Sony's groundbreaking patent aims to enhance accessibility for deaf gamers by introducing real-time in-game sign language translation. This innovative technology bridges the communication gap between players using different sign languages.
Sony Patents Real-Time Sign Language Translation for Video Games
Leveraging VR and Cloud Gaming Technologies
This patent, titled "TRANSLATION OF SIGN LANGUAGE IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT," details a system enabling seamless communication between gamers using different sign languages, such as American Sign Language (ASL) and Japanese Sign Language (JSL). The goal is to facilitate real-time translation during in-game interactions.
The proposed system utilizes on-screen virtual indicators or avatars to display translated sign language gestures. The process involves a three-step translation: sign gestures are first converted to text, then translated into the target language, and finally rendered as sign gestures in the target sign language.
As Sony explains in the patent, "Implementations of the present disclosure relate to methods and systems for capturing sign language from one user and translating it for another user in their native sign language. Because sign languages are geographically specific, this technology addresses the need for accurate capture, understanding, and generation of sign language across different languages."
Sony suggests utilizing VR headsets or head-mounted displays (HMDs) for optimal implementation. These HMDs would connect to a user device (PC, game console, etc.), providing an immersive virtual environment.
The patent further proposes a networked system where user devices communicate with each other and a game server. This server manages the game's state, ensuring synchronization between players in the shared virtual environment. Sony also suggests integrating the game server with a cloud gaming system to stream video between user devices.
This architecture allows for simultaneous interaction within the same game environment over a shared network or server, significantly improving accessibility for deaf gamers worldwide.
