During a recent visit to Fort Hood in Texas, Vcom3D demonstrated its revolutionary Vcommunicator Mobile to Soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division and provided sample units for senior leaders to test during training prior to their upcoming deployment to Iraq.
Read the full story here.
Vcom3D continues to add value to its line of Vcommunicator products with the introduction of 8 new, individual expansion characters. With the release of our business professional models and our first medical character and the planned release of additional characters each remaining month of 2008, users can customize their Vcommunicator character library easily and affordably. Click here to see the currently available characters and check back at the end of each month for new offerings!
Vcom3D continues to add value to its line of Vcommunicator products with the introduction of 8 new, individual expansion characters. With the release of our business professional models and our first medical character and the planned release of additional characters each remaining month of 2008, users can customize their Vcommunicator character library easily and affordably. Click here to see the currently available characters and check back at the end of each month for new offerings!
In Washington, D.C. today, the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) unveiled the list of finalists for the 23rd Annual Codie Awards and recognized Vcom3D’s Vcommunicator Authoring Suite in the category of Best Vertical Market Business Content Solution.
“We were very pleased to learn of this recognition of our products by the SIIA,” said Carol Wideman, Vcom3D CEO. “The Vcommunicator Authoring Suite is a excellent example of the extensive talents found within our organization and we are always encouraged by the recognition of our peers in the software industry.”
Established in 1986, the Codie Awards celebrate outstanding achievement and vision in the software, digital information and education technology industries. Through a unique combination of journalist and peer review, the Codie Awards recognize 68 categories of outstanding products and services. This year’s 340 finalists represent an impressive array of technology and business excellence and success.
Over 250 judges from the trade press, consulting, educators, IT specialists and other knowledgeable, but neutral, experts have reviewed all of the products entered. The Finalists were chosen from more than 1,000 nominations submitted by more than 600 companies.
“Competition is tough this year and that makes selection as a Codie Finalist a real achievement,” said Ken Wash, SIIA president. “All the companies on this year’s list should feel justifiably proud of their recognition.”
The Finalist products will next be presented to the SIIA membership to determine the winners in each category with awards to be presented at a gala event on May 20 at the historic Palace Hotel in San Francisco, CA.
Vcom3D is excited to announce an unprecedented offer! Receive a 3D character custom designed to your specifications FREE with the purchase 5 licenses of the Vcommunicator Authoring Suite (Studio & Gesture Builder) bundle. The purchase of 5 licenses also includes a volume discount which brings your total package savings to over $15,000!
Call Scott Everhart at 407-737-7310 x122 for more details or click here to visit our web store to place your order.
Offer valid for new orders received between February 7, 2008 and March 8, 2008. FREE 3D character offer is a non-exclusive character which is designed to the requesting client’s specifications. Specifications include: age, gender, ethnicity, attire, etc. “Non-exclusive” refers to Vcom3D’s right to offer a non-branded/generic version of free character to other clients. Contact Vcom3D for more details.
“The Forest” by Jason Stewart
Vcom3D and the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center of Gallaudet University are researching and developing a proof-of-concept system for creating and delivering animated stories using the full range of facial expression and body language of American Sign Language, as well as manual signs. Results from this Phase I proof-of-concept will provide the basis for developing an Authoring System and run-time software for creating these animated stories.
For this research, we will evaluate how the use of newly developed “Lifelike Expressive Avatars” affects the reading comprehension of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. The evaluation tool includes the following story, titled “The Forest”, which was written by Jason Stewart, teacher at Kendall Demonstration Elementary School.
The US Military’s Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) recently awarded Vcom3D with a certificate of recognition for “outstanding support to our nation’s warfighters in the global War on Terrorism.” This recognition stems from Vcom3D’s early September delivery to the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division of the Iraqi Arabic and Kurdish language and culture expansions of Vcommunicator Studio. These expansions were designed specifically for use in the field with the iPod-based Vcommunicator Mobile product line. To see a digital version of the certificate, click here or visit the Vcommunicator Mobile page for more details on the products themselves.
Dr Ruth Clark’s recent white paper entitled, “Leveraging multimedia for learning: Use instructional methods proven to align with natural learning processes” features Vcom3D’s Vcommunicator Studio as an example of tools that function “effectively in reaching learners in digital environments.” Read the full white paper here.
