講義「EPGによる舌―口蓋接触計測」（前川喜久雄）／第2回音声生成に関する計測技術に関するハンズオンセミナー

Summary

The transcript discusses the use of EPG (Electrical Palatography) and its significance in studying speech patterns and articulation. The speaker explains the history and development of palatography, highlighting its evolution from direct and indirect methods to dynamic palatography. The importance of understanding the differences in palatal contact patterns for various speech sounds, especially in Japanese, is emphasized. The speaker also mentions the use of modern technology, such as the Complete Speech system, to capture and analyze these patterns, providing valuable insights into speech production and articulatory phonetics.

Takeaways

• 📝 The speaker discusses a session on 'epg', an abbreviation for Electric Paragraph, a device used to record the contact patterns of the tongue's surface and the roof of the mouth during speech.
• 🔍 The epg device is used to study the real-time contact between the tongue and the palate, providing insights into the articulation of speech sounds.
• 🧠 The speaker mentions that the epg technology is particularly useful for understanding the differences in the articulation of certain sounds, such as the distinction between 'D' and 'R' in Japanese.
• 🔬 The script refers to MRI data and how it has been used in conjunction with epg to study speech patterns, highlighting the importance of combining different technologies for comprehensive analysis.
• 🌐 The speaker expresses frustration that the development of dynamic palatography in Japan during the 1960s is often overlooked in favor of British contributions.
• 💡 The epg system used in the demonstration has 124 sensors, which is nearly double the number in the original Japanese system, allowing for more detailed data collection.
• 📈 The data collected by the epg system can be processed and visualized in various ways, such as contact maps and percentage calculations, to understand the patterns of speech sounds.
• 🔑 The speaker had to independently determine the sensor numbers for the epg system due to a lack of provided information, eventually finding the correct order in a research paper.
• 🎥 A demonstration is provided using pre-recorded speech samples to show how the epg system captures the contact patterns in real-time, illustrating the practical application of the technology.
• 💰 The cost of using the epg system is mentioned, including the expense of creating artificial palates for the participants and the investment in the equipment.
• 🔍 The speaker concludes by emphasizing the value of epg and dynamic palatography as a source of information for understanding speech production and articulation.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the script?

The main topic discussed in the script is the use of EPG (Electrical Palatography) and its application in studying the contact patterns of speech sounds, particularly focusing on the differences between certain phonemes like D and R in Japanese.

What does EPG stand for?

EPG stands for Electrical Palatography, a technique that records the contact patterns of the tongue with the palate during speech.

How does the speaker describe the process of creating a sensor for EPG?

The speaker mentions that each participant has to create their own sensor, which is a requirement that cannot be bypassed. The process involves making a device that records the contact between the tongue and the palate.

What is the significance of the research group's work on sensors in the context of the script?

The research group has created sensors for several people, including the speaker. The data from these sensors are used to understand the contact patterns of different speech sounds, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of speech production.

What is the role of MRI in the study mentioned in the script?

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is used to provide real-time visual data of the speech organs in action. It offers断面 (cross-sectional) images that help in understanding the contact patterns of the tongue and palate during speech.

How does the script differentiate between the sounds of 'D' and 'R' in Japanese?

The script differentiates 'D' and 'R' in Japanese by examining the contact patterns revealed through EPG. 'D' shows a solid contact from the teeth to the hard palate, while 'R' has a different pattern, with less contact in the back of the mouth, more akin to the English 'R' sound.

What is the significance of the phenomenon of 'Breathing' mentioned in the script?

The phenomenon of 'Breathing' or 'Embreathing' refers to the movement of the tongue's sides during speech, which affects the contact patterns. It is particularly significant because it can influence the distinction between sounds like 'D' and 'R' in Japanese.

What is the historical context of the Paratograph mentioned in the script?

The Paratograph is a device used for indirect palatography, tracing the contact patterns of the tongue with the palate. The script mentions that it was developed in Japan in the 1960s and has since evolved into more sophisticated forms like the EPG.

What is the role of the software in processing EPG data?

The software processes the raw EPG data, converting the contact patterns into visual and numerical information. It allows researchers to analyze the data in detail, such as by creating CSV files that indicate which sensors were in contact and how frequently, aiding in the study of speech sounds.

What are the limitations mentioned in the use of EPG?

The limitations mentioned include the inability to record continuous speech sounds due to the contact-based nature of EPG. Additionally, the script mentions the challenges in obtaining clear data, especially regarding the contact with the soft palate, and the need for each participant to create their own sensor.

What is the significance of the Complete Speech system mentioned in the script?

The Complete Speech system is a recent development that uses a SmartLight system to capture palatal contact patterns. It is significant because it has a higher number of sensors (124) compared to previous systems, allowing for more detailed data capture, including the patterns of lip contact.

How does the script address the issue of individual differences in speech?

The script acknowledges that individual differences exist in speech patterns but suggests that with a sufficient amount of data, these differences can be minimized, allowing for more generalizable findings.