Aberdeen MT system

[Mark Mandel]

Here's an article from BBC News at 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-17297489
(but if that URL is line-broken try
ttp://tinyurl.com/725t4hz ):

11 March 2012 Last updated at 21:10 ET

<b>Sign language 'turned into text' by Aberdeen scientists</b>
It is hoped the new technology could transform how sign language users
communicate

Technology aimed at translating sign language into text is being developed
by Aberdeen scientists.

The portable sign language translator (PSLT) would use the camera on devices
such as laptops and phones.

An app would then translate the movements into text which can be read by
people, who may not understand sign language.

Computing scientists at Technabling, a spin-out company of the University of
Aberdeen, are behind the technology.

It is hoped this could transform how sign language users - from the
profoundly deaf to those who have lost hearing in later life - communicate.

One of the main focuses is to help young deaf people improve employment
opportunities.

Dr Ernesto Compatangelo, a lecturer in computing science at the University
of Aberdeen, and founder of Technabling, said: "The aim of the technology is
to empower sign language users by enabling them to overcome the
communication challenges they can experience, through portable technology.

"Their signs are immediately translated into text which can be read by the
person they are conversing with.

"The intent is to develop an application - an app in smart phone terms -
that is easily accessible and could be used on different devices."

He added: "One of the most innovative and exciting aspects of the technology
is that it allows sign language users to actually develop their own signs
for concepts and terms they need to have in their vocabulary."

Sign language users have helped the development and testing of the product
since its conception.

Local sign language users interested in becoming involved with the ongoing
development can get in touch via pslt at technabling.co.uk

It is hoped the technology could be available as a product by 2013.