Analysis of hand movement variation related to speed in Japanese sign language

Abstract

To achieve the greater accessibility for deaf people, sign language recognition systems and sign language animation systems must be developed. In Japanese sign language (JSL), previous studies have suggested that emphasis and emotion cause changes in hand movements. However, the relationship between emphasis and emotion and the signing speed has not been researched enough. In this study, we analyzed the hand movement variation in relation to the signing speed. First, we recorded 20 signed sentences at three speeds (fast, normal, and slow) using a digital video recorder and a 3D position sensor. Second, we segmented sentences into three types of components (sign words, transitions, and pauses). In our previous study, we analyzed hand movement variations of sign words in relation to the signing speed. In this study, we analyzed transitions between adjacent sign words by a method similar to that in the previous study. As a result, sign words and transitions showed a similar tendency, and we found that the variation in signing speed mainly caused changes in the distance hands moved. Furthermore, we compared transitions with sign words and found that transitions were slower than sign words.