VISUAL GESTURES AS A LANGUAGE:

ENABLING SPEECH THROUGH

IMAGES
A Project Report

Submitted by:

K. BABITHA (208T1A05E5)
A. CHAITANYA KUMAR (208T1A05D2)
V. DNV SRAVANTHI (208T1A05I6)
M. PRAVALIKA (218T5A0518)
D. AKSHAYA (208T1A05E1)

Under the Esteemed guidance of

Mr. K. SRIKANTH

ASSITANT PROFESSOR

in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
IN

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

at

DHANEKULA INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

GANGURU, A.P. (INDIA) - 521139

AFFILIATED TO JNTUK, KAKINADA, ANDHRA PRADESH (INDIA)

APR & 2024

I
 DECLARATION

We hereby declare that the major project report entitled “VISUAL GESTURES AS A
LANGUAGE: ENABLING SPEECH THROUGH IMAGES” submitted for the
B.Tech. (CSE) degree is my original work and the project has not formed the basis for
the award of any other degree, diploma, fellowship, or any other similar titles.

Signature of the Student

K. BABITHA 208T1A05E5

A. CHAITANYA KUMAR 208T1A05D2

V. DNV SRAVANTHI 208T1A05I6

M. PRAVALIKA 218T5A0518

D. AKSHAYA 208T1A05E1

Place:
Date:

II
 DHANEKULA INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING &
TECHNOLOGY
(Affiliated to JNTU: Kakinada, Approved by AICTE – New Delhi)

GANGURU, VIJAYAWADA – 521139

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project titled “VISUAL GESTURES AS A LANGUAGE:

ENABLING SPEECH THROUGH IMAGES” is the bonafide work carried out by
K BABITHA (208T1A05E5), A CHAITANYA KUMAR (208T1A05D2), VDNV
SRAVANTHI, M PRAVALIKA (218T5A0518),D AKSHAYA(208T1A05E1) students
of B. Tech (CSE) of Dhanekula Institute of Engineering & Technology, affiliated to JNT
University, Kakinada, AP(India) during the academic year 2023-24, in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Technology (Computer
Science & Engineering) and that the project has not formed the basis for the award
previously of any other degree, diploma, fellowship or any other similar title.

Signature of the HOD Signature of the Guide

Dr. K. SOWMYA Mr. K. SRIKANTH

(HOD and PROFESSOR) (ASSISTANT PROFESSOR)

Signature of the External Examiner

III
 VISION – MISSION – PEOs
Vision/Mission/PEOs
Institute Vision Pioneering Professional Education through Quality

Providing Quality Education through state-of-art infrastructure,

laboratories and committed staff.

Institute Moulding Students as proficient, competent, and socially

Mission responsible engineering personnel with ingenious intellect.

Involving faculty members and students in research and

development works for betterment of society.

To empower students of Computer Science and Engineering

Department
Department to be technologically adept, innovative, global
Vision
citizens possessing human values.

Encourage students to become self-motivated and problem-

solving individuals.
Prepare students for professional career with academic
Department excellence and leadership skills.
Mission
Empower the rural youth with computer education.
Create Centre’s of excellence in Computer Science and
Engineering

Graduates of B.Tech (Computer Science & Engineering ) will

be able to

PEO1: Excel in Professional career by demonstrating the

Program capabilities of solving real time problems through Computer-
Educational based system, Machine learning and allied software
Objectives applications.

(PEOs) PEO2: Able to pursue higher education and research.

PEO3: Communicate effectively, recognize, and incorporate
appropriate tools and technologies in the chosen profession.
PEO4: Adapt to technological advancements by continuous
learning, team collaboration and decision making.

IV
 POs/PSOs
Program Outcomes (Pos)
Engineering Knowledge: Apply the knowledge of mathematics, science,
1 engineering fundamentals and an engineering specialization to the solution of
complex engineering problems.
Problem analysis: Identify, formulate, review research literature, and
analyze complex engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions
2
using first principles of mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering
sciences.
Design/development of solutions: Design solutions for complex
engineering problems and design system components or processes that meet
3
the specified needs with appropriate consideration for the public health and
safety, and the cultural, societal, and environmental considerations
Conduct investigations of complex problems: Use research-based
4 knowledge and research methods including design of experiments, analysis
and interpretation of data, and synthesis of the information to provide valid
conclusions.
Modern tool usage: Create, select, and apply appropriate techniques,
5 resources, and modern engineering and IT tools including prediction and
modeling to complex engineering activities with an understanding of the
limitations.
The engineer and society: Apply reasoning informed by the contextual
6 knowledge to assess societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues, and
the consequent responsibilities relevant to the professional engineering
practice.
Environment and sustainability: Understand the impact of the
7 professional engineering solutions in societal and environmental contexts,
and demonstrate the knowledge of, and need for sustainable development.
8 Ethics: Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and
responsibilities and norms of the engineering practice.
9 Individual and team work: Function effectively as an individual, and as a
member or leader in diverse teams, and in multidisciplinary settings.
Communication: Communicate effectively on complex engineering
activities with the engineering community and with society at large, such
10 as, being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design
documentation, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear
instructions.
Project management and finance: Demonstrate knowledge and
11 understanding of the engineering and management principles and apply
these to one’s own work, as a member and leader in a team, to manage
projects and in multidisciplinary environments.
Life-long learning: Recognize the need for, and have the preparation and
12 ability to engage in independent and life-long learning in the broadest
context of technological change.

V
Program Specific Outcome Statements (PSO`s):
Have expertise in algorithms, networking, web applications and software
1 engineering for efficient design of computer-based systems of varying
complexity.
2 Qualify in national international level competitive examinations for
successful higher studies and employment.

VI
 PROJECT MAPPINGS
Batch No: C12
Project Title VISUAL GESTURES AS A LANGUAGE:
ENABLING SPEECH THROUGH IMAGES
Project Domain Deep Learning
Type of the Project Application
Guide Name K. SRIKANTH
Student Roll No Student Name
208T1A05E5 K. BABITHA
208T1A05D2 A. CHAITANYA KUMAR
208T1A05I6 V. DNV SRAVANTHI
218T5A0518 M. PRAVALIKA
208T1A05E1 D. AKSHAYA
COURSE OUTCOMES: At the end of the Course/Subject, the students will be
able to
Blooms
PSO
CO. No Course Outcomes (COs) POs Taxonomy &
s
Level
Identify the real-world problem 1,2,3,4,6,8, 1,2
R20C501.1 with a set of requirements to 9,10,11 Applying(L3)
design a solution.
Implement, Test and Validate the 1,2,3,4,5,8, 1,2
R20C501.2 solution against the requirements 9,10,11 Analyzing(L4)
for a given problem.
Lead a team as a responsible 1,2,4,5,6,8, 1,2
member in developing software 9,10,11 Analyzing(L4)
R20C501.3
solutions for real world problems
and societal issues with ethics.
Participate in discussions to bring 1,2,4,6,7,8, 1,2
R20C501.4 technical and behavioral ideas for 9,10,11 Evaluating(L5)
good solutions.
Express ideas with good 1,2,7,8,9,10 1,2
R20C501.5 communication skills during Creating(L6)
presentations.
Learn new technologies to 1,2,4,5,89,1 1,2
R20C501.6 contribute in the software industry 1,12 Creating(L6)
for optimal solutions

VII
Course Outcomes vs PO`s Mapping:

Courses
P01 P02 P03 P04 P05 P06 P07 P08 P09 P10 P011 P012
Out Comes
R20C501.1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
R20C501.2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
R20C501.3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
R20C501.4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
R20C501.5 3 3 3 3 3 3
R20C501.6 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Total 18 9 6 15 9 9 6 18 18 15 15 3
Average 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Justification of Mapping of Course Outcomes with Program Outcomes:

1. R20C501.1 is strongly mapped with PO1, PO2, PO3, PO4, PO6, PO9, PO10,
PO11 since it deals with applying engineering knowledge and working together
to address society and environmental issues.
2. R20C501.2 is strongly mapped withPO1, PO2, PO3, PO4, PO5, PO9, PO10,
PO11 as we apply, test, and validate research ideas and engineering concepts to
solve problem of communicating to deaf and dumb people. In addition, we
manage the project, communicate, use modern technology, and follow ethical
standards.
3. R20C501.3 is strongly mapped with PO1, PO2, PO4, PO5, PO6, PO8, PO9,
PO10, PO11 because engineering knowledge is used to solve the problems while
communicating to a deaf and dumb communities. In addition, we execute tasks
communicate as a team to find solutions and maintain ethics.
4. R20C501.4 is strongly mapped with PO1, PO2, PO4, PO6, PO7, PO9, PO10,
PO11 as engineering knowledge is applied to solve problems, select suitable
calculations, and take into consideration safety and ethics, while also taking into
consideration the environment, society.
5. R20C501.5 is strongly mapped with PO1, PO2, PO7, PO9, PO10 as we apply our
engineering knowledge to satisfy requirements, consider the effect on the interact
to solve problems, and understand the importance of new technologies.

VIII
 6. R20C501.6 is strongly mapped with PO1, PO2, PO4, PO5, PO9, PO11, PO12 as
we use engineering concepts and scientific solutions to communicate with deaf
and dumb people. In addition, we utilize modern technology, commit to ethics,
and have good communication skills.
Course Outcomes vs PSOs Mapping:

Courses Out
PSO1 PSO2
Comes
R20C501.1 3 3
R20C501.2 3 3
R20C501.3 3 3
R20C501.4 3 3
R20C501.5 3 3
R20C501.6 3 3
Total 18 18
Average 3 3

Justification of Mapping of Course Outcomes with Program

Specific Outcomes:
We mapped all COs with PSO1 and PSO2 due to our expertise in algorithms, web
applications, and software engineering, which helps in efficient design and
competitive examinations for higher education and employment.

Mapping Level Mapping Description

1 Low Level Mapping with PO & PSO
2 Moderate Mapping with PO & PSO
3 High Level Mapping with PO & PSO

208T1A05E5 K.Babitha
208T1A05D2 A.Chaitanya Kumar
208T1A05I6 V.DNV Sravanthi Project Guide
218T5A0518 M.Pravalika K.Srikanth
208T1A05E1 D.Akshaya (Assistant Professor, CSE)

IX
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Behind every achievement lies an unfathomable sea of gratitude to those who activated
it, without whom it would ever have come into existence. To them we lay the words of
gratitude imprinted with us.

We would like to thank our respected Principal, Dr. RAVI KADIYALA and, Dr. K.
SOWMYA, Head of the Department, Computer Science and Engineering for their
support throughout our major project.

It is our sincere obligation to thank our guide, K. SRIKANTH, Department of Computer

Science and Engineering, for her timely valuable guidance and suggestions for this major
project.

We would like to express our immense pleasure in expressing an immeasurable sense of

gratitude to M. RAVI KANTH, Assistant Professor and Project Coordinators for giving
opportunity to make this project a successful one.

We also extend our thanks to all the faculty members of the Computer Science &
Engineering department for their valuable contributions in this project.

We would like to extend our warm appreciation to all our friends for sharing their
knowledge and valuable contributions in this project.

Finally, we express our deep sense of gratitude to our parents for their continuous support
throughout our academic career and their encouragement in the completion of this project
successfully.

K. BABITHA 208T1A05E5
A. CHAITANYA KUMAR 208T1A05D2
V. DNV SRAVANTHI 208T1A05I6
M. PRAVALIKA 218T5A0518
D. AKSHAYA 208T1A05E1

X
 ABSTRACT

Communication is an important aspect when it comes to share or express information,

feelings, and it brings people closer to each other with better understanding. Sign
language, a full-fledged natural language that conveys meaning through gestures, is the
primary chief of communication among Deaf and Dumb people. A gesture is a pattern
which may be static, dynamic or both, and is a form of nonverbal communication in
which bodily motions convey information. Sign language translation is a task for
automatically translating sign languages into written languages which is already existed.
Now we are going to implement a system which is used to convert the text which is
produced sign language translator into speech. In this project we are going to implement
a deep learning algorithms-based system such as CNN and ANN for translation of text
(i.e., which is extracted from sign language) into speech. CNN and ANN are to capture
intricate hand movements and to learn the temporal relationships between the hand
gestures respectively. Later the translated text is then converted to speech using a Text-
To-Speech (TTS) API. This allows the system to provide a complete communication
solution for deaf and mute individuals.

Keywords: Communication, Sign Language, CNN, Text, TTS, Speech.

XI
 List of Figures
Figure No Name of the Figure Page No
Figure 1.1 Gestures 4
Figure 1.2 Layers of CNN 10
Figure 3.1 System Architecture 52
Figure 3.2 Use Case Diagram for Gesture Language translation 56
Figure 3.3 Class Diagram for Gesture Language translation 58
Figure 3.4 Sequence Diagram for Gesture Language translation 60

Figure 3.5 Collaboration Diagram for Gesture Language translation 62

Figure 3.6 Activity Diagram for Gesture Language translation 64

Figure 3.7 Component Diagram for Gesture Language translation 66

Figure 3.8 Deployment Diagram for Gesture Language translation 68

Figure 3.9 State Chart Diagram for Gesture Language Translation 70

Figure 4.1 Typical CNN Architecture 73

Figure 4.2 Steps and the layers included in CNN 76

Figure 4.3 Layers of Artificial Neural Networks 80
Figure 6.1 Home page 94
Figure 6.2 Hand Gesture given as input 95
Figure 6.3 Prediction of the gesture 96
Figure 6.4 Live Prediction of the hand gesture 97

Figure 6.5 Conversion of hand gestures 98

List of Tables
Table No: Table Name Page No:
Table 1 Testing Table 92

XII
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page I
Declaration of the student II
Certificate of the Guide III
Vision-Mission-PEO’s IV
PO’s-PSO’s V
Project Mappings VII
Acknowledgement X
Abstract XI
List of Figures XII
List of Tables XII

1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Problem Statement 4
1.2 Objective 5
1.3 Basic Concepts 6
2 LITERATURE SURVEY 22
2.1 Literature Study 23
2.2 Existing System 31
2.3 Proposed System 31
2.4 Feasibility Study 32
2.4.1 ECONOMICAL FEASIBILITY 33
2.4.2 TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY 34
2.4.3 SOCIAL FEASIBILTY 35
2.5 Need for Feasibility Study 36
3 ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 37
3.1 Requirements 38
3.1.1 Functional Requirements 47
3.1.2 Non-Functional Requirements 49
3.2 System Specifications 51
3.3 System Architecture 52
 3.4 UML Diagrams 53
3.4.1 Use case Diagram 55
3.4.2 Class Diagram 57
3.4.3 Sequence Diagram 58
3.4.4 Collaboration Diagram 60
3.4.5 Activity Diagram 62
3.4.6 Component Diagram 64
3.4.7 Deployment Diagram 66
3.4.8 State Chart Diagram 68
4 IMPLEMENTATION 71
4.1 Algorithms 72
4.2 Algorithms Steps 77
4.3 Software Installation 80
4.4 Software Environment 81
4.5 Steps for Executing the Project 82
4.6 Pseudo code 83
5 TESTING 87
5.1 Testing 88
5.1.1 Types of Tests 88
5.1.2 White Box Testing 90
5.1.3 Black Box Testing 90
5.1.4 Levels of Testing 90
5.1.4.1 Unit Testing 90
5.1.4.2 Integration Testing 91
5.1.4.3 Acceptance Testing 91
6 RESULTS 93
6.1 Output Screens 94
6.2 Results Outputs 96
7 CONCLUSION 99
8 FUTURE SCOPE 101
9 REFERENCES 103
10 PUBLISHED PAPER 106
INTRODUCTION

Page 1 of 114
 1. INTRODUCTION

In our daily lives, effective communication serves as the cornerstone of understanding

and sharing information among diverse communities. However, individuals with
speech and hearing disabilities often encounter significant challenges in conveying their
messages to others. This difficulty arises from the reliance on spoken language as the
primary mode of communication, which presents a barrier to those who primarily use
sign language.

Sign language, a visual-gestural language, offers a means for individuals with hearing
impairments to express themselves and engage with others. Yet, the lack of widespread
knowledge and understanding of sign language among the general population poses a
considerable obstacle to effective communication. Without proficient interpretation or
alternative communication methods, individuals with speech and hearing disabilities
may find themselves isolated from meaningful interaction.

To address these challenges and promote inclusivity, there is a pressing need to develop
innovative solutions that facilitate sign language communication and make it accessible
to a broader audience. Sign language recognition systems represent a promising avenue
for bridging the communication gap between individuals who use sign language and
those who do not.

Sign language relies on hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to
convey complex information and emotions. However, interpreting these gestures
accurately requires specialized knowledge and training. Moreover, sign language varies
across different regions and communities, further complicating the process of
communication and interpretation.

Despite significant research efforts in recent years, sign language recognition remains
a challenging problem. Traditional methods, such as using hand gloves equipped with
sensors for human-computer interaction, have limitations. These methods often require
users to wear cumbersome equipment and manage complex cables connecting to a
computer, hindering natural and spontaneous communication.

Page 2 of 114
To overcome these limitations and enhance accessibility, researchers are exploring
alternative approaches to sign language recognition that do not rely on external
wearable hardware. By leveraging advancements in computer vision, machine learning,
and artificial intelligence, these systems aim to recognize sign language gestures using
bare hands, eliminating the need for specialized equipment, and streamlining user
interaction.

