SignScribe

Project submitted by

Aratrika Debnath
Bijaya Roy
Nirakshi Kundu
Titli Ghosh

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY (CSE)

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Sister Nivedita University, Newtown
Kolkata, West Bengal

2024
 SignScribe

Project Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for Award of

the Degree of

Bachelor of Technology (CSE)

by

Aratrika Debnath, Bijaya Roy, Nirakshi Kundu, Titli Ghosh

Registration numbers : 210010973991, 210011011594, 210011144913, 210011305972
Submission Date: November18, 2024
Email: aratrika.cal@gmail.com, bijayaroy108@gmail.com,
nirakshikundu@gmail.com, titlighosh1712@gmail.com

Under the supervision of

Dr. Pratik Bhattacharjee
Assistant professor
Department of Computer Science,
Sister Nivedita University, Newtown
Kolkata, West Bengal

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Sister Nivedita University, Newtown
Kolkata, West Bengal

September, 2024
 Declaration
We hereby declare that this dissertation is the product of our own work,
and we attest that it contains no material that resulted from collaboration,
except where explicitly acknowledged in the text. Furthermore, we confirm
that this project has not been previously submitted, either in part or in its
entirety, to any other University or Institution for the purpose of obtaining
any degree, diploma, or other qualification. All sources used and referenced
in this dissertation are duly credited, and any borrowed ideas or information
are appropriately cited in accordance with academic standards and guide-
lines.

...........................................
Date: 22-11-2024 ( Aratrika Debnath, Bijaya Roy, Nirakshi Kundu,
Titli Ghosh )
Place: SNU, WB Registration Numbers: 210010973991,
210011011594, 210011144913, 210011305972

Sister Nivedita University, WB Page ii

 Certificate
This is to certify that the project entitled "SignScribe", submitted by Aratrika Debnath,
Bijaya Roy, Nirakshi Kundu, Titli Ghosh to Sister Nivedita University ,West Bengal for
the award of the degree of Bachelor of Technology ( CSE ) is a bonafide record of the project
work carried out by them under my supervision and guidance. The content of the project,
in full or parts have not been submitted to any other institute or university for the award
of any degree or diploma.

...............................................
(Dr. Pratik Bhattacharjee)
Date: 22-11-2024 Assistant Professor
Place: SNU, WB Dept of Computer Science
Sister Nivedita University

Sister Nivedita University, WB Page iii

Contents
List of Tables v

List of Figures vi

Acknowledgement vii

Abstract viii

1 Introduction 1
1.1 Organization of chapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.1 Chapter 2: Literature Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.2 Chapter 3: Feasibility study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.3 Chapter 4: Problem identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.4 Chapter 5: Proposed Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1.5 Chapter 6: Experimental Results and Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.1.6 Chapter 7: Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.1.7 Chapter 8: Future scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 Literature Survey 4
2.1 Existing Research on CNNs for Feature Extraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 Sequence Modeling with RNNs and LSTMs for Gesture Recognition . . . . . . . 4
2.3 Large-Scale Datasets for Indian Sign Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.4 Existing Challenges and Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.5 Proposed Solutions and Unique Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3 Feasibility study 7

4 Problem identification 8

5 Proposed Solution 10
5.1 Proposed Solution and Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5.2 Proposed System Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5.3 Assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.4 System Architecture Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.4.1 ER Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.4.2 Gantt Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.4.3 Data Flow Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.4.4 Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.5 Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.6 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

6 Conclusion 16

Sister Nivedita University, WB Page iv

List of Tables
2.1 Summary Table: Identified Gaps and Proposed Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Sister Nivedita University, WB Page v

List of Figures
1.1 Overall Diagram Representation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

5.1 ER diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.2 Gantt Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.3 DFD Level 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.4 DFD Level 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.5 Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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Acknowledgement
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed guide, Dr. Pratik Bhat-
tacharjee, Assistant Professor at Sister Nivedita University, WB, for his invaluable guidance,
unwavering support, and encouragement throughout our project journey. His profound knowl-
edge, insightful suggestions, and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping our project and
academic pursuits.
We extend our sincere thanks to the members of the Project Committee at the Department
of Computer Science, Sister Nivedita University, for their valuable feedback and constructive
criticism during the evaluation of our work. Their expertise and insights have been crucial in
refining the quality of our project.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our HOD, the esteemed Vice-Chancellor,
the Class teachers and all the faculty members of our department for their unwavering sup-
port and guidance throughout our project journey. Your invaluable contributions have been
instrumental in shaping this project endeavor.
We are deeply indebted to our family members whose constant love, encouragement, and
support have been the driving force behind our academic pursuits. Their unwavering belief in
us has given us the strength to overcome challenges and achieve milestones.
We also want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our friends, colleagues, juniors, and seniors
for their camaraderie, encouragement, and support throughout this academic journey. Their
presence and interactions have enriched us with diverse perspectives, making this journey all
the more rewarding.
Lastly, we extend our sincere appreciation to all those who have been our pillars of support
during this project endeavor. Your encouragement, motivation, and belief in our abilities have
been invaluable, and we are truly grateful for your presence in our life.

