ECHO SIGN is an innovative, low-cost smart wearable glove designed for speech-impaired or specially-abled individuals. The system provides a dual-purpose interface: a Linguistic Communication module that converts tactile input into speech, and an Environmental Interaction module that uses motion gestures to control household appliances via IoT.

How it Works?

ECHO SIGN is a distributed node system built on the ESP32 ecosystem. The Primary Node (the glove) utilizes a tactile array of 12 sensors integrated into the fingertips and palm to map specific physiological or emergency needs, such as "I need water" or "I am in pain". An ESP32-S3 microcontroller processes these tactile inputs and transmits data packets via the ESP-NOW protocol, chosen for its high speed and low latency. Simultaneously, an MPU6050 motion sensor detects hand gestures. A Secondary Node receives these signals to trigger a 4-channel relay bank for home automation—allowing users to control appliances like lights and fans by tilting their hand plus or minus 30 degrees. A Flask-based web dashboard provides caregivers with real-time monitoring, message history, and live video feeds.

What Makes it Novel?

The system’s novelty lies in its dual-purpose interface that merges linguistic communication with environmental control into a single, low-cost wearable. Unlike traditional assistive devices that are often bulky or expensive, ECHO SIGN uses low-latency ESP-NOW wireless communication (tested up to 15 meters) to ensure immediate vocalization and appliance response with a success rate exceeding 95%. The integration of a SH1106 OLED display on the receiver provides instant visual feedback to the user without requiring a computer screen, enhancing independence.

How it Would Be Produced?

The prototype is designed for scalability and affordability. Production involves integrating off-the-shelf micro-electronics (ESP32-S3, MPU6050) with a flexible wiring harness embedded into a lightweight, ergonomic glove. The software ecosystem is built on open-source frameworks like Flask and PostgreSQL, allowing for easy updates and caregiver customization. The use of low-cost components addresses the "Assistive Technology gap" by providing a high-performance solution at a fraction of the cost of current medical devices.

Where it Would Be Applied?

ECHO SIGN is primarily intended for speech-impaired, specially-abled, or elderly individuals in home or clinical settings. It provides autonomy by allowing users to manage their environment independently, ensures safety through instant vocalization of medical emergencies, and offers caregiver relief through remote monitoring capabilities.