ASL Transcription System Using Standard Keyboard Notation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sign language transcription systems fail to effectively incorporate the complexities of American Sign Language (ASL) features such as handshapes, location, palm orientation, dominance, contact, movement, shifts, timing, and non-manual markers, leading to subjective and inefficient representation.
Innovation Solution
A system that reassigns ASL parameters to a standard keyboard, using a grid-based notation system to linearly transcribe signs, incorporating handshapes, locations, palm orientations, and non-manual markers, allowing for precise representation of ASL on a familiar medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard keyboard is used for transcription, then typing ease and familiarity are improved, but the ability to represent complex ASL features accurately deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ASL language is segmented into discrete parameters (handshape, location, palm orientation, movement, non-manual markers) that can be independently coded and transcribed using standard keyboard characters. Each parameter is broken down into selectable options that map to keyboard keys, allowing complex language features to be represented through combinations of simple characters.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal transcription system is created that can represent all ASL parameters using a single standard keyboard. The system assigns specific keyboard characters to represent different ASL features (e.g., capital letters for handshapes, numbers for locations, symbols for movements), enabling one keyboard to handle the full range of ASL transcription needs without requiring specialized equipment.
2Productivity
If linear transcription is implemented, then transcription efficiency is improved, but the representation of spatial and temporal ASL features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds dimensional information to linear text by using specific keyboard characters to encode spatial (location, palm orientation) and temporal (movement, timing) features. For example, directional arrows indicate movement paths, numbered locations specify spatial positions, and timing markers indicate temporal relationships, allowing three-dimensional ASL space and time to be represented within a one-dimensional linear text format.
3Measurement precision
If unique characters for each ASL feature are created, then transcription precision is improved, but the complexity of the system and learning curve deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating entirely new unique characters for each ASL feature, the system copies and repurposes existing standard keyboard characters to represent ASL parameters. Capital letters represent handshapes, numbers represent locations, and punctuation marks represent movements and non-manual markers. This approach maintains transcription precision while avoiding the complexity of learning hundreds of new characters.
4Measurement precision
If dominance-specific characters are used, then accuracy in representing dominance preference is improved, but the quantity of characters to memorize deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses asymmetric character assignment where capital letters represent dominant hand features and lowercase letters represent nondominant hand features. This asymmetric approach accurately captures dominance preference information while using the same set of letter characters for both hands, eliminating the need to learn separate character sets for each dominance configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The research comprised within this document validates that the parameters and features of sign language can be written within the constraints of the symbols and characters located on a standard keyboard for the purpose of reading and writing a visual language. This writing system is a means for writing signed languages and emphasis is placed on this pursuit, however, this method of writing could be used for writing gestures, movements and poses. This method of writing is easier to use than previous methods developed for writing sign language, because the media methods, typing and hand-printing, are readily available and easily accessible for communication. The keyboards ability to accommodate Braille allows individuals who are both Deaf and blind access to this method of writing.