High resolution pole-zero analysis of parkinsonian speech

High resolution analysis of voiced speech signals in Parkinsonian patients using a pitch synchronous pole-zero model is introduced. A modified estimation error is defined leading to an accurate and consistent determination of the excitation instants of the model. An infinite resolution in determining these instants, despite the finite sampling interval, is achieved by mapping the discrete (digitized) problem into a continuous one. The proposed analysis was found to be useful in analyzing Parkinsonian speech where the goal was to detect and quantify the Parkinsonian tremor and rigidity from sustained voiced sounds.