Both Virtual and Augmented Reality are becoming more and more popular in today’s society. But for what purpose? The expansion of these technologies is being idolised for all the wrong reasons; they are being incorporated into mobile applications and video games for people to enjoy and have fun with. I believe that we should use these technologies to our advantages and therefore I wish to create a pair of smart-glasses that will act as an assistive device for those with hearing difficulties.
The smart-glasses will incorporate Augmented Reality. The AR function enables the user to see a visual of a human being (man or woman) performing sign language superimposed in the real world. The microphones built into the frame of the glasses allow spoken dialogue to be recorded, the software inside the glasses will read the recorded audio and quickly translate it into British Sign Language. (To begin with, the only language available on this device will be BSL, however there will be room to develop the glasses so that alternative languages, such as ASL, can be added.)
Some may argue that one of the biggest difficulties of being deaf is that people of the hearing culture treat deaf people as if they are handicapped, people to be pitied or changed. Therefore, the design of the product will look like an ordinary pair of glasses. The main reason for this is to prevent discrimination from people of the hearing culture. However, this design will have further benefits, such as being comfortable and stylish.
It is apparent that a fairly large percentage of people who are deaf (especially those deaf from birth) would opt out of the hearing world altogether - no matter what technologies were offered. These smart-glasses are not a solution for curing deafness, they are a device which can help those with hearing difficulties to overcome issues that occur naturally as a consequent of hearing loss. The smart-glasses will hopefully be beneficial to those who cannot or struggle to lip read. The smart-glasses will also enable users to become more aware of surrounding conversations and may open the opportunity for further communication. The smart-glasses will also be suitable for children, particularly school children who may struggle to understand their teacher or peers.
Although there are many mobile applications already available that offer sign language translation assistance, there is no product as such currently on the market. Furthermore, this product has additional benefits because it is eyewear; prescription lenses can be made available for the glasses if desired.
If anyone is willing to offer their opinions on this idea, I would really appreciate the feedback. Please understand that the project is still undergoing development and so any issues raised will be taken on-board. Thank you.
The smart-glasses will incorporate Augmented Reality. The AR function enables the user to see a visual of a human being (man or woman) performing sign language superimposed in the real world. The microphones built into the frame of the glasses allow spoken dialogue to be recorded, the software inside the glasses will read the recorded audio and quickly translate it into British Sign Language. (To begin with, the only language available on this device will be BSL, however there will be room to develop the glasses so that alternative languages, such as ASL, can be added.)
Some may argue that one of the biggest difficulties of being deaf is that people of the hearing culture treat deaf people as if they are handicapped, people to be pitied or changed. Therefore, the design of the product will look like an ordinary pair of glasses. The main reason for this is to prevent discrimination from people of the hearing culture. However, this design will have further benefits, such as being comfortable and stylish.
It is apparent that a fairly large percentage of people who are deaf (especially those deaf from birth) would opt out of the hearing world altogether - no matter what technologies were offered. These smart-glasses are not a solution for curing deafness, they are a device which can help those with hearing difficulties to overcome issues that occur naturally as a consequent of hearing loss. The smart-glasses will hopefully be beneficial to those who cannot or struggle to lip read. The smart-glasses will also enable users to become more aware of surrounding conversations and may open the opportunity for further communication. The smart-glasses will also be suitable for children, particularly school children who may struggle to understand their teacher or peers.
Although there are many mobile applications already available that offer sign language translation assistance, there is no product as such currently on the market. Furthermore, this product has additional benefits because it is eyewear; prescription lenses can be made available for the glasses if desired.
If anyone is willing to offer their opinions on this idea, I would really appreciate the feedback. Please understand that the project is still undergoing development and so any issues raised will be taken on-board. Thank you.