Aratrika Debnath ...............................................

Bijaya Roy ...............................................

Nirakshi Kundu ...............................................

Titli Ghosh ...............................................

Sister Nivedita University, WB Page vii

Abstract
This project’s purpose will be to develop a Sign Language Recognition (SLR) system
that will be capable of translating and interpreting sign language gestures into text in
real-time using deep learning techniques. This will enhance communication between the
speech and hearing-impaired population and the wider public, encouraging inclusivity
and accessibility. Such a system, if integrated with other systems, will function as an
automatic interpreter for the speech and hearing-impaired community and an SOS tool.
They’ll save time and avoid getting frustrated while attempting to explain themselves to
someone who can hear.
The primary objective of this system is to enhance communication between the speech
and hearing-impaired population and the general public, fostering a more inclusive and
accessible society. By bridging the communication gap, this system will enable indi-
viduals with hearing or speech impairments to express themselves seamlessly, reducing
misunderstandings and enhancing social integration.
This SLR system will utilize Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for precise feature
extraction from visual data, and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to capture
temporal dependencies within sign language gestures, ensuring accurate and context-
aware interpretations. To address the diversity in regional sign language variations,
transfer learning techniques will be employed, allowing the model to adapt flexibly to
different sign languages, particularly focusing on Indian Sign Language (ISL).
One of the key benefits of this project is its potential for plug-and-play compatibility
with various digital platforms, enhancing its usability across devices and operating sys-
tems. As an automatic interpreter, the system could serve in settings where speech and
hearing-impaired individuals need assistance in conveying their messages, thereby sav-
ing time and avoiding potential frustration that can arise from communication barriers.
Furthermore, with its potential integration into emergency response systems, the SLR
system could act as an SOS tool, facilitating swift communication in critical situations
where individuals may need urgent assistance.
Overall, this SLR system represents a significant step forward in assistive technology,
aiming to empower the speech and hearing-impaired community through real-time, ac-
cessible, and reliable communication tools. Its implications extend beyond day-to-day
interactions, offering substantial societal benefits and contributing to a more inclusive
and understanding environment.
Chapter 1
Introduction
Sign Language is a vital mode of communication for the speech and hearing-impaired com-
munity. However, the lack of efficient translation tools between sign language and spoken
language often creates communication barriers, leading to misunderstandings, frustration, and
social isolation. Despite the growing awareness of the importance of inclusivity, the need for
real-time, accurate, and accessible sign language translation tools remains largely unmet. This
gap has spurred the development of Sign Language Recognition (SLR) systems that aim to
bridge this divide by automatically translating and interpreting sign language gestures into text,
thereby facilitating smoother interactions between the speech and hearing-impaired community
and the wider public.
The proposed project aims to develop a state-of-the-art Sign Language Recognition system
that leverages deep learning techniques to recognize and translate sign language gestures into
text in real-time. The Figure 1.1 below provides a high-level view of the workflow and func-
tionality of the Sign Language Recognition (SLR) system.

Figure 1.1: Overall Diagram Representation

By using advanced computer vision and machine learning models, the system will be capable

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 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

of interpreting a wide range of sign language gestures, turning them into text that can be easily
understood by non-signers. This real-time capability will be particularly beneficial in situations
where quick and accurate communication is essential, such as emergency scenarios or day-to-
day interactions in public spaces.
Beyond simple communication, the system can be integrated with other technologies to act
as an automatic interpreter, offering real-time translation between sign language and spoken
language. This would make it easier for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to engage
in conversations with people who do not know sign language. Additionally, it could function
as a potential SOS tool, enabling those with hearing impairments to quickly convey distress
signals or request help in urgent situations.
By enhancing communication between the hearing and non-hearing population, this system
will contribute to greater inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment for individuals who rely
on sign language as their primary means of communication. The project has the potential to
improve quality of life for millions of people, reducing social isolation and promoting equal
participation in society.

