Data processing: speech signal processing – linguistics – language – Speech signal processing – Synthesis
Reexamination Certificate
2007-10-09
2007-10-09
Azad, Abul K. (Department: 2626)
Data processing: speech signal processing, linguistics, language
Speech signal processing
Synthesis
Reexamination Certificate
active
09732122
ABSTRACT:
A speech synthesis system is disclosed that utilizes a pitch contour resulting in a more natural-sounding speech. The present invention modifies the predicted pitch, b(t), for synthesized speech using a low frequency energy booster. The low frequency energy booster interpolates the discrete pitch values, if necessary, and increase the amount of energy of the pitch contour associated with low frequency values, such as all frequency values below 10 Hertz. The amount of energy of the pitch contour associated with low frequency values can be increased, for example, by adding band-limited noise (a carrier signal) to the pitch contour, b(t), or by filtering the pitch values with an impulse response filter having a pole at the desired low frequency value. The present invention serves to add vibrato to the to the original pitch contour, b(t), and thereby improves the naturalness of the synthetic waveform.
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Bakis Raimo
Eide Ellen Marie
Azad Abul K.
International Business Machines - Corporation
Ryan & Mason & Lewis, LLP
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