Accurate pitch estimation using digital filters

A new concept for the estimation of the pitch of speech signals is presented which is based on linear digital filtering. The digital filter consists basically of a multiple integrating filter combined with a notch filter at zero-frequency to improve the unfavourable transient behaviour of the integrating filter. A usual peak picker completes the configuration. The accuracy of the propsed pitch estimator is investigated theoretically; analysing a synthetic complex speech-like signal with prescribed pitch, the theoretical accuracy statements are controlled. The application of the proposed method is demonstrated by the analysis of natural speech signals.