Fast HOS based simultaneous voiced/unvoiced detection and pitch estimation using 3-level binary speech signals

A new fast and robust HOS based algorithm for simultaneous voiced/unvoiced detection and pitch estimation using 3-level binary speech signals is presented. An accurate and reliable voiced/unvoiced detection of a speech signal and associated pitch period estimation from the voiced part is made in coloured noise environments with low SNR. The use of the 3-level binary speech signals dramatically reduces the computational effort required in evaluating the third order cumulant. The superior performance of the new algorithm to the conventional autocorrelation method using real speech signals in low SNR environments is demonstrated