SignTel Interpreter Offers Communications Access

Editor: One of the benefits of the current technological revolution is the proliferation of devices to assist people with hearing loss. SignTel Inc has just announced a beta version of their new device, which converts spoken English into both captions and sign language. Here are excerpts from their press release.

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SignTel Inc. today announced the availability of the beta version of the SignTel Interpreter, a new communications system designed to improve interactions between the country's hearing individuals and the deaf/hard of hearing community, estimated at more than 20 million. The SignTel Interpreter provides real time translation of spoken and written English into sign language.

The SignTel Interpreter is housed on a computer, such as an IBM ThinkPad(r) notebook, and works by capturing the hearing party's voice through a microphone or via inputted English text, and displaying the translated message in streaming sign language as well as text for the deaf person. The signing figure also enunciates words, making it easy for those who read lips to understand.

The SignTel Interpreter is the first device to accurately translate the intended meanings of sentences, including common idiomatic expressions, and turn such phrases into meaningful language for the signing community. It also is able to differentiate between the multiple meanings of words.

According to Maureen Rosselli, a sign language interpreter and a member of the linguistic team at SignTel Inc., phrases such as "beat around the bush" don't make sense when translated into sign language. The SignTel Interpreter translates this phrase into "avoid." Other examples include "cool as a cucumber," which the SignTel Interpreter translates as "calm"; or "once in a blue moon," translated as "rare."

"The SignTel Interpreter utilizes advanced technological tools such as sophisticated lexical analysis, artificial intelligence and image processing, in an easy-to-use package to help bridge the communication gap between the hearing and the deaf in the United States," said Raanan Liebermann, Ph.D., president/chief executive officer and chief of technology, SignTel. "In addition, the SignTel Interpreter can boost productivity, enhance morale and foster improved relationships in diverse environments, ranging from small businesses to large companies and educational institutions. It is the first step in a planned series of products that will remove existing barriers of communication."

The beta version, available now, includes most of the features of Version One, including text-to-sign language translation. It does not include the voice recognition technology that enables voice-to-sign language translations. Version One, with a unique voice recognition technology that works in tandem with sophisticated lexical analysis, will be available by March of this year. The upgraded feature will be available for free to beta owners.

For additional information, please visit the SignTel website (http://www.signtelinc.com).