Glove Transforms Sign Language into Speech
September 18, 2012 – 4:27 pmA team of Ukranian students has developed a glove that can transform sign language into verbal communication. The device could help people with hearing and speech impairment to communicate. The team won the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2012 and has launched a website detailing the project, which they call “Enable Talk“, and the business plan.
The prototype glove has sensors that measure the degree of bending. A compass, accelerometer and gyroscope also help determine the motion of the glove, while a microcontroller on the glove processes the data. Software (developed under Windows Phone 7/Windows 8 ) transforms the information into a soundwave. The data is then sent via Bluetooth to a cell phone.
The team estimates initial start up costs to be around US$400,000, according to the website. The current base cost of the prototype is US$150 per device, but the team expects to reduce this cost to US$75 after developing the device further. The projected price is US$400 for two gloves.
Camilla Andersson
