UNI Translates Sign Language into Audio and Speech to Text
Topic: Deaf Communication
Author: MotionSavvy
Published: 2014/10/21 - Updated: 2020/12/08
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main Item - Related Topics
Synopsis: First of its kind device translates sign language into audio and spoken word to text, finally empowering the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to lead full lives and boundless careers. Converts spoken word to written text: Using voice recognition technology, UNI identifies audible speech and converts it to text for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. Translates sign language into audible speech: Powered by motion gesture recognition technologies, UNI translates signs into audible speech for hearing individuals.
Introduction
Can you imagine being held back in your career or having a hard time meeting new people because you were unable to talk to those around you? For the Deaf community this is an everyday struggle. That's why today, MotionSavvy is officially launching its pre-order campaign for UNI, the world's first mobile device that enables the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to communicate with the world around them.
Main Item
For the 370 million Deaf people in the world and the roughly 3.7 billion others that engage with them, communication is often frustrating or awkward. And with interpreter services being a luxury that many cannot afford, most Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals are forced to rely on clunky and degrading forms of communication - like typing out messages on their smartphones or frantically jotting down thoughts with a pen and paper - to express their needs.
Enter UNI, the first technology of its kind that utilizes motion gesture recognition to translate sign language to audio and spoken word to text in real time. Built by a team of Deaf and Hard of Hearing engineers from Rochester Institute of Technology with design and programming experiences from Nintendo, Microsoft, Railcomm, Inc., and ZVRS. UNI aims to empower the Deaf community with the choice to live the lifestyles they desire at home, in public, at work or in school.
UNI is comprised of three parts: a tablet, a smart case, and a mobile app. The device works without an Internet connection to help the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communicate anywhere at anytime.
What UNI Does
- Translates sign language into audible speech: Powered by motion gesture recognition technologies, UNI translates signs into audible speech for hearing individuals.
- Converts spoken word to written text: Using voice recognition technology, UNI identifies audible speech and converts it to text for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
Recognizes Signing
Every person signs a little differently, even if they sign in the same language.
The smart recognition feature allows users to train their device to recognize different gestures by adding new signs and words to the MotionSavvy Sign Language Database.
Gets Smarter
Did you know sign language is not universal, and even American Sign Language consists of different dialects and accents? Just like Wikipedia crowd-sources information, MotionSavvy adds new terms and gestures to its Sign Language Database as more people use it. This means UNI will get smarter over time to provide the most accurate translations.
"Many Deaf people live in isolation, and isolation is a dangerous mindset," said Ryan Hait-Campbell, CEO and co-founder of MotionSavvy. "We want to open up the rest of the world to the Deaf community and give them the opportunity to go about their lives with confidence and accomplish dreams that were once thought to be impossible. UNI could make the difference for a Deaf person getting paid minimum wage as a retail backroom stocker to earning a six-figure salary as an investment banker."
Attribution/Source(s):
This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its significant relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by MotionSavvy, and published on 2014/10/21 (Edit Update: 2020/12/08), the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, MotionSavvy can be contacted at motionsavvy.com. NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.
Explore Related Topics
1 - Hard-of-hearing Prefer a Different Sound When It Comes to Music - Contemporary music can pose challenges for individuals with hearing impairments, but adjustments in sound mixing could potentially create a positive impact.
2 - The Brain Treats Hearing in a Crowded Room Differently - The brain treats speech in a crowded room differently depending on how easy it is to hear, and whether we are focusing on it.
3 - Self-taught Homesigning Deaf Children Supports Universal Language Constraints - Deaf homesigners offer a unique window into whether there are universals for how people use language to talk about ideas.
4 - Humans Still Understand Chimpanzee and Bonobo Gestures - The discovery of gestures used by great apes provides evidence of intentional communication outside human language; over 80 such signals have now been identified.
5 - Struggling to Hear at Work - Visualise Training and Consultancy takes a look at the challenges employees with hearing loss face in the workplace.
Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer
Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): MotionSavvy. (2014, October 21 - Last revised: 2020, December 8). UNI Translates Sign Language into Audio and Speech to Text. Disabled World. Retrieved October 6, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/hearing/communication/uni.php
Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/hearing/communication/uni.php">UNI Translates Sign Language into Audio and Speech to Text</a>: First of its kind device translates sign language into audio and spoken word to text, finally empowering the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to lead full lives and boundless careers.
Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.