry, making it suitable for everyday use.
Scalability: The system can be expanded to recognize
additional gestures and languages, increasing its utility.
5. Technical Implementation
The device's core functionality relies on advanced technology
that includes:
Flex Sensors: These sensors measure the degree of bending
in fingers, providing precise data for gesture recognition.
Arduino Nano Microcontroller: This microcontroller serves
as the brain of the device, interpreting sensor data and
controlling the output display.
LCD Screen: A user-friendly interface that presents the
translated text clearly for easy reading by non-sign language
users.
Benefits of the Sign Language Translator Device
1. Improved Communication: The primary advantage of a
sign language translator is its ability to facilitate effective
communication between deaf individuals and those who
do not understand sign language. This technology bridges
the gap, allowing for smoother interactions in various
settings, such as education, healthcare, and social
environments.
2. Increased Accessibility: By providing real-time translation
of sign language into text or speech, the translator
enhances accessibility for deaf individuals in public spaces
and private interactions. This inclusivity promotes equal
opportunities in education and employment, ensuring that
everyone can participate fully in society.
3. Enhanced Learning Opportunities: In educational
contexts, sign language translators can assist teachers and
students by providing immediate translations during
lessons. This support helps deaf students engage more
effectively with their peers and educators, fostering a
more inclusive learning environment.
4. Empowerment and Independence: For non-verbal
individuals, the translator empowers them to express their
needs and thoughts independently. This technology
reduces reliance on others for communication, promoting
self-advocacy and confidence.
5. Cultural Exchange and Awareness: By facilitating
communication between different communities, sign
language translators promote understanding and cultural
exchange. They help break down barriers, enabling
hearing individuals to connect with deaf culture and vice
versa, fostering empathy and awareness.
6. Emergency Communication: In critical situations, such as
medical emergencies or natural disasters, having a reliable
communication tool can save lives. Sign language
translators ensure that deaf individuals receive important
information promptly, enhancing their safety and
preparedness.
7. Technological Advancement: The integration of advanced
technologies like machine learning and computer vision
into the sign language translator enhances its accuracy
and adaptability over time. As the system learns from
diverse inputs, it improves its performance, making it a
valuable tool for users across different contexts.
Circuit diagram
Conclusion
In conclusion, the development of an Arduino-based sign language
translator represents a significant advancement in facilitating
communication for individuals who are deaf or cannot speak. By
leveraging innovative technologies such as flex sensors, an Arduino
Nano microcontroller, and an LCD display, this device effectively
bridges the communication gap between sign language users and non-
signers. The incorporation of features such as multi-language support,
gesture libraries, voice output, and mobile app integration enhances its
functionality and user experience. This project not only empowers
individuals with hearing and speech impairments to express themselves
more freely but also fosters greater understanding and inclusivity
within the broader community. As we continue to refine and expand
the capabilities of this device, we aim to promote social interaction,
reduce isolation, and improve the overall quality of life for users.
Ultimately, this sign language translator serves as a vital tool in creating
a more accessible world where everyone can communicate effectively
and participate fully in society.
SDGs
1. SDG 3: Improves healthcare communication for individuals
with hearing impairments.
2. SDG 9: Fosters innovation and access for people with
disabilities.
3. SDG 10: Reduces inequalities by promoting inclusion for
deaf individuals and non-verbal users.
Price
Component Quantity Per unit cost Total cost
Flex Sensors 4 ₹205 ₹820
Arduino Mega 1 ₹944 ₹948
Glove 1 ₹30 ₹30
10k Resistors 4 ₹0.5 ₹2
Total Cost ₹1,800
Total Items Used 14
Profit 20%
Final Cost ₹2,170
Guided by – Anjali ma’am
Made by – Jaimin Doliya & Ricky Parmar
