Real Time, Micro-Computer Based Voice Feature Extraction in a Speech Pathology Clinic

Abstract

With the aim of providing real-time, quantitative, and useful data for a Speech Pathology clinic, a micro-computer system was developed to measure and display several voice parameters. The instrument-like micro-computer acts as the central device, accepting pre-processed data from various interface units. The present study was undertaken to demonstrate that measurement of pitch perturbation and speaking fundamental frequency using the micro-computer system, would yield comparable results to data obtained using more time consuming or elaborate techniques; a secondary purpose was to provide preliminary data for a sample of predominantly functional vocal disorders to assess clinical application. A pitch perturbation quotient was used and a study undertaken which showed that the quotient is independent of phonation frequency. The various results obtained on a normal sample population showed that the real-time micro-computer system compares favourably in accuracy with published data. Some differences were seen between the functional dysphoria and normal groups for pitch perturbation measures during both steady state and onset phonatory conditions. Additional facilities allow the determination of the acoustic wave intensity distribution during continuous speech, and the use of the microcomputer as a scoring device for up to eight patients simultaneously.