ISCA Archive Eurospeech 1997
ISCA Archive Eurospeech 1997

Improving of amplitude modulation maps for F0-dependent segregation of harmonic sounds

Frédéric Berthommier, Georg Meyer

The AM-map model [ 1 ] can. be improved by adding two supplementary integration stages: the pooled map and the identification map. The pooled map's representation corresponds to a systematic bottom-up grouping of the first harmonics extracted at the level of the primary AM map. The identitication map's representation corresponds to a classification of spectra segregated along the pitch axis. This labelling allows selection at the pooled map level of the two salient vowels according to the distribution of energy across the pitch axis. The selected labels are those associated with the higher peaks. During this selection stage, FOs are not given. Simulations show that the model is able to separate spectra according to FO differences. The model therefore predicts qualitatively (1) the ability of listeners to segregate concurrent vowels, and (2) the effects of vowels' duration and relative level on segregation performance.