Image Processing Model for Sign Language Recognition

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) | Volume VI, Issue VI, June 2021|ISSN 2454-6194

 Image Processing Model for Sign Language Recognition

Nwachukwu, Chibuike, Ledisi G. Kabari
Computer Science Department, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract: The act of sign language dates back to the Stone Age when there was no formally defined language in the world. It is also a means of communicating with these special people (i.e. the deaf and dumb). Research shows that a variety of sign language recognition system is already in place presently. However, there are drawbacks associated with these systems. These drawbacks range from poor quality of training databases, un-robust recognition models and lack of GUI for good visualization of sign language recognition. In this work, an enhanced image processing model for sign language recognition was developed. The system was aimed at helping in the education and interaction with the speech impaired in the learning environment. Object-Oriented Analysis and Design Methodology were adopted in this approach. The system was implemented using MATLAB. The SURF algorithm was used to perform feature extraction on the input images in order to enhance detection of interest points on the images. The results show that using our model, sign language images can be recognized at the rate of 90% accuracy as compared to the existing model with performance accuracy of 62%. This study could be beneficial to speech-impaired individuals in the educational sector, to the academic communities that support speech impaired persons, to special schools for the impaired, to organizations that cater for speech impaired persons and to the research community.

Key Terms: Sign Language, Computer Vision, Recognition, Gesture Recognition, Speech Impaired.

I. INTRODUCTION

Dumb people are very common in our society today. In fact they occupy a large space in the distribution of physically impaired persons and research has shown that their numbers are high in Africa. These people have the inability to speak or hear and thereby are very limited in communication and contribution of ideas in the community. Also, when it comes to access to education, these set are also under privileged as most institutions have reservations of admitting people with disabilities as they do not possess the right tools and techniques to accommodate them. Therefore, Deaf-Dumb people do not have normal opportunities for learning. The uneducated dumb people will therefore face serious problems in communicating or interacting with normal people in their society.

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