Automatic sign language recognition systems have the potential to revolutionize

communication accessibility for individuals with speech and hearing disabilities. By
enabling real-time interpretation of sign language gestures, these systems empower
individuals to express themselves more effectively and engage with others without
relying on human intermediaries.

Furthermore, automatic sign language recognition systems have the potential to reduce
reliance on costly and often inaccessible human-based translation services. By
automating the interpretation process, these systems offer a more efficient and scalable
solution for bridging communication gaps in diverse settings, including education,
healthcare, and social interaction.

In summary, sign language recognition systems hold immense promise for promoting
inclusivity and breaking down communication barriers for individuals with speech and
hearing disabilities. Through ongoing research and innovation, we can continue to
advance the field of sign language recognition and create a more inclusive society
where communication is accessible to all.

Page 3 of 114
 Figure 1.1 Gestures

1.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Communication serves as a vital means for sharing information, expressing feelings,

and fostering understanding among individuals. However, for the Deaf and Dumb
community, traditional spoken language communication may not be accessible. Sign
language, a natural and expressive form of communication utilizing gestures, serves as
the primary mode of interaction for individuals with hearing and speech impairments.
Despite its effectiveness, there exists a communication barrier when attempting to
translate sign language into written or spoken language.

Sign language translation, the process of converting gestures into written language, has
seen advancements, yet a gap remains in converting this written language into spoken
form. To address this gap, we propose the development of a system capable of
translating sign language gestures into speech using deep learning algorithms,
specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Artificial Neural Networks
(ANN).

CNNs are well-suited for capturing intricate hand movements, as they excel at
extracting spatial features from images. Conversely, ANN is adept at learning temporal
relationships, making it suitable for understanding the sequential nature of sign
language gestures. By leveraging these deep learning algorithms, our system aims to
accurately interpret sign language gestures and generate corresponding written text.

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Once the sign language gestures are translated into written language, the next challenge
is converting this text into speech. To achieve this, we plan to integrate a Text-To-
Speech (TTS) API into our system. This will enable us to seamlessly convert the
translated text into spoken language, providing a complete communication solution for
deaf and mute individuals.

By developing a deep learning-based system for sign language to speech translation,

we aim to break down communication barriers and empower individuals with hearing
and speech impairments to engage more fully in everyday communication. Our system
has the potential to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, ultimately facilitating greater
social integration and communication for the Deaf and Dumb community.

1.2 OBJECTIVE

The objective of our project is to tackle the challenge of communication accessibility

for individuals who use Indian Sign Language (ISL) as their primary means of
communication. Specifically, we aim to develop a real-time system capable of
understanding and interpreting ISL gestures, with a focus on finger spelling gestures
used to form words. This involves training a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to
accurately recognize the 26 alphabet signs in ISL, along with a space sign, thereby
enabling the system to interpret the entire ISL finger spelling alphabet. By leveraging
deep learning techniques, we seek to create a robust and efficient recognition model
that can accurately identify these gestures in real-time as they are performed by the
user, without the need for specialized equipment or human assistance.

The core objective of achieving real-time operation is critical to ensuring that the
system can provide immediate feedback and responses, facilitating seamless
communication between users. To enhance usability and accessibility, we plan to
integrate the Google Text-to-Speech (gTTS) tool, which will enable the system to
convert the recognized ISL finger spelling gestures into spoken words. This auditory
output feature will significantly benefit individuals with hearing impairments, as it will
provide them with an additional mode of communication beyond visual cues.

Our project aims to go beyond mere gesture recognition and focus on converting these
gestures into meaningful sentences. By implementing algorithms to parse the sequence
of recognized signs and arrange them into grammatically correct sentences, we intend

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to create a comprehensive communication solution for users of ISL. This holistic
approach not only enables users to convey individual words but also facilitates the
construction of complete sentences, thereby enhancing the richness and effectiveness
of communication.

Ultimately, our overarching objective is to foster inclusivity and break down barriers to
communication for individuals with disabilities, particularly those who rely on sign
language as their primary mode of communication. By developing a user-friendly, real-
time system that seamlessly translates ISL gestures into spoken words, we aim to
empower users to communicate more effectively and engage more fully in everyday
interactions. Through this project, we aspire to contribute towards creating a more
accessible and inclusive society where communication barriers are minimized, and all
individuals have equal opportunities to express themselves and connect with others.

1.3 BASIC CONCEPTS

a.) Sign Language Recognition:

Sign language recognition involves utilizing computer algorithms and technologies
to interpret hand movements that correspond to words or letters in sign language. By
analyzing video footage or image inputs, the computer system can identify and
understand the gestures made by the signer, effectively translating them into textual
or auditory outputs. This technology aims to bridge the communication gap between
individuals who use sign language and those who do not, enabling more inclusive
and accessible communication environments.

b.) Image Processing:

Image processing refers to the use of computer programs and algorithms to analyze
and extract relevant information from visual data, such as pictures or videos. This
technology allows computers to identify and understand important details within
images, including shapes, colors, textures, and patterns. In the context of sign
language recognition, image processing techniques play a crucial role in detecting
and interpreting hand movements and gestures accurately.

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c.) Gesture Detection:
Gesture detection involves the process of identifying and categorizing specific hand
movements or gestures that represent words, letters, or other meaningful units in
sign language. By analyzing the spatial and temporal characteristics of hand
movements captured in images or videos, computers can determine which gestures
correspond to which linguistic elements, facilitating effective communication
between signers and non-signers.

d.) Real-time Processing:

Real-time processing refers to the ability of a computer system to analyze and
respond to input data instantaneously, without any noticeable delay. In the context
of sign language recognition, real-time processing is essential for ensuring that the
computer can recognize hand gestures quickly enough to keep up with a
conversation. This requires efficient algorithms and optimized hardware/software
configurations to minimize processing time and latency.

e.) Speech Synthesis:

Speech synthesis involves converting recognized sign language gestures into spoken
words or sentences, making communication more accessible and natural for all
parties involved. By employing text-to-speech (TTS) technology, computers can
generate vocal outputs that convey the intended message expressed through sign
language. Speech synthesis complements sign language recognition by providing
auditory feedback, thereby enhancing communication accessibility for individuals
with hearing impairments and promoting inclusivity.

Deep Learning:
Deep learning represents a sophisticated subset of machine learning methodologies,
characterized by the construction and training of neural networks with multiple
layers. Unlike traditional machine learning algorithms, which often rely on feature
engineering and manual extraction of relevant patterns from data, deep learning
models can automatically learn intricate features and patterns directly from raw data.
This capability is particularly advantageous when dealing with large and complex
datasets, where manually defining features may be impractical or infeasible.

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The foundation of deep learning lies in artificial neural networks, which are
computational models inspired by the structure and function of the human brain.
These networks consist of interconnected nodes, or neurons, organized into layers.
Data is fed into the input layer, processed through intermediate hidden layers, and
finally, the output layer produces the desired predictions or classifications.
One of the key strengths of deep learning is its ability to learn hierarchical
representations of data. Each layer of the neural network extracts increasingly
abstract and complex features from the input data, allowing the model to capture
intricate patterns and relationships. This hierarchical feature learning enables deep
learning models to excel in tasks such as image and speech recognition, where
understanding high-dimensional and nuanced data is essential.
Deep learning has found widespread application across various domains, including
computer vision, natural language processing, and robotics. In computer vision, deep
learning models have achieved remarkable success in tasks such as object detection,
image classification, and facial recognition. Similarly, in natural language
processing, deep learning techniques have revolutionized the field, enabling
advancements in machine translation, sentiment analysis, and speech synthesis.
Moreover, deep learning has played a pivotal role in the development of autonomous
systems, including self-driving cars, drones, and robotic agents. By leveraging deep
learning algorithms, these systems can perceive and interpret their environments,
make informed decisions, and adapt to changing conditions in real-time.
Overall, the versatility and power of deep learning make it a cornerstone of modern
artificial intelligence research and application. As the volume and complexity of data
continue to grow, deep learning techniques are poised to drive further innovation
and breakthroughs across diverse fields, ultimately shaping the future of technology
and society.

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs):

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) represent a specialized class of deep
learning algorithms primarily employed in tasks involving image classification and
object detection. Their architecture is specifically designed to automatically learn
and extract features from images by applying convolutional filters across the input
data. These filters, or kernels, are learned during the training process and operate by

Page 8 of 114
sliding across the input image, identifying patterns and edges. This feature extraction
capability is pivotal in enabling CNNs to discern complex visual information and
make accurate predictions about the contents of images.
The architecture of CNNs typically comprises several layers, each serving a specific
function in the feature extraction and classification process. The fundamental
building blocks of CNNs include:

1. Convolutional Layer (Conv2D): Convolutional layers apply convolution

operations to the input data, thereby extracting features and passing the results
to subsequent layers. These layers are critical for feature extraction in CNNs, as
they effectively capture patterns and spatial relationships within images.

2. Max Pooling Layer (MaxPool2D): Max pooling layers reduce the dimensionality
of feature maps generated by convolutional layers by retaining the most
significant information while discarding irrelevant details. This process helps in
reducing computational complexity and controlling overfitting, ultimately
improving the efficiency of the network.

3. Flatten Layer: The flatten layer serves to reshape the multi-dimensional feature
maps produced by previous layers into a one-dimensional vector. This flattened
representation is then fed into dense layers for further processing and
classification.

4. Dense Layer (Fully Connected): Dense layers, also known as fully connected
layers, are traditional neural network layers where each neuron is connected to
every neuron in the previous and next layers. These layers are responsible for
learning non-linear relationships in the data and performing classification tasks
based on the extracted features.

5. Activation Function (ReLU and Softmax): ReLU (Rectified Linear Activation)

is a commonly used activation function in CNNs that introduces non-linearity
into the network, enabling it to learn complex patterns effectively and overcome
the vanishing gradient problem. Softmax activation, typically used in the output

Page 9 of 114
 layer for multi-class classification problems, converts raw scores into
probabilities, ensuring that the output probabilities sum up to 1.

6. Dropout Layer: Dropout is a regularization technique employed in CNNs to

prevent overfitting by randomly dropping a fraction of neurons during training.
This process encourages the network to learn more robust features and improves
its generalization ability.

Overall, the combination of convolutional, pooling, dense, and activation layers,

along with dropout regularization, forms the core architecture of CNNs. These
components work synergistically to enable CNNs to learn and extract intricate
features from images, facilitating accurate classification and detection tasks in
various applications.

Figure 1.2 Layers of CNN

Artificial Neural Network (ANN):

An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is a computational model inspired by the
structure and functioning of the human brain. It comprises interconnected nodes, or
neurons, organized into layers. Each neuron receives inputs from other neurons or
external sources, processes this information, and generates an output signal that is
transmitted to other neurons. The connections between neurons are represented by
weights, which determine the strength of the connection and influence the impact of
the input signal on the neuron's output.

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In an ANN, inputs are fed into the first layer of neurons, known as the input layer.
Each neuron in the input layer corresponds to a feature or attribute of the input data.
The input layer processes the incoming data and passes it on to the next layer of
neurons, known as the hidden layers. The hidden layers are responsible for learning
and extracting complex patterns and relationships from the input data through a
series of nonlinear transformations. Each neuron in the hidden layers computes a
weighted sum of its inputs, applies an activation function to this sum, and passes the
result to the neurons in the next layer.

The information is progressively processed through multiple layers of hidden layers,

with each layer capturing increasingly abstract and high-level representations of the
input data. This hierarchical feature learning enables the ANN to extract meaningful
features from complex datasets and make accurate predictions or classifications.

Finally, the processed information is passed to the output layer, where the network
generates its final predictions or outputs based on the learned features. The output
layer typically consists of one or more neurons, depending on the nature of the task
(e.g., binary classification, multi-class classification, regression). Each neuron in the
output layer represents a possible outcome or class label, and the neuron with the
highest activation value indicates the network's prediction.

The architecture of an ANN involves the interconnected layers of neurons, each

layer performing specific computations and transformations on the input data. By
leveraging the collective processing power of these interconnected neurons, ANNs
can learn complex patterns and relationships from data, enabling them to perform a
wide range of tasks, including pattern recognition, classification, regression, and
decision making.

OpenCV:
OpenCV (Open-Source Computer Vision Library) is a widely-used open-source
library for computer vision and image processing tasks. It provides a comprehensive
set of functions and algorithms that facilitate various operations on images and
videos, including reading, writing, manipulation, analysis, and feature extraction.

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In the context of the provided code, OpenCV is utilized for a range of computer
vision tasks, which may include:

1. Image Loading and Display: OpenCV provides functions to load images from
files in various formats (e.g., JPEG, PNG) and display them on the screen. This
functionality allows developers to visualize images and inspect them during the
development process.

2. Image Processing: OpenCV offers a plethora of image processing techniques,

such as filtering, edge detection, image transformation, color space conversion,
and morphological operations. These operations enable developers to preprocess
images before applying more complex algorithms or extracting features.

3. Object Detection and Recognition: OpenCV includes pre-trained models and

algorithms for object detection and recognition tasks, such as Haar cascades,
Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG), and deep learning-based methods.
These algorithms can detect and recognize objects within images or video
streams, making them suitable for applications like face detection, pedestrian
detection, and object tracking.

4. Feature Extraction and Matching: OpenCV provides functions for extracting

features from images, such as key points and descriptors, using techniques like
Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT), Speeded-Up Robust Features
(SURF), and Oriented FAST and Rotated BRIEF (ORB). These features can be
matched across different images to perform tasks like image stitching, image
registration, and object localization.

5. Camera Calibration and Geometry: OpenCV supports camera calibration

techniques to estimate intrinsic and extrinsic camera parameters, correct lens
distortion, and rectify images. Additionally, it offers functionalities for
geometric transformations, perspective transformations, and homography
estimation, which are essential for tasks like image rectification, 3D
reconstruction, and augmented reality.

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6. Video Processing: OpenCV allows developers to process video streams in real-
time, enabling tasks such as video capture, frame manipulation, object tracking,
and motion analysis. It also supports video compression, encoding, and decoding
for efficient video processing.

Overall, OpenCV serves as a versatile and powerful tool for a wide range of
computer vision and image processing tasks, making it a popular choice for
developers working on applications ranging from robotics and automation to
healthcare and entertainment. Its extensive documentation, active community, and
cross-platform support further contribute to its widespread adoption in both
academic and industrial settings.

Background Subtraction:
The `cal_accum_avg () ` function serves a crucial role in computer vision
applications, particularly in scenarios where it's essential to extract the background
from input frames. This function calculates the accumulated weighted average of the
background frames over time, allowing for the continuous updating and refinement
of the background model.

In practical terms, the function iterates through a series of input frames, gradually
incorporating each frame into the accumulated average background model. The
accumulation process involves assigning weights to each pixel in the background
model based on its historical values and the new information provided by the current
input frame. By adjusting these weights over time, the function ensures that the
background model remains adaptive and robust to changes in the environment.

The accumulated weighted average provides a representation of the background that

effectively filters out transient or dynamic elements present in the scene, such as
moving objects or changes in lighting conditions. This refined background model
serves as a reliable reference for subsequent processing steps, such as foreground
object detection or motion tracking.

`cal_accum_avg () ` function plays a vital role in background subtraction techniques,

where it enables the extraction of the background from input frames by continuously

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updating and refining the background model. Its ability to adapt to changes in the
scene over time makes it a valuable tool for various computer vision applications,
including surveillance, object tracking, and scene analysis.

Hand Segmentation:
The `segment_hand () ` function serves a pivotal role in computer vision tasks,
particularly in applications where isolating the hand from the background is
necessary. This function utilizes background subtraction techniques to segment the
hand region from the rest of the scene.

To achieve this, the function first calculates the absolute difference between the
current frame and the accumulated background model obtained from
`cal_accum_avg () ` function. This difference represents the changes in pixel values
between the current frame and the background, effectively highlighting regions
where motion or variations have occurred.

Next, the function applies a threshold to the absolute difference image to convert it
into a binary image. This thresholding operation distinguishes between pixels
representing the hand (foreground) and those representing the background. By
setting an appropriate threshold value, the function can effectively separate the hand
region from the background, creating a binary mask where hand pixels are
represented by white and background pixels by black.

Finally, the function identifies contours within the binary image using contour
detection algorithms such as the one provided by OpenCV. These contours represent
continuous regions of white pixels in the binary mask, which correspond to the hand
region. By extracting and analyzing these contours, the function can accurately
delineate the boundaries of the hand and obtain its shape and position within the
frame.

Overall, the `segment_hand () ` function plays a crucial role in hand detection and
tracking applications by utilizing background subtraction techniques to isolate the
hand from the background. Its ability to accurately segment the hand region allows

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for further processing and analysis, such as hand gesture recognition, hand pose
estimation, and interaction in human-computer interaction systems.

Preprocessing:
The `segment_hand () ` function is a crucial preprocessing step in computer vision
applications focused on hand detection and tracking. It begins by computing the
absolute difference between the current frame and the background model,
emphasizing regions where notable changes have occurred.
Following this, a thresholding operation is applied to the difference image,
classifying pixels as foreground (hand) or background based on their intensity
values. This creates a binary image where hand pixels are represented by white and
background pixels by black. Subsequently, contour detection algorithms are utilized
to identify continuous regions of white pixels in the binary image, which correspond
to the hand region. By detecting and extracting these contours, the function
accurately delineates the boundaries of the hand and identifies its spatial extent
within the frame. `segment_hand () ` effectively isolates the hand region from the
background in input frames, laying the groundwork for subsequent analysis and
interaction tasks such as hand gesture recognition and human-computer interaction.