1.1 Organization of chapters

In this project, we present SignScribe, our journey unfolds across eight chapters, as outlined
below.

1.1.1 Chapter 2: Literature Survey

This chapter provides a review of existing literature related to Sign Language Recognition
(SLR) systems, exploring previous approaches, methodologies, and technologies utilized in
the field. It will examine the strengths, limitations, and findings of prior research, with a focus
on areas such as computer vision, deep learning, and the application of CNNs and LSTMs in
SLR systems. Additionally, the literature survey will highlight the research gaps and challenges
that motivate the current project.

1.1.2 Chapter 3: Feasibility study

This chapter discusses the feasibility of developing the proposed SLR system from technical,
operational, and economic perspectives. It will analyze the resources, technologies, and skills
required to implement the project successfully. The study will also consider potential risks,
challenges, and mitigation strategies, assessing the project’s overall viability and expected im-
pact.

1.1.3 Chapter 4: Problem identification

This chapter identifies the primary problem that this project aims to address, focusing on the
communication barriers faced by the speech and hearing-impaired community. It will elaborate
on specific challenges, such as the lack of real-time interpretation tools, difficulties in adapting
to regional sign language variations, and the need for inclusivity in communication. The chapter
will clarify the project’s scope and objectives within this problem context.

1.1.4 Chapter 5: Proposed Solution

This chapter presents a detailed description of the proposed SLR system, including its design,
architecture, and the methodologies used for real-time gesture recognition and interpretation.

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 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

The chapter will explain the use of CNNs for feature extraction and LSTMs for handling se-
quential data. Additionally, it will discuss the integration of transfer learning to support vari-
ations in sign languages, especially Indian Sign Language (ISL). The solution’s potential for
plug-and-play compatibility and use as an SOS tool will also be highlighted.

1.1.5 Chapter 6: Experimental Results and Discussion

This chapter documents the experimental setup, data collection methods, and evaluation metrics
used to assess the system’s performance. It will present and analyze the results, discussing the
model’s accuracy, efficiency, and limitations. Comparative analyses with other approaches may
also be included, providing insights into the effectiveness of the proposed solution.

1.1.6 Chapter 7: Conclusion

This chapter summarizes the findings and outcomes of the project, reflecting on the project’s
objectives and how they were achieved. It will discuss the system’s impact on enhancing com-
munication for the speech and hearing-impaired community and its potential benefits for inclu-
sivity and accessibility.

1.1.7 Chapter 8: Future scope

This chapter outlines the contributions of the project and presents potential directions for future
research and development. It will suggest areas for improvement, such as expanding the model
to support additional languages or integrating the system with other platforms. The future scope
will also explore advanced techniques and applications that could enhance the SLR system’s
functionality and reach.

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Chapter 2
Literature Survey
Sign language is the dominant medium of communication for the speech and hearing-impaired
community. Recognizing continuous sign language is a complex, unsolved problem. Indian
Sign Language (ISL) is a natural language used extensively in the speech and hearing-impaired
community in India. It is necessary to automate an Indian SLR system to reach this vast pop-
ulation. It presents unique challenges due to variations in dialects across regions, along with
the need for capturing both spatial features (hand shapes) and temporal dependencies (gesture
sequences). This chapter provides an overview of the research background necessary to un-
derstand the proposed SignScribe system, highlighting the progress made in the field of Sign
Language Recognition (SLR) using deep learning. It will examine key studies and methodolo-
gies, particularly focusing on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Long Short-Term
Memory (LSTM) networks for gesture recognition. The chapter concludes with a summary
table that identifies existing gaps, underscoring the unique features our project aims to address.

