Sony Unveils Patent for In-Game Sign Language Translation

Sony has taken a significant step towards enhancing accessibility in gaming by filing a patent for a real-time in-game sign language translator. This innovative technology, titled "TRANSLATION OF SIGN LANGUAGE IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT," aims to bridge communication gaps between deaf gamers by translating American Sign Language (ASL) to Japanese Sign Language (JSL) and vice versa. This system not only promises to improve the gaming experience for deaf players but also fosters a more inclusive gaming community.

The proposed system captures the sign language gestures of one player, converts them into text, translates the text into the target language, and then renders the translated sign language gestures on-screen through virtual indicators or avatars. This real-time translation ensures that players using different sign languages can communicate effectively within the game. Sony's patent emphasizes the need for this technology due to the geographical variations in sign languages, which are not universal.

Proposed to Use VR Devices and Work Over Cloud Gaming

Sony envisions this translation system being implemented using VR devices or head-mounted displays (HMDs). These devices would connect to user devices like personal computers or game consoles, either wired or wirelessly, to provide an immersive viewing experience of the virtual environment. The HMDs would enable users to see the translated sign language gestures in real-time, enhancing the interaction between players.

Moreover, Sony proposes that user devices could communicate seamlessly over a network with a game server. This server would execute a shared session of the video game, maintaining its canonical state and virtual environment. By synchronizing the user devices, players can interact within the same game environment, even if they are using different sign languages. Sony also suggests that the game server could be part of a cloud gaming system, which would render and stream video between user devices, further enhancing the gaming experience.