Hand Gesture Identification Using Deep Learning and Artificial Neural Networks: A Review

Hand gesture recognition is a relevant study topic for a reason that sometimes we may not be in position to communicate verbally. There is need to design Hand gesture recognition systems in order to help people adopt to nonverbal communication mainly sign language. However, there is no clue to understand the meaning of gesture through the computers directly. So this calls for definitions that generalize models in a computer. That is why the machine-learning approaches are implemented in recognition systems. There are generally two types of hand gestures recognition systems which researches have concentrated on. These include static and dynamic Hand gesture recognition systems. However, in building Hand gesture recognition systems, various machine learning approaches have been used. For implementing the proposed system, MS Kinect depth sensor was used as a hardware. The Kinect depth sensor is composed of an infrared camera. This is an advantage to the systems that are designed basing on the depth sensing because factors like color, clothing and background have less effect on the performance. So Kinect based depth sensor systems have a high accuracy and performance making them relevant and applicable in our daily lives. In this paper, we propose a static hand gesture recognition system in real time using two machine learning methods namely Support Vector Machine and Artificial Neural Networks. We use of the newly launched Microsoft Kinect sensor for image extraction. The sensor helps us to extract the hand images. We implement the system on a Matlab platform for reasons that Matlab is widely used by researchers in different fields and that can handle complex computations. In the training of the model, we collect a hundred depth-based Histogram of Oriented Gradient features per alphabet from the hand gesture images which we trained, tested and validated using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). From this dataset, we can generate the generalized gesture model for each alphabet image. For the proposed system, the classification with ANN proves a higher performance then SVM.

In today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape, our objective is to bring technology closer to human experience. In this paper, a vision-based hand gesture recognition (HGR) system is introduced as a human computer interface (HCI) that transforms natural movements into intuitive medium for device and application manipulation. This innovative approach is designed to empower the elderly and enhance patient monitoring by offering a seamless, nonintrusive interface. By bridging compassion with cutting-edge technology, this approach aims to redefine care and create a more connected, responsive healthcare environment. The study begins by reviewing both traditional and contemporary HGR methodologies, with a focus on vision-based systems, which have shown greater potential for practical applications compared to conventional sensor-based systems. Traditional approaches, such as contour analysis, colour segmentation, and template matching, have demonstrated limitations. In contrast, deep learning approaches have gained mass adaptation in vision-based systems for their ability to learn hierarchical features and better handling complex, dynamic scenarios. However, existing models struggle in real-time performance due to computational inefficiencies and environmental variations. This study introduces a deep learning-based detection framework which enables the practical application of HGR. For example, it supports the development of gesture-based virtual assistants for interacting with digital devices and allows elderly residents in care homes to give instructions to remote caregivers. The framework consists of two deep learning models, one for region of interest (ROI) detection and another for classification. The recognition process begins with capturing RGB images, chosen for versatility, affordability, and compatibility, which then passes through YOLOv8 (You Only Look Once version 8) for detection. The YOLOv8 model is trained on a subset, only 4.5%, of the HaGRID dataset, comprises over 550,000 RGB images, to accurately locate hand regions. Once detection is complete, several image processing techniques are applied to overcome typical HGR constraints. These include ROI extraction and gray scaling for faster computation, resizing for model optimization and distance viability, HSV conversion for lighting independence, and histogram equalization for enhanced feature extraction. The processed image is then fed into a convolutional neural network (CNN) for gesture classification. The network is designed with several convolutional layers, followed by dense layers with ReLU activation to introduce non-linearity, and SoftMax activation for classification. To improve the model's robustness, data augmentation techniques such as random flipping and rotation are applied. The HGR system demonstrates a staggering accuracy of 97% for training & validation. The proposed framework effectively addresses the limitations of conventional HGR systems—many of which have been developed and tested in controlled environments—demonstrating its applicability in real-life situations.

MuViH: Multi-View Hand gesture dataset and recognition pipeline for human–robot interaction in a collaborative robotic finishing platform

Hand gesture recognition (HGR) has gained significant attention due to its potential for various applications. This paper explores the use of deep learning, specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), for HGR using the TensorFlow library. We investigate existing research on CNN-based HGR, focusing on image classification tasks. We then provide a brief overview of CNNs and their suitability for image recognition. Subsequently, we describe the typical workflow of a deep learning-based HGR system, including data preprocessing, hand detection, feature extraction with CNNs, and classification. We highlight the advantages of using TensorFlow to build and train CNN models for HGR. Finally, we conclude by summarizing the key findings from related work and mentioning the specific dataset and number of gestures classified in our research. This work contributes to the growing body of research on CNN-based HGR using TensorFlow and emphasizes its potential for developing accurate and efficient HGR systems.

