MobileASL: Delivering Sign Language Over Low Bandwidth Cell Phone Networks

The University of Washington is developing a device that would enable transmitting American Sign Language over low bandwidth cellular networks. The MobileASL project aims to allow people with hearing impairments to use their cell phones by implementing a standard video capturing technology that increases the image quality of face and hand gestures, but reduce the data rate substantially. The device also uses motion detection to identify if the user is making signs or not, to extend the battery life of the phone during video use.

While high-end phones such as iPhone 4 offer video conferencing, they consume a lot of bandwidth resulting in broadband companies charging additionally for it. On the other hand, MobileASL uses just 10% of the bandwidth iPhone’s FaceTime video conferencing service uses and can be integrated with any phone or device that has a video camera.

MobileASL Project

[via Slashgear]