ORLANDO, FL., August 6, 2007 — As soldiers from the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division deploy to Iraq this Fall 2007, they will be taking with them a new cutting edge, tactical technology called Vcommunicator® Mobile LC created by Vcom3D, Inc. This device will assist them in one-way communication with the local population. The iPod-based tool will provide Iraqi Arabic and Kurdish language and culture training during downtime as well as a mission aid for in-theater operations. (For more information on Vcommunicator Mobile and the 10th Mountain test, please click here) U.S. Army PEO STRI is the acquisition agency responsible for fielding this device.
“The ability to learn a new language and also incorporate the highly contextual nuances of the local culture can mean the difference between life and death for our Soldiers deployed to other countries,” said Vcom3D CEO Carol Wideman. “Vcommunicator Mobile seeks to expand Soldiers’ ability to interact with local residents in a respectful and meaningful way.”
Vcommunicator Mobile was field tested by 10th Mountain Division’s 1st BCT (Brigade Combat Team) at the US Military’s Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk, LA. Feedback from this test was positive. One of the 1st BCT sergeants indicated that Vcommunicator Mobile was incredibly easy to use. As he stated, “Vcommunicator puts the ‘friend’ in ‘user friendly’”. He also commented that he was able to use the device with no training or reference to a User Guide.
Vcom3D’s patented Vcommunicator Authoring Suite was used to create this mobile device. The Vcommunicator Authoring Suite includes a collection of software tools that allow authors with little or no animation experience to generate dynamic, life like virtual characters in an affordable way. Vcommunicator Studio software enables the author to record any spoken language, choose a character that automatically lip-syncs to any language, and create written text of mission-specific phrases as well as video animations of culturally appropriate gestures. The Vcommunicator Authoring Suite also includes Gesture Builder, a tool for creating project-specific gestures for addition to the gesture libraries provided with Vcommunicator Studio.
Founded in 1997, Orlando-based Vcom3D, Inc. is revolutionizing education, training and communication. The company has established itself as a leader in providing improved learning outcomes that include its multi-lingual, culturally-appropriate, life like characters. Learning is delivered on desktop and mobile devices. For more information, please visit our home page.
New research featured in a recent article of Cognition from the University of Rochester is proving that gestures are an important component to increased learning retention. Software such as Vcommunicator Studio and Gesture Builder can further enhance these results. Click here to read more!
Source: NCTI
An Intersection of Passion and Technology
Jason Hurdich represents a hopeful statistical anomaly, a person born Deaf who is not only employed, but impressively serving as the Lead Manager for the Sign Language Division and Chief Linguist at Vcom3D. Through their work, Jason and Vcom3D hope to make it easier for others to follow his lead.
We hope our programs will lessen very high unemployment rates and very low literacy rates for the Deaf and tear down the barriers so that people with disabilities will have more success.
Vcom3D produces a suite of products for Deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers as well as learners of foreign languages. Digital animation is at the heart of the company’s concepts for learning by using animated avatars that sign fluidly. In Sign Smith Studio, ASL Animations Volumes 1-4, and Sign Smith Illustrated Dictionary, the characters, including a lizard designed to engage young children, can be manipulated for distance and position in virtual space allowing users to learn to recognize signs from various natural positions as in reality. Words or blocks of text are transliterated for students who are Deaf so that they build lexicon and conceptual knowledge. Gesture Builder allows users without programming experience to create custom or locally relevant gestures and map them onto avatars.
Focusing on these products for learners who are Deaf, Jason explains,
Teachers use the program to relate English words and their ASL (American Sign Language) correlations. The program distinguishes a best match using a filter, and there are drop down lists that can help. It’s very helpful to the Deaf in improving reading comprehension.
He explains that when Deaf individuals encounter words that cause confusion and frustration it is extremely beneficial to be able immediately to have the word and concept translated into familiar and recognizable ASL, even as the program helps to develop more sophisticated abilities in sign recognition itself.
Unique Aspects Of The Company
Vcom3D, according to Jason, is the leading company in a very small field generating applications expressly to help the Deaf and hard-of-hearing learn, and has taken on the challenge of mediating between languages with fundamentally different vernacular and grammatical structures, a complex technical process. Jason indicates that he can even envision a time at which systems will be able to mediate between English speech recognition input and animated ASL output at some point in the future: “We’re studying how to do that right now!” Grants from the National Science Foundation and Department of Education are substantially fueling development of various projects.
On Design
A core design concept for Vcom3D involves creating virtual learning environments that are as lifelike as possible.
As a linguist, I have discussions with the software team about the sign clarity and comprehension—it’s a complicated program based on having it able to sign fluidly.
