Decoding Sign Language Live: The Architecture of Real-Time AI Translation

This article reveals the engineering behind real-time ASL translation, a critical accessibility technology that bridges communication gaps. By combining computer vision (MediaPipe), sequence modeling (Transformers), and modern LLMs, the asl-to-voice project demonstrates how to handle the inherent challenges of live streaming: unknown message boundaries and the need for natural, fluent output. The technical approach—sliding windows, multiple decoding strategies, and intelligent API fallbacks—offers a blueprint for building reliable AI systems in production environments.