Archive for December, 2007

“The Forest” - Vcom3D demonstrates Lifelike, Expressive SigningAvatar Proof-of-Concept

Monday, December 17th, 2007

“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.

Click here to see this video.