Technology
which translates sign language into text is being developed by scientists in
Aberdeen. The software
application is the first of its kind in the world which can be used on portable
devices and allows users to customise sign language to their own specific
needs.
The
technology has the potential to transform how sign language users - from the
profoundly deaf to those who have lost hearing in later life - communicate.
Computing
scientists at
Technabling,
a spin-out company of the University of Aberdeen, are behind the technology
which aims to bridge the gap between sign language and more standard forms of
communication.
One of its
main focuses is to help young deaf people gain employment opportunities.
Dr Ernesto
Compatangelo, a lecturer in Computing Science at the University of Aberdeen,
and founder and Director of
Technabling
said:
"The aim of
the technology - known as the
Portable
Sign language Translator (PSLT) - is to empower sign language users
by enabling them to overcome the communication challenges they can experience,
through portable technology.
"The user
signs into a standard camera integrated into a laptop, netbook, Smartphone or
other portable device such as a tablet.
"Their signs
are immediately translated into text which can be read by the person they are
conversing with.
"The intent
is to develop an application - an "app" in Smartphone terms - that is easily
accessible and could be used on different devices including Smartphones,
laptops and PCs."
The
PSLT has the potential to
be used with a range of sign languages including British Sign Language (BSL)
and Makaton.
The number
of people in the UK whose first or preferred language is BSL is estimated to be
between 50,000 (Action on Hearing Loss) and 70,000 (British Deaf Association)*.
BSL is
however, a general-purpose language and therefore poses limitations for users,
making it impossible for them to easily express certain concepts and terms that
are very specific or used only within particular areas of society - for example
education and the workplace.
To overcome
this,
PSLT
enables users to personalise sign language to their own individual needs.
Dr
Compatangelo continued: "One of the most innovative and exciting aspects of the
technology, is that it allows sign language users to actually develop their own
signs for concepts and terms they need to have in their vocabulary, but they
may not have been able to express easily when using BSL.
"Whilst the
technology has the potential to transform the lives of all sign language users,
a key target market has been identified.
"Our
research is being funded by the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills*
with the specific remit to create technology to enhance the lives of deaf
people with special emphasis on post 16 learners, i.e., young people who are
either in education or training.
"The key
intent is to enable sign language users of this age, and beyond, to overcome
the communication disadvantage they experience, allowing them to fulfil their
education potential and enter the job market.
"The
personalised aspect of the technology is crucial to making this happen.
"For example
- for a student who is being trained in joinery, there is no sign in BSL which
means "dovetail joint".
"A student
using
PSLT can
create their own sign to mean "dovetail joint" allowing them to communicate
easily with their tutor or other students in their class, without the limitations
imposed when communicating solely with BSL."
Sign
language users have inputted into the development and testing of the product
since its conception.
Scientists
on the project are now encouraging sign language users from Aberdeen city and
shire to get in touch to become involved with its ongoing development. Those
interested should contact Dr Compatangelo at
pslt@technabling.co.uk.
It is
anticipated that the technology will be available as a product by next year.
For more
information on the
PSLT
visit
www.pslt.org
CASE
STUDY:
Dr James
Christie from the University of Aberdeen's School of Natural and Computing
Science is one of the experts behind the
PSLT
- and a sign language user.
Dr Christie
began to lose his hearing 4 years ago and is now partially deaf, and uses a
hearing aid.
He began to
learn to sign as soon as he realised he was losing his hearing to ensure he had
a way to communicate in the future.
He said:
"The
PSLT
lowers the communication barrier between people born deaf, people who have lost
their hearing very early in life, or people who are losing their hearing, and
hearing people, especially in face-to-face situations such as tutorials
and group work.
"There are
many potential areas of application and the
PSLT
is uncomplicated to use."