Non-invasive on-line observation of tongue dynamics and its clinical application.

利用超声波技术，我们已经报告了舌头的配置和动态过程中的语音产生。由于舌头的超声图像在很大程度上取决于超声探头（发射器和接收器）的角度和位置，因此必须监测探头的角度和位置。在这项研究中，我们已经开发出的系统，使我们能够监测探头在实验过程中使用的位置传感器（PSD）。来自PSD的位置信息被输入计算机。在计算机的辅助下，利用探头位置的坐标值对超声舌图像进行修正。通过该系统，还可以在同一CRT屏幕上显示腭部结构，该CRT屏幕用作声道测量的参考点。本研究对该系统的临床应用进行了探讨，研究了说话速度对下颌运动和舌运动的影响，并对肌萎缩侧索硬化症和脊髓小脑营养不良症进行了研究。从这项研究中，可以得出结论，即使是构音障碍语音的声学印象是相同的，发音手势是不同的情况下。建议按基地制定训练计划。超声技术可用于评估病理性构音障碍患者的发音，并可作为构音障碍患者的训练工具。为了研究声道的声学特性，有必要了解三维测量。为此，我们采用了磁共振成像技术。通过初步的研究，我们可以重建持续元音发音时的三维声道模型。我们正计划利用超音波技术来建立一个动态的声道模型。

Using the ultrasonic technique, we have reported on the tongue configuration and dynamics during speech production. Since the ultrasonic images of the tongue are greatly dependent on the angle and position of the ultrasonic probe ( emitter and receiver ), it is essential to monitor the angle and position of the probe. In this study, we have developed the system which enables us to monitor the probe during experiment by using a position sensing device (PSD). The positional information from the PSD are fed into the computer. The ultrasonic tongue images are modified using the coordinate values of the probe position by the aid of the computer. By this system, it is also possible to display the palatal configuration on the same CRT screen which serves as reference points for the vocal tract measurement. Possibility of clinical application of the system was evaluated.To standardise the vowel articulation, influences of speaking rate on the jaw and the tongue movement were investigated.As for the pathological cases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinocelleberal dystrophy were investigated. From this study, it can be concluded that even the acoustic impression of the dysarthric speech is the same, articulatory gestures are different case by case. It is suggested that it is preferable to make a training program by individual bases. It is also concluded that the ultrasonic technique can be used to evaluate a pathological articulation and can be used as a training tool for dysarthric patients.In order to investigate the acoustic characteristics of the vocal tract, it is necessary to know the three dimensional measures. We employed the magnetic resonance imaging technique for this purpose. From this preliminary study, we could reconstruct the three dimensional vocal tract model during sustained vowels. We are planning to use the ultrasonic technique to construct a dynamic model of the vocal tract.