Significant points: pitch period detection as a problem of segmentation.

In this article the problem of pitch period detection is discussed. The following statements concerning the nature of the problem are made: (1) Pitch period detection is a segmentation problem (in the technical sense of segment). (2) 'Significant points' are required as boundary points for the definition of segments. (3) There exists a visual recognition mode for segments in the speech signal. This implies the recognition of 'significant points'. (4) The visually recognized segments may be related to auditorily recognized segments. Then an algorithm ('skeletization') is presented, which selects 'significant' points. The 'significance' of these points is examined. Characteristic properties of the suggested solution are discussed.