Wearable sign language translation system using strain sensors

Abstract

A wearable-type sign language translation system using a strain sensor was presented. The system can recognize and display the sign language representing all 26 English alphabets and is devised for interpreting hand gesture of finger positions. The desired sensor performance is achieved by using a composite material that is formed by adding carbon nanoparticles to the Dragon skin as an elastomer. The strain sensor has stable piezoresistive characteristics and possesses sufficient characteristics to distinguish the differences between hand signs for full expressions of English alphabets without degrading the stretchability of the elastomer substrate. The wearable system is demonstrated with an assembly of the strain sensors, which achieves interpretation of the letters from the hand signs in real time.