August 14, 2003. Copyright, 2003, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Electronic glove translates sign language into speech
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, August 14, Graphic News:  A  computerised glove that uses minute sensors to interpret the rapid hand movements of American Sign Language and convert them into spoken words or text could soon help the deaf to communicate more easily with the hearing world.

At the moment, the ÒAcceleGloveÓ is still being tested at George Washington University in the U.S., but computer engineer Jose Hernandez-Rebollar says his device goes further than other, similar experiments because it can translate even complex gestures into words and phrases.

The glove uses accelerometers, a microcontroller and special algorithms to interpret ASL in milliseconds, and is very easy to use. The wearer places his hand in the glove which is then strapped to his arm, allowing tiny sensors to generate signals from the movement and positioning of the hand and fingers in relation to the body. The signals are then analysed by the microcontroller. Finally, algorithms monitor the position of the fingers and trajectory of the hand to detect the corresponding word or phrase, which is then spoken by a computer or printed on a screen.

Though usually accurate, the device is less reliable with more complex words or phrases. Also, although a single hand can sign all the letters of the alphabet and so spell out any word, this is a slow process, and the single glove can sign fewer than 200 complete words, plus a few simple phrases. ASL uses hundreds of gestures that require two hands and so a second glove that can be paired with the first is planned. Hernandez-Rebollar believes the first glove could be on the market next year, while a two-handed version with much greater possibilities could be ready by 2005.

The AcceleGlove marks the first time an electronic method has been used to translate ASL, but reaction from the deaf community is likely to be mixed. Many see ASL as a language in its own right and reject artificial methods to turn it into speech.

But Corinne K. Vinopol, head of AmericaÕs Institute for Disabilities, Research and Training, says the glove could prove useful to deaf parents with hearing children and vice versa. She is especially interested in Hernandez-RebollarÕs work to make his device translate American Sign Language into spoken Spanish as well as English because of the help it could give to immigrant families. ÒThe small deaf children go to school and learn English and ASL,Ó she says. ÒThe parents go on speaking Spanish. Gradually they lose any means of communication.Ó

Not only that, the technology behind the glove could have multiple applications. The military is exploring similar technology to help soldiers communicate silently in combat, but the AcceleGlove has overtaken efforts by defence experts to develop a device that translates hand signals. Before too long, the sensor-studded glove could be a vital piece of equipment to soldiers taking part in a siege, for example, or staging a raid.
/ENDS