3D Rigged Model Sign Language Translation System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sign language interpretation methods rely on human interpreters, which can lead to fatigue, inaccuracy, and increased costs due to the need for multiple translators, and often result in lag between spoken and signed language translation.

Innovation Solution

A multimedia translation system using 2D or 3D rigged models animated with spatially accurate sign language choreography, controlled by neural networks and machine learning algorithms to translate audio and video content into sign language with reduced latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If human interpreters are used for sign language translation, then translation accuracy and spatial accuracy can be maintained, but interpreter fatigue and potential inaccuracy increase during prolonged periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranslation accuracyVSAvoidduration of translation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital twin or virtual replica of a human signer that can perform sign language translation indefinitely without fatigue. The virtual signer is trained on extensive video data of human signers to replicate their movements, expressions, and spatial accuracy, thereby maintaining translation reliability over extended periods without the limitations of human endurance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the biological mechanical system of human interpreters with an artificial intelligence system comprising neural networks and virtual avatars. This substitution eliminates physiological limitations such as fatigue while preserving the ability to produce accurate sign language translations through machine learning models trained on human performance data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple translators work in shifts to limit fatigue, then translation accuracy can be maintained, but the number of necessary translators increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranslation accuracyVSAvoidnumber of translators

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal virtual signer system that can perform sign language translation for multiple different human speakers simultaneously. The AI model is trained on diverse video data from multiple signers and can adapt to translate various speakers' content, replacing multiple human translators with a single multi-functional virtual system that serves different content sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates virtual copies of human signers that can be deployed to replace multiple human translators. These digital replicas inherit the translation capabilities of their human counterparts and can operate continuously without requiring shift changes or additional personnel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If human interpreters are used for spontaneous or informal content, then translation quality can be maintained, but costs and difficulty of finding candidates increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranslation qualityVSAvoidease of deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs virtual avatars that can be rapidly deployed and discarded for different content sources without the long-term commitments associated with hiring human interpreters. These virtual translators can be activated on-demand for spontaneous or informal content and deactivated when no longer needed, reducing both cost and administrative overhead while maintaining translation quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for rapid adjustment of translation parameters and adaptation to different content types by modifying the AI model's input parameters rather than requiring retraining or rehiring. This enables flexible deployment for various contexts from formal presentations to informal conversations without the constraints of human availability or cost structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If conventional sign language interpretation is used, then translation can be provided, but lag between spoken and signed language translation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranslation provisionVSAvoidtranslation lag

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the sequential processing limitations of human interpretation with parallel processing capabilities of AI systems. The neural network can analyze spoken input and generate corresponding sign language movements simultaneously without the cognitive processing delays inherent in human translation, thereby eliminating lag while maintaining natural-looking translations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20230215295A1Spatially accurate sign language choreography in multimedia translation systems

Publication Date: 2023.07.06 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media herein provide for real-time manipulation and animation of 3D rigged virtual models to generate sign language translation. Source video and audio data associated with content is provided to a neural network to determine choreographic actions that may be used to modify and animate the articulation control points of a 3D model within a 3D space. The animated 3D virtual model may be presented in relation to the source content to provide sign language translation of the source content.