Mobile Videophones and Distant Signed Language Conversion
By Kamata, Kazuo; Shionome, Takeaki; Yamamoto, Hideo; Fischer, Susan D.; Assistive Technology - Shaping the Future: AAATE 2003 Conference Proceedings, Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 284-288Publication Date: 2003
Study investigates the effectiveness of videophones used in Japan for distance sign language conversations. Three experiments were conducted: (1) a one-handed signing exercise to investigate whether a sign language user who was deaf could express sentences with only one hand, (2) a comprehension experiment to measure how well a receiver can understand one-handed sign language expressions, and (3) a conversation experiment with real mobile videophones to investigate the functionality and usability of the devices. Twenty-six people participated in the study. The experiments were conducted using two mobile videophones and a Pocket PC. The experiments demonstrated that mobile videophones could be used for sign language, yet some issues remained that called for improvements. For example, all participants signed at a speed that was significantly slower than face-to-face conversation due to the generally low picture quality found in all of the devices. The small display featured on each device caused significant visual strain as well. Implications for further research are discussed.
Published by: IOS Press (Website:http://www.iospress.nl)
Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE) (Web Site: http://www.aaate.net )
ISBN: 1-58603-373-5