2.1 Existing Research on CNNs for Feature Extraction

CNNs have been extensively used in SLR systems for recognizing hand shapes and movements,
essential for distinguishing sign language gestures. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness
of CNNs in extracting features from hand shapes, critical for accurate sign recognition [1].
Research on Indian Sign Language (ISL) has applied CNNs to address unique cultural and
structural characteristics, achieving high accuracy in recognizing static ISL alphabets using
binary hand silhouettes [2, 3]. Another approach combined HSV conversion, Gabor filtering,
and CNNs to analyze static ISL digits and alphabets, achieving real-time recognition using a
YOLO-NAS-S model on diverse datasets [4].
Real-time systems leveraging Microsoft Kinect RGB-D data achieved 98.81 percent accu-
racy for static gestures using CNNs and 99.08 percent accuracy for dynamic gestures using
Convolutional LSTMs [5, 6]. Transfer learning demonstrated adaptability to American Sign
Language with minimal accuracy loss. To address the impracticality of Kinect, semantic seg-
mentation with U-Net and ResNet 101 enabled real-time ISL recognition using standard RGB
cameras, achieving an IOU of 0.9920 and an F1 score of 0.9957 [6]. These studies highlight the
reliability of CNNs for feature extraction while emphasizing the need for robustness in diverse
signing environments.

2.2 Sequence Modeling with RNNs and LSTMs for Gesture

Recognition
While CNNs are effective in extracting spatial features, recognizing the temporal sequence in
gestures is essential for accurate SLR.Recognizing temporal sequences in gestures is critical
for accurate SLR, complementing the spatial feature extraction capabilities of CNNs. RNNs,

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 CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE SURVEY

particularly LSTMs, are effective in handling sequential data by processing gestures in a time-
series format, capturing meaning across multiple frames [1]. Multi-language SLR systems
utilizing LSTMs have achieved significant accuracy, though challenges like real-time respon-
siveness and regional adaptability persist [7].
The Hybrid CNN-BiLSTM SLR model addresses preprocessing challenges by employing
Histogram Difference (HD) for key-frame extraction, combining VGG-19 for spatial feature
extraction with BiLSTM for temporal analysis, achieving an accuracy of 87.67 percent [8].
Another real-time ISL recognition system uses skin segmentation for ROI tracking, paired with
fuzzy c-means clustering for gesture prediction [9]. A CNN-pretrained model coupled with
LSTMs has shown improved spatio-temporal recognition performance [10], while an ISLR
system using Mediapipe Holistic landmarks and LSTM variants highlighted the strengths of
simple and bidirectional LSTMs over stacked models for ISL gesture recognition [11].
A real-time system designed to recognize numbers 0-9 using LSTMs achieved 91.50 percent
accuracy on a dataset of 200,000 samples and is slated for expansion to daily-life gestures [12].
Another work compared CNN and RNN models, with RNNs excelling in temporal dynamics
and CNNs performing well on spatial aspects, emphasizing the importance of combining both
approaches for robust ISL recognition [13].

2.3 Large-Scale Datasets for Indian Sign Language

The importance of comprehensive datasets in SLR cannot be understated, as larger datasets
enhance the generalization capacity of deep learning models. For instance, there is a study
which introduced the INCLUDE dataset, a large-scale collection tailored for Indian SLR, al-
lowing models to train on a diverse set of ISL signs [14]. This dataset significantly advanced
the field by enabling high accuracy rates (up to 94.5 percent on certain subsets) in Indian SLR
systems. Despite this progress, there is still a lack of datasets that cater to various regional nu-
ances, making it challenging to achieve universal model performance across regions and user
demographics.

2.4 Existing Challenges and Limitations

Despite these advancements, existing SLR systems face notable challenges:
Regional Variations: Sign languages vary not only across countries but also within regions.
Research highlights the difficulty in addressing these variations within a single model, as re-
gional dialects can differ significantly. Real-Time Processing: Achieving real-time processing
remains challenging due to the high computational load of video-based SLR models. Sys-
tems often struggle to meet the processing speeds required for real-time applications, limiting
their practicality. Integration with Existing Systems: Most SLR systems operate independently,
lacking seamless integration with existing communication tools and devices, which limits their
accessibility and usability.

2.5 Proposed Solutions and Unique Contributions

The SignScribe project seeks to address these gaps through a combination of technological and
functional enhancements:
Seamless Integration: Unlike existing models, SignScribe will be designed to integrate with
widely used communication platforms, such as video conferencing tools and mobile apps, ex-
panding accessibility. Plug-and-Play Compatibility: By ensuring compatibility across devices,

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 CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE SURVEY

SignScribe will provide an out-of-the-box solution that can be quickly deployed without exten-
sive configuration. Emergency SOS Functionality: In critical situations, SignScribe could serve
as an SOS tool by integrating with public CCTV systems monitored by nearby police stations,
offering an extra layer of security. Cross-Platform Accessibility: The system will be accessible
through a variety of mediums—mobile apps, smart devices, and web interfaces—encouraging
widespread adoption and daily use. Interoperability for Wider Adoption: Through design
choices that prioritize interoperability, As shown in Table 2.1, SignScribe aims to foster a more
inclusive adoption of SLR technology across different contexts and environments.

