Real-Time Pitch, Model 5121

The Real-Time Pitch (RTP) software option, Model 5121, for CSL and Multi-Speech provides true real-time pitch and energy displays in addition to robust numerical analysis. It is ideal for speech/voice clinics and language training applications. RTP extracts, and graphically displays, energy and pitch contours in real time (i.e., during capture without delay), saves the input signal for high-fidelity playback of acquired speech, and quantifies relevant speech/voice parameters.

Split-screen mode provides displays for matching 
attempt to target vocalization with pitch
(pink trace) and energy (gray trace) contours.
Extensive statistical calculations can be
performed on any utterance with the click of the
mouse. In the example above, the pitch values
for two signals are analyzed and compared.

Applications

Stress, timing, and intonation patterns, as well as target pitch and/or amplitude values during running speech, can be seen as the client phonates. A split-screen mode allows for target modeling wherein a target utterance can be shown in one view, while the client repeatedly attempts to imitate critical features (e.g., speech rate, prosodic pattern, etc.) in the second view. The target and client attempts can then be played back, analyzed visually, and compared quantitatively. Optional games are offered to help motivate children in therapy (see Model 5167). Application areas include voice, motor speech disorders, hearing impairments, stuttering, and ESL.

Biofeedback

True real-time performance is mandatory for biofeedback tasks. For example, imagine learning to play the piano with a half-second delay between pressing the piano key and hearing the sound. Biofeedback principles require that clients see the speech parameter, without perceptible delay, as they phonate, in order to modify their behavior most effectively. That is because effective biofeedback depends on the non-cognitive learning inherent in real-time feedback. Real-Time Pitch is truly real time.

Pop-up dialog boxes are used to view analysis results.
In the example above, the energy statistics from two 
speech tokens are compared. Note the tabs for selecting
other speech parameters (e.g., pitch) for numerical 
analysis. All results are available for a report.

Analysis

Real-Time Pitch offers an impressive number of measurements that are calculated on any utterance. Two windows of data can be compared. This is useful for tracking a client’s progress through therapy. Extensive analysis programs are included for all aspects of pitch and energy parameters.

Real-Time Pitch can be customized for either
simple biofeedback tasks or sophisticated
analysis. In the display above, a single window 
is used to show pitch (red) and energy (green) 
displays. The cursors can be used to measure 
any point on the graphic plot. Note the horizontal 
lines used to set thresholds for biofeedback tasks.

Built-in Protocols

Real-Time Pitch has built-in protocols for 12 commonly performed clinical biofeedback and assessment functions. This helps make operation quick and easy. A stimulability protocol, for example, very quickly assesses the client’s ability to imitate a pitch contour of a stored token.

Features

• Excellent clinical tool for biofeedback and measurement
• Built-in protocols to perform common clinical evaluation and biofeedback tasks
• Comprehensive graphic and numerical information for reports
• True real-time  performance with pitch extraction for each glottal pulse
• Extensive analysis capabilities to compare two speech samples

Summary

Real-Time Pitch is the most commonly purchased option for Multi-Speech and CSL. It offers comprehensive biofeedback and analysis features for clinicians, linguists, and researchers.

Real-Time Pitch has built-in protocols for performing commonly 
needed clinical measurements. The figure above shows the 
results of the Pitch Range Protocol. The protocol sets up the 
screen display, prompts the client, and calculates the desired 
analysis automatically. Within seconds, the protocol is 
completed and a report can be printed.

• Analysis-Synthesis Laboratory (ASL), Model 5104

• Applied Speech Science for Dysarthrias, Model 5153

• Applied Speech Science for Voice & Resonance Disorders, Model 5156

• Auditory Feedback Tools, Model 3506

• Disordered Voice Database, Model 4337

• Games, Model 5167

• Motor Speech Profile, Model 5141

• Multi-Dimensional Voice Program, Model 5105

• Neuroscience for Human Communications, Model 5155

• Palatometer Database, Model 4333

• Phonetic & Perception Simulation Programs, Model 5151

• Phonetic Database, Model 4332

• Real-Time EGG Analysis, Model 5138

• Real-Time Pitch, Model 5121

• Real-Time Spectrogram, Model 5129

• Respiration, Phonation and Prosody Simulation, Model 5152

• Signal Enhancement Program, Model 5142

• Sona-Match, Model 5127

• Speech Articulation: Animation of Muscle Vectors, Model 5154

• Video Phonetics Program and Database, Model 5150

• Voice Range Profile, Model 4326 

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