Real-time pitch extraction of voiced speech

Abstract

This paper describes a novel speech analysis application which was implemented using a Motorola M68HC11 microcontroller system. This microcontroller-based platform was designed to function as a pitch extractor for voiced speech in real time. In this context, pitch extraction is the identification of individual pitch periods, or glottal cycles, from a raw speech waveform. The system implements a new pitch determination algorithm (PDA) that is based on a progressing wave model of speech generation. The PDA was developed specifically to operate in real-time and to maintain phase characteristics with the raw speech signal. As one possible application, the pitch extractor was incorporated into a dual processor system designed to function as a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)-compatible controller.