Instrument and method for translating hand gestures into speech and text
The AcceleGlove is a portable, glove based input interface, designed as an assistive device that translates hand and gesture based languages (such as American Sign Language) into written and spoken language. The AcceleGlove consists of a group of sensors and accelerometers that are strapped to the hand, arm, and shoulder and a set of algorithms that decipher and categorize the movements of the hand and arm.

The Accele Glove
There are millions of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States and abroad who use ASL and Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) as means of communication. Yet, communication barriers still exist between ASL and non-ASL speakers. This is evidently true in emergency situations, because no effective method exists to translate ASL into a language understandable to the non-ASL-fluent. The AcceleGlove, developed by Jose Hernandez-Rebollar, may be the device to solve this problem because it translates hand and gesture based languages into written and spoken languages, allowing ASL users to communicate with the hearing public.

Potential markets for the AcceleGlove include institutions that, under the ADA and other laws, may require the use of assistive devices or translators for ASL users. For example, hospitals and clinics are currently required to provide an ASL translator to ASL speakers. The current hourly rate for ASL translators can be up to $50.00. This expense could be greatly reduced through use of the AcceleGlove and its adoption by ASL users.

In terms of educational uses, the glove can be interfaced with products that are already on the market, such as ASL dictionaries, making it of interest to schools and individuals as a learning tool that could potentially simplify student interaction and lower educational costs for hearing impaired/deaf students who know ASL.

The AcceleGlove can also work in most world markets, since it can be programmed to work with non-U.S. sign languages. Furthermore, glove-based input interfaces are being considered as a new computer programming tool.

The AcceleGlove is included in the March 2005 Reader's Digest list of "inventions that will rock your world".

Technology Advantage
The market for technologies of this type is underdeveloped, although there are competing products. However, these competing products focus on translating finger spelling. The AcceleGlove has the capability to translate both finger spelling and more complicated, gesture- based signs. Additionally, the AcceleGlove unit is more portable than comparable technologies and can be built at a fairly low price per unit.

Prototype
A prototype of the AcceleGlove has been developed. The George Washington University is interested in licensing this technology.

Inventor
Jose Hernandez-Rebollar is a recent graduate of the doctoral program in Computer Engineering at The George Washington University (GWU). He is a native of Mexico and came to the United States and GWU in 1998 on a Fulbright scholarship. Before coming to the U.S., Hernandez worked at the National Institute for Astrophysics, Optics and Electronics (INAOE). At INAOE, he was involved in the creation of the largest millimeter telescope in the world. His specific area of work involved the control of the telescope's antenna.

To know more about Professor Jose Hernandez-Rebollar, click here