Very high frame rate ultrasound tongue imaging

Abstract

This paper examines the trade-off between temporal and spatial resolution in ultrasound tongue images at fast frame rates. The fastest lingual speech movements are investigated using a variety of echo pulse densities. Benefits and drawbacks of using higher frame rates are considered. Faster frame rates reduce distortion of the shape of the tongue during highly dynamic segments but it becomes increasingly difficult to discern the detail of that shape. The best temporal and spatial resolution is achieved with shorter distances between the probe and the tongue surface.