A multispeaker dataset of raw and reconstructed speech production real-time MRI video and 3D volumetric images

Real-time magnetic resonance imaging (RT-MRI) of human speech production is enabling significant advances in speech science, linguistics, bio-inspired speech technology development, and clinical applications. Easy access to RT-MRI is however limited, and comprehensive datasets with broad access are needed to catalyze research across numerous domains. The imaging of the rapidly moving articulators and dynamic airway shaping during speech demands high spatio-temporal resolution and robust reconstruction methods. Further, while reconstructed images have been published, to-date there is no open dataset providing raw multi-coil RT-MRI data from an optimized speech production experimental setup. Such datasets could enable new and improved methods for dynamic image reconstruction, artifact correction, feature extraction, and direct extraction of linguistically-relevant biomarkers. The present dataset offers a unique corpus of 2D sagittal-view RT-MRI videos along with synchronized audio for 75 subjects performing linguistically motivated speech tasks, alongside the corresponding first-ever public domain raw RT-MRI data. The dataset also includes 3D volumetric vocal tract MRI during sustained speech sounds and high-resolution static anatomical T2-weighted upper airway MRI for each subject.Comment: 27 pages, 6 figures, 5 tables, submitted to Nature Scientific Dat

Influences on articulatory timing in consonant sequences

This paper presents an experimental study of articulatory timing in English consonant sequences using electropalatography (EPG). Ef fects of consonantal place, manner, and syllable structure on reduction and temporal overlap are considered. The results evidence reduction in coda position and show that stops are more subject to coda reduction than are fricatives. Coronal consonants are shown to be more overlapped by a following velar stop than a velar stop is by a following coronal. Stops are more overlapped by a following consonant than are fricatives. Finally, an onset cluster is shown to be less overlapped and less variable in its timing than coda clusters and heterosyllabic sequences. These findings support the claim that inter-gestural coordination is variable and af fected by linguistic factors—both gestural and prosodic. ÷ 1996 Academic Press Limited

Discovering speech, words, and mind/ Byrd

viii, 308 hal.: ill, tab.; 25 cm