Contour Detection:
The `cv2.findContours() ` function is a fundamental tool in computer vision for
identifying and extracting contours from binary images, particularly after
thresholding operations. Contours represent the boundaries of objects within an
image and play a crucial role in tasks such as shape analysis, object detection, and
segmentation. In the context of hand detection, this function is employed to locate
the contours outlining the hand region within the binary image obtained from the
preprocessing step.
Since the hand region is typically the largest connected component in the binary
image, it corresponds to the largest contour detected by the function. By identifying
this contour, the `cv2.findContours() ` function effectively delineates the boundaries
of the hand region, enabling subsequent analysis and processing. This could include
extracting features such as the centroid, area, and convex hull of the hand, facilitating
tasks like hand gesture recognition, hand tracking, or human-computer interaction.

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The function serves as a key component in the pipeline for hand detection and
enables accurate localization of the hand within the input image.

Drawing and Displaying:

In computer vision applications, drawing and displaying images are essential for
visualizing results and interacting with users. OpenCV provides a range of functions,
including `cv2.imshow() ` and `cv2.waitKey() `, which are commonly used for
displaying images and waiting for user input.

The `cv2.imshow() ` function is employed to display images on the screen. It takes

two arguments: the window name (a string), and the image data to be displayed. In
the provided code, `cv2.imshow('edges', thresholded) ` is used to display the binary
image obtained after applying the Canny edge detection algorithm, with the window
named 'edges'.

Additionally, the `cv2.waitKey() ` function is used to wait for a specified amount of

time for a user to press a key. It takes a single argument, which represents the time
to wait in milliseconds. If a key is pressed during this time, the function returns the
ASCII value of the key. This functionality allows for user interaction, such as closing
windows or proceeding to the next step in the program.

While the `cv2.drawContours() ` function is not explicitly utilized in the provided

code, it is commonly employed in computer vision tasks to draw contours on images
for visualization purposes. This function takes several arguments, including the
image on which to draw the contours, the list of contours to be drawn, the contour
index (-1 for all contours), the color of the contours, and the thickness of the contour
lines. By using this function, contours detected in an image can be visually
highlighted, aiding in result interpretation and analysis.

Drawing and displaying functionalities provided by OpenCV are indispensable tools

in computer vision applications, enabling users to visualize image processing results,
interact with the program, and gain insights into the underlying data.

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TensorFlow and Keras:
TensorFlow stands as a prominent open-source machine learning library that Google
developed. It is widely recognized for its versatility, efficiency, and extensive
support for building and deploying machine learning models across a variety of
platforms and devices. TensorFlow offers a comprehensive ecosystem of tools and
resources, making it a popular choice among researchers and developers alike for
tasks ranging from traditional machine learning to deep learning and beyond.

Keras, on the other hand, is an open-source neural network library that operates on
top of TensorFlow. It serves as a high-level neural networks API, providing a user-
friendly interface for building, training, and deploying neural network models. Keras
prioritizes simplicity and ease of use, making it particularly well-suited for rapid
prototyping and experimentation with neural network architectures. By abstracting
away the complexities of low-level TensorFlow operations, Keras enables
developers to focus on model design and experimentation without getting bogged
down in implementation details.

The integration of Keras with TensorFlow offers several benefits. Firstly, it

leverages the robustness and performance of TensorFlow's computational backend
while providing a more intuitive and user-friendly interface through Keras. This
combination empowers developers to seamlessly transition from prototyping to
production-scale deployment, streamlining the entire model development process.
Additionally, Keras allows for flexible model customization and extension, enabling
users to implement custom layers, loss functions, and metrics with ease.

Collaboration between TensorFlow and Keras brings together the best of both
worlds: TensorFlow's power and scalability, coupled with Keras's simplicity and
flexibility. This integration has significantly contributed to the widespread adoption
of both frameworks in the machine learning community, fostering innovation and
advancements in deep learning research and applications.

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Matplotlib:
Matplotlib stands as a cornerstone in the Python ecosystem, offering a
comprehensive plotting library that facilitates the creation of static, interactive, and
animated visualizations. Its versatility and ease of use make it a go-to choose for
data scientists, researchers, and developers across various domains.

One of Matplotlib's key strengths lies in its ability to generate high-quality static
visualizations with minimal code. With Matplotlib, users can create a wide range of
plots, including line plots, scatter plots, bar plots, histograms, and more, allowing
for effective exploration and communication of data insights. Its intuitive interface
and extensive customization options enable users to tailor visualizations to their
specific needs, adjusting parameters such as colors, labels, axes, and annotations.

Moreover, Matplotlib supports interactive visualization capabilities through

integration with tools like Jupyter Notebooks and IPython, enabling users to
interactively explore and manipulate data directly within their Python environment.
This interactive workflow facilitates iterative data analysis and model development,
enhancing productivity and insight generation.

Furthermore, Matplotlib offers support for creating animated visualizations,

allowing users to visualize dynamic data and processes over time. By leveraging
Matplotlib's animation API, users can animate plots and charts, providing a
compelling way to visualize temporal trends, simulations, and complex systems.

Additionally, Matplotlib's compatibility with NumPy, Pandas, and other Python

libraries makes it a versatile tool for data visualization within the Python ecosystem.
Its seamless integration with these libraries allows users to easily plot data stored in
various formats and data structures, streamlining the visualization workflow.

Matplotlib's rich functionality, flexibility, and ease of use make it an indispensable

tool for creating informative and visually appealing plots and charts in Python.
Whether it's for exploratory data analysis, scientific visualization, or presentation-
ready graphics, Matplotlib provides the tools needed to effectively convey data-
driven insights and tell compelling stories with data.

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Data Augmentation:
In the provided code, data augmentation techniques such as rotation, zooming, and
horizontal flipping are applied to increase the diversity of the training dataset,
thereby enhancing the robustness of the model to variations in the input data. This is
achieved using the `ImageDataGenerator` class provided by Keras.

1. Rotation:
The `rotation_range` parameter is set to 40, which allows for random rotations of
the input images within the range of -40 to +40 degrees. This introduces variations
in the orientation of the hand gestures, helping the model generalize better to unseen
angles.

2. Zooming:
The `zoom_range` parameter is set to 0.2, enabling random zooming of the input
images by a factor of up to 20%. This augmentation simulates variations in the scale
of the hand gestures, allowing the model to learn from different zoom levels.

3. Horizontal Flipping:
The `horizontal_flip` parameter is set to True, enabling random horizontal flipping
of the input images. This augmentation mirrors the hand gestures horizontally,
effectively doubling the size of the training dataset and exposing the model to
additional variations in hand orientation.

By applying these data augmentation techniques during the training process, the
model becomes more robust and generalizes better to unseen variations in hand
gestures. This helps prevent overfitting and improves the model's performance on
real-world data.

Visual Studio Code:

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a highly popular and versatile code editor
developed by Microsoft, renowned for its lightweight yet powerful features. It is
tailored to cater to the diverse needs of developers across various platforms and

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programming languages, making it a go-to choose for many. Some key advantages
and features of VS Code include:

1. Extensive Language Support: VS Code boasts built-in support for an extensive

array of programming languages and frameworks, covering everything from
popular languages like JavaScript, Python, and Java to more niche ones.
Additionally, developers can easily enhance its functionality by installing a
vast ecosystem of extensions available through the Visual Studio Marketplace.

2. Intuitive User Interface: One of the standout features of VS Code is its clean
and intuitive user interface, designed to streamline the coding experience. The
editor provides a clutter-free workspace with customizable layouts, a rich set
of editing tools, and a robust set of keyboard shortcuts for efficient navigation
and coding.

3. Integrated Development Environment (IDE) Features: Despite its lightweight

nature, VS Code offers a comprehensive set of IDE-like features, including
built-in Git integration, debugging capabilities, IntelliSense code completion,
and support for tasks and extensions. These features help developers write,
debug, and manage code more effectively within a single, unified environment.

4. Cross-Platform Compatibility: VS Code is built to run seamlessly on multiple

operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This cross-
platform compatibility ensures that developers can enjoy a consistent coding
experience regardless of their preferred operating system.

5. Highly Customizable: VS Code offers extensive customization options,

allowing developers to tailor the editor to their specific preferences and
workflow. From theme selection and syntax highlighting to workspace settings
and key bindings, users have full control over their coding environment.

6. Active Community and Ecosystem: With a large and vibrant community of

developers, VS Code benefits from a wealth of community-driven resources,

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 including extensions, plugins, and documentation. This active ecosystem
fosters collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing among users.

Visual Studio Code stands out as a powerful, flexible, and user-friendly code editor
that caters to the diverse needs of developers worldwide. Its robust features,
intuitive interface, and extensive ecosystem make it an indispensable tool for
modern software development projects.

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LITERATURE SURVEY

Page 22 of 114
 2. LITERATURE SURVEY

2.1 LITERATURE STUDY

A literature review surveys prior research published in books, scholarly articles, and
any other sources relevant to a particular issue, area of research, or theory, and by
so doing, provides a description, summary, and critical evaluation of these works in
relation to the research problem being investigated.

2.1.1 Indian Sign Language Character Recognition

Shravani K,etal IOSR Journal of Computer Engineering (IOSR-JCE), 22(3),

(2020), pp. 14-19.

The journal provides insights into the nature and significance of gestures,
particularly within the context of sign language. It defines gesture as a form of non-
verbal communication characterized by bodily motions that convey information,
which can be either static (unchanging) or dynamic (changing over time). Sign
language, as described, encompasses visual gestures and signs used by individuals
who are deaf or mute to communicate. It emphasizes that sign language is a
structured code, where each sign carries a specific meaning assigned to it. These
signs go beyond representing just alphabets or numbers; they also convey common
expressions, greetings, and full sentences, allowing for rich and nuanced
communication.

Furthermore, the journal highlights the distinction between different sign

languages, such as Indian Sign Language (ISL) and American Sign Language
(ASL). It notes that ISL utilizes gestures involving both hands and is considered
more complex compared to ASL. This complexity may arise from the intricacies
of representing meaning through simultaneous movements of both hands.
However, the journal also points out that the complexity of ISL may have led to
relatively less research and development in this field compared to ASL.

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Overall, the journal underscores the importance of gestures and sign language as
fundamental modes of communication for individuals who are deaf or mute. It
highlights the structured nature of sign language and acknowledges the
complexities associated with representing meaning through gestures, particularly
in ISL. Additionally, it suggests a need for more research and development efforts
to further understand and advance the field of sign language, particularly in the
context of ISL [6].

Summary:
The essence of gestures, particularly within the context of sign language, and sheds
light on the complexities associated with Indian Sign Language (ISL) compared to
American Sign Language (ASL). Gestures, as emphasized, are a means of
conveying information through bodily motions, with sign language serving as a
prime example utilized by individuals who are deaf and mute. Sign language
comprises visually represented signs, each carrying specific meanings, enabling
rich and nuanced communication.

Furthermore, the summary highlights the unique challenges posed by ISL,

particularly its complexity involving hand gestures utilizing both hands. This
complexity presents obstacles for researchers and developers in the field,
contributing to a slower pace of progress in ISL development compared to ASL.
Despite the challenges, efforts to understand and advance ISL remain crucial for
ensuring effective communication and inclusion for individuals who rely on sign
language as their primary mode of expression.

2.1.2 Video-Based Sign Language Translation System Using Machine

Learning

Babita Sonare, Aditya Padgal, Yash Gaikwad, Aniket Patil Department of

Information Technology" Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, May 2021.

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It highlights the importance of developing an interactive, real-time video-based
sign language translation system, particularly tailored for individuals who are deaf
or mute and face challenges in communicating with others. Such a system, powered
by efficient machine learning algorithms, holds significant potential to bridge the
communication gap between individuals with hearing and speech impairments and
those who can hear and speak.

Central to the development of such a system is the recognition of gestures and

human activity, both of which play crucial roles in detecting and interpreting sign
language as well as understanding the behavior of individuals. Gesture recognition
involves the identification and analysis of hand movements, facial expressions, and
body postures, which are fundamental components of sign language
communication. Human activity recognition, on the other hand, encompasses the
broader context of human actions and interactions, providing insights into the
intentions and behaviors of individuals.

These domains, gesture recognition, and human activity recognition, are rapidly
advancing areas of research and development. They not only contribute to the
creation of sign language translation systems but also find applications in various
other fields, including automation in households and industries. The integration of
efficient machine learning algorithms into these systems enables higher levels of
automation and efficiency, facilitating seamless communication and interaction
between individuals with hearing and speech impairments and their counterparts
in both personal and professional settings.

The development of an interactive, real-time video-based sign language translation

system powered by efficient machine learning algorithms holds great promise for
improving communication accessibility for individuals who are deaf or mute. By
leveraging advancements in gesture and human activity recognition, these systems
pave the way for greater inclusivity and automation in diverse contexts, benefiting
both individuals and society [8].

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Summary:
The development of a real-time video-based sign language translation system,
propelled by efficient machine learning algorithms, represents a significant step
forward in improving communication accessibility for individuals who are deaf or
mute. By harnessing the power of machine learning, this system endeavors to
bridge the communication gap between those with hearing and speech impairments
and the rest of society.

Central to the functionality of this system is the ability to recognize gestures and
human activity. Gesture recognition plays a pivotal role in interpreting sign
language, as it involves identifying and analyzing hand movements, facial
expressions, and body postures—the primary components of sign language
communication. Additionally, the system must also recognize human activity to
understand the context in which gestures are made and interpret individual
behavior accurately.

These advancements not only enhance communication accessibility but also

contribute to increased automation in various settings. In household environments,
real-time sign language translation systems can assist individuals who are deaf or
mute in everyday tasks, such as interacting with smart home devices or
communicating with family members. In industrial settings, the integration of such
systems can lead to improved communication and collaboration among workers,
as well as increased efficiency in tasks requiring manual labor or coordination.

Overall, the development of a real-time video-based sign language translation

system driven by efficient machine learning algorithms holds immense potential to
empower individuals with hearing and speech impairments. By facilitating
seamless communication and interaction, these advancements pave the way for
greater inclusivity and efficiency in both personal and professional contexts,
ultimately contributing to a more accessible and inclusive society.

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2.1.3 ML Based Sign Language Recognition System

K. Amrutha, P. Prabu 2021 International Conference on Innovative Trends in

Information Technology (ICITIIT).

The development of the model centres around vision-based isolated hand gesture
detection and recognition, aiming to provide a solution for individuals with speech
and hearing impairments to effectively communicate through sign language. By
segmenting sign language into region-wise divisions, the model offers a
straightforward method for users to convey information, enhancing accessibility
and understanding. This approach is particularly valuable considering that a
significant portion of society does not comprehend sign language, leaving speech
and hearing-impaired individuals reliant on human translators for communication.
However, the availability and affordability of human interpreters may be limited,
presenting challenges in ensuring consistent and accessible communication.

To address these challenges, an automated translator system emerges as a viable

solution, capable of interpreting sign language and converting it into a
comprehensible format. Such a system would significantly reduce the
communication gap that exists among individuals in society, empowering speech,
and hearing-impaired individuals to communicate more effectively with others. By
leveraging vision-based technology and machine learning algorithms, the
translator system can accurately detect and recognize hand gestures, facilitating
seamless communication without the need for human intervention.

Overall, the development of an automated sign language translator represents a

significant step towards fostering inclusivity and accessibility in society. By
providing a reliable and affordable means of communication for speech and
hearing-impaired individuals, the translator system contributes to breaking down
barriers and promoting greater understanding and connection among people from
diverse backgrounds [15].

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Summary:
The model emphasizes vision-based isolated hand gesture detection and
recognition, which plays a pivotal role in enabling individuals to convey
information effectively through sign language. By focusing on this aspect, the
model aims to provide a user-friendly and efficient method for communication,
particularly for those with speech and hearing impairments. Sign language, with
its intricate gestures and expressions, serves as a rich and nuanced form of
communication, and the model's emphasis on isolated hand gesture detection and
recognition ensures that these subtleties are accurately captured and understood.

One of the primary motivations behind the development of such a model is the
limited availability and affordability of human translators. Many individuals who
are speech and hearing impaired rely on human interpreters to facilitate
communication with others. However, the scarcity of trained interpreters, coupled
with the associated costs, can often hinder access to effective communication. In
this context, an automated system emerges as a valuable substitute, offering a
reliable and accessible solution for interpreting sign language.

An automated sign language translator holds the potential to bridge

communication gaps within society by providing real-time interpretation of sign
language gestures. By leveraging advanced technologies such as machine
learning and computer vision, the translator can accurately interpret and translate
sign language into spoken language or text, thereby facilitating communication
between individuals with speech and hearing impairments and those who do not
understand sign language.

The development of a vision-based isolated hand gesture detection and

recognition model, along with an automated sign language translator, represents
a significant advancement in fostering inclusivity and accessibility in
communication. By offering an alternative to human translators and facilitating
seamless communication, such systems contribute to breaking down barriers and
promoting understanding and connection within society.

