Abstract
This paper presents a method of measuring the vibration patterns on facial surfaces by using a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV). The surfaces of the face, neck, and body vibrate during phonation and, according to Titze (2001), these vibrations occur when aerodynamic energy is efficiently converted into acoustic energy at the glottis. A vocalist's vibration velocity patterns may therefore indicate his or her phonatory status or singing skills. LDVs enable laser-based non-contact measurement of the vibration velocity and displacement of a certain point on a vibrating object, and scanning LDVs permit multipoint measurements. The benefits of scanning LDVs originate from the facts that they do not affect the vibrations of measured objects and that they can rapidly measure the vibration patterns across planes. A case study is presented herein to demonstrate the method of measuring vibration velocity patterns with a scanning LDV. The objective of the experiment was to measure the vibration velocity differences between the modal and falsetto registers while three professional soprano singers sang sustained vowels at four pitch frequencies. The results suggest that there is a possibility that pitch frequency are correlated with vibration velocity. However, further investigations are necessary to clarify the relationships between vibration velocity patterns and phonation status and singing skills.
Highlights
Phonation induces vibration in the air column of the vocal tract, and in body tissues
We propose a method of measuring facial surface vibration patterns during phonation by using the scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) and discuss its technical merits and demerits, based on the previous studies (Kitamura, 2012, 2014; Kitamura et al, 2013)
The results reveal that the vibration velocity varies with the location on the forehead and the pitch frequency, and the vibration patterns differ between participants
Summary
Phonation induces vibration in the air column of the vocal tract, and in body tissues. Body tissue vibrations could cause speakers or singers to experience sympathetic or vibratory sensations. Titze (2001) gave a theoretical explanation of the basis of such sensations, that they occur when aerodynamic energy is efficiently converted into acoustic energy at the glottis. Singers have utilized such sensations to evaluate their own singing statuses. Miller (2004), a vocal coach, affirmed that “When the spectral balance is complete, a singer is aware of sensations in bony structures of the head that are quite different from those of imbalanced phonation.”. Singers have utilized such sensations to evaluate their own singing statuses. Miller (2004), a vocal coach, affirmed that “When the spectral balance is complete, a singer is aware of sensations in bony structures of the head that are quite different from those of imbalanced phonation.” if the vibrations related to these sensations could be observed from outside of the body, the data could likely be used to indicate vocalists’ phonatory states or singing skills
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