A human gesture prediction system can be used to estimate human gestures in advance of the actual action to reduce delays in interactive systems. Hand gestures are particularly necessary for human–computer interaction. Therefore, the gesture prediction system must be able to capture hand movements that are both complex and quick. We have already reported a method that allows strain sensors and wearable devices to be fabricated in a simple and easy manner using pyrolytic graphite sheets (PGSs). The wearable electronics could detect various types of human gestures with high sensitivity, high durability, and fast response. In this study, we demonstrated hand gesture prediction by artificial neural networks (ANNs) using gesture data obtained from data gloves based on PGSs. Our experiments entailed measuring the hand gestures of subjects for learning purposes and we used these data to create four-layered ANNs, which enabled the proposed system to successfully predict hand gestures in real time. A comparison of the proposed method with other algorithms using temporal data analysis suggested that the hand gesture prediction system using ANNs would be able to forecast various types of hand gestures using resistance data obtained from wearable devices based on PGSs.

Hand gestures are a form of non-verbal communication. Apart from traditional input devices, hand gestures are used for interaction with computers too. Communication via hand gestures finds many applications in the real world. Different people have hands with different shapes and orientations, which is termed as nonlinearity. The nonlinearity affects the performance of hand gesture models. A convolutional neural network (CNN) is an approach of neural networks, specifically known as deep learning. CNN is used to recognize and classify images. Sometimes, CNN could not correctly understand the hand gesture due to nonlinearity. Data augmentation helps CNN to understand the nonlinearity and complexity of images better. Data augmentation generates enormous data from lesser data, thus increasing the data adversity. Data augmentation uses various operations like zooming, rotating, shifting, shearing, and scaling to generate more data from the existing data. This article executes a CNN model using augmented data for recognition of static hand gestures. The dataset consists of 10 different hand gestures. The experimented CNN model has been trained using 10000 images and tested using 1000 images. The changes in the output of CNN with and without data augmentation have been highlighted. The CNN model employing data augmentation achieved an accuracy of 98.10%, whereas the CNN model excluding the data augmentation process attained an accuracy of 94.90% only.

In this project we've discussed a system which uses some dynamic hand gesture recognition technique to manage the media players like VLC media player. This project consist of certain modules which segments the foreground a part of the frame using detection of skin colour and approximate median technique. the popularity of hand gesture is finished by creating a call Tree, that uses certain features extracted from the segmented part. This hand gesture recognition technique introduces a replacement, natural thanks to interact with computers and is beneficial to several folks in our day-to-day life. Hand gestures are associated with the human hands in hand gesture recognition. This project is employed for controlling certain operations (Pause, Play, Volume up, Volume Down, Mute) on video player by mere hand gestures without getting in the rigmarole of pressing buttons or tapping onto the screen. this may be directly associated with our day to life like in presentations. We have considered hand gestures and their directional motion defines a gesture for the applying. during this application image retrieving is finished employing a Webcam. Some functions in VLC media players are used most often and these functions uses some predefined gestures. Shows the defined gestures in keeping with the VLC player control operation. We created a VLC Media Player Controller using Hand Gesture Recognition System to form ‘HUMAN LIFE EASY AND BETTER’. This project is implemented using two steps: (1.) Creation of Hand Gesture Recognition System: this is often done using image processing using OpenCV library. (2.) Controlling VLC Media Player using hand gestures: during this step we controlled the player using shell commands which were recalled using python commands through OS library