Table 2.1: Identified Gaps and Proposed Solutions

Gap Existing Approaches Our Solution
Real-Time Processing High Computational load limits[1] Low latency Architecture
Integration SLRs operate independently[2] Seamless Integration
Emergency Communication Limited use in emergency settings [7] SOS functionality with CCTV
Accessibility Restricted to specific devices[14] Cross platform compatibility
Real Time Recognition HD based key-frame extraction [8] Lightweight architecture inclusion .
Regional variations Transfer-learning to pretrained models[6] Same learning for diverse styles
Hardware Dependency Dependence on specialized devices[6] Use standard RGB cameras

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Chapter 3
Feasibility study
Technical Feasibility:
• The project will develop a real-time Sign Language Recognition (SLR) system using deep
learning techniques like CNNs for feature extraction and LSTMs for processing gesture
sequences.
• Transfer learning with pre-trained models will be employed to expedite model training
and address regional variations in Indian Sign Language (ISL).
• Familiarity with Python and Keras strengthens the technical feasibility, as these tools are
well-suited for building, training, and deploying machine learning models.
• Data augmentation techniques will be applied to improve model robustness, which aligns
with the group’s existing skills and available resources.
Economic Feasibility:
• Primary costs involve computational resources, such as GPU access or cloud services.
• Cloud credits from academic partnerships or research grants could reduce costs, making
the project more economical.
• The required software tools (Python libraries like TensorFlow and Keras) are open-source
and free, minimizing expenses.
• The project’s potential impact on inclusivity for the hearing-impaired community justifies
any minor economic investments.
Operational Feasibility:
• The project’s scope includes real-time gesture-to-text translation, integration with mobile
applications, and plug-and-play compatibility.
• Realistic timeline has been established, allowing time for dataset collection, model train-
ing, testing, and integration with mobile or web platforms. The project will be executed
in phases: model development, integration, and multi-platform testing.
• Anticipated challenges, such as variations in datasets, will be managed through regular
testing and feedback to enhance accuracy and adaptability.
Conclusion:
• The project is feasible based on the team’s technical expertise, low-cost tool requirements,
and an operational timeline structured for phase-by-phase development.
• Using pre-trained models, data augmentation, and a phased approach will enable the team
to complete the project within the allotted timeframe.
• The project’s outcome will bridge communication gaps, enhancing accessibility and com-
munication for the hearing-impaired community.

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Chapter 4
Problem identification
Sign language serves as a primary means of communication for millions of individuals who
are deaf or hard of hearing. However, a significant communication barrier exists between sign
language users and those who are not familiar with it, resulting in challenges in everyday inter-
actions, restricted access to essential services, and limited participation in social, educational,
and professional settings. A robust, efficient, and user-friendly Sign Language Recognition
(SLR) system is therefore essential to facilitate real-time translation of sign language gestures
into text or spoken language, enabling seamless communication.
Below is an extended outline of the importance and impact of developing such a system:

• Bridging Communication Gaps:

– An SLR system aims to bridge the gap between sign language users and non-signers,
allowing for smoother, more inclusive conversations.
– This technology could drastically improve the accessibility of communication in
various settings—enabling seamless exchanges in public places, workplaces, educa-
tional institutions, and healthcare facilities.
• Empowering the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community:
– Millions of individuals who rely on sign language often face isolation due to limited
understanding and accessibility in daily interactions.
– By interpreting signs into text or spoken language, this system empowers users to
participate fully in society, helping them access opportunities in education, employ-
ment, and social engagement without the need for a human interpreter.
• Enhancing Inclusivity in Education:
– In classrooms and educational platforms, an SLR system can provide real-time sup-
port, enabling deaf students to follow lectures, engage in discussions, and interact
with educators and peers.
– It also opens doors for hearing students to learn and practice sign language, fostering
a more inclusive learning environment and increasing sign language fluency among
the general population.
• Increasing Accessibility in the Workplace:
– In professional settings, SLR technology can facilitate smooth communication be-
tween deaf employees and their colleagues, supervisors, and clients, supporting a
more inclusive and productive work environment.
– The system could also reduce the need for interpreters in day-to-day interactions,
making it easier for companies to support diverse, equitable workspaces.
• Support for Public Services and Social Interaction:

