Virtual Signing

Virtual signing is the use of computer-generated animated characters (avatars) to present sign language, as an alternative to pre-recorded video of human signers. Virtual signing systems typically involve motion capture of human signers to create sign dictionaries, sign language notation systems to encode gestures, and real-time 3D rendering to animate the avatar. Advantages over video include the ability to generate novel sign sequences dynamically (enabling real-time translation), smaller file sizes for transmission and storage, and the potential to customise the avatar's appearance and signing speed. However, achieving natural and comprehensible signing remains challenging, as Deaf users have high expectations for facial expression, handshape clarity, and fluid movement — elements that are difficult to reproduce convincingly in animation. The ViSiCAST project (2000-2003) was a landmark EU initiative in virtual signing technology.