Techniques for field application of lingual ultrasound imaging

Techniques are discussed for using ultrasound for lingual imaging in field-related applications. The greatest challenges we have faced distinguishing the field setting from the laboratory setting are the lack of controlled head/transducer movement, and the related issue of tissue compression. Two experiments are reported. First, a pilot study identifies important factors in controlling head/transducer movement in field settings. Second, an Optotrak/ultrasound study reports the range of head movement in an optimal field-like setting within and across varying phonetic contexts, as well as the effect of tongue tissue compression on tongue image data. Results suggest that with a simple arrangement involving a head rest or surface, a fixed transducer, and careful design and presentation of stimuli, reliable lingual ultrasound data can be collected in the field.