Workbook final

240 - SiMAX the Sign Language Avatar Project, signtime, Austria

ONTACT

signtime GmbH

Mr. Georg Tschare

Austria

+43 660 8001012

VERALL GOAL

MISSION

The aim of the project is to develop a quicker and more affordable solution for translation into sign language by using an

animated avatar. This will increase the accessibility factor for people with hearing impairments.

HE SOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED

SiMAX is a partly automatic system to translate text into sign language. It is a combination of technology from animation

pictures, the computer gaming industry and computer aided translation services. The translation process is geared by a

person who is knowledgeable in sign language; this person can also be a person with hearing impairment. This creates

high quality jobs for this group. Because sign language is a natural language an automatic translation is not possible,

there is a need for a human interpreter. An exception are standardized texts e.g. interruption of service announcements

of public transport services. These can be done automatically. Therefore, SiMAX can be used for translating public

speaker announcements in public areas, which include security relevant aspects as well. SiMAX follows the natural

grammar principles while developing the sign language avatar. Mimic has a grammar function in sign language (e.g.,

raising eyebrows symbolize an interrogative sentence). The avatar is capable to use grammar mimic. He shows emotion

and can move head and upper body fluently. A “learning machine” is integrated, which saves all already done

translations and keeps it ready as proposals for future translations.

OUNTRY IN WHICH IT WAS DEVELOPED

Austria

OUNTRY

COUNTRIES IN WHICH IT IS OPERATING

Austria

ACTS ABOUT SIZE AND SCOPE

0,1% of the population in the Western hemisphere use sign language

Potential markets are public broadcasting services (e.g. 335h of daily content in Germany)

And the pharma industry with their instruction manuals how to use medical products