asl

Engineers from the University of Washington are working to optimize network bandwidth consumption during video calls. The aim is to bring the data rate down to 30kbps while optimizing video signals such that they are clear enough for deaf or hard-of-hearing users to decipher sign language.

Led by the MobileASL team, the video compression project increases image quality around the face and hands to better allow users to understand the semantics of the American Sign Language (ASL). The technology also uses the motion sensor to detect if the person is signing in order to reduce battery drain during video calls. … Read more

This is why we love technology. Sure, a lot of gadgets are made just for fashion, fetish or one-upsmanship, but every once in awhile something of socially redeeming value comes along. In this case, it's sign language on mobile phones.

Taking a generational leap beyond text messaging, the University of Washington's "MobileASL" project is working on video-compression technology that would improve transmission quality so that American Sign Language gestures would be recognizable on cell phones. "It uses skin-detection algorithms to zoom in on those specific areas in the video that contain essential movements used to … Read more