Prototype device "reads" sign language

Students at the University of Houston have engineered the concept and prototype for MyVoice, a device that reads sign language and translates its gestures into audible words. MyVoice’s concept focuses on a handheld tool with a built-in microphone, speaker, soundboard, video camera and monitor. It is placed on a hard surface where it reads a user’s sign language movements. Once the device processes the motions, it translates sign language into speech through an electronic voice. Alternatively, it would capture a person’s voice and can translate words into sign language, which is projected on its monitor. The industrial designers researched the application of MyVoice by reaching out to the deaf community to understand the challenges associated with others not understanding sign language.