Sophisticated algorithms with patents pending have been developed to permit a level of sharpness and fidelity in movement to allow tiny animated digits to be seen clearly on-screen. The application of compression permits Vcom3D products to use very little bandwidth, a design feature intended to support educational environments.
Collaboration
The desire to create products that involve substantial realism and accuracy forms the basis of a partnership with Gallaudet University, the flagship university for persons who are Deaf. In the collaboration, nuance in sign language behavior is studied for transfer into digital environments. This includes incorporating features of the sign styles and even minor behaviors—such as how different users of ASL tilt and lean their bodies—into separate avatars, allowing learners to be exposed to and prepared for natural variations. This extends even to the study of gender differences.
We are studying the sign styles of men versus women, how much the wrist is involved, what is feminine and masculine.
The collaboration is also assisting the company in helping to compensate for imbalances it recognizes in distance learning opportunities for persons with hearing loss even as it promotes a view of persons who are Deaf participating naturalistically in daily activities. Jason indicates the company is involved in developing a PDA-based application, and says,
Right now we’re having our current avatars behaving like normal human beings, moving around in 3-D environments—like walking around a basketball court—using their eye expressions and mouth movement. The Deaf can take that home for mobile applications. It’s for Deaf people who are having frustration doing long distance learning at home—like having a mobile instructor.
He hopes this will also meet another critical need: having children who are Deaf and their hearing families “learn sign together simultaneously.”
Knowing Users And User Requirements
Jason extends the concept of collaboration into connections with the marketplace and highlights the company’s responsiveness:
Collaboration is just very important. Without it, you wouldn’t know what the market needs, what people want. For example, people use to say the old avatar was too stiff in its animation. We’ve gotten a lot of feedback and the marketplace has caused adjustments to our facial expressions, our gestures, our animation. We work on making everything more fluid.
Vcom3D targets surveys to mainstream programs and schools for the Deaf in markets of all different sizes to help gather information. It partners with a third-party company, TERC, to administer testing that shows the effect of the software products through testing. Jason reports that substantial gains in reading have been obtained. (See the case study and final report from the NCTI-sponsored Technology in the Works research awarded to TERC in 2005.)
Changing Perspectives
Jason has seen some initial skepticism in the Deaf Community about technological supports simply because there are so few examples to see. Still, he indicates that persons who are Deaf have been very receptive to the concept of digital avatars presenting learning through animated sign language due in part to quality they see in the company’s animation. Even more importantly, the community is strongly motivated to see products help overcome substantial barriers and become integrated into strongly needed improvements in educational strategy. Vcom3D products also incorporate math and science vocabulary.
Etceteras
Jason emphasizes that the design of the company’s products supports
An independent learning style. Users don’t depend on a teacher so much or their parents—they can work free from that. It’s independent life learning. It’s empowering for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing.
Source: NCTI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Cindy Barson
Vcom3D, Inc.
P 407.737.8488 x121
E cindyb@vcom3d.com
VCOM3D INTRODUCES SIGN SMITHTM STUDIO VERSION 3.0
Orlando, FL, June 29, 2007 — Vcom3D, Inc. brought Sign Smith Studio to the world of educators, researchers, and developers in late 2002. Studio is the world’s first system for creating animated sign language. In the summer of 2007, we take it one step further. Sign Smith Studio Version 3.0 will have the best of everything. The user interface is crisp and intuitive. The behavior controls provide the user with a simplified approach to adding facial expressions, gaze, mouthing or lip-synching and adding in co-signs. The pièce de résistance is the new export to video feature.
Sign Smith Studio Version 3.0 will give the user a process to export to QuickTime movie, Windows Media Player video, or AVI in just a few clicks. From here, the possibilities are endless – making Vcom3D true to its promise to “Author Once; Use Everywhere”.
The Sign SmithTM Studio authoring tool was designed to provide educators, instructional system designers, and anyone who creates content the tools to bring the magic of 3D characters that communicate through sign language to the PC. No previous animation or programming experience is required. Signed English translations are automatically generated. Authors who are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) can create content that incorporates the signs, facial expressions, mouthing and eye gaze that are integral to communicating in ASL. The SigningAvatar® animated characters communicate your multimedia in sign language.
“Sign Smith Studio is very beneficial in the educational environment for creating curriculum-based signed text, developing transliterating skills, providing greater access for families to ASL and increasing comprehension of English print,” says Julie Longson, Instructional Technology Specialist at Gallaudet University. “I believe this is opening more doors to accessible digital communication for deaf people.”
