Computer Program for Pitch Extraction

It is assumed that pitch extraction obtained by visual inspection of a speech wave is the best pitch extraction obtainable. A computer program has been written which aims to detect pitch as well as this ideal. The program features three separate tests and a method of combining them which gives a composite result which is better than any of the individual tests. For most of the sentences tried, the computer results were as good as the “ideal.” Informal listening indicates that a pitch detector which performed as well as the program would appreciably enhance Vocoder quality.