Qualitative and quantitative aspects in the design of periodicity estimation algorithms

Several approaches have been taken to estimate the fundamental frequency of periodic or pseudoperiodic acoustic signals. However, since the algorithms operate in different transform domains, it has proven difficult to combine the desirable features of different algorithms, and to utilize simulation results across domains. In this paper, we set out to define a common ground on which to investigate the underlying models of different periodicity estimation algorithms. Implications of the analysis are applied in a new algorithm which aims at combining several advantages. Validation experiments were made using a database of musical instrument sounds, both in noise and in harmonic interference.