The inertial measurement unit (IMU) is a popular sensor device, which is mainly employed to acquire body or hand gesture action information for performing specific recognition tasks. We present a dual-channel artificial neural network (ANN) recognition decision hybridization scheme incorporated with deep leaning of IMU-based spectrogram images for cognition of several common hand gesture intention categorization actions focused on the 6-axis IMU sensing data (containing 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope information) and the 6-axis IMU derived spectrogram images. In this hand gesture intention cognition approach, both symmetric and asymmetric ANN structures are considered for intention action classifications. The proposed dual-channel ANN decision fusion framework contains one ANN recognition channel with inputs of “6-axis IMU raw data” and the other ANN recognition channel with inputs of “IMU spectrogram image derived-critical deep learning features”. Recognition decisions estimated from either of these two ANN recognition channels form the fusion framework. Three fusion schemes on dual-channel ANN recognition decisions are presented in this study, channel output layer accumulation, same channel candidate output and same-or-dual channel candidate output. In this study, the well-known deep learning neural network, visual geometry group- convolution neural network (VGG-CNN), is employed to carry out deep learning computations on IMU-based spectrogram images, from which, the critical deep learning feature of each spectrogram image can then be extracted and used as an input for the dual-channel ANN. For recognition performance comparisons, hand gesture intention recognition by the traditional VGG-CNN deep neural network approach (i.e. recognition of IMU spectrogram images using typical deep learning of the CNN model) is also performed. Experiments on classifications of six hand gesture intention actions show that the presented dual-channel ANN decision fusion incorporated with deep learning of IMU spectrum images has competitive performances, reaching better recognition accuracy than traditional CNN deep learning.

In recent years, hand gesture recognition (HGR) systems have been extensively developed with the technologies of human-computer interaction (HCI), which enables regular interaction with machines. However, the significance of progress in HGR continues to advance, although the problem of hand segmentation and recognition is challenging due to the unfavorable environment, background illumination, hand size, and shape. To overcome this, we propose an optimal segmentation method for identifying hand gestures from input images, improving recognition performance. For segmenting hand gestures, we compared the segmentation methods of YCbCr, SkinMask, and HSV (hue, saturation, and value). The CR component is extracted from YCbCr, then binarization, erosion, and hole filling are performed. Color segmentation is applied to the SkinMask process that detects pixels that match the color of the hand. In the HSV process, threshold masking determines the dominant features. The Softmax classification is used to classify hand gestures where features are extracted through convolutional neural network (CNN). The proposed segmentation methods are applied to a benchmark dataset and the result shows an improvement in recognition accuracy over state-of-the-art systems.

Hand gesture recognition has great applications in human-computer interaction (HCI), human-robot interaction (HRI), and supporting the deaf and mute. To build a hand gesture recognition model using deep learning (DL) with high results then needs to be trained on many data and in many different conditions and contexts. In this paper, we publish the TQU-HG dataset of large RGB images with low resolution (640×480) pixels, low light conditions, and fast speed (16 fps). TQU-HG dataset includes 60,000 images collected from 20 people (10 male, 10 female) with 15 gestures of both left and right hands. A comparative study with two branches: i) based on Mediapipe TML and ii) Based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) (you only look once (YOLO); YOLOv5, YOLOv6, YOLOv7, YOLOv8, YOLO-Nas, single shot multiBox detector (SSD) VGG16, residual network (ResNet)18, ResNext50, ResNet152, ResNext50, MobileNet V3 small, and MobileNet V3 large), the architecture and operation of CNNs models are also introduced in detail. We especially fine-tune the model and evaluate it on TQU-HG and HaGRID datasets. The quantitative results of the training and testing are presented (F1-score of YOLOv8, YOLO-Nas, MobileNet V3 small, ResNet50 is 98.99%, 98.98%, 99.27%, 99.36%, respectively on the TQU-HG dataset and is 99.21%, 99.37%, 99.36%, 86.4%, 98.3%, respectively on the HaGRID dataset). The computation time of YOLOv8 is 6.19 fps on the CPU and 18.28 fps on the GPU.

At the present time, hand gestures recognition system could be used as a more\nexpected and useable approach for human computer interaction. Automatic hand\ngesture recognition system provides us a new tactic for interactive with the\nvirtual environment. In this paper, a face and hand gesture recognition system\nwhich is able to control computer media player is offered. Hand gesture and\nhuman face are the key element to interact with the smart system. We used the\nface recognition scheme for viewer verification and the hand gesture\nrecognition in mechanism of computer media player, for instance, volume\ndown/up, next music and etc. In the proposed technique, first, the hand gesture\nand face location is extracted from the main image by combination of skin and\ncascade detector and then is sent to recognition stage. In recognition stage,\nfirst, the threshold condition is inspected then the extracted face and gesture\nwill be recognized. In the result stage, the proposed technique is applied on\nthe video dataset and the high precision ratio acquired. Additional the\nrecommended hand gesture recognition method is applied on static American Sign\nLanguage (ASL) database and the correctness rate achieved nearby 99.40%. also\nthe planned method could be used in gesture based computer games and virtual\nreality.\n