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2.1.4 Sign Language Recognition System Using Deep-Learning for Deaf and
Dumb

Aashir Hafeez, Suryansh Singh, Ujjwal Singh, Priyanshu Agarwal, Anant Kumar
Jayswal.
Amity School of Engineering and Technology Amity University, Noida Uttar
Pradesh, India.

The journal highlights the prevalent use of sign language among the majority of
deaf individuals as their primary mode of communication. It underscores the
challenge faced by those who do not understand sign language in effectively
interacting with individuals who rely on it for communication. In response to this
challenge, researchers have developed a device known as a sign language
recognition system (SLR).

The study described in the journal focuses on comparing various machine

learning techniques using a dataset specifically designed for American Sign
Language (ASL). This dataset likely contains a collection of images or videos
capturing different ASL gestures and corresponding labels. By leveraging this
dataset, researchers can train and evaluate machine learning models to recognize
ASL gestures accurately.

The journal delves into the multiple stages involved in the development of an
automated SLR system. These stages typically include data collection,
preprocessing, feature extraction, model training, evaluation, and deployment.
Data collection involves gathering a comprehensive dataset of ASL gestures,
while preprocessing involves tasks such as image or video cleaning,
normalization, and segmentation. Feature extraction aims to extract relevant
features from the data, such as hand shapes, movements, and orientations.

Model training involves utilizing machine learning algorithms to train models on

the extracted features, while evaluation assesses the performance of these models
using metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. Finally,

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deployment involves integrating the trained model into a real-world application
or device, such as a mobile app or a wearable device, to enable real-time ASL
gesture recognition.

The study described in the journal provides valuable insights into the
development of automated systems for recognizing sign language. By comparing
different machine learning techniques and outlining the various stages of an SLR
system, the study contributes to advancing research in this field and improving
communication accessibility for individuals who rely on sign language as their
primary means of communication [16].

Summary:
Deaf individuals rely predominantly on sign language as their primary mode of
communication. However, this poses a challenge for those who do not understand
sign language, as it creates barriers to effective interaction. To address this issue,
a sign language recognition system has been developed. This system serves as a
technological solution to facilitate communication between individuals who use
sign language and those who do not.

The study discussed in the provided information focuses on comparing various

machine learning techniques using a dataset specifically designed for American
Sign Language (ASL). This dataset likely contains a comprehensive collection of
ASL gestures, each accompanied by corresponding labels. By utilizing this
dataset, researchers aim to train machine learning models to accurately recognize
and interpret ASL gestures.

The primary objective of the study is to automate the process of sign language
recognition. By leveraging machine learning techniques, researchers seek to
develop algorithms capable of accurately identifying and understanding ASL
gestures in real-time. This automation aims to enhance accessibility and
inclusivity by enabling individuals who do not understand sign language to
communicate effectively with those who rely on it.

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The development of a sign language recognition system represents a significant
advancement in improving communication accessibility for individuals who are
deaf or hard of hearing. By comparing different machine learning techniques and
focusing on automating sign language recognition, the study contributes to
advancing research in this field and ultimately fostering greater understanding
and connection among diverse populations.

2.2 EXISTING SYSTEM

Sign language Translation is one of the challenging topics as it is in rudimentary
stage of its development, unlike other Sign Languages. This project aims at
classification of sign languages using machine learning models.
So, there are very limited standard data sets, which has variations and noises. It
leads to occlusion of features and this is a major barrier for the lack of
development in this field.
This project aims at helping in then research of this field further by providing a
data set of sign language translation. A data of sign language was created by us
for alphabets and numeric.
Later, the features will be extracted from the collected segmented data using
image pre-processing and Bag of words model [6].

2.3 PROPOSED SYSTEM

Communication is an important aspect when it comes to share or express
information, feelings, and it brings people closer to each other with better
understanding.
Sign language, a full-fledged natural language that conveys meaning through
gestures, is the primary chief of communication among Deaf and Dumb people.
In this project we are going to implement a deep learning algorithms-based
system such as CNN and ANN for translation of text (i.e., which is extracted from
sign language) into speech.
CNN and ANN are to capture intricate hand movements and to learn the temporal
relationships between the hand gestures respectively.

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Later the translated text is then converted to speech using a Text-To-Speech (TTS)
API. This allows the system to provide a complete communication solution for
deaf and mute individuals.

2.4 FEASIBILITY STUDY

In this phase of the project, a thorough analysis of feasibility is conducted to

determine the viability and practicality of the proposed system. This analysis is
crucial for ensuring that the project does not pose an undue burden on the
company and has the potential to deliver value.

Feasibility analysis typically involves assessing various aspects such as technical

feasibility, economic feasibility, and operational feasibility. Technical feasibility
examines whether the proposed system can be successfully developed and
implemented using available technology and resources. Economic feasibility
assesses the financial viability of the project, considering factors such as
development costs, potential return on investment, and long-term sustainability.
Operational feasibility evaluates whether the proposed system aligns with the
company's operational goals and can be effectively integrated into existing
workflows and processes.

To conduct the feasibility analysis, it is essential to have a clear understanding of

the major requirements for the system. This includes identifying the objectives
and scope of the project, defining the functional and non-functional requirements,
and determining the resources and expertise needed for development and
implementation. Additionally, cost estimates are generated to provide a rough
estimate of the financial investment required for the project.

Based on the findings of the feasibility analysis, a business proposal is

formulated, outlining a general plan for the project along with cost estimates. This
proposal serves as a roadmap for moving forward with the project, providing
stakeholders with a clear understanding of the project's goals, objectives, and

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potential benefits. It also helps in securing support and funding for the project by
demonstrating its feasibility and potential return on investment.

Overall, the feasibility analysis phase is a critical step in the project lifecycle,
helping to ensure that the proposed system is both technically and economically
feasible, and aligns with the company's operational needs and objectives.
Three key considerations involved in the feasibility analysis are.

• ECONOMICAL FEASIBILITY
• TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY
• SOCIAL FEASIBILITY

2.4.1 ECONOMICAL FEASIBILITY

The study focuses on assessing the economic impact of implementing the

proposed system within the organization. It recognizes that the company's
resources for research and development are finite, and therefore, expenditures
must be carefully justified to ensure efficient allocation of funds.

To achieve this, the developed system must remain within the allocated budget.
This goal has been successfully accomplished, primarily because most of the
technologies utilized in the project are freely available. Leveraging open-source
technologies and tools helps minimize costs associated with software licenses and
subscriptions. Additionally, it allows the organization to benefit from the
collective efforts of the open-source community and access a wide range of
resources and support.

While many components of the system are readily available at no cost, it is

acknowledged that certain customized products or services may need to be
procured to meet specific project requirements. However, even with these
additional expenses, the overall project remains within the budgetary constraints
set by the organization.

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This approach not only ensures cost-effectiveness but also maximizes the
organization's return on investment by minimizing unnecessary expenditures. By
strategically leveraging freely available technologies and only investing in
customized solutions when essential, the organization can optimize its resources
and achieve its objectives without overspending. This demonstrates prudent
financial management and underscores the importance of economic feasibility in
project planning and execution.

2.4.2 TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY

The study is conducted to assess the technical feasibility of the proposed system,
emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the system's technical requirements
are well-aligned with the available resources. It is crucial that the system does not
place excessive demands on the organization's technical infrastructure, as this
could lead to issues such as performance bottlenecks, system failures, or
increased maintenance costs.

High demands on technical resources can also impact the client, potentially
resulting in delays, disruptions, or additional expenses. Therefore, it's imperative
that the developed system has modest technical requirements, requiring minimal
or no changes to the existing technical environment for implementation.

To achieve this, the system's technical architecture and design must be carefully
considered to optimize resource utilization and minimize dependencies on
specialized hardware or software. Utilizing scalable and efficient technologies,
such as cloud computing or virtualization, can help ensure that the system remains
adaptable to changes in demand and can accommodate future growth without
significant investments in additional infrastructure.

By prioritizing technical feasibility, the organization can mitigate risks associated

with resource constraints and ensure that the proposed system can be effectively
implemented within the existing technical framework.

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This approach not only minimizes potential disruptions for the client but also
enhances the overall sustainability and long-term viability of the system.

2.4.3 SOCIAL FEASIBILITY

The aspect of the study focuses on assessing the level of acceptance of the system
by its users, which is crucial for the successful implementation and adoption of
the system. This process encompasses various elements, including training the
users to use the system efficiently and effectively. It's essential that users do not
perceive the system as a threat but rather as a valuable tool that enhances their
productivity and efficiency.

User acceptance depends heavily on the methods employed to educate users about
the system and make them familiar with its features and functionalities. Effective
training programs and user-friendly interfaces play a significant role in building
user confidence and fostering acceptance. Users should feel empowered and
comfortable using the system, knowing that it supports their tasks and enhances
their abilities.

Moreover, it is important to create an environment where users feel encouraged

to provide constructive criticism and feedback about the system. This feedback is
invaluable for identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that the system
meets the users' needs and expectations. By actively soliciting user input and
addressing their concerns, the organization demonstrates its commitment to user
satisfaction and continuous improvement.

Ultimately, the goal is to raise the user’s level of confidence in the system so that
they embrace it as a necessary and valuable tool in their workflow. When users
feel confident and comfortable using the system and are empowered to provide
feedback, they are more likely to accept and adopt it wholeheartedly, leading to
successful implementation and long-term usage.

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2.5 NEED FOR FEASIBILITY STUDY

The feasibility study is an essential stage in the software project management

process, serving as a critical evaluation of the proposed project's viability and
potential success. Its primary objective is to determine whether to proceed with
the project based on its practical feasibility or to halt further development if it is
deemed unfeasible.

During the feasibility study, various aspects of the proposed project are carefully
analyzed to assess its feasibility. This includes evaluating technical feasibility to
determine if the project can be successfully developed using available technology
and resources. Economic feasibility assesses the financial viability of the project,
considering factors such as development costs, potential return on investment,
and long-term sustainability. Operational feasibility evaluates whether the
proposed system aligns with the organization's operational goals and can be
effectively integrated into existing workflows and processes.

One of the key benefits of conducting a feasibility study is the identification of

risk factors associated with developing and deploying the system. By identifying
potential risks early in the project lifecycle, stakeholders can proactively plan for
risk mitigation strategies and allocate resources accordingly. This helps to
minimize the likelihood of project delays, budget overruns, and other challenges
that could impact the project's success.

Furthermore, the feasibility study helps to narrow down business alternatives by

analyzing different parameters associated with the proposed project development.
By considering various factors such as technical constraints, market demand, and
organizational capabilities, stakeholders can make informed decisions about
whether to pursue the project or explore alternative solutions.

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ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

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 3. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

3.1. REQUIREMENTS

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

Software Requirements Engineering is a crucial aspect of software engineering that

involves identifying and documenting the needs and expectations of stakeholders,
which are to be addressed by the software system. The IEEE Standard Glossary of
Software Engineering Terminology provides a comprehensive definition of
requirements, emphasizing their significance in problem-solving and objective
achievement. Requirements can pertain to both user needs and system capabilities,
serving as a basis for satisfying contractual obligations, standards, specifications,
or other formal documents.

The activities involved in software requirements engineering encompass elicitation,

analysis, specification, and management. Elicitation involves gathering
requirements from stakeholders, while analysis entails understanding and refining
these requirements. Specification involves documenting the requirements in a
structured manner, and management involves overseeing changes and ensuring
traceability throughout the software development process.

Software requirements describe the features and functionalities expected from the
target system, encompassing both obvious and hidden, known, and unknown, as
well as expected and unexpected requirements from the client's perspective. The
process of gathering, analyzing, and documenting software requirements is
collectively referred to as software requirement analysis, which is essential for
understanding the scope of the project and defining the system's objectives.

In the context of the provided code, software requirements refer to the specific
features and functionalities that the code aims to implement. These requirements
serve as guidelines for development and provide clarity on the system's intended
behavior and capabilities. By documenting and understanding these requirements,

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developers can ensure that the software system meets the needs and expectations of
its stakeholders.

TensorFlow:
TensorFlow stands as a cornerstone in the realm of deep learning frameworks,
crafted and maintained by the tech juggernaut Google. This open-source framework
offers developers an extensive toolkit comprising tools and libraries essential for
crafting and honing a diverse array of machine learning models, prominently
featuring neural networks. Within the context of the provided code, TensorFlow
assumes a pivotal role, steering the entire journey from model inception to
evaluation, with a specific focus on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) tailored
explicitly for image classification tasks.

At its core, TensorFlow serves as a robust foundation for defining the architecture
and specifications of CNN models. Developers harness its flexibility to articulate
the intricate layers, activation functions, and other pivotal parameters essential for
effective image classification. TensorFlow's scalability ensures that developers can
seamlessly configure and adapt CNN architectures to address the unique
requirements of their projects.

Following the model's definition, TensorFlow streamlines the compilation process,

ensuring the model is optimized and primed for training. Leveraging advanced
compilation techniques, TensorFlow accelerates the computational processes
involved in training CNNs, enhancing both efficiency and performance.

Once compiled, TensorFlow unleashes its prowess in training CNN models.

Developers leverage its robust training capabilities to expose the model to labeled
datasets, enabling iterative refinement through backpropagation. This iterative
process is indispensable for enhancing the model's capacity to accurately classify
images across diverse datasets.

Finally, TensorFlow offers a suite of comprehensive evaluation tools, empowering

developers to assess the performance of trained CNN models. Through
TensorFlow's evaluation metrics, developers gain insights into accuracy, precision,

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recall, and other key performance indicators, providing a comprehensive
understanding of the model's effectiveness in image classification tasks.

OpenCV:
OpenCV (Open-Source Computer Vision Library) stands as a cornerstone in the
domain of computer vision and machine learning, renowned for its widespread
adoption and versatility. As an open-source software library, OpenCV offers a rich
assortment of tools and algorithms designed to facilitate a multitude of image and
video processing tasks.
These tasks encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from fundamental operations like
reading and writing images to more sophisticated functionalities such as object
detection and tracking.

In the context of the provided code, OpenCV assumes a central role in performing
various image processing tasks essential for the project's objectives. One of its
primary functions involves reading images from external sources, enabling the code
to access and manipulate visual data. Additionally, OpenCV offers a plethora of
image processing techniques, including filtering operations, edge detection, and
contour finding, all of which contribute to the extraction of meaningful information
from images.

One notable capability of OpenCV utilized in the code is contour finding, a crucial
operation in object detection and shape analysis tasks. By identifying contours in
images, the code can isolate and extract regions of interest, facilitating subsequent
processing steps. Moreover, OpenCV provides functionalities for displaying
images, enabling developers to visualize intermediate results and validate the
effectiveness of their algorithms.

Overall, OpenCV serves as an indispensable toolkit for developers embarking on

computer vision projects, offering a comprehensive suite of tools and algorithms to
tackle a diverse range of image and video processing tasks. Its widespread adoption,
coupled with its extensive documentation and community support, makes it a go-to
choose for both academic research and industrial applications in the field of
computer vision and machine learning.

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NumPy:
NumPy serves as a cornerstone in the realm of numerical computing within the
Python ecosystem, offering a robust foundation for handling multi-dimensional
arrays and matrices. As a fundamental package, NumPy provides developers with
a comprehensive suite of tools and functions tailored for efficient numerical
operations and array manipulations.

One of the key features of NumPy is its support for multi-dimensional arrays, which
enables developers to represent and manipulate data in a structured and efficient
manner. These arrays serve as the building blocks for various mathematical
computations, data processing tasks, and scientific simulations.

In addition to its array manipulation capabilities, NumPy also boasts a rich

collection of mathematical functions optimized for performance. These functions
encompass a wide range of mathematical operations, including arithmetic
functions, statistical computations, linear algebra routines, and more. By leveraging
NumPy's optimized implementations, developers can perform complex
mathematical computations with ease and efficiency.

Within the context of the provided code, NumPy is utilized for a variety of purposes,
including array manipulations, mathematical operations, and handling image data.
For instance, NumPy's array manipulation functions enable developers to reshape,
concatenate, and transpose arrays as needed. Its mathematical functions facilitate
computations such as matrix multiplication, element-wise operations, and statistical
analysis.

Furthermore, NumPy's compatibility with other libraries and frameworks, such as

OpenCV and TensorFlow, makes it an invaluable tool for integrating numerical
computations seamlessly into larger projects. Its versatility, performance, and ease
of use have solidified its position as a fundamental package for numerical
computing in Python, catering to a wide range of scientific, engineering, and data
analysis applications.

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Matplotlib:
Matplotlib stands as a versatile and powerful plotting library for Python, offering
developers a comprehensive toolkit for creating a diverse range of visualizations.
With its extensive collection of functions and capabilities, Matplotlib is a go-to
choose for data visualization tasks across various domains.

One of the key strengths of Matplotlib lies in its ability to generate a wide array of
visualizations, including line plots, histograms, scatter plots, bar charts, and more.
These visualizations serve as powerful tools for exploring and communicating data
insights effectively.

In the context of the provided code, Matplotlib plays a crucial role in visualizing
images and plotting training and validation accuracy and loss curves. For image
display, Matplotlib provides functions to visualize images stored as arrays, enabling
developers to inspect and analyze image data efficiently.

