On the use of spectral peak parameters in voice conversion

International audienceThis paper addresses the problem of low transformed data variance, or "over-smoothing," in spectral transformation for Voice Conversion. In examining a classic GMM-based transformation with cepstral coefficients, we show that this problem lies, not only in the transformation model (as commonly assumed), but also in the choice of spectral parameterization. Consequently, we propose an alternative method for spectral transformation using spectral peaks and an HMM with Gaussian state distributions. The spectral peaks are shown to offer higher inter-speaker feature correlation and yield higher transformed data variance than their cepstral coefficient counterparts. Additionally, the accuracy of the transformed envelopes is examined

On transforming spectral peaks in voice conversion

International audienceThis paper explores the benefits of transforming spectral peaks in voice conversion. First, in examining classic GMMbased transformation with cepstral coefficients, we show that the lack of transformed data variance ("over-smoothing") can be related to the choice of spectral parameterization. Consequently, we propose an alternative parameterization using spectral peaks. The peaks are transformed using HMMs with Gaussian state distributions. Two learning variants and post-processing treating peak evolution in time are also examined. In comparing the different transformation approaches, spectral peaks are shown to offer higher interspeaker feature correlation and yield higher transformed data variance than their cepstral coefficient counterparts

Estimation d'enveloppes spectrales contraintes temporellement pour la conversion de voix

National audienceThis paper presents a new approach to estimating the speech spectral envelope that is adapted for Voice Conversion (VC). In particular, we represent the spectral envelope as a sum of peaks that evolve smoothly in time, within a phoneme. We highlight important properties of our proposed spectral envelope estimation and illustrate its potential for use in a VC context. We analyse natural speech using the proposed methods and we compare results with those from a more traditional frame-by-frame cepstrum-based analysis. Subjective comparisons of synthesized speech quality, as well as implications of this work in future research are also discussed

Alleviating the one-to-many mapping problem in voice conversion with context-dependent modelling

International audienceThis paper addresses the "one-to-many" mapping problem in Voice Conversion (VC) by exploring source-to-target mappings in GMM-based spectral transformation. Specifically, we examine differences using source-only versus joint source/target information in the classification stage of transformation, effectively illustrating a "one-to-many effect" in the traditional acoustically-based GMM. We propose combating this effect by using phonetic information in the GMM learning and classification. We then show the success of our proposed context-dependent modeling with transformation results using an objective error criterion. Finally, we discuss implications of our work in adapting current approaches to VC

Speech Technologies for African Languages: Example of a Multilingual Calculator for Education

International audienceThis paper presents our achievements after 18 months of the ALFFA project dealing with African languages technologies. We focus on a multilingual calculator (Android app) that will be demonstrated during the Show and Tell session

Proposal of a quantitative PCR-based protocol for an optimal Pseudomonas aeruginosa detection in patients with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND: The lung of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is particularly sensitive to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterium plays an important role in the poor outcome of CF patients. During the disease progress, first acquisition of P. aeruginosa is the key-step in the management of CF patients. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) offers an opportunity to detect earlier the first acquisition of P. aeruginosa by CF patients. Given the lack of a validated protocol, our goal was to find an optimal molecular protocol for detection of P. aeruginosa in CF patients. METHODS: We compared two formerly described qPCR formats in early detection of P. aeruginosa in CF sputum samples: a qPCR targeting oprL gene, and a multiplex PCR targeting gyrB and ecfX genes. RESULTS: Tested in vitro on a large panel of P. aeruginosa isolates and others gram-negative bacilli, oprL qPCR exhibited a better sensitivity (threshold of 10 CFU/mL versus 730 CFU/mL), whereas the gyrB/ecfX qPCR exhibited a better specificity (90% versus 73%). These results were validated ex vivo on 46 CF sputum samples positive for P. aeruginosa in culture. Ex vivo assays revealed that qPCR detected 100 times more bacterial cells than culture-based method did. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, we proposed a reference molecular protocol combining the two qPCRs, which offers a sensitivity of 100% with a threshold of 10 CFU/mL and a specificity of 100%. This combined qPCR-based protocol can be adapted and used for other future prospective studies

Estimation du signal glottique basée sur un modèle ARX

·Le but de cet article est d'estimer à partir du seul signal de parole le signal de source glottique. L'utilisation du modèle ARX de production de la parole ainsi que d'un modèle de source glottique transforme ce problème de déconvolution en un problème d'optimisation non linéaire. Nous présentons une méthode efficace pour résoudre ce problème ainsi que des résultats sur signaux synthétiques et réels

Dimer and trimer procyanidins in Carignan and Mourvèdre grapes and red wines

Dimer procyanidins, galloylated or not, and trimers were analysed in the red grapes Carignan and Mourvedre. Procyanidins were extracted from the various parts of the grape bunch and then quantified by HPLC. In Carignan and Mourvedre grapes, procyanidin B2 was the major component in seeds, whereas procyanidin B1 was the major component in stems and skins. Trimeric procyanidins were also present in grapes in larger amounts. Various red wines were produced from Carignan and Mourvedre grapes, using different winemaking procedures: entire crushed harvest, destemmed harvest, carbonic maceration and heating of the harvest. Entire crushed harvest gave red wines with the highest levels of procyanidins. An important release of procyanidins, especially procyanidin B1 from skins and stems, when present, occurred.Procyanidines dimères et trimères des raisins et vins rouges de Carignan et MourvèdreDes procyanidines dimères galloylées et non-galloylées, et trimères sont dosées dans deux cépages rouges: Carignan et Mourvèdre. Les procyanidines sont extraites des différentes parties de la grappe puis quantifiées par CLHP en phase inverse. Dans le raisin de Carignan et de Mourvedre, la procyanidine B2 est la plus abondante dans les pepins, tandis que la procyanidine B1 est la plus abondante dans les rafles et pellicules. Les procyanidines trimères sont aussi présentes en quantités importantes. Différents vins rouges ont été élabores à partir des cépages Carignan et Mourvèdre, en utilisant plusieurs téchniques de vinification: vendange foulée; vendange éraflée, macération carbonique et le chauffage de la vendange. Les quantités les plus abondantes de procyanidines sont obtenues dans des vins issus d'une vendange entière et foulée