Project description
Breaking barriers in immersive media
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, immersive media is taking the world by storm. As technology introduces head-mounted displays and cameras, broadcasters are venturing into storytelling that is both immersive and captivating. However, the exploitation of these technologies is still in its infancy, neglecting the vital aspect of inclusivity. In this context, the EU-funded ImAc project aims to integrate accessibility services seamlessly into immersive media. By prioritising accessibility throughout the design, production, and delivery process, it will break free from the constraints of current technology. With innovative deployment methods for services like audio description, subtitling and sign language, the project will pave the way for an immersive future that embraces individuals of all languages, ages and abilities.
Objective
Advances in technology have led to the availability of consumer Head Mounted Displays and the availability of 360° cameras for capturing immersive content. This has enabled broadcasters to explore new experiences, where narrative and content can be delivered with a heightened sense of presence and engagement, regardless of whether the user is fully immersed, using multiple screens, or via traditional television. Exploitation of these technologies is still in its infancy and innovators are producing ground-breaking content for early adopters. With any new technology it is essential to consider accessibility especially in Europe, where e-inclusion is a priority of the EC and the Single Digital Market. Doing so ensures that the narrative is coherent across languages, ages and abilities, and ensures compliance with regulatory guidelines.
The goal of Immersive Accessibility (ImAc) is to explore how accessibility services can be integrated with immersive media. It is not acceptable that accessibility is regarded as an afterthought: rather it should be considered throughout the design, production and delivery process. ImAc will explore new deployment methods for these services (Subtitles, Audio Description, Audio Subtitling, Sign Language) in immersive environments. We will move away from the constraints of the current technology, into a Hyper-Personalized environment where the consumer can fully customize the experience to meet his personal needs. For example, it may be more appropriate for subtitles to be read out-loud or the Audio Description presented as text. The key action in ImAc will be to ensure immersive experiences are inclusive across different languages, addressing the needs of those with hearing and low vision problems, learning difficulties and the aged. We also foresee these services consumed by a wider audience, for personal convenience, learning language and language therapy - accessible content can add significant value to these related areas.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- humanitieslanguages and literaturelinguisticssign language
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsoptical sensors
- social scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and managementinnovation management
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftwaresoftware applicationsvirtual reality
- social scienceslawhuman rights
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Programme(s)
Call for proposal
(opens in new window) H2020-ICT-2016-2017
See other projects for this callSub call
H2020-ICT-2016-2
Funding Scheme
IA - Innovation actionCoordinator
08034 Barcelona
Spain