Credit: Cornell University, Carnegie Mellon University, Stony Brook University Cornell University researchers revealed SpellRing, a compact AI sign language wearable ring that translates American Sign Language (ASL) fingerspelling into text, delivering a discreet and efficient solution for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community.
Using micro-sonar technology, the AI sign language translation device from SpellRing interprets hand movements in real-time, as well as the AI for sign language wearable device provides a user-friendly alternative to bulky camera or glove-based systems.
ts compact design ensures seamless integration into daily life, empowering DHH individuals by giving them to option to communicate with enhanced accessibility and precision.
Micro-Sonar High Accuracy
SpellRing, the AI sign language translator is a thumb-worn ring equipped with a microphone, speaker, and gyroscope. The ring uses inaudible sound waves to track hand and finger movements, all housed in a 3D-printed case the size of an average US quarter.
Together, these elements of the SpellRing work hand in hand to capture the subtle gestures of ASL fingerspelling through the AI sign languagetechnology.
Cheng Zhang, assistant professor of information science and co-author on the research, emphasized user-centric design, saying, “There’s always a gap between the technical community who make the tools and the target community who will end up using them. We’ve closed some of that gap.”
The data collected by the AI sign language live translationdevice is processed by a deep-learning algorithm, converting gestures into real time text. The SpellRing was tested by 20 users, both beginners and expert ASL signers, who collectively fingerspelled over 20,000 words of varying lengths.
The AI sign language translator system achieved accuracy rate of 82% to 92%, depending on the word’s complexity, matching the performance of bulkier existing systems.
Directions of Complete AI ASL Translator
While SpellRing, the AI model to translate sign language, currently addresses fingerspelling – used in ASL to represent words with no designated signs, such as proper nouns and technical terms the researchers look to enhance it further. Future developments in AI sign language include integrating the micro-sonar system into glasses to detect gestures in the upper body and facial expressions, which are the most critical aspects of ASL.
With this innovation, the researchers can open the door to a longer ASL translation system that can continue to bridge communication gaps. The development of the sign language translator AI model SpellRing represents a critical milestone toward inclusive communication technology with an actual, solution-based meeting of the DHH community’s needs and wants.
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