Hand gesture recognition (HGR) systems using electromyography (EMG) bracelet-type sensors are currently largely used over other HGR technologies. However, bracelets are susceptible to electrode rotation, causing a decrease in HGR performance. In this work, HGR systems with an algorithm for orientation correction are proposed. The proposed orientation correction method is based on the computation of the maximum energy channel using a synchronization gesture. Then, the channels of the EMG are rearranged in a new sequence which starts with the maximum energy channel. This new sequence of channels is used for both training and testing. After the EMG channels are rearranged, this signal passes through the following stages: pre-processing, feature extraction, classification, and post-processing. We implemented user-specific and user-general HGR models based on a common architecture which is robust to rotations of the EMG bracelet. Four experiments were performed, taking into account two different metrics which are the classification and recognition accuracy for both models implemented in this work, where each model was evaluated with and without rotation of the bracelet. The classification accuracy measures how well a model predicted which gesture is contained somewhere in a given EMG, whereas recognition accuracy measures how well a model predicted when it occurred, how long it lasted, and which gesture is contained in a given EMG. The results of the experiments (without and with orientation correction) executed show an increase in performance from 44.5% to 81.2% for classification and from 43.3% to 81.3% for recognition in user-general models, while in user-specific models, the results show an increase in performance from 39.8% to 94.9% for classification and from 38.8% to 94.2% for recognition. The results obtained in this work evidence that the proposed method for orientation correction makes the performance of an HGR robust to rotations of the EMG bracelet.

Communication for mute people has always been very difficult. Mute people use hand gestures, also known as sign language to communicate with normal people. Hands gestures have their assigned meanings which may differ from person to person and hence cannot be understood by normal people. To overcome this difficulty many vision-based hand gesture recognition systems and data glove based hand gesture recognition systems have been proposed. This paper illustrates about two different techniques of vision-based hand gesture recognition and one data glove based technique. The vision — based techniques are static hand gesture recognition technique and real-time hand gesture recognition technique. In both the techniques, MATLAB software is used for processing input images and no dataset is used for decision making which makes this system more accurate than the existing system designs. In data glove based technique, the glove consists of five flex sensors. The change in resistance of flex sensor is used to recognize the hand gesture. All the three techniques are performed on 10 subjects and compared to find the most accurate technique. It was found that both the vision based techniques showed 100% accuracy in bright lighting condition with a white background while the data glove based technique showed an accuracy of 86%. This which clearly shows that mentioned vision based is more stable and reliable compared to the data glove based technique.

The hand gesture provides a natural and intuitive communication medium for the human and machine interaction. Because, it can use in virtual reality, language detection, computer games, and other human-computer or human-machine instruction applications. Currently, the sensor and camera-based application is a field of interest for many researchers. This paper proposes a new hand gesture recognition system using the Kinect sensor's skeleton data, which works in an environment where people do not touch devices or communicate verbally. The proposed model focuses on mainly two modules, namely, hand area and fingertip detection, and hand gesture recognition. The hand area and fingertip are detected by positioning the palm point and find extreme of contour. And, the hand gesture is recognized by measuring the distance between different body indexes of skeleton information. Here, six gestures instructions are considered such as move right to left, move left to right, move up to down, move down to up, open and closed, and also recognize the numeric number using the fingertip. This system is able to detect the presence of hand area and fingers and to recognize different hand gestures. As a result, the average recognition accuracy of different hand gestures and stretched fingers numbers are 95.91% and 96%, respectively.

Hand gesture for communication has proven effective for humans, and active research is ongoing in replicating the same success in computer vision systems. Human–computer interaction can be significantly improved from advances in systems that are capable of recognizing different hand gestures. In contrast to many earlier works, which consider the recognition of significantly differentiable hand gestures, and therefore often selecting a few gestures from the American Sign Language (ASL) for recognition, we propose applying deep learning to the problem of hand gesture recognition for the whole 24 hand gestures obtained from the Thomas Moeslund’s gesture recognition database. We show that more biologically inspired and deep neural networks such as convolutional neural network and stacked denoising autoencoder are capable of learning the complex hand gesture classification task with lower error rates. The considered networks are trained and tested on data obtained from the above-mentioned public database; results comparison is then made against earlier works in which only small subsets of the ASL hand gestures are considered for recognition.