Vocal jitter and shimmer measurements with a personal computer
David G. Drumright, J. Anthony Seikel, Kim A. Wilcox · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 1987
Vocal fundamental frequency is one of the most widely analyzed components in speech acoustics. As such, there is a need for an efficient and accurate means of producing fundamental frequency data. This paper describes a series of machine language and basic routines that yield average fundamental frequency, vocal jitter, and vocal shimmer measures with a resolution sufficient for most research purposes. The algorithm permits the user to determine major period divisions through an efficient interactive graphic process. The microcomputer is then responsible for computing accurate period and intensity data for each cycle. In the present installation, the accuracy of these procedures is limited only by the 20 000-Hz maximum sampling rate of the hardware. In addition to the f0 analysis routines, programs for high-speed digital sampling, waveform editing, and waveform manipulation have been developed for use with PC-compatible computers. Documentation of the installation, use, and accuracy of the routines will be provided. [Work supported by NINCDS and U. of Kansas General Research Fund.]