This paper presents a new Web tool for converting text to Sign Language notation and corresponding VRML animation sequences for H-anim compliant avatars. The tool can be used both as a sign language dictionary as well as a text to sign language translator. It is based on a Sign Language dictionary written in the well-known SignWriting system. More specifically, the entries of the dictionary are in SWML (SignWriting Markup Language), an XML-based format, which has recently been developed for the storage, indexing and processing of SignWriting notation. For sign synthesis, each sign box (basic sign) is first converted to a sequence of Body Animation Parameters (BAPs) of the MPEG-4 standard corresponding to the represented gesture. These sequences, which can also be coded and/or reproduced by MPEG-4 BAP players, are then used to animate H-anim compliant VRML avatars, reproducing the exact gestures represented in sign language notation. Envisaged applications include the development of signing avatars for interactive information systems (Web, E-mail, info–kiosks) and TV newscasts for persons with hearing disabilities.
[1]
Richard Kennaway,et al.
Synthetic Animation of Deaf Signing Gestures
,
2001,
Gesture Workshop.
[2]
Angus B. Grieve-Smith,et al.
SignSynth: A Sign Language Synthesis Application Using Web3D and Perl
,
2001,
Gesture Workshop.
[3]
Thomas Hanke,et al.
iLex - A tool for Sign Language Lexicography and Corpus Analysis
,
2002,
LREC.
[4]
Graçaliz Pereira Dimuro,et al.
Supporting Deaf Sign Languages in Written Form on the Web
,
2001,
WWW Posters.
[5]
Francoise Preteux,et al.
Advanced virtual humanoid animation framework based on the MPEG-4 SNHC standard
,
2001
.