Sign Language Recognition

Using Machine Language

Synopsis: Deaf individuals rely on sign language for communication, yet only a limited number of
people are fluent in ISL, causing significant barriers. Existing technologies often involve expensive
sensors or specialized hardware, which restricts widespread accessibility. Moreover, sign language
varies by region, with ISL itself being under-researched and lacking adequate study resources,
making it harder for people to learn and understand.
The project aims to bridge communication gaps for individuals with hearing and speech impairments
by recognizing gestures from Indian Sign Language (ISL) and converting them into text. This approach
eliminates the need for additional equipment like gloves or motion sensors, using only a camera and
machine learning algorithms for gesture recognition.
Literature Review:
1. Sign Language Recognition (SLR) and Communication Challenges
Sign language is the primary communication method for individuals who are hearing or speech
impaired, consisting of hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Various studies
emphasize that the global population of hearing-impaired individuals exceeds 466 million, with
about 34 million of these being children. Despite its importance, sign language is underrepresented
in mainstream communication tools, which creates a significant barrier for these individuals in daily
life.
Several languages of sign exist globally, each with unique gestures and syntax. American Sign
Language (ASL) has been the most researched, with multiple recognition systems developed to
identify static and dynamic gestures accurately. However, Indian Sign Language (ISL) has limited
resources and research available, despite being widely used in India. Studies have identified that the
complexity and lack of standardized datasets in ISL have hindered its development in machine
learning and computer vision applications.
2. Image Processing Techniques in Gesture Recognition
Image processing is a crucial component of any visual recognition system, as it prepares raw images
for feature extraction and classification. Several approaches are commonly employed to enhance
images for recognition, including filtering, brightness adjustment, contrast normalization, and edge
detection. Hu’s Moments is a well-established method used in gesture recognition systems to
capture invariant features from images by extracting seven moments that describe the shape and
structure of the object within an image. These moments are effective in characterizing complex hand
shapes and have shown high accuracy in gesture-based classification tasks.
In sign language recognition, image segmentation techniques are used to isolate the hand region
from the background. Researchers have explored a variety of methods for effective segmentation,
with skin colour-based segmentation and edge detection being prominent. Studies demonstrate that
edge detection techniques, particularly the Canny edge detector, are effective for identifying hand
boundaries and shapes, making them suitable for SLR systems that rely on static gesture recognition.
3. Feature Extraction in Sign Language Recognition
Feature extraction is essential in identifying key components of gestures, such as hand shape,
orientation, and movement. Common methods include contour-based and region-based approaches,
which capture both global and local features of the hand’s shape. Hu’s Moments, as used in this
project, represent a contour-based approach, effectively capturing invariant properties that allow the
machine learning model to recognize similar gestures across different backgrounds or lighting
conditions. Studies suggest that Hu Moments provide robust descriptors for hand gestures, and are
therefore widely adopted in SLR systems that focus on static sign language.
Beyond Hu Moments, other feature extraction techniques like Histogram of Oriented Gradients
(HOG) and Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) have been explored in SLR. However, these
methods often require higher computational power and are better suited for dynamic gesture
recognition or 3D models of the hand, which adds complexity when applied to real-time sign
language translation systems.
4. Machine Learning Algorithms for Gesture Classification
Machine learning classifiers play a central role in gesture recognition. Support Vector Machines
(SVMs) are among the most widely used models for sign language recognition, given their
effectiveness in handling high-dimensional data and binary classification tasks. SVMs are known for
creating a decision boundary that maximizes the margin between classes, making them suitable for
image-based classification tasks where clear class distinctions are required. For sign language
recognition, studies have shown that SVMs deliver high accuracy in classifying isolated gestures,
particularly when coupled with strong feature extraction techniques like Hu’s Moments.
Other machine learning models, including K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN) and Artificial Neural
Networks (ANNs), have also been applied in gesture recognition tasks. KNN is particularly effective
when combined with small datasets, as it requires minimal training. However, its computational cost
grows significantly with large datasets, making it less practical for real-time SLR applications. ANN
models, particularly deep neural networks, are increasingly used in SLR but require extensive labelled
data and computational resources, which can be limiting in ISL applications where data is scarce.
5. Challenges in Indian Sign Language (ISL) Recognition
Indian Sign Language (ISL) differs from other sign languages in both vocabulary and syntax, posing
unique challenges for SLR systems. The lack of standardized resources, limited datasets, and minimal
research make ISL challenging to study and implement in machine learning applications. Most of the
research in gesture recognition has been concentrated on ASL, with ISL receiving limited focus due to
linguistic variations and the absence of large, annotated datasets necessary for training machine
learning models.
Previous research highlights that ISL gestures are often complex and involve two-handed
movements, which further complicates feature extraction and classification. Furthermore, in the
absence of high-tech equipment like 3D cameras or sensors, capturing and accurately interpreting
these gestures requires robust and efficient image processing and feature extraction techniques. By
relying on computer vision techniques without external sensors, this project aligns with the goal of
making ISL recognition accessible and cost-effective for users.
6. Technological Approaches in Existing Sign Language Recognition Systems
Many of the existing SLR systems utilize advanced hardware like Kinect sensors, Leap Motion devices,
or data gloves to capture detailed hand movements. However, these tools are costly, limiting their
accessibility and usability in resource-constrained environments. Recent research has focused on
using webcam-based SLR systems combined with machine learning algorithms to create affordable
solutions. For example, projects using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for sign language have
shown promising results, though they typically require high computational power, which can be a
limitation for real-time applications.
This project’s use of webcam-based capture and traditional machine learning techniques like SVM
offers a more accessible approach by minimizing hardware costs and leveraging feature extraction
methods that enable accurate recognition with limited resources. Additionally, by achieving high
accuracy using user-specific datasets, this system demonstrates the potential for practical, real-world
applications in bridging communication gaps.
Key Benefits:
Enhanced Accessibility for the Deaf Community: This system facilitates communication for hearing-
impaired individuals by converting Indian Sign Language (ISL) gestures into text, allowing better
integration and understanding in society.
Cost-Effective Solution: Unlike other sign language recognition systems that rely on expensive
hardware like Kinect sensors or data gloves, this project uses a standard webcam and machine
learning algorithms, making it accessible and affordable.
Use of Indian Sign Language (ISL): The project addresses the specific needs of ISL, which is less
researched compared to American Sign Language (ASL). This helps bridge the gap for an underserved
community in India, promoting the growth of resources in regional sign language research.
Machine Learning Efficiency: By utilizing Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Hu Moments, the
system is able to classify gestures effectively and accurately. This demonstrates the feasibility of high-
accuracy recognition using conventional machine learning techniques without the need for deep
learning or high computational resources.
Scalable for Future Enhancements: The paper outlines potential for further developments, such as
dynamic sign recognition and integrating additional features (like words or sentences), paving the
way for a more comprehensive system in the future.
Real-Time Application Potential: Given its high accuracy with the user-specific dataset, the system
shows promise for real-time applications, potentially allowing immediate gesture recognition and
translation for practical, everyday use.
Promotes Awareness and Research: This project brings attention to the importance of developing
accessible technology for the hearing-impaired community, encouraging further research in sign
language recognition, especially for regional languages like ISL.
Conclusion:
This work lays the foundation for a more accessible communication medium for the hearing and
speech impaired, with machine learning-based gesture recognition that requires minimal equipment.
While achieving promising results, the project also highlights the potential for incorporating
advanced techniques to improve recognition accuracy and broaden the scope of sign language
translation.
Block Diagram:

Flow Diagram: