ISBN 978-3-8439-2794-9

978-3-8439-2794-9, Reihe Mikrosystemtechnik

Michael Burdumy
Dynamic Imaging of Singers Using Magnetic Resonance Tomography

180 Seiten, Dissertation Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im Breisgau (2016), Softcover, B5

Zusammenfassung / Abstract

Among medical imaging systems, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a valuable tool to investigate the human anatomical structures during speech and singing. The observed fast modifications of the resonance area above the vocal folds, the vocal tract, require a high temporal resolution of the imaging system. At the same time, the heterogeneous and fine structures of this area require a high spatial resolution. However, in MRI there is a trade-off between these two parameters: an acceleration of the imaging process is difficult to achieve without sacrificing image quality.

This thesis lays a foundation for generating dynamic time-dependent anatomical models of the human vocal tract of performing voice users. The following topics are covered:

• Estimation of the influence of the measurement system on the vocal tract, such as the supine position and acoustic noise.

• Increase of both the speed and the spatial coverage of the acquisition by the use of a non-linear trajectory and parallel imaging methods.

• Optimization of the speed and functionality of the analysis method to allow for acoustic measurements of the models.