Distribution of Sign Language Enhanced Content

A system for distributing sign language enhanced content includes a computing platform having processing hardware and a system memory storing a software code. The processing hardware is configured to execute the software code to receive content including at least one of a sequence of audio frames or a sequence of video frames, perform an analysis of the content, and identify, based on the analysis, a message conveyed by the content. The processing hardware is further configured to execute the software code to generate a sign language translation of the content, the sign language translation including one or more of a gesture, body language, or a facial expression communicating the message conveyed by the content.

BACKGROUND

Members of the deaf and hearing impaired communities often rely on any of a number of signed languages for communication via hand signals. Although effective in translating the plain meaning of a communication, hand signals alone typically do not fully capture the emphasis or emotional intensity motivating that communication. Accordingly, skilled human sign language translators tend to employ multiple physical modes when communicating information. Those modes may include gestures other than hand signals, postures, and facial expressions, as well as the speed and force with which such expressive movements are executed.

For a human sign language translator, identification of the appropriate emotional intensity and emphasis to include in a signing performance may be largely intuitive, based on cognitive skills honed unconsciously as the understanding of spoken language is learned and refined through childhood and beyond. However, the exclusive reliance on human sign language translation can be expensive, and in some use cases may be inconvenient or even impracticable. Consequently, there is a need in the art for an automated solution for providing sign language enhancement of content.