“Research has determined that the average Deaf or Hard of Hearing high school student reads at a fourth grade level. For these learners, it is critical to provide sign language access to education, training materials, and the Web. Our Sign SmithTM products fulfill that need with engaging animated 3D characters who communicate using sign language. It is our focus to offer tools to help equalize education, training and employment opportunities for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing,” says Carol Wideman, President and CEO of Vcom3D, Inc.
About Vcom3D, Inc.
Vcom3D, a software tools and technology company based in Orlando, Florida, develops award-winning Sign SmithTM products that utilize engaging animated 3D characters who communicate through American Sign Language (ASL) or Signed English (SE), and deliver rich, full access to Deaf and Hard of Hearing users. Vcom3D’s Sign SmithTM Studio authoring tool assists developers of educational resources, training courses and Internet websites in making their content accessible to Deaf learners. The company also provides Vcommunicator authoring tools and run-time software with characters that communicate through lip-synched speech, body language and action. These characters act as online virtual mentors and in role-playing simulations that improve learning outcomes.
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ORLANDO, FL., June 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Vcom3D is pleased to announce the release of the Vcommunicator® Authoring Suite and Sign Smith StudioTM 3.0 on June 29, 2007. Each tool provides users, regardless of computer animation or modeling experience, the ability to quickly and cost-effectively animate 3D characters for a variety of training and media applications. The release marks the initial commercial availability of the Vcommunicator Studio software which has previously been delivered to the U.S. Military.
“We’re very excited to debut these latest versions of our flagship products,” says Carol Wideman, Vcom3D’s Chief Executive Officer. “With their ability to simplify life-like virtual character creation, our global pre-release testers have hailed these products as vital for any company that develops training, web-based or mobile content.”
The foundation of the Vcommunicator Authoring Suite is Studio 2.0. This standalone product quickly and affordably develops 3D characters and animations which result in engaging media that readily establishes direct and meaningful connections with both internal and external audiences. Files are also exportable to a variety of applications and platforms including mobile devices, fulfilling Vcom3D’s promise of “Author Once, Use Everywhere!”
In addition to Studio, which also automatically lip-syncs multi-lingual recorded voices with the characters, the Vcommunicator Authoring Suite includes Gesture Builder 2.0, a tool that enables the creation of project specific gestures for use in both Vcommunicator Studio 2.0 and Sign Smith Studio 3.0 gesture libraries. These libraries already include over 175 pre-programmed gestures and over 3000 individual signs.
Sign Smith Studio, the world’s first system for creating animated sign language, debuted to educators, researchers, and developers in 2002. With the release of Version 3.0, new features include, among others, improved handshapes and the ability to export to QuickTime, Windows Media and AVI formats in just a few clicks.
Founded in 1997, Orlando-based Vcom3D, Inc.’s vision is revolutionizing education, training and communication accessibility. The company has established itself as a leader in providing multi-cultural, life-like characters for enhanced learning through the creation of patented technologies in 3D simulation and virtual human technology. Schools, families, corporations and government agencies use Vcom3D’s applications for language/culture familiarization, training, and educational mentoring. Collaborations with law enforcement, defense and educational organizations enhance the applications to better engage and interact with users. For more information, please visit www.Vcom3D.com.
CONTACTS:
Scott Everhart
Vcommunicator Authoring Suite
407-737-7310 x122
Cindy Barson
Sign Smith Studio
407-737-7310 x121
Come visit us in Atlanta June from 4th - 6th! As a leader in authoring tools for developing e-Learning content, Vcom3D, Inc. is pleased to announce it will be attending ASTD 2007 in Atlanta, GA from June 4-6. If you are exhibiting or attending the show, please stop by booth 243 to see how Vcommunicator can enhance your content and register to win a free video iPod!
To be available first in the new Vcom3D online store! The Vcommunicator® Authoring Suite includes Studio and Gesture Builder. Each of these stand-alone tools unite to allow customers to cost-effectively create 3D characters and animations featuring embedded multi-cultural and contextual behaviors. The results are revolutionary and engaging media that are exportable to a variety of applications across multiple platforms including mobile devices.
Keep watching Vcom3D.com for more details on this exciting advancement in content development.
Orlando, FL, November 1, 2006 - Vcom3D, Inc. proudly announces the addition of volumes 3 and 4 in its library of sign animations.