Moreover, Matplotlib's plotting capabilities extend to the creation of line plots,

which are commonly used to visualize the training and validation performance of
machine learning models over epochs. By plotting accuracy and loss curves,
developers can assess the model's performance, identify trends, and make informed
decisions about model optimization and tuning.

Beyond its core functionalities, Matplotlib offers a high degree of customization,

allowing developers to fine-tune visualizations to meet specific requirements. From
adjusting colors and line styles to adding annotations and labels, Matplotlib
provides the flexibility needed to create visually appealing and informative plots.

Overall, Matplotlib stands as an indispensable tool for data visualization in Python,

offering a rich assortment of functions and capabilities for creating insightful and
impactful visualizations. Its ease of use, versatility, and extensive documentation
make it a preferred choice for both exploratory data analysis and presentation-
quality graphics in various scientific, engineering, and data analysis applications.

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OS:
A key element for working with the operating system's file system in Python is the
`os` module. With its many features, developers may easily explore file paths,
work with directories, and execute different file actions inside of their Python
scripts.

Giving developers easy access to file paths so they can interact with files and
directories on their system is one of the main goals of the `os` module. Developers
can create file paths, verify if a given path refers to a directory, and check if files or
directories exist with functions like `os.path.join()}, `os.path.exists()}, and
`os.path.isdir()}, respectively.
The code provided makes use of the `os` module, which is frequently used for
retrieving folder paths.

Python 3
Python, conceptualized in the late 1980s by Guido van Rossum at Centrum
Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), has emerged as a versatile and powerful
programming language. One of Python's key strengths lies in its rich ecosystem of
modules, which play a crucial role in organizing and structuring Python code.

A module in Python serves as a logical container for related code, enabling

developers to group functionalities together based on their purpose or functionality.
This modular approach not only enhances code organization but also promotes code
reusability, maintainability, and scalability.

By encapsulating related code within a module, developers can create cohesive

units of functionality that can be easily understood and utilized. Modules abstract
away implementation details, allowing developers to focus on the high-level
functionality provided by the module without needing to delve into the underlying
implementation.

Python's extensive standard library is a testament to the power of modularization,

offering a vast array of modules covering diverse domains such as file I/O,
networking, mathematics, data manipulation, and more. These modules provide

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developers with ready-made solutions to common programming tasks, accelerating
development and reducing the need to reinvent the wheel.

Furthermore, Python's support for third-party modules through package

management systems like pip expands the language's capabilities even further.
Developers can leverage a vast ecosystem of open-source libraries and frameworks
to enhance their applications with advanced functionalities, ranging from web
development and machine learning to scientific computing and beyond.

In summary, Python's modular design philosophy, coupled with its extensive

ecosystem of modules and libraries, empowers developers to write clean, organized,
and maintainable code. Modules serve as building blocks for creating scalable and
extensible Python applications, facilitating code reuse, collaboration, and
innovation in software development.

Visual Studio Code:

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) stands out as a leading choice among developers,
offering a comprehensive and versatile source code editing experience. Developed
by Microsoft, this free and open-source code editor has garnered widespread
acclaim for its lightweight yet robust feature set, catering to the diverse needs of
developers across different programming languages and platforms.

At its core, Visual Studio Code is engineered to provide developers with a highly
customizable and efficient coding environment. Its lightweight nature ensures fast
startup times and responsive performance, even when handling large codebases.
Despite its streamlined design, VS Code packs a punch with a plethora of features
aimed at enhancing productivity and code quality.

One of the standout features of Visual Studio Code is its extensive ecosystem of
extensions. With a rich marketplace of extensions developed by both Microsoft and
the community, developers can tailor their editing experience to suit their specific
workflow and requirements. From language support and syntax highlighting to
debugging tools and version control integrations, VS Code extensions empower
developers to personalize their development environment with ease.

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In addition to its editing capabilities, Visual Studio Code offers robust support for
debugging, enabling developers to identify and resolve issues efficiently. With
built-in debugging tools and seamless integration with various debugging
extensions, developers can debug their code directly within the editor, streamlining
the development process.

Furthermore, Visual Studio Code boasts robust support for version control systems
such as Git, allowing developers to manage their code repositories seamlessly.
Integration with Git features such as version history, branching, and merging
empowers developers to collaborate effectively and track changes to their codebase
with confidence.

Overall, Visual Studio Code stands as a testament to Microsoft's commitment to

providing developers with powerful, intuitive, and customizable tools for software
development. Its lightweight yet feature-rich design, coupled with its vibrant
extension ecosystem, makes it a preferred choice for developers seeking a versatile
and efficient code editing experience.

USER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Image Dataset:
Users require a dataset comprising images organized into training and testing
directories, with subdirectories representing different classes, such as various hand
gestures. This dataset serves as the foundation for training and evaluating
convolutional neural network (CNN) models for image classification tasks.

2. Data Preprocessing:
Effective data preprocessing tools are essential for preparing the image dataset for
model training. This involves resizing images to a specified size, normalizing pixel
values to a common scale, and applying data augmentation techniques like rotation,
zoom, and horizontal flipping. These preprocessing steps help enhance the
robustness and generalization ability of the CNN model.

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3. Model Training:
Users need to train a CNN model using the preprocessed image dataset. This entails
defining the model architecture, which includes specifying the number and types of
convolutional and pooling layers, as well as fully connected layers. Additionally,
users must compile the model with appropriate loss and optimization functions, and
set training parameters such as batch size and number of epochs.

4. Model Evaluation:
After training the CNN model, users need to assess its performance on a separate
test dataset. This involves evaluating metrics such as accuracy and loss on the test
data to gauge the model's ability to generalize to unseen examples. Model
evaluation helps identify potential issues such as overfitting or underfitting and
guides further optimization efforts.

5. Visualization:
Tools for visualizing training and validation metrics, such as accuracy and loss
curves, are essential for analyzing the performance of the CNN model over epochs.
Visualizing these metrics helps users track the model's training progress, detect
patterns, and make informed decisions regarding model optimization strategies.

6. Model Saving:
Once the CNN model is trained and evaluated, users need the capability to save the
model to a file for future use. Saving the model allows users to reuse it for inference
tasks, deploy it in production environments, or share it with others without the need
for retraining from scratch.

7. Background Subtraction and Hand Segmentation:

In scenarios where users need to process real-time video streams or static images,
background subtraction and hand segmentation functionalities become crucial.
These techniques involve methods such as accumulating background frames,
detecting contours, and isolating the hand region from the background. Background
subtraction and hand segmentation enable users to extract relevant information and
perform further analysis or interaction tasks.

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3.1.1 FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

In software engineering and systems engineering, functional requirements play a

pivotal role in defining the desired behavior and capabilities of a system or its
components. These requirements outline the specific functions that the system
must perform, including the inputs it accepts, its behavior or processing logic, and
the outputs it produces. Functional user requirements typically provide high-level
statements describing what the system should accomplish from the user's
perspective, while functional system requirements delve deeper into the detailed
description of the system's services and functionalities.

Functional requirements serve as a roadmap for the development process, guiding

engineers in designing, implementing, and testing the system to ensure it meets the
desired functionality and performance criteria. By clearly defining the system's
functions and behavior, functional requirements help stakeholders, including
developers, designers, and users, align their expectations and objectives for the
engineered product.

The major functional requirements for our work encompass a comprehensive set
of specifications detailing the expected behavior and capabilities of the system
being developed. These requirements serve as the foundation for the entire
development process, guiding the design, implementation, and validation phases
to ensure the resulting system meets the intended objectives and effectively
addresses the needs of its users.

1. Data Preprocessing:
Data preprocessing involves preparing the input data for model training by
performing various transformations and augmentations. Firstly, the images are
resized to a specified size to ensure uniformity in input dimensions for the model.
Next, pixel values are normalized to a common scale, typically ranging from 0 to
1, to facilitate convergence during training. Additionally, data augmentation
techniques such as rotation, zoom, and horizontal flipping are applied to increase

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the variability of the dataset, thereby enhancing the model's ability to generalize to
unseen data.

2. Model Definition and Compilation:

The model architecture is defined using the Sequential API in Keras, a high-level
neural network library built on top of TensorFlow. This involves specifying the
sequence of layers in the model, including convolutional layers for feature
extraction, max-pooling layers for spatial downsampling, flatten layers to convert
2D feature maps into a 1D vector, and dense layers for classification. Once the
model architecture is defined, it is compiled with appropriate settings such as the
loss function, which is typically categorical cross-entropy for multi-class
classification tasks, and the optimizer, commonly Adam, which adjusts the model's
weights during training.

3. Model Training:
The compiled model is trained using the training data generated from the
ImageDataGenerator, which automatically generates batches of augmented images
during training. Parameters such as the number of epochs (iterations over the entire
dataset) and batch size (number of samples processed in each iteration) are specified
for training. Throughout the training process, metrics such as accuracy and loss are
monitored and recorded to assess the model's performance and track its learning
progress.

4. Model Evaluation:
After training, the performance of the trained model is evaluated on a separate test
dataset that was not used during training. Evaluation metrics such as accuracy and
loss are calculated to quantify the model's ability to correctly classify unseen data
instances. This evaluation provides insights into the model's generalization
performance and helps identify potential areas for improvement.

5. Visualization:
Visualizing training and validation metrics, such as accuracy and loss curves,
allows for a qualitative assessment of the model's performance over epochs. Plots
of these metrics provide insights into the model's convergence behavior, indicating

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whether it is learning effectively or suffering from issues such as overfitting or
underfitting.

6. Model Saving:
Once the model is trained and evaluated, it is saved to a file in the HDF5 format
using the `save` method provided by Keras. This enables the trained model to be
reused for inference tasks or deployed in production environments without the need
for retraining.

7. Real-time Hand Segmentation:

Implementing functions for background subtraction and hand segmentation using
OpenCV allows for the segmentation of hands from video streams or static images
in real-time. These techniques involve processing the input frames to detect and
isolate the hand region, enabling further analysis or interaction tasks specific to
hand gestures.

3.1.2 NON-FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

In the context of the provided code, the non-functional requirements are crucial for
ensuring the effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability of the system. Here's an
elaboration on each of the mentioned non-functional requirements:

1. Performance: Efficient execution is vital, particularly during intensive tasks

such as image preprocessing, model training, and real-time hand segmentation.
Optimization techniques should be employed to minimize processing times and
response delays, ensuring a smooth user experience.

2. Scalability: As the system may encounter larger datasets or expanded gesture

classes in the future, it should be designed to scale seamlessly without
compromising performance. This includes optimizing algorithms and data
structures to handle increased data volumes efficiently.

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3. Usability: Well-organized and comprehensible code is essential for facilitating
collaboration among developers and ensuring the maintainability of the system.
Clear comments, documentation, and coding conventions should be employed
to enhance code readability and ease of understanding.

Efficiency: Optimizing resource usage is crucial for maximizing computational

efficiency and minimizing memory consumption, particularly during resource-
intensive tasks like model training and inference. Efficient algorithms and data
processing techniques should be employed to optimize performance.

4. Reliability: Consistency and reliability in system behavior are paramount to

ensure the validity and repeatability of experimental results across different
datasets and environments. Robust error handling mechanisms should be
implemented to handle unexpected scenarios gracefully and prevent system
failures.

5. Security: Adherence to security best practices is essential for safeguarding

sensitive data and preventing unauthorized access or manipulation. Measures
such as data encryption, access controls, and secure communication protocols
should be implemented to mitigate security risks and protect user privacy.

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3.2 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

H/W CONFIGURATION:

• CPU: Quad-core processor or higher

• RAM: Minimum 8GB
• Camera, Microphone, Speaker
• Internet Connection
• Storage 1TB

S/W CONFIGURATION:

• Matplotlib
• Numpy
• Open cv-python
• Tensorflow
• GTTS
• Tkinter
• Speech_recognition
• PyAudio

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3.3 SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

Figure 3.1 System Architecture

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3.4 UML DIAGRAMS

Unified Modeling Language (UML) serves as a standardized method for visualizing the
design and architecture of a system, akin to blueprints in traditional engineering
disciplines. It is closely associated with object-oriented design and analysis
methodologies, providing a comprehensive set of graphical notations to represent
various aspects of a system's structure and behavior.

1. Structural Diagrams: These diagrams focus on capturing the static aspects or

structure of a system. They provide visual representations of the system's
components, classes, objects, and their relationships.
Component Diagrams: Depict the organization and dependencies among system
components.
Object Diagrams: Present a snapshot of objects and their relationships at a specific
point in time.
Class Diagrams: Illustrate the structure of classes, their attributes, methods, and
associations.
Deployment Diagrams: Describe the physical deployment of software components
across hardware nodes or environments.

2. Behavior Diagrams: These diagrams concentrate on capturing the dynamic

aspects or behavior of the system. They illustrate how the system responds to
external stimuli and evolves over time.
Use Case Diagrams: Illustrate the functional requirements of the system by modeling
user interactions (use cases) and their relationships.
State Diagrams: Model the behavior of individual objects or system components in
response to different states and transitions.
Activity Diagrams: Represent the flow of control or behavior within a system,
showcasing sequential and parallel activities.
Interaction Diagrams: Depict the dynamic interactions between objects or system
components, including Sequence Diagrams and Communication Diagrams.

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By utilizing these UML diagrams, software engineers can effectively communicate and
document the design and behavior of complex systems, facilitating better
understanding, analysis, and collaboration among stakeholders throughout the software
development lifecycle.

GOALS:
The goals outlined in the design of the Unified Modeling Language (UML) serve to
establish a robust and versatile modeling language that addresses the diverse needs of
software developers and stakeholders throughout the software development process.

1. Provide users a ready-to-use, expressive visual modeling Language: UML aims to

offer a comprehensive set of graphical notations and symbols that enable users to create
clear and concise models representing various aspects of a system's structure and
behavior. This facilitates effective communication and collaboration among
stakeholders by providing a common language for expressing system requirements and
designs.

2. Provide extendibility and specialization mechanisms: UML incorporates

mechanisms for extending and customizing its core concepts to accommodate domain-
specific modeling needs. This flexibility allows users to tailor the language to suit
specific project requirements and to integrate additional modeling constructs as needed.

3. Be independent of programming languages and development process: UML is

designed to be programming language and development process agnostic, allowing it
to be used in conjunction with any programming language or software development
methodology. This ensures that UML models remain portable and applicable across
different technology stacks and development environments.

4. Provide a formal basis for understanding the modeling language: UML is

underpinned by a formal semantics and well-defined metamodel, providing a rigorous
foundation for understanding and interpreting UML diagrams. This enhances the
precision and clarity of UML models, enabling more accurate analysis and validation
of system designs.

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5. Encourage the growth of OO tools market: UML serves as a catalyst for the
development of a rich ecosystem of object-oriented (OO) modeling tools and software
engineering frameworks. By providing a standardized modeling language, UML fosters
innovation and competition in the market for OO development tools, ultimately
benefiting users with a wide range of options and solutions.

6. Support higher-level development concepts: UML supports the representation of

advanced development concepts such as collaborations, frameworks, design patterns,
and software components. This enables developers to model and analyze complex
system architectures and design solutions that promote reusability, modularity, and
scalability.
7. Integrate best practices: UML incorporates established best practices and design
principles from the fields of software engineering and object-oriented design. By
adhering to industry standards and conventions, UML promotes the adoption of proven
methodologies and encourages the adoption of effective design practices among
software development teams.

3.4.1 USECASE DIAGRAM

A use case diagram serves as a visual representation of the dynamic behavior of a
system, encapsulating its functionality through the depiction of use cases, actors, and
their relationships. In the context of the described scenario, the use case diagram
outlines the process of identifying hand gestures captured by a webcam and extracting
relevant features for recognition.

The user initiates the interaction by activating the webcam, which provides a real-time
video feed for gesture recognition. As the user performs hand gestures in front of the
webcam, the system captures and analyzes various features such as hand shape,
movement trajectory, and finger positions.

These extracted features are then compared against predefined patterns stored within
the system using matching algorithms. The system determines the closest match
between the captured gestures and the stored patterns, enabling gesture recognition.

Upon successful recognition, the system provides feedback to the user in two forms:
visual and auditory. The identified gesture is displayed as text output on the screen,

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offering visual confirmation. Additionally, the system utilizes text-to-speech
technology to convey the identified gesture audibly, providing auditory feedback to the
user.

Overall, this use case facilitates seamless interaction with the system, allowing users to
communicate through gestures effectively. The automated recognition and feedback
mechanisms enhance user experience by providing both visual and auditory cues,
ensuring efficient communication through gesture-based interactions.

Figure 3.2: Use Case Diagram for Gesture Language translation

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3.4.2 CLASS DIAGRAM

The class diagram serves as a static representation of the Sign Language

Translation System, detailing the types of objects within the system and their
interrelationships. In this context, the class diagram encompasses essential classes
vital for the system's functionality.

Central to the system is the "Sign Language Translation System" class,

encapsulating core functionalities such as capturing hand movements, converting
signs to text, and converting text to speech. This class acts as the orchestrator,
coordinating various operations within the system.

The "Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)" class plays a crucial role in

processing visual information, particularly proficient in recognizing gestures and
signs in sign language. Leveraging deep learning techniques, this class
contributes to accurate gesture recognition, a pivotal aspect of sign language
translation.

Facilitating the conversion of text to spoken language, the "Text-to-Speech API"

class serves as an interface with an external application. This class enables the
generation of auditory output, ensuring that translated text is accessible to users
through speech.