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 CHAPTER 4 PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

– An SLR system could assist deaf individuals in accessing public services, whether
at government offices, healthcare facilities, or service counters, enhancing their in-
dependence and engagement with society.
– By translating sign language in real-time, this system could also help individuals
more fully participate in social activities, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering
a sense of community.
• Advancements through Machine Learning and AI:
– Using Machine Learning (ML) techniques, including computer vision and natural
language processing (NLP), the system can be designed for high accuracy and adapt-
ability.
– By leveraging deep learning models, this system can recognize various languages,
dialects, and regional variations of sign language, making it widely applicable and
versatile.
– This technology also offers real-time recognition capabilities, crucial for sponta-
neous conversations and ensuring that interactions flow naturally.
• Application in Diverse Settings:
– Beyond face-to-face interactions, the SLR system could integrate with virtual com-
munication platforms, enabling smooth interaction in remote work settings, online
learning environments, and virtual conferences.
– The system could also be utilized in customer service kiosks, mobile apps, video
conferencing tools, and public spaces, enabling communication across various chan-
nels and situations.
• Contributing to Social Equality and Inclusion:
– Developing an SLR system addresses a critical societal need for inclusivity, equality,
and accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
– This technology stands as a step toward a more equitable society where everyone
has the tools to communicate and engage in everyday life freely and independently,
empowering both deaf and hearing individuals to participate in a more inclusive
world.

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Chapter 5
Proposed Solution
This chapter presents a detailed description of the proposed solution, including the method-
ology, system architecture, and essential features of the Sign Language Recognition (SLR)
system, SignScribe. The following sections cover the assumptions, diagrams, tables, and doc-
umentation necessary for understanding the system’s design and functionality.

5.1 Proposed Solution and Methodology

The proposed SLR system, SignScribe, aims to translate sign language gestures into text in real-
time using deep learning techniques. The system will focus on Indian Sign Language (ISL),
employing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for feature extraction and Long Short-Term
Memory (LSTM) networks for sequence modeling. To accommodate regional variations, the
solution will use transfer learning with pre-trained models.
The methodology involves:
1. Data Collection and Preprocessing: Collecting a dataset of ISL gestures and applying
preprocessing techniques like scaling, normalization, and data augmentation.
2. Feature Extraction: Using CNNs to extract spatial features from each frame of the gesture
video.
3. Sequence Modeling: Employing LSTMs to interpret sequences of gestures, capturing the
temporal dependencies required for accurate translation.
4. Transfer Learning: Utilizing pre-trained models to enhance the system’s adaptability to
variations in ISL.
5. Real-time Processing: Optimizing the model to enable low-latency, real-time translation.
6. Deployment: Integrating the model with a mobile or web application for plug-and-play
functionality and user-friendly interaction.

5.2 Proposed System Features

• Real-time Gesture-to-Text Translation: Converts sign language gestures into text with
minimal latency.
• Compatibility with Multiple Devices: Supports mobile applications, video conferencing
tools, and smart devices for accessibility.
• Plug-and-Play Capability: Provides seamless integration with other applications and plat-
forms.
• Emergency SOS Tool: Includes functionality for alerting nearby police stations by con-
necting to CCTV systems during emergencies.

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 CHAPTER 5 PROPOSED SOLUTION

5.3 Assumptions
• The target user base is primarily those requiring Indian Sign Language (ISL) support.
• Users will have access to devices with cameras (such as smartphones or webcams) to
capture gesture input.
• Sufficient computational resources, like access to cloud-based GPUs, are available for
model training and testing.

5.4 System Architecture Diagrams

5.4.1 ER Diagram
The ER Diagram (Entity-Relationship Diagram) will represent the relationships. Each entity
will be connected to display the data flow within the system. As shown in Figure 5.1.

Figure 5.1: ER diagram

5.4.2 Gantt Chart

The Gantt chart illustrates the timeline and sequence of tasks involved in developing the Sign
Language Recognition (SLR) system. This chart provides a visual overview of project phases,
including planning, data collection, model development, testing, and deployment. As shown in
Figure 5.2. Each phase will be broken down into specific tasks, with estimated start and end
dates to track progress.

