Hitachi Ltd has developed a prototype of a translation system that interprets the sign language designed for communication with deaf people. The system uses a data glove (of the type used in virtual reality systems) as an input device, connected to a workstation that recognises each word input by signing and translates the speech flow into natural language. The system will be used in hospitals and police stations so that the deaf and hard of hearing will not have to use interpreters and will be able to communicate directly. Currently the system is a prototype, limited to recognition of 20 words, but further research is expected to increase the number of words recognisable to between 500 and 1,000, Hitachi says.