Complementing the CNN class, the "Artificial Neural Network (ANN)" class
extends the system's capabilities by addressing broader machine learning tasks.
For instance, it can recognize facial expressions or body language, providing
additional context to the sign language translation process.

Together, these classes form a comprehensive system for translating sign

language into text and speech, catering to the communication needs of individuals
with hearing impairments. By combining sophisticated neural network models
with text-to-speech technology, the Sign Language Translation System facilitates
seamless communication between users and their environment.

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 Figure 3.3: Class Diagram for Gesture Language translation

3.4.3 SEQUENCE DIAGRAM

The sequence diagram provides a dynamic visualization of the sequential steps

involved in capturing and processing sign language movements for translation
within the Sign Language Translation System. It outlines the flow of messages
and interactions between different components of the system during runtime.

Initially, the user initiates communication by expressing themselves through sign

language, triggering the start of the process. The system then comes into action,
capturing the hand movements made by the user, a crucial step for subsequent
analysis and interpretation. This interaction is depicted as a message exchange
between the user and the system.

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Following the capture of hand movements, the system proceeds to create
representations of the signs conveyed by the user. This involves extracting
relevant features such as hand position, orientation, and motion from the video
data obtained. These representations serve as input for further processing and
analysis.

The sequence diagram illustrates the involvement of a Convolutional Neural

Network (CNN) in the subsequent steps. The CNN, specialized in image
recognition tasks, learns the temporal relationships between the captured hand
movements. It analyzes the sequence of movements over time, leveraging its
proficiency to recognize patterns and identify the signs being conveyed.

Through this sequential process, the system accurately interprets and translates
the sign language gestures into textual form. The sequence diagram captures the
iterative and branching nature of the process, demonstrating how the system
systematically processes each step to achieve the outcome of translating sign
language into text.

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 Figure 3.4: Sequence Diagram for Gesture Language translation

3.4.4 COLLABORATION DIAGRAM

Sequence and collaboration diagrams serve as visual tools in UML to represent

interactions and relationships between objects within a system. While they both
convey similar information, they do so in distinct ways, each with its own focus
and notation.

In a sequence diagram, the emphasis is on illustrating the flow of messages

between objects over time. The diagram typically consists of lifelines, which
represent individual objects, and messages exchanged between them. These
messages indicate the interactions or communications between objects, along
with the order in which they occur. Sequence diagrams are useful for visualizing

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the dynamic behavior of a system and understanding the sequence of events
during runtime.

On the other hand, a collaboration diagram, also known as a communication

diagram, takes a different approach by focusing on the architecture of objects
within the system. In a collaboration diagram, objects are depicted directly,
without the use of lifelines. Instead, the connections or relationships between
objects are represented by links, while messages exchanged between objects are
depicted along these links. Collaboration diagrams provide insights into the
structure of the system, illustrating how objects are interconnected and
communicate with each other.

While both diagrams convey similar information about the interactions between
objects, they offer different perspectives on the system. Sequence diagrams
emphasize the temporal aspects of object interactions, showing the sequence of
messages over time. In contrast, collaboration diagrams provide a static view of
the system's architecture, highlighting the relationships between objects and
how they collaborate to achieve system functionality. Together, these diagrams
complement each other in providing a comprehensive understanding of the
system's behavior and structure.

NOTATIONS:

1. Objects

2. Actors

3. Links

4. Messages

As we know, sequence diagram is like collaboration diagram, but lifelines will

not be considered. The lifelines in sequence diagram will be taken as objects in
collaboration diagram. The same timeline of messages and interaction is
followed in collaboration diagram as in sequence diagram.

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 Figure 3.5: Collaboration Diagram for Gesture Language translation

3.4.5 ACTIVITY DIAGRAM

In UML, the activity diagram serves as a powerful tool for modeling the flow of
control within a system, focusing on the sequential and concurrent activities that
occur during its operation. Unlike other diagrams that emphasize implementation
details, the activity diagram provides a high-level overview of the system's
behavior, making it suitable for visualizing complex processes and interactions.

For our project, we employed the swim lane concept to construct an activity
diagram that illustrates the sequential steps involved in translating sign language
gestures into text. The diagram begins with the user initiating the process by
executing a sign language gesture, which serves as the starting point. Following
this, the system captures the gesture and inputs it into the translation system for
further analysis.

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Once the gesture is received, the translation system evaluates the feasibility of
successfully translating it into text and speech. If the translation is deemed
feasible, the system proceeds to perform the translation process, converting the
gesture into textual form. The resulting text and speech output are then displayed
to the user, providing both visual and auditory feedback.

However, if the translation is not feasible for any reason, the process may
terminate without displaying any result, or it may indicate to the user that the
translation was unsuccessful. This systematic approach ensures efficient handling
of sign language gestures and facilitates their translation into textual form,
thereby enhancing communication for individuals with hearing impairments.

By depicting the sequential flow of activities and decision points in the translation
process, the activity diagram offers valuable insights into the system's behavior,
enabling stakeholders to understand and analyze its functionality more
effectively.

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 Figure 3.6: Activity Diagram for Gesture Language translation

3.4.6 COMPONENT DIAGRAM

The component diagram in our project delineates the physical view of the system,
breaking down the sign language translation process into smaller, manageable
components. Each component represents a distinct element of the system, such as
executables, files, or libraries, and illustrates their relationships and organization
within the overall architecture.

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In the context of translating a sign language gesture into text, several key
components play essential roles in the process. Firstly, the interaction is initiated
by the user, who signs a gesture, thereby triggering the translation process. This
user interaction component serves as the starting point for the system's operation.

Next, the system captures the signed gesture using a camera component, which
acts as the input device. The camera component captures image or video data
representing the signed gesture, which is then transmitted to the processing
component for analysis.

The processing component, often implemented using a Convolutional Neural

Network (CNN), is responsible for interpreting the sign language gesture and
translating it into text. Leveraging its capabilities in image recognition tasks, the
CNN component processes the captured visual data, identifying patterns and
features indicative of specific signs or gestures.

Once the sign language gesture has been interpreted and translated into text, the
resulting text is outputted to the user through a display component. This display
component may present the translated text on a screen or output it through another
medium, such as a speaker for auditory feedback.

Together, these components work in concert to facilitate the translation of sign

language gestures into textual form and speech, enabling seamless
communication for individuals with hearing impairments. By breaking down the
system into discrete components and illustrating their interactions, the component
diagram provides valuable insights into the physical organization and functioning
of the sign language translation system.

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 Figure 3.7: Component Diagram for Gesture Language translation

3.4.7 DEPLOYMENT DIAGRAM

The deployment diagram provides a static view of the physical hardware

infrastructure on which the software system will be deployed. It serves as a visual
representation of how the software components, depicted in the component
diagram, are distributed, and executed across different nodes within the hardware
environment.

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In essence, the deployment diagram maps the software architecture, designed in
the component diagram, to the physical system architecture, illustrating where
and how each software component will be deployed and executed. This mapping
is achieved through the depiction of nodes, which represent individual hardware
devices or computing resources, and their relationships, which delineate how
these nodes interact and communicate with each other.

Since the deployment diagram focuses on the physical deployment of software

components onto hardware infrastructure, it often involves multiple nodes
interconnected by communication paths, such as network connections or inter-
process communication channels. These communication paths illustrate how data
and messages flow between different components deployed on separate nodes,
enabling collaboration and interaction within the system.

The deployment diagram and the component diagram are closely interrelated, as
they both contribute to understanding the overall system architecture from
different perspectives. While the component diagram describes the internal
structure and organization of software components within the system, the
deployment diagram extends this perspective to encompass the physical hardware
infrastructure on which these components reside and operate. Together, these
diagrams provide a comprehensive overview of the system's architecture,
covering both its software and hardware aspects.

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 Figure 3.8: Deployment Diagram for Gesture Language translation

3.4.8 STATE CHART DIAGRAM

The state chart diagram for translating a sign language gesture into text provides
a visual representation of the various states and transitions involved in the
translation process. Each state represents a distinct phase of the system's
operation, while transitions depict the flow of control between states based on
certain conditions or events.

1. Idle State:
• In the idle state, the system remains passive, awaiting user input in the
form of a sign language gesture.
2. Gesture Detection State:

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 • Upon detection of a gesture by the camera, the system transitions to the
gesture detection state.
• Here, the system captures and prepares to process the detected gesture,
initializing the subsequent analysis phase.

3. Processing State:

• Upon entering the processing state, the system begins analyzing the
captured image or video data.
• This analysis involves processing the gesture using the CNN component to
interpret its meaning.

4. Translation State:

• After successful interpretation, the system enters the translation state,

where the CNN translates the gesture into text.
• This translation phase transforms the visual representation of the gesture
into textual form, ready for display.

5. Display State:

• In the display state, the translated text is presented to the user on a screen or
through another output medium.
• This phase provides feedback to the user, conveying the meaning of the sign
language gesture in a comprehensible format.

6. Error State:

• In case of errors or unsuccessful translations, the system may transition to

an error state.
• Here, the system notifies the user of the issue, indicating that the translation
process could not be completed successfully.

The state chart diagram effectively illustrates the sequential flow of the system
as it progresses through different phases of gesture capture, analysis, translation,
and display. It also accounts for potential errors or exceptions in the process,

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ensuring that the system can handle unexpected situations and provide
appropriate feedback to the user.

Figure 3.9 State Chart Diagram for Gesture Language Translation

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IMPLEMENTATION

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 4. IMPLEMENTATION

4.1 ALGORITHMS

CNN

In machine learning, ANNs, particularly CNNs, are powerful tools for various
classification tasks such as image, audio, and text recognition.

ANNs are inspired by the structure and functioning of the human brain, consisting of
interconnected nodes (neurons) organized into layers.

CNNs for Image Classification:

CNNs are particularly effective for image classification tasks due to their ability to
capture spatial hierarchies of features in images.

They are designed to learn spatial hierarchies of features automatically and adaptively
from raw pixel images.

CNNs excel at capturing local patterns such as edges, textures, and shapes, and
combining them to form higher-level representations.

Different Types of Neural Networks:

Different types of neural networks are used for different tasks. For example:

Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), particularly Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)

networks, are used for sequence prediction tasks such as language modeling and text
generation.

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are specifically designed for image-related

tasks such as image classification, object detection, and image segmentation.

Each type of neural network architecture is tailored to handle specific data types and
capture relevant patterns effectively.

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Basic Building Block for CNN:

CNNs consist of several layers, including convolutional layers, pooling layers, and
fully connected layers.

The basic building block of a CNN is the convolutional layer, which performs
convolutions on the input image to extract features.

Convolutional layers are typically followed by pooling layers, which down sample the
feature maps to reduce computational complexity and increase translation invariance.

The final layers of a CNN typically consist of fully connected layers, which process
the extracted features and make predictions based on them.

CNNs are versatile and powerful tools in machine learning, particularly for image-
related tasks, and understanding their architecture and basic building blocks is crucial
for effective utilization in various applications.

Figure 4.1 Typical CNN Architecture

In the context of building a convolutional neural network (CNN), three key layers
constitute the building blocks of the architecture:
1. 1st Convolution Layer:
• The input image, with a resolution of 200x200 pixels, undergoes processing
in the first convolutional layer.

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 • In this layer, 64 filter weights are applied to the input image to extract
features.
• Each filter performs convolution operations on different parts of the input
image to detect patterns or features.

2. 1st Pooling Layer:

• Following the first convolutional layer, the images are down sampled using
max pooling with a filter size of 3x3.
• Max pooling involves selecting the maximum value from each 3x3 square
of the image, effectively reducing the spatial dimensions and retaining
important features.

3. 2nd Convolution Layer:

• The output of the first pooling layer serves as input to the second
convolutional layer.
• This layer applies 128 filter weights (each of size 2x2 pixels) to the pooled
feature maps generated from the previous layer.
• Like the first convolutional layer, these filters aim to extract higher-level
features from the down sampled images.

4. 2nd Pooling Layer:

• After the second convolutional layer, the resulting feature maps undergo
further down sampling through max pooling with a filter size of 3x3.
• This pooling operation reduces the spatial dimensions of the feature maps,
enhancing computational efficiency and focusing on the most relevant
information.

5. 3rd Convolution Layer:

• The feature maps obtained from the second pooling layer are then processed
in the third convolutional layer.
• This layer applies 256 filter weights (each of size 2x2 pixels) to capture even
more complex patterns in the feature maps.

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6. 3rd Pooling Layer:
• Following the third convolutional layer, another round of max pooling with
a filter size of 3x3 is performed.
• This pooling operation further reduces the spatial dimensions of the feature
maps, facilitating hierarchical feature extraction.

7. Flatten Layer:
• The output from the third pooling layer is flattened into a linear form to
prepare it for input into the subsequent dense layers.
• This flattening process converts the 2D pixel array into a one-dimensional
vector, enabling further processing by fully connected layers.

8. Final Layer:
• The output of the third pooling layer serves as input for the final dense layer.
• This dense layer consists of neurons equal to the number of classes being
classified (e.g., 27 classes of hand signs, including alphabets and a blank
symbol).
• Each neuron in this layer corresponds to a class, and the network's output
represents the likelihood or probability of each class being present in the
input image.

CNN architecture comprises multiple convolutional and pooling layers followed

by a flatten layer and a final dense layer, enabling effective feature extraction and
classification of hand signs in the input images.

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 Figure 4.2 Steps and the layers included in CNN

Advantages of CNN Architecture:

Hierarchical Feature Learning:

• CNNs automatically learn hierarchical representations of features from input

images.
• Lower layers capture low-level features like edges and textures, while higher
layers capture more abstract features like shapes and objects.

Spatial Hierarchical Structure:

• CNNs have a spatial hierarchical structure, enabling them to understand

spatial relationships within the input data.
• This structure is crucial for tasks like image recognition and object detection.

Parameter Sharing:

• CNNs exploit parameter sharing, reducing the number of parameters in the

model.
• This makes the model more efficient and less prone to overfitting, especially
with large datasets.

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 Translation Invariance:

• CNNs can recognize patterns regardless of their location in the input image.
• This property improves the model's robustness, particularly in tasks like
gesture recognition.

Scale Invariance:

• CNNs can handle input images of different sizes without requiring

preprocessing.
• This scalability makes them suitable for diverse applications.

Accessibility and Efficiency:

• Training CNNs has become more accessible and efficient with

advancements in hardware (e.g., GPUs) and software frameworks (e.g.,
TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Pretrained models and transfer learning techniques further enhance
efficiency, enabling effective development and deployment of CNNs.

4.2 ALGORITHM STEPS:

Input:

Dataset of Preprocessed Images: This dataset contains images that have been
preprocessed and categorized into different classes. Each image represents a
specific class or category.

Image Size for Resizing: The images in the dataset need to be resized to a specific
size before being used for training the CNN model. This size is typically
determined based on the input requirements of the CNN architecture.

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Steps:

1. Import Necessary Libraries: Import the required Python libraries such as

TensorFlow, Keras, NumPy, etc., which provide tools for building and training
CNN models, as well as handling data.

2. Define Dataset Paths and Labels: Specify the paths to the directories
containing the preprocessed images and define the corresponding class labels.

3. Preprocess Images and Prepare Data: Perform any additional preprocessing

steps on the images if necessary, such as normalization or augmentation, to
enhance the quality and diversity of the dataset.

4. Convert Data and Target to NumPy Arrays: Convert the preprocessed image
data and their corresponding labels into NumPy arrays, which are compatible with
the input requirements of the CNN model.

5. Split Data into Training and Testing Sets: Divide the dataset into separate
training and testing sets to evaluate the performance of the trained model on unseen
data.

6. Build the CNN Model: Define the architecture of the CNN model using layers
such as convolutional layers, pooling layers, and fully connected layers. Configure
the model's parameters and structure based on the specific requirements of the
classification task.

7. Compile the Model: Compile the CNN model by specifying the loss function,
optimizer, and evaluation metrics to be used during the training process.

8. Train the Model: Train the compiled CNN model using the training data.
Adjust the model's parameters iteratively to minimize the training loss and improve
performance on the training dataset.

9. Evaluate the Model: Evaluate the trained CNN model's performance on the
testing dataset to assess its accuracy, precision, recall, and other relevant metrics.

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ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS(ANN):

The content describes the fundamental architecture and functionality of an

Artificial Neural Network (ANN), emphasizing its resemblance to the structure of
the human brain:

Neural Network Structure: An ANN is composed of interconnected nodes called

neurons, organized into layers. These layers typically consist of an input layer, one
or more hidden layers, and an output layer.

Neuron Connections: Each neuron is connected to other neurons through

weighted connections. These connections facilitate the flow of information
throughout the network. The weighted connections determine the strength of the
relationship between neurons and influence the information transfer.

Information Processing: Input data is initially fed into the input layer of the neural
network. Each neuron in the input layer processes a specific feature of the input
data. The processed information is then transmitted to neurons in the subsequent
hidden layers.

Hidden Layers: Hidden layers are intermediary layers between the input and
output layers. They perform complex transformations and computations on the
input data, extracting relevant features and patterns. The number of hidden layers
and the number of neurons in each layer can vary based on the complexity of the
task and the architecture of the network.

Output Layer: The output layer receives the processed information from the
hidden layers and produces the final output of the neural network. The output can
be in various forms, such as classification labels, numerical values, or probability
scores, depending on the nature of the task being performed.

