NHK Develops an Automatic Sign Language Translation System for TV
From: PhysOrg.com - 06/06/2011
By: Katie Gatto 

A new automated sign language translation system has the potential to make
communication more effective for deaf TV viewers in the event of a disaster.
Developed by a team at the NHK Science & Technology Research laboratories,
the system is designed to take a string of words in Japanese and translate
them into signing. The system will broadcast gestures that make up sign
language, showing a virtual avatar that is dressed like a reporter. When
there is no direct translation for words in sign language, the system will
replace the words with a synonym in order to get the idea across to viewers
who are hearing-impaired. The system could replace subtitles, which can be a
less effective way to communicate a state of emergency or important breaking
news to the hearing-impaired. The automated sign language translation system
also could be used in an entertainment capacity. The technology features a
built-in manual system, which enables users to fix translations to enhance
accuracy. 

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