Transmitting deaf sign language over the telecommunications network

An experimental investigation is reported into the use of moving cartoon images for two-way communication by the deaf. The images are derived by special signal-processing operations on the output of a conventional television camera, according to a new theory of perceptually important human features. Calculations show that, using facsimile-type coding and digital modems, the images are capable of transmission over the Public Switched Telephone Network; in enhanced form (with more resolution and optional voice accompaniment) they could be carried on the emerging Integrated Services Digital Network or transmitted over teletext.