Development of Sign Language Translator for Speech Impairment Person

Although many assistive technologies have been developed to help disabled people, however, in Malaysia the technology for the speech impairment person is still left behind and currently researchers are exploring the technologies. Assistive technology is defined as assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for Person with Disabilities (PWD) and for the elderly generation. This research focuses on the development of a sign language translator device specialty for a speech impairment person. By capturing a real-time sign language and gesture movement using a high-resolution camera, the system will process the signal and translate the data into visual information. The device is programmed to recognize different alphabets and digits based on the Malaysian Sign Language (MSL) standard. The accuracy of the system obtained was 65.3% for alphabets and 90.6% for digits. It is aimed that this intelligent device invention will bridge the communication barrier and help disabled people to experience a more healthy lifestyle and feel appreciated among the society. The engagement with society will be much easier with the translator device.