HandTalk: An interactive web-based sign language modeler

• Main Authors: Mejia, Ma. Melissa I., Pantig, Marjorie Joy G., Que, Natalie Rubnan P., Velasco, Jackson
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2002
• Subjects: Sign language; Web-based instruction; Computer animation; Computer graphics; Computer-assisted instruction; Computer Sciences
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/14112
• Institution: De La Salle University

HandTalk is a web-based system that models American Sign Language (ASL) through the fingerspelling animation of letters and numbers by a three-dimensional (3D) hand model. This thesis is a study of the animation of a 3D model through the use of motion capture, particularly when applied on software to be run on a webpage. The hand model fingerspells an input of English words from the user, whether directly typed on an input window or retrieved from a file. Since the model is presented in 3D, the user may opt to perform modeling transformations in order to have a better view. The animation is based on motion capture data in order to provide realism of movement. It is expected that the system will not only serve as a tool for communication among the deaf and mute, but also as a means of instruction for users with little or no knowledge of sign language. The idea of instant messaging is incorporated into the system, allowing for more flexible user interaction. Messages can be sent and received by users upon accessing the system. These messages will be viewed as both text and through the fingerspelling simulation of the hand model. Keywords: animation, geometric modeling, graphics, handicapped aids, message systems, motion capture, web-based systems."