Goals

We wanted to create a device which could work as a sign-language translator. On the fingertips of a glove we placed 4 different color leds. These leds can be recognized by an OpenGL code. So we can connect commands to the colors recognized by the OpenGL system. We connected speech-synthesis to the different led-colors.

Novelty

When implemented properly it could be used as a realtime translator, so a smooth conversation between a hearing-impaired person(with more handiness in sign-language) and non-hearing impaired person is possible. But that's not all the handLed can be used to control any device you want: sending midi-data to your synth, or commanding your OS are some of many possibilities.

Challenges

The main challenge was to get the openGL system to recognize the different LED-color, as these colors vary with the change of light outside. Also colors from clothes can interfere with the "color grabbing".