The correspondence of vocal tract resonance with volumes obtained from
magnetic resonance images.
Source
Journal of Speech & Hearing Research. 35(5):1009-23, 1992 Oct.
Abstract
The increasing availability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a
research, and even clinical, tool in speech production makes possible a
wide range of quantitative methods in vocal tract measurement. In these
initial stages of application, it is essential that the limits of the
method be identified. The present investigation was designed to apply the
techniques of digital image analysis and volumetric measurement to MRIs
obtained for the vocal tract during production of continuant speech
sounds, and to apply these measures to a well-established and thoroughly
tested model of acoustic transmission (Stevens & House, 1955). The results
demonstrated that, although there were several sources of relatively large
error and measurement bias, the vocal tract volumes obtained from MRIs
were significantly predictive of vocal tract resonance frequencies. These
results are discussed with respect to limits and potential for future
application of MRI to speech production research.
