Browsing Faculty of Natural Sciences by Author "Glaser, Meryl"
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Glaser, Meryl; Tucker, William D.; Mashao, Daniel (Telkom, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Following on the development of several prototypes, we have built a semi-automated Deaf Telephony prototype on the SoftBridge platform. This prototype relays text and speech between Deaf users on the Internet and hearing users on the telephone system. Previous work with a pilot trial in the laboratory revealed several opportunities for enhancement. We added a Wizard of Oz (WoOz) to replace the poorly performing automatic speech recognition functionality as well as H.323 breakout, more extensive logging and advanced call initiation functionality. In order to trial the current prototype, we initiated an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training programme with the Deaf Community of Cape Town. Twenty Deaf users participated in the training. In addition to the training, much baseline user data was collected to give an indication of how Deaf users communicate with hearing users as well as how familiar they are with ICT devices and services. The work for the rest of this year requires us to recruit and train a WoOz operator. Subsequent trials will essentially consist of monthly cycles of prototype introduction, training, automated metric and log collection, user feedback and then feature enhancement. Linguistic analyses of the text output of the Deaf users will be analyzed. We hope to refine the SoftBridge prototype to fit the needs of the Deaf and hearing users, from both technical and social viewpoints. We expect that these iterative cycles will continue for some time and will teach us many lessons regarding multi-modal semi-synchronous IP-based communications systems. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/447 Files in this item: 1
GlaserTuckerMashaoDeafTelephony2004.pdf (133.0Kb) -
Tucker, William D.; Glaser, Meryl; Lewis, John (Telkom, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Following on several partial prototypes, we built an automated Deaf Telephony bridging application with the SoftBridge platform. The SoftBridge performs multi-modal bridging in real-time using Text-to-Speech (TTS) and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) utilities accessed via web services. To perform Action Research with the Deaf community in Cape Town, we invited a Deaf user (DU) to participate in a pilot study. We conducted three tests varying the input/output modalities of the hearing user (HU). The DU had a standard text in/text out Instant Messaging client. The HU client used the following specific modality combinations: Text & TTS in/Text out, TTS in/Text out and TTS in/Text & ASR out. The SoftBridge logged the conversations for subsequent analysis. The trial showed a largely successful conversation. Success factors include a) a text and computer literate DU who is familiar with research practise, b) using the system to explain the research as we conducted it and c) that the multi-modal bridging capabilities overcame the expected shortcomings of TTS and especially ASR. The lessons learned from this trial will be applied to the next trial once the necessary modifications have been implemented. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/535 Files in this item: 1
TuckerDeafTelephony2003.pdf (108.8Kb) -
Glaser, Meryl; Tucker, William D. (2004)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper presents a description of telecommunications for Deaf people in South Africa by contrasting the situation in the developed world. We explain the main motivations for providing a locally appropriate solution. Research activity began with a community-based field trial of TTYs. The recommendations of the trial motivated an innovative approach to provide synchronous and accessible relay services. Drawing from international technological developments, we designed a software solution called the SoftBridge. We employ iterative Action Research cycles to drive technological modifications to the SoftBridge and to encourage adoption by the end-user community. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/593 Files in this item: 1
GlaserTucker-CVHI2004.pdf (162.9Kb) -
Penton, Jason; Tucker, William D.; Glaser, Meryl (Telkom, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: We have developed a prototype bridge that relays text and speech between Teldem, a text telephone for the Deaf, and a standard telephone or H.323 endpoint. Telgo323 uses modified H.323 media gateways and open source Text to Speech and Speech to Text software. The approach allows for easy integration of new tools as the technologies mature. This paper presents the design of the implementation prototype, discusses Teldem tone decoding, and suggests directions for future work. The Telgo323 provides evidence that an automated relay bridge is imminently viable for the Deaf Community, and further demonstrates an attractive approach for building bridges over the Digital Divide. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/612 Files in this item: 1
PentonTuckerGlaser-SATNAC2002.pdf (99.60Kb) -
Glaser, Meryl; Tucker, William D. (Telkom, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: A Teldem provides text-based telephony services to the deaf. Despite an array of text-based communications mechanisms on the web, the Teldem is the only means of synchronous telecommunication available to a deaf person. We examine a human-assisted relay that provides a bridge between the deaf and the hearing, and then propose several additional bridges. These bridges take advantage of both standard and cutting edge technologies. We present each bridge's impact on the deaf with respect to synchrony, connectivity, independence, and the Digital Divide. It is hoped that by deploying trials for each bridge, we can eventually provide the deaf with equal access. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/613 Files in this item: 1
GlaserTucker-SATNAC2001.pdf (146.9Kb)
Now showing items 1-5 of 5