Developments in the theory of auditory processing of rhythmic signals
have enabled the construction of a robust algorithm for recovery of rh
ythmic grouping structure. This algorithm appears to be effective for
both speech and music signals. The theory upon which the algorithm was
based was inspired by the theory of edge detection in vision. The out
put of the algorithm can be visualised in the form of a ''rhythmogram'
', examples of which are shown for a variety of speech signals. Tile r
elationship between rhythm, time perception and metre is discussed in
the light of a recent ''auditory-motor'' theory of beat induction.