Information Flow: Throughout the network, information is processed iteratively

through forward propagation, where input data is passed through the network layer
by layer, and the output is computed. The network's parameters, including weights
and biases, are adjusted during training to minimize the difference between the
predicted output and the actual output, optimizing the network's performance.

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ANN mimics the information processing capabilities of the human brain, allowing
it to learn from data, extract meaningful patterns, and make predictions or
classifications based on the learned knowledge.

Figure 4.3 Layers of Artificial Neural Networks

4.3 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION:

To install Visual Studio Code (VS Code), follow these steps:

1.Visit the official website of Visual Studio Code at

https://code.visualstudio.com/ and download the installer for your operating
system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

2. Run the Installer: Once the download is complete, run the installer executable
file. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the installation.

3. Accept License Agreement: During the installation process, you may be

prompted to accept the license agreement. Review the terms and conditions, and
proceed with the installation if you agree.

4. Choose Installation Options: You may have the option to customize the
installation by selecting components and features you want to include. For most
users, the default installation options are sufficient.

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5. Select Installation Location: Choose the directory where you want to install
Visual Studio Code. The default location is usually in the Program Files folder
on Windows.

6. Complete Installation: Once you have selected the installation options and
location, proceed with the installation. The installer will copy the necessary files
and set up VS Code on your system.

7. Launch VS Code: After the installation is complete, you can launch Visual
Studio Code from the Start menu (on Windows), the Applications folder (on
macOS), or by running the `code` command in a terminal (on Linux).

8. Optional: Install Extensions: Visual Studio Code supports extensions that add
functionality and language support. You can install extensions from the
Extensions view within VS Code by searching for the ones you need and clicking
Install.

4.4 SOFTWARE ENVIRONMENT:

Operating System: The code can be executed on various operating systems such
as Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Python: Python is the primary programming language used in the code. Ensure
Python is installed on your system. The code appears to be compatible with
Python 3.x.

Visual Studio Code: Install Visual Studio Code on your system. VS Code is a
lightweight and versatile code editor that supports various programming
languages and provides features for code debugging, version control, and
extensions.

Python Extensions for VS Code: Install Python extensions for VS Code to

enhance the Python development experience. These extensions provide features
like IntelliSense, code formatting, debugging support, and Jupyter notebook
integration.

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Required Python Libraries: The code relies on several Python libraries such as
TensorFlow, Keras, OpenCV, Matplotlib, NumPy, and others. Ensure these
libraries are installed in your Python environment. You can install them using
pip, the Python package manager, by running `pip install <library-name>` in the
terminal.

4.5 STEPS FOR EXECUTING THE PROJECT:

1. Install Visual Studio Code (VS Code): If you have not already installed VS
Code, you can download it from the official website
(https://code.visualstudio.com/) and follow the installation instructions for your
operating system.

2. Open VS Code: Launch Visual Studio Code on your system.

3.Open the Project Folder: Use the "File" menu in VS Code to open the folder
containing the Python script and related files for the project.

4. Set Up Python Environment: Make sure you have Python installed on your
system. You can check this by opening a terminal within VS Code and running
the command `python --version`. If Python is not installed, you can download and
install it from the official Python website (https://www.python.org/).

5. Install Required Python Packages: Open a terminal in VS Code and use pip to
install the required Python packages. You can do this by running the following
command:

pip install tensorflow opencv-python matplotlib numpy SpeechRecognition

pyaudio This command will install the necessary packages for running the code.

6. Open the Python Script: In the Explorer pane of VS Code, navigate to the
Python script file (usually named something like `main.py` or `project.py`) that
you want to execute.

7. Run the Script: There are several ways to run the Python script in VS Code:

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 Press F5 to run the script in debug mode.

Use the "Run Python File in Terminal" option from the context menu (right-
click on the script file).

Open a terminal in VS Code and run the script manually using the `python`
command:

python script_name.py

Replace `script_name.py` with the name of your Python script file.

8. Follow On-Screen Instructions: Depending on the functionality of the script,

you may need to provide input data, interact with the program, or wait for the
script to process.

9. Review Output: After the script has finished executing, review the output in
the terminal or any other output channels specified in the script.

4.6 PSEUDO CODE:

# Define dictionaries for encoding classes (numbers, alphabets)

Define num_classes dictionary for numerical labels

Define alpha_classes dictionary for alphabetical labels

# Define words and associated labels

Define words_data dictionary for words and labels

# Initialize variables for hand segmentation

Set background to None

Set accumulated_weight to 0.7

Set mask_color to (0.0, 0.0, 0.0)

Set ROI dimensions (top, bottom, right, left)

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# Function to accumulate background

Define function cal_accum_avg(frame, accumulated_weight):

If background is None:

Set background to a copy of frame as float

Else:

Accumulate weighted frame into background using accumulated_weight

# Function to segment hand region

Define function segment_hand(frame, threshold=50):

If background is None:

Set background to frame

Calculate absolute difference between frame and background

Apply threshold to difference to get binary image (thresholded)

Apply Canny edge detection to thresholded image

Find contours in thresholded image

If no contours found:

Return None

Else:

Find the largest contour (hand segment)

Return thresholded image, hand segment, and contours

# Initialize directories for training and testing data

Set base_dir to 'G:\\gestures\\alpha_data\\'

Set train_dir to join base_dir and 'train'

Set test_dir to join base_dir and 'test'

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# Create data generators for training and testing images

Create train_batches using ImageDataGenerator with specified parameters

Create test_batches using ImageDataGenerator with specified parameters

# Define function to plot sample images

Define function plotImages(images_arr):

For each image in images_arr:

Plot the image

# Plot sample images and corresponding labels

Plot sample images from train_batches

# Model creation

Initialize Sequential model

Add Conv2D layers with specified parameters

Add MaxPool2D layers with specified parameters

Compile model using Adam optimizer and categorical crossentropy loss

# Training

Set BATCH_SIZE to 100

Set epochs to 20

For each epoch in range(epochs):

For each batch in train_batches:

Train model on batch

For each batch in test_batches:

Evaluate model on batch

# Evaluation

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Get next batch of images and labels from test_batches

Evaluate model on images and labels

# Plotting

Plot training and validation accuracy/loss curves

# Save model

Save trained model to file (alpha_model.h5)

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TESTING

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 5. TESTING

5.1 TESTING

TESTING

The purpose of testing is to discover errors. Testing is the process of trying to

discover every conceivable fault or weakness in a work product. It provides a way
to check the functionality of components, sub-assemblies, assemblies and/or a
finished product It is the process of exercising software with the intent of ensuring
that the software system meets its requirements and user expectations and does
not fail in an unacceptable manner. There are several types of tests. Each test type
addresses a specific testing requirement.

5.1.1 TYPES OF TESTS

• UNIT TEST

Unit testing involves the design of test cases that validate that the internal
program logic is functioning properly, and that program inputs produce
valid outputs. All decision branches and internal code flow should be
validated. It is the testing of individual software units of the application
.it is done after the completion of an individual unit before integration.
This is a structural testing, that relies on knowledge of its construction and
is invasive. Unit tests perform basic tests at component level and test a
specific business process, application, and/or system configuration. Unit
tests ensure that each unique path of a business process performs
accurately to the documented specifications and contains clearly defined
inputs and expected results.

• INTEGRATION TEST
Integration tests are designed to test integrated software components to
determine if they run as one program. Testing is event driven and is more
concerned with the basic outcome of screens or fields. Integration tests
demonstrate that although the components were individually satisfaction,

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 as shown by successfully unit testing, the combination of components is
correct and consistent. Integration testing is specifically aimed at
exposing the problems that arise from the combination of components.

• FUNCTIONAL TEST
Functional tests provide systematic demonstrations that functions tested
are available as specified by the business and technical requirements,
system documentation, and user manuals. Functional testing is centered
on the following items:

Valid Input: identified classes of valid input must be accepted.

Invalid Input: identified classes of invalid input must be rejected.
Functions: identified functions must be exercised.
Output: identified classes of application outputs must be exercised.
Systems/Procedures: interfacing systems or procedures must be invoked.
Organization and preparation of functional tests is focused on
requirements, key functions, or special test cases. In addition, systematic
coverage pertaining to identify Business process flows; data fields,
predefined processes, and successive processes must be considered for
testing. Before functional testing is complete, additional tests are
identified and the effective value of current tests is determined.

• SYSTEM TEST
System testing ensures that the entire integrated software system meets
requirements. It evaluates a configuration to ensure known and
predictable results. An example of system testing is the configuration-
oriented system integration test. System testing is based on process
descriptions and flows, emphasizing pre-driven process links and
integration points.

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 5.1.2 WHITE BOX TESTING

White Box Testing is a test in which the software tester has knowledge of the
inner workings, structure, and language of the software, or at least its purpose.
It is used to evaluate areas that cannot be reached from a black box level.

5.1.3 BLACK BOX TESTING

Black Box Testing is testing the software without any knowledge of the inner
workings, structure or language of the module being tested. Black box tests, like
most other kinds of tests, must be written from a definitive source document,
such as specification or requirements document, such as specification or
requirements document. It is a test in which the software under the test is treated
as a black box. you cannot “see” into it. The test provides inputs and responds
to outputs without considering how the software works.

5.1.4 LEVELS OF TESTING

5.1.4.1 UNIT TESTING:

Unit testing is usually conducted as part of a combined code and unit test phase
of the software lifecycle, although it is common for coding and unit testing to
be conducted as two distinct phases.

Test strategy and approach

• Field testing will be performed manually, and functional tests will be written
in detail.

Test objectives

• The entry screen, messages and responses must not be delayed.

• Field entries must work properly.

Features to be evaluated

• Verify that the entries are of the correct format.

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5.1.4.2 INTEGRATION TESTING

Software integration testing is the incremental integration testing of two or more

integrated software components on a single platform to produce failures caused
by interface defects.

The task of the integration test is to check that components or software

applications, e.g., components in a software system or – one step up – software
applications at the company level – interact without error.

Test Results: All the test cases mentioned above passed successfully. No defects
encountered.

5.1.4.3 ACCEPTANCE TESTING

User Acceptance Testing is a critical phase of any project and requires

significant participation by the end user. It also ensures that the system meets
the functional requirements.

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Test Test Cases Input Expected O/T Actual O/T P/F
Case
No.
Images Model should Pass
1 Verifying Clear and containing clear accurately classify
webcam. Distinct and distinct ISL each image
Signs signs for each corresponding to
Input letter of the the gesture.
alphabet .

Expected that Pass

2 Verifying Noisy Images with accuracy slightly
input. Images various levels decrease compared
Input of noise. to clear and
distinct images

Capturing signs Pass

Verifying ISL Signs Capturing performed with
3 various with signs is varying hand
hand varying performed with poses,
poses as Hand varying hand orientations, or
input Poses poses, distances from
orientations, or the camera.
distances from
the camera.
Table 1: Testing Table

Test Results: All the test cases mentioned above passed successfully. No defects
encountered.

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RESULTS

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 6. RESULTS

6.1 OUTPUT SCREENS

Figure 6.1 Home page

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Figure 6.2 Hand Gesture given as input

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6.2 RESULT OUTPUTS

Figure 6.3 Prediction of the gesture

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Figure 6.4 Live Prediction of the hand gesture

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Figure 6.5 Conversion of hand gestures

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CONCLUSION

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 7. CONCLUSION

Communication between deaf-mute and a normal person have always been a

challenging task. The goal of our project is to reduce the barrier between them.
We have made our effort by contributing to the field of Sign Language
recognition. In this project, we developed a CNN-based human hand gesture
recognition system. The salient feature of our system is that there is no need to
build a model for every gesture using hand features such as fingertips and
contours. Here in this project, we have constructed a CNN classifier which is
capable of recognizing sign language gestures. The proposed system has shown
satisfactory results on the transitive gestures. In this report, a functional real
time vision-based sign language recognition for deaf and dumb people have
been developed. We achieved final accuracy of 98.0% on our dataset. We can
improve our prediction after implementing two layers of algorithms, we have
also verified our result for the similar looking gesture which were more prone
to misclassification. This way we can detect almost all the symbols if they are
shown properly, there is no noise in the background and lighting is adequate.

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FUTURE SCOPE

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 8. FUTURE SCOPE

The future scope of the project involving Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) is vast
and promising, with numerous avenues for advancement and innovation. Potential
directions include exploring more complex neural network architectures such as deep
neural networks (DNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs) to improve
performance in tasks like image classification, speech recognition, and natural language
processing. Additionally, integrating ANNs with emerging technologies like
augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) could lead to novel applications in
fields such as education, healthcare, and entertainment. Further enhancements could be
achieved through multimodal learning approaches, real-time interaction capabilities,
and a focus on accessibility and inclusivity for diverse user groups. Ethical
considerations and responsible AI deployment will also play a crucial role in shaping
the future development and deployment of ANN-based systems, ensuring fairness,
transparency, and accountability in their implementation. Overall, the future of the
project holds immense potential for addressing complex real-world challenges and
making meaningful contributions to various industries and domains.

Page 102 of 114

REFERENCES

Page 103 of 114

 9. REFERENCES

[1] K. M. J. R. A. &. R. I. Tiku, "Real-time Conversion of Sign Language to Text

and Speech," in Tiku, K., Maloo, J., Ramesh, A., & R, I. (2020). Real-time
Conversion of Sign Language to Text and Speech. 2020 Second International
CSecond International Conference on Inventive Research in Computing
Applications (ICIRCA), 2020.
[2] S. Y. M. M. K. S. V. S. &. S. S. Heera, "Talking Hands – An Indian Sign
Language to Speech Translating Gloves," in International Conference on
Innovative Mechanisms for Industry Applications (ICIMIA 2017), 2017.
[3] Hunter Phillips, Steven Lasch & Mahesh Maddumala, “American Sign
Language Translation Using Transfer Learning”.
[4] M. Rajmohan, C. Srinivasan, Orsu Ranga Babu, Subbiah Murugan, Badam Sai
Kumar Reddy “Efficient Indian Sign Language Interpreter for Hearing Impaired.”
[5] Mahmudul Haque, Syma Afsha, Tareque Bashar Ovi, Hussain Nyeem,
“Improving Automatic Sign Language Translation with Image Binarisation and
Deep Learning”.
[6] Shravani K, Sree Lakshmi A, Sri GeethikaM, Dr.Sapna B Kulkarni4,” Indian
Sign Language Character Recognition”.
[7] K.Bhanu Prathap, G.Divya Swaroop, B.Praveen Kumar, Vipin Kamble, Mayur
Parate,“ISLR:IndianSignLanguageRecognition”. .
[8] Babita Sonare, Aditya Padgal,Yash Gaikwad, Aniket Patil, “Video-Based Sign
Language Translation System Using Machine Learning”.
[9] Pavleen Kaur, Payel Ganguly, Saumya Verma, Neha Bansal, “Bridging the
Communication Gap: With Real Time Sign Language Translation”.
[10] Hao Zhou, Wengang Zhou, Weizhen Qi, Junfu Pu, Houqiang Li, “Improving
Sign Language Translation with Monolingual Data by Sign Back-Translation”.
[11] Wanbo Li, Hang Pu, Ruijuan Wang, “Sign Language Recognition Based on
Computer Vision”.
[12] Neeraj Kumar Pandey, Aakanchha Dwivedi, Mukul Sharma, Arpit Bansal,
Amit Kumar Mishra, “An Improved Sign Language Translation approach using
KNN in Deep Learning Environment”.
[13] R Vijaya Prakash, Akshay R, A Ashwitha Reddy, R Harshitha, K Himansee,
S.K Abdul Sattar, “Sign Language Recognition Using CNN”.

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[14] Sakshi Sharma, Sukhwinder Singh, “Vision-based sign language recognition
system: A Comprehensive Review”.
[15] K. Amrutha, P. Prabu, “ML Based Sign Language Recognition System”.
[16] Aashir Hafeez, Suryansh Singh, Ujjwal Singh, Priyanshu Agarwal, Anant
Kumar Jayswal, “Sign Language Recognition System Using Deep-Learning for
Deaf and Dumb”.

