The effect of formant levels on the perception of synthetic vowel sounds

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Authors

  • H. KUBZDELA Department of Acoustic Phonetic, Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
  • M. OWSIANNY Department of Acoustic Phonetic, Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland

Abstract

A computer model of a generator of complex periodic sounds simulating vowels has been developed. The system makes it possible to independently control each formant level and to immediately generate the signal. Spectrum envelope within the formant range is approximated by means of a trapezoid contour. A group of 6 listeners used the system to select synthesis parameters for sounds judged by each of them to be maximally similar to the Polish vowels. The sounds were subsequently subjected to evaluation by a more numerous panel of listeners, whereby sounds most suitable for prototypes of Polish vowels were selected. By controlled manipulation of the second and third formant levels, new sounds were obtained from the prototypes, which, after randomization, were presented for identification to seven listeners. The identification results obtained were presented in tabular form in three variants and characterized from the point of view of the needs of automatic recognition of vowels in continuous speech.

References

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