Abstract
WISDOM was set up to exploit the advances in mobile telecommunications for the benefit of Deaf sign language users. It set out to develop a 3G mobile videophone which would allow signed conversations to take place anywhere and at anytime. Despite assurances on the roll-out of 3G, the commercial reality was somewhat different and delays meant that neither the mobile videophone nor the 3G tests were possible to the extent which was planned. Instead, in a flexible response to changing circumstances, the consortium shifted focus to service development and succeeded in four main areas:
(1) the creation of an on-line video server providing daily news and other information to Deaf people in sign language
(2) the creation and implementation of a video relay platform to handle incoming voice, text and video calls and to connect these to hearing people anywhere
(3) the development and successful testing of a person–independent sign language recognition system
(4) the refining of a video phone concept in Total Conversation format and its testing on broadband and 3G networks
With a range of other core work, knowledge building and user trials, the project has made and will continue to make a significant contribution to telecommunications for Deaf people.
The project has significantly expanded our knowledge and capability in this field and has led directly to the implementation of these developments in Public Services in the UK, Spain and Sweden.
Translated title of the contribution | WISDOM - Wireless Information Services for Deaf people on the Move |
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Original language | English |
Publisher | Brussels EC IST Programme |
Number of pages | 20 |
Publication status | Published - 2005 |