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Figure 5.2: Gantt Chart

5.4.3 Data Flow Diagram

DFD Level 0 : The Level 0 DFD represents a high-level overview of the Sign Language
Recognition System. It illustrates the main process, showing how raw Sign Language Data
flows into the system and produces Recognized Gestures as output. The system acts as a black
box, hiding the internal sub-processes and focusing solely on input and output. This Figure 5.3
highlights the overall functionality of the system without delving into its internal mechanics. It
is designed for a non-technical audience to understand the project’s scope at a glance.

Figure 5.3: DFD Level 0

DFD Level 1 : The Level 1 DFD provides a detailed breakdown of the main process into
its key sub-processes. It shows how Sign Language Data is first preprocessed to prepare it for
further analysis, such as feature extraction. The extracted features are used to train the model,

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 CHAPTER 5 PROPOSED SOLUTION

which is validated to ensure accuracy and reliability. The validated model is then deployed,
and the system outputs the Recognized Gesture. This figure 5.4 helps in understanding the
sequential flow of data and the key components involved in the system’s operation.

Figure 5.4: DFD Level 1

5.4.4 Flowchart
The flowchart will visually represent the entire process sequence of the Sign Language Recog-
nition (SLR) system, from the initial step of capturing hand gestures to the final output of
translated text. The first stage involves gesture capture, where the system uses a camera or
sensor to record the user’s sign language gesture. This raw gesture data is then passed on to
the preprocessing stage, where techniques such as image resizing, normalization, and possibly
augmentation are applied to prepare the data for accurate model inference. After preprocess-
ing, the system feeds the processed data into the trained model, which performs inference
using its learned weights to classify the gesture. The model’s output is then translated into
text that corresponds to the recognized gesture. Finally, this translated text is displayed on the
screen, allowing the user to see the real-time interpretation of their sign language gesture. The
flowchart, as shown in Figure 5.5, provides a clear and detailed illustration of these sequential
steps, highlighting how each operation contributes to the overall functionality of the system.

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Figure 5.5: Flowchart

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5.5 Algorithm
The algorithm below outlines the general workflow of the SignScribe system:

• Step 1: Input Capture - Initialize the camera and capture gesture frames in real-time.
• Step 2: Preprocessing -
– Normalize and resize frames.
– Apply data augmentation techniques as needed.
• Step 3: Feature Extraction - Feed each frame into a CNN to extract spatial features.
• Step 4: Sequence Processing - Pass the sequence of extracted features through the LSTM
to interpret temporal dependencies.
• Step 5: Translation - Generate a text output for the recognized gesture sequence.
• Step 6: Display and Integration -
– Display the text output to the user.
– Trigger SOS functionality if a predefined emergency gesture is detected.

5.6 Summary
This proposed solution aims to create an accessible, reliable, and scalable system for real-
time sign language translation. By using state-of-the-art deep learning techniques and focusing
on interoperability, the system will enable the hearing-impaired community to communicate
effectively and enhance their access to emergency services when needed.

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Chapter 6
Conclusion
To progress, the SignScribe project has focused on the foundational steps of implementing a
real-time Sign Language Recognition (SLR) system. Key achievements include:

• Data Collection:
– A comprehensive dataset of sign language gestures has been gathered to support
the development and validation of the recognition model. This dataset serves as
the foundation for accurate and reliable gesture classification, covering various sign
language alphabets.
• Model Training:
– A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) has been trained using TensorFlow and
Keras to extract and analyze features from sign language gestures. By focusing ini-
tially on recognizing individual alphabets, the model establishes a foundational step
in understanding hand shapes and orientations essential to accurate classification.
• Model Development:
– A functional model has been successfully built, marking a significant milestone in
the project. The model’s architecture has been developed using TensorFlow and
Keras, two robust frameworks that provide flexibility and power for deep learning
applications. This model is capable of recognizing individual sign language gestures
based on the input images, with an emphasis on accuracy and real-time performance.
The model’s architecture is stored in a .json file, while the weights and trained pa-
rameters are saved in an .h5 file. This setup ensures the model can be easily reloaded
for further testing or fine-tuning, offering scalability for future enhancements. The
successful development of the model signifies a crucial first step towards the goal of
building a fully functional Sign Language Recognition system.
These advancements demonstrate the feasibility of the project and set the stage for further
refinement and expansion, including gesture sequence recognition and full integration
with translation features.

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