Glossary
Searchable terminology from accessibility, web standards, and related fields.
116 results found in technology.
- RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)
- An AI architecture pattern that pairs a large language model with an external knowledge store (typically a vector index of text chunks) so that, for each user query, relevant documents are retrieved f…
- RFID (Radio Frequency Identification, RFID Tag)
- A technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. RFID tags contain electronically stored information that can be read by RFID readers without…
- RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator, Received Signal Strength Index)
- A measurement of the power level of a radio signal received by a device, commonly used in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi based indoor positioning systems. In accessible indoor navigation, RSSI readings from BLE …
- Reinforcement Learning (RL)
- A type of machine learning where a system learns to make decisions by performing actions in an environment and receiving rewards or penalties based on the outcomes. Unlike supervised learning, which l…
- Scene Change Detection (Shot Boundary Detection, Scene Transition Detection)
- An automated technique for identifying transitions between different scenes or shots in video content by analyzing visual differences between consecutive frames. In audio description workflows, scene …
- Semantic Analysis (Semantic Content Analysis, Semantic Similarity)
- The computational process of determining meaning and relationships within text, images, or other content by analyzing their semantic properties rather than just surface-level features. In accessibilit…
- Semantic Web (Web of Data, Linked Data)
- An extension of the World Wide Web in which information is given well-defined meaning through standardized formats and technologies (such as RDFa, OWL, and ontologies), enabling machines to interpret …
- Short-Form Video Content (SFVC, Short-Form Content, SFC)
- Brief video content, typically 15–60 seconds long, presented in portrait orientation and consumed via infinite vertical scroll on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Re…
- Silent Gap Detection (Silence Detection, Audio Gap Detection)
- An automated technique for identifying periods of silence or absence of speech in audio tracks, used in audio description workflows to find natural insertion points for descriptions. Silent gap detect…
- Smart Home (Home Automation, Connected Home)
- A residence equipped with networked devices and systems that can be monitored and controlled remotely or automatically, including lighting, heating, security, and entertainment systems. Smart home tec…
- Smart Home Technology (SHT, Smart Home Devices)
- Connected devices and systems within a home that can be controlled remotely or automated, including smart speakers, thermostats, lighting, locks, cameras, sensors, and blinds. Smart home technology us…
- Smart Speaker (Voice-Activated Speaker, Intelligent Speaker)
- A wireless speaker with an integrated voice assistant that responds to spoken commands, such as Amazon Echo (Alexa), Google Home (Google Assistant), or Apple HomePod (Siri). Smart speakers serve as ce…
- Social Virtual Reality (Social VR, SVR)
- Virtual reality platforms designed primarily for social interaction, where users meet, communicate, and engage in shared activities through avatars in three-dimensional virtual spaces. Examples includ…
- Spatial Mapping (Environment Mapping, 3D Environment Scanning)
- A technology used in mixed reality and augmented reality headsets that scans and creates a digital representation of the physical environment in real time. Spatial mapping identifies surfaces such as …
- Speech Synthesis (Synthetic Speech, TTS Engine)
- The artificial production of human speech by computer, most commonly used in text-to-speech (TTS) systems that convert written text into spoken audio. Speech synthesis is foundational to screen reader…
- Sports Analytics (Data Analytics in Sports, Performance Analytics)
- The use of data collection, statistical analysis, and technology to measure, track, and improve athletic performance, inform coaching decisions, develop game strategies, and enhance the spectator expe…
- Surveillance technology (Surveillance tech, Monitoring technology)
- Technologies that collect, analyse, and track data about individuals' behaviours, locations, bodies, or communications. In disability contexts, surveillance technology raises justice concerns because …
- Technology Transfer (Tech Transfer)
- The process of moving research findings, inventions, and prototype technologies from the laboratory to commercial availability and widespread use. In assistive technology, technology transfer is a cri…
- Telehealth (Telepractice, Telemedicine, Virtual Healthcare)
- The delivery of healthcare services, clinical assessments, and therapeutic interventions remotely using telecommunications technology such as videoconferencing, phone calls, and digital platforms. Tel…
- Telehealth (Telemedicine, Virtual Healthcare, Remote Healthcare)
- The delivery of healthcare services through digital communication technologies, including video conferencing, phone calls, and online portals. Telehealth expanded dramatically during the COVID-19 pand…