SBIR-STTR Award

This Phase I project will consist of feasibility studies in preparation for a Phase 11 project in which CAPMedia, Inc. proposes to develop a single captioning tool that will handle all types of computer-based media (e.g., laserdisc video, digital video, digital audio, animation, graphics, and text). The four technical objectives for Phase I are: (1) to assess the feasibility of using various approaches for storing and displaying caption data, (2) to determine system requirements for multimedia captioning, (3) to design a consistent user interface for a tool that deals with captioning all types of computer-based media, and (4) to assess the feasibility of using various authoring environments for the development of the captioning tool. Tasks for each of these objectives will be accomplished during the five-month duration of the project.Anticipated Results and Commercial Applications:The results of the proposed Phase I project will provide the necessary scientific and research foundation for developing and testing a single captioning tool for all media. The feasibility studies performed in Phase I will ensure that factors influencing the quality of multimedia captioning are considered during development of the captioning tool in Phase 11, thereby increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Phase 11 effort. Outcomes of Phase I include technical reports of the feasibility studies and a design for the captioning tool user interface.Potential users of a universal captioning tool for all types of computer-based media will include: governments, multimedia developers, public kiosk providers, commercial caption service providers, and educational institutions. In particular, CAP-Media, Inc. will target the large numbers of teachers and students who are learning to create their own multimedia products. The needs of researchers and practitioners in the captioning held will be also addressed.

During the proposed Phase II project, CAP-Media, Inc. will complete research and development activities related to developing captioning tools for all types of computer-based media, activities that were begun in the Phase I project. CAP-Media, Inc. will also develop a model interactive captioned-media product. The eight technical objectives (four related to tools and four related to the model product) for Phase II are: (1 ) develop and test modules of the captioning tools for DVD-fommat media, (2) develop and test features that were designed and prototyped during the Phase I project, (3) finalize the captioning tools, (4) develop and test documentation, help files, and tutorials, (5) select content for the model product, (6) define and design the model product, (7) develop and test rapid application development techniques, and (8) develop and test the model captioned-media product. Tasks for each of these objectives will be accomplished during the 24-month duration of the project.

Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research:
:The results of the proposed Phase II project will include commercial-quality captioning tools that work with all types of computer-based media, a model interactive captioned-media products, and a template for development of future products. The project will complete the feasibility and R&D efforts begun in the Phase I project and will prepare for a Phase lil project in which the tools and products will be marketed and sold.The need for the current project is based on the lack of access deaf and hard-of-hearing people have to most forms of computer-based media. The model product CAP-Media, Inc. will develop is designed not only as a model of accessibility but also as a demonstration of how captioning can benefit all users. Potential users of a universal captioning tool for all types of computer-based media include: govemments, multimedia developers, public kiosk providers, educational institutions, and commercial caption service providers.