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PUBLISHED PAPER

Page 106 of 114

Journal of Information and Computational Science ISSN: 1548-7741

Visual Gestures as a Language: Enabling Speech Through Images

K. Babitha, A. Chaitanya Kumar, V. DNV Sravanthi, M. Pravalika, D. Akshaya
Kandula Srikanth, Assistant Professor
Dept of Computer Science and Engineering
[email protected], [email protected],
[email protected], [email protected],
[email protected], [email protected]
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Dhanekula Institute of Engineering & Technology, Ganguru, Vijayawada-521139

ABSTRACT: Communication is an Playsound

important aspect when it comes to share or Numpy
express information, feelings, and it brings Sklearn
people closer to each other with better Matplotlib
understanding. Sign language, a full- OS
fledged natural language that conveys Tkinter
meaning through gestures, is the primary
chief of communication among Deaf and 1.INTRODUCTION
Dumb people. A gesture is a pattern which In our daily life, the communication
may be static, dynamic or both, and is a between several different communities is
form of non-verbal communication in fundamental and very much important to
which bodily motions convey information. share information. Being able to
Sign language translation is a task for communicate effectively is a vital life skill
automatically translating sign languages but for the people with speech and hearing
into written languages which is already disability, they find it difficult to convey
existed. Now we are going to implement a their messages with others. The process of
system which is used to convert the text communication between two people can be
which is produced sign language translator done using various medium. Not everyone
into speech .In this project we are going to knows how to interpret a sign language
implement a deep learning algorithms when having a conversation with such
based system such as CNN and ANN for community like of deaf and dumb person.
translation of text (i.e., which is extracted One finds it difficult to communicate
from sign language) into speech. CNN and without an interpreter or some other
ANN is to capture intricate hand sources. We need to convert the sign
movements and to learn the temporal language so that it is understood by others
relationships between the hand gestures and also help them to communicate without
respectively. Later the translated text is then any barriers.
converted to speech using a Text-To- One of the effective solutions of this
Speech (TTS) API. This allows the system difficulty is sign language recognition
to provide a complete communication system. Using sign language different
solution for deaf and mute individuals. gestures of hand are used to express
meaningful information. Language of sign
is different in different parts of world. There
SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS are 135 sign languages prevalent
Keras throughout the world for communication.
Tensorflow Each sign language is different from the
gTTS other like American Sign Language used in

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Journal of Information and Computational Science ISSN: 1548-7741

America is different from the Indian Sign in urgent need of recognizing and
Language of India. Looking to the ease of translating sign language. Lack of efficient
understanding Indian Sign Language, we gesture detection system designed
standardized to work on Indian Sign specifically for the differently abled,
Language gestures. We need to convert the motivates us as a team to do something
Indian sign language so that it is understood great in this field. The proposed work aims
by others and also help them to at converting such sign gestures into speech
communicate without any barriers. that can be understood by normal people.
Sign language recognition is still a The entire model pipeline is developed by
challenging problem inspire of many CNN architecture for the classification
research efforts during the last many years. of 26 alphabets and one extra alphabet for
One of the methods of hand gesture null character.
recognition is to use the hand gloves for Our model is capable of predicting gestures
human computer interaction. But this from Sign language in real-time with high
method is sophisticated as it requires user to efficiency. These predicted alphabets are
wear glove and carry a load of cables converted to form words and hence forms
connecting the device to a computer. sentences. These sentences are converted
Therefore, to eliminate this complication into voice modules by incorporating
and to make user interaction with computer Google Text to Speech(gTTS API).
easy and natural we proposed to work on This system can therefore be used in real-
sign recognition using bare hands i.e., no time applications which aims at bridging
usage of any external wearable hardware. the the gap in the process of communication
Mainly sign language recognition processes between the Deaf and Dumb people with
are highly depending on human based rest of the world.
translation services. The involvement of
human expertise is very difficult and
expensive also for translation. Now our
proposed automatic sign language
recognition system leads to understand the
meaning of different signs without any aid
from the expert.
In common, any sign language recognition
system contains several modules like object
tracking, skin segmentation, feature Data Set:
extraction, and recognition. The first two The system trained CNNs for the
modules 2 are basically used to extract and classification of numbers, alphabets and
locate hands in the video frames and the other daily used words using 17113
next modules is used for feature extraction, images.. Our method provides 96%
classification and recognition of gesture. accuracy for the 27 letters of the alphabet.
For an image-based gesture recognition The result also shows that with increasing
system, image space variables are widely the number of images (i.e., it can be pre-
large, it is crucial to extract the essential processed images also) in dataset, results
features of the image. In our project we into increase in the accuracy of the system.
basically focus on producing a model which Data Preprocessing:
can recognise Finger spelling-based hand Background Subtraction: If applicable,
gestures in order to form a complete word this technique removes background
by combining each gesture. elements from the image, isolating the
A language translator is extensively utilized primary object of interest.
by the mute people for converting and Grayscale Conversion: Images are
giving shape to their thoughts. A system is converted to grayscale to simplify

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Journal of Information and Computational Science ISSN: 1548-7741

processing, as color often doesn't contribute Feature Extraction:

significant information for classification Gaussian filter is used as a pre-processing
tasks. technique to make the image smooth and
eliminate all the irrelevat noise.
Canny Edge Detector: This method Intensity is analyzed and Non-Maximum
highlights the edges and outlines of objects suppression is implemented to remove false
in the image, creating a simplified edges.
representation that the model can easily For a better pre-processed image data,
learn from. double thresholding is implemented to
consider only the strong edges in the
Features: images.
Our model is capable of predicting gestures All the weak edges are finally removed and
from Sign language in real-time with high only the strong edges are considered for the
efficiency. These predicted alphabets are further phases.
converted to form words and hence forms
sentences. These sentences are converted Recognition:
into voice modules by incorporating For this purpose trained model was loaded
Google Text to Speech(gTTS API). on a laptop using TensorFlow as a backend
The model is efficient, since we used a and with the help of OpenCV frames of real
compact CNN-based architecture, it’s also time hand shaped video are captured. Hence
computationally efficient and thus making model detects and predicts the input hand
it easier to deploy the model to embedded gestures correctly.
systems (Raspberry Pi, Google Coral, etc.).
This system can therefore be used in real-
time applications which aims at bridging
the the gap in the process of communication
between the Deaf and Dumb people with
rest of the world.

Data Acquisition :
We have tried to obtained our dataset but
due to the lack of resources we opted for
performing our pre-processing method
directly on to the existing dataset.

Pre-processing :
While training the model requirement of
data is very large in order to work in very
effective manner. So, if we have a limited
number of images in our dataset for our
network, therefore in order to increase the
data set we have generally augmented our
images. We have just made minor
alterations to our dataset like flips, shifts or
rotations. Data augmentation can also help 2.LITERATURE REVIEW
in reducing the chances of overfitting on Shravani K,etal. [1]“Indian Sign Language
models. Here we have resized and rescale Character Recognition” clarifies that
our images to treat all images in same gesture is a pattern which may be static,
manner. dynamic or both, and is a form of non verbal
communication in which bodily motions

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Journal of Information and Computational Science ISSN: 1548-7741

convey information. Sign language is would reduce the communication gap that
composed of visual gestures and signs, exists among people in society.
which are used by deaf and mute for their Aashir Hafeez, Suryansh Singh, [4]Ujjwal
talking. It is a well-structured code gesture Singh, Priyanshu Agarwal, Anant Kumar
where every sign has a specific meaning Jayswal “Sign Language Recognition
allotted to it. These signs are not only used System Using Deep-Learning for Deaf and
for alphabets or numeric but also for Dumb” states that the majority of deaf
common expressions also for example persons utilise sign language as their
greetings and sentences. ISL uses both the primary means of communication. They are
hands for gesture representation and it is different from us in that we are unable to
complex comparing to ASL. Because of understand their sign language, thus in
this reason, there is less research and order to interact with them, we developed a
development in this field. device called a sign language recognition
Babita Sonare, Aditya Padgal, Yash system. This study compares different
Gaikwad, Aniket Patil [2]"Video-Based machine learning techniques using the
Sign Language Translation System Using dataset for American Sign Language. It
Machine Learning" states that the mostly goes over the many stages of an
development of an interactive real-time automated system for recognising sign
video-based sign language translation language (SLR).
system powered by efficient machine
learning algorithms which is commonly 3.EXISTING SYSTEM
developed for deaf-dumb people who are Sign language Translation is one of the
not able to hear or challenging topics as it is in rudimentary
speak and is difficult for them to stage of its development, unlike other Sign
communicate among themselves or with Languages. The project has shown the
normal people. Gesture and human activity classification of sign languages using
recognition both are crucial for detecting machine learning models.
the sign language as well as the behavior of So, there are very limited standard data sets,
an individual. These components are which has variations and noises. It leads to
rapidly growing domains, enabling higher occlusion of features and this is a major
automation in households as well as in barrier for the lack of development in this
industries. field. The existing project aims at helping in
Amrutha K, Prabu P [3] “ML Based Sign then research of this field further by
Language Recognition System”. The providing a data set of sign language
development of the model is based on translation. A data of sign language was
vision-based isolated hand gesture created by us for alphabets and numeric.
detection and recognition. The region-wise Later, the features will be extracted from
division of the sign language helps the users the collected segmented data using image
to have a facile method to convey pre-processing and Bag of words model.
information. As the larger population of
society does not understand sign language, 4.PROPOSED SYSTEM
the speech, and hearing impaired usually Communication is an important aspect
rely on the human translator. The when it comes to share or express
availability and affordability of using a information, feelings, and it brings people
human interpreter might not be possible all closer to each other with better
the time. The best substitute would be an understanding.
automated translator system that can read Sign language, a full-fledged natural
and interpret sign language and convert it language that conveys meaning through
into an understandable form. This translator gestures, is the primary chief of
communication among Deaf and Dumb

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Journal of Information and Computational Science ISSN: 1548-7741

people. In this project we are going to

implement a deep learning algorithms
based system such as CNN and ANN for
translation of text (i.e., which is extracted
from sign language) into speech.
CNN and ANN is to capture intricate hand
movements and to learn the temporal
relationships between the hand gestures
respectively. Later the translated text is then
converted to speech using a Text-To- Convolutional Neural Network (CNN):
Speech (TTS) API. This allows the system
Unlike regular Neural Networks, in the
to provide a complete communication
layers of CNN, the neurons are arranged in
solution for deaf and mute individuals.
3 dimensions: width, height, depth. The
Dataset Generation:
neurons in a layer will only be connected to
For our project we tried to make our own
a small region of the layer (window size)
dataset for the ISL language but due to lack
before it, instead of all of the neurons in a
of resources we were unable to do so. Then
fully-connected manner. Moreover, the
we find out the already existing datasets
final output layer would have dimensions
that matched our requirements. All we
(number of classes), because by the end of
could find were the datasets in the form of
the CNN architecture we will reduce the
RGB values. Hence, we decided to
full image into a single vector of class
transform it into our required form. By
scores.
using batch mode transformation/data
augmentation we try to convert it into Gray
scale Image as shown below:

CNN Model:
1st Convolution Layer: The input picture
has resolution of 200x200 pixels. It is first
ALGORITHMS processed in the first convolutional layer
Artificial Neural Network (ANN): using 64 filter weights.
Artificial Neural Network is a connection 1st Pooling Layer: The pictures are down
of neurons, replicating the structure of sampled using max pooling of 3x3 i.e., we
human brain. Each connection of neuron keep the highest value in the 3x3 square of
transfers information to another neuron. array. Therefore, our picture is down
Inputs are fed into first layer of neurons sampled.
which processes it and transfers to another 2nd Convolution Layer: Now, this output
layer of neurons called as hidden layers. of the first pooling layer is served as an
After processing of information through input to the second convolutional layer. It is
multiple layers of hidden layers, processed in the second convolutional layer
information is passed to final output layer. using 128 filter weights(2x2 pixels each).
2nd Pooling Layer: The resulting images
are down sampled again using max pool of

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Journal of Information and Computational Science ISSN: 1548-7741

3x3 and is reduced to even lesser resolution able to provide the right classification or
of image. output for a specific example even if some
3rd Convolution Layer: convolutional of the activations are dropped out.
layer using 256 filter weights (2x2 pixels Optimizer: We have used Adam optimizer
each). for updating the model in response to the
3rd Pooling Layer: The resulting images output of the loss function. Adam combines
are down sampled again using max pool of the advantages of two extensions of two
3x3 and is reduced to even lesser resolution stochastic gradient descent algorithms
of image. namely adaptive gradient algorithm (ADA
Flatten Layer: It is used to convert the 2D GRAD) and root mean square propagation
pixel array into linear form in order to (RMSProp).
produce converge it into 27 class of hand
signs. TensorFlow:
Final layer: The output of the 3rd Densely TensorFlow is an open-source software
Connected Layer serves as an input for the library for numerical computation. First, we
final layer which will have the number of define the nodes of the computation graph,
neurons as the number of classes we are then inside a session, the actual
classifying (alphabets + blank symbol). computation takes place. TensorFlow is
Activation Function: We have used ReLu widely used in Machine Learning.
(Rectified Linear Unit) in each of the layers Keras:
(convolutional as well as fully connected Keras is a high-level neural networks
neurons). ReLu calculates max(x,0) for library written in python that works as a
each input pixel. This adds nonlinearity to wrapper to TensorFlow. It is used in cases
the formula and helps to learn more where we want to quickly build and test the
complicated features. It helps in removing neural network with minimal lines of code.
the vanishing gradient problem and It contains implementations of commonly
speeding up the training by reducing the used neural network elements like layers,
computation time. At the last activation objective, activation functions, optimizers,
function, we used SOFTMAX function. It and tools to make working with images and
is used as the activation function in the text data easier.
output layer of neural network models that OpenCV:
predict a multinomial probability OpenCV (Open-Source Computer Vision)
distribution. That is, SoftMax is used as the is an open-source library of programming
activation function for multi-class functions used for real-time computer-
classification problems where class vision. It is mainly used for image
membership is required on more than two processing, video capture and analysis for
class labels. • features like face and object recognition. It
Pooling Layer: We apply Max pooling to is written in C++ which is its primary
the input image with a pool size of (3, 3) interface, however bindings are available
with ReLu activation function. This reduces for Python, Java, MATLAB/OCTAVE.
the amount of parameters thus lessening the
computation cost and reduces overfitting. Training and Testing:
Dropout Layers: The problem of We convert our input images (RGB) into
overfitting, where after training, the grayscale and apply gaussian blur to
weights of the network are so tuned to the remove unnecessary noise. We feed the
training examples they are given that the input images after pre-processing to our
network doesn’t perform well when given model for training and testing after
new examples. This layer “drops out” a applying all the operations mentioned
random set of activations in that layer by above. The prediction layer estimates how
setting them to zero. The network should be likely the image will fall under one of the

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Journal of Information and Computational Science ISSN: 1548-7741

classes. So, the output is normalized

between 0 and 1 and such that the sum of
each values in each class sums to 1.
We have achieved this using SoftMax
function. At first the output of the
prediction layer will be somewhat far from
the actual value. To make it better we have
trained the networks using labelled data.
The cross-entropy is a performance
measurement used in the classification. It is
a continuous function which is positive at
values which is not same as labelled value
and is zero exactly when it is equal to the
labelled value.
Therefore we optimized the cross-entropy Challenges Faced:
by minimizing it as close to zero. To do this 1.First issue was to select a filter which we
in our network layer we adjust the weights could apply on our images so that proper
of our neural networks. TensorFlow has an features of the images could be obtained
inbuilt function to calculate the cross and hence then we could provide that image
entropy. As we have found out the cross- as input for CNN model. We tried various
entropy function, we have optimized it filter including binary threshold, canny
using Gradient Descent in fact with the best edge detection, gaussian blur etc. but finally
gradient descent optimizer is called Adam we settled with gaussian blur filter with
Optimizer. thresholding over it.
2.Second issue was, we tried to extract the
Speech Generator: Here we output the features directly from the images, but the
speech of the character string, that we problem arise was that it is getting adapted
obtain as the output from the training and to the particular dataset only and doesn't
testing model. The module used here is give output for any other dataset. So, to fix
gTTs (Google text to Speech). We saved the this we used Adaptive Gaussian
audio generated by each letter and word Thresholding to extract the edge map which
into an audio file. We used playsound finally fixed the issue and now it works can
module to play in audio player to be heard work on different dataset.
using audio output device (speaker).
3.More issues were faced relating to the
accuracy of the model we trained in earlier
phases which we eventually improved by
increasing the input image size and also by
improving the dataset.

5.CONCLUSION
Communication between deaf-mute and a
normal person have always been a
challenging task. The goal of our project is
to reduce the barrier between them. We
have made our effort by contributing to the
field of Sign Language recognition. In this
project, we developed a CNN-based human
hand gesture recognition system. The
salient feature of our system is that there is

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Journal of Information and Computational Science ISSN: 1548-7741

no need to build a model for every gesture [6] K.Bhanu Prathap, G.Divya Swaroop,
using hand features such as fingertips and B.Praveen Kumar, Vipin Kamble, Mayur
contours. Here in this project, we have Parate, “ISLR: Indian Sign Language
constructed a CNN classifier which is Recognition” .
capable of recognizing sign language [7] Pavleen Kaur, Payel Ganguly, Saumya
gestures. The proposed system has shown Verma, Neha Bansal, “Bridging the
satisfactory results on the transitive Communication Gap: With Real Time Sign
gestures. In this report, a functional real Language Translation”.
time vision-based sign language [8]Hao Zhou, Wengang Zhou, Weizhen Qi,
recognition for deaf and dumb people have Junfu Pu, Houqiang Li, “Improving Sign
been developed. We achieved final Language Translation with Monolingual
accuracy of 98.0% on our dataset. We are Data by Sign Back-Translation”.
able to improve our prediction after [9] Wanbo Li, Hang Pu, Ruijuan Wang,
implementing two layers of algorithms, we “Sign Language Recognition Based on
have also verified our result for the similar Computer Vision”.
looking gesture which were more prone to [10]Neeraj Kumar Pandey, Aakanchha
misclassification. This way we are able to Dwivedi, Mukul Sharma, Arpit Bansal,
detect almost all the symbols provided that Amit Kumar Mishra, “An Improved Sign
they are shown properly, there is no noise in Language Translation approach using KNN
the background and lighting is adequate. in Deep Learning Environment”.
[11]. R Vijaya Prakash, Akshay R, A
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