Technological Advancements in Non-verbal Communication with an OpenCV Framework for Gesture Translation
摘要
Communication is a fundamental human right, yet millions of persons who are mute or non-verbal due to various physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities face significant hurdles in expressing themselves. This initiative targets to narrow the communication gap for mute individuals by harnessing computer vision (CV) technology, specifically Open Source Computer Vision (OpenCV). Through the recognition and translation of hand gestures into text, this research provides an effective means for these persons to communicate. Our proposed system utilizes OpenCV to recognize and interpret hand gestures, converting them into written text. This conversion is crucial as it enables non-verbal individuals to articulate their thoughts and needs in a clear and accessible format. The system integrates Google Text-to-Speech (gTTS) technology to audibly reproduce the text output. This dual functionality not only assists immediate communication but also supports interaction in environments where reading text may be impractical. The integration of these technologies results in a robust communication tool that acknowledges the significance of non-verbal communication cues. Hand gestures, which serve as a natural form of expression for many mute individuals, are effectively translated, ensuring a seamless communication experience. The vocal output from gTTS ensures that messages are not only visible but also audible, promoting inclusivity in conversations and social interactions. This innovative approach empowers individuals facing communication challenges by enabling their voices to be heard and understood. It promotes autonomy and active participation in everyday activities, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life. The research highlights the potential of merging CV and speech synthesis technologies to address and overcome the communication barriers experienced by mute individuals.