The top six teams in Microsoft's Imagine Cup software design competition have presented their solutions to United Nations officials, business leaders and world media.
The presentations were the first open demonstrations at the competition.
The theme for this year's competition is "Imagine a world where technology enables a better education for all".
Team inGest, from the National University of Ireland, showcased a solution aimed at teaching people how to communicate in sign language. Through the use of coloured gloves and a Web camera, the solution tracks signing gestures, analyses this in real-time against data collected from proficient signers, and provides feedback to the student.
The SMOR team, from Serbia, demonstrated a driving simulation solution for driver education purposes. While the student sits in the simulator, the instructor is able to change the physical environment, including adapting road or weather conditions; introducing more cars to simulate rush hour; and introducing reckless drivers to teach students how best to react.
The EN# 65 team, from Korea, demonstrated a solution aimed at people suffering from both hearing and eyesight loss. Delivered through gloves, the solution enables speech through a system similar to typing and provides feedback or "hearing" via vibrations to the top of the hand.
Thailand's team showcased a solution which translated text into pictures to help the illiterate to learn to read and maintain motivation. With the use of a Web cam, pages from books can be scanned in and presented visually. The system also provides verbal tutorials.
The Intoi solution, from Team Austria, provides educators with a digital flipchart solution. Using rear projection onto a surface similar to whiteboard, the pen-based system facilitates multiple users and an ability to import presentations, pictures and videos from the supporting PC.
The Jamaican ICAD team demonstrated CADI, an e-learning solution which facilitates collaboration in a distance education environment. The solution provides real-time translation across 12 languages.
Imagine Cup winners in all categories will be announced this evening.
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