Automatic sign language recognition: Performance comparison of word based approach with spelling based approach

Abstract

Evolution of computer based interaction has been through a number of phases. From command line interface to menu driven environment to Graphics User Interface, the communication has evolved to a better user friendly environment. A new form of communication is on the rise and that is Gesture Based Communication, which is a touch free environment basically. Although its applications are mainly for deaf community but smart mobiles, laptops and other similar devices are encouraging this new kind of communication. Sign languages all over the world have a dictionary of signs of several thousand words. Mostly these signs are word based which means that these signs do not make use of basic alphabet signs, rather a new sign has to be designed for every new word added to the dictionary. This paper suggests use of spelling-based gestures especially while communicating with smart phones and laptops.