Data glasses let deaf people “hear“ again

© Thomas Peterseil

Thanks to a special software, people who are deaf can read the words of their conversation partner in a text displayed in the glasses. Without aids, deaf people can frequently only communicate in a limited way through sign language or by reading lips.

The HOLODEAF data glasses offer them completely new communication perspectives”, says Thomas Peterseil, the inventor of the data glasses. At the University of Applies Sciences Upper Austria, Campus Hagenberg, he found the research partners required for development with the support of the initiative TIM – Technology and Innovation Management.

For deaf people and those who are extremely hard of hearing, the spoken words are converted into a written text. These texts are sent to a display of a smart phone with a time delay. With the innovative software and the HoloLens data glasses from Microsoft, the text is superimposed as subtitles in the normal field of vision of the user – as a real-time hologram. This opens up completely new perspectives for users in a direct face-to-face dialogue, enabling the people involved in the dialogue to maintain eye contact with each other.

How HOLODEAF works

The microphone of the HoloLens data glasses tries to recognize the text spoken nearby. If the frequency is identified as language, this is immediately converted into a written text and transferred to the user’s field of vision. A permanent Internet connection is necessary. This service is free of charge and can be used without any limits to the number of letters being conveyed.  

Due to its simple application, HOLODEAF can be used in various areas, for example for trainings or simply in the cinema, and is thus an interesting device for people around the world. At present, HOLODEAF is still in the testing and optimization phase. The market launch will take place in a few months. The HOLODEAF solution is just the beginning of a large number of assistance systems which can and will help a great many people.

About TIM – Technology and Innovation Management

TIM is the neutral technology consulting initiative of the Federal State of Upper Austria, the Upper Austrian Economic Chamber, and is offered by Business Upper Austria and the Upper Austrian Economic Chamber. Up until now, TIM has supported and successfully concluded about 900 projects.