In this paper, the Minimum Entropy Deconvolution (MED) method, develop
ed for seismic signals, is used to address the problem of period estim
ation in periodic and quasi-periodic sequences. First, a very intuitiv
e explanation of the MED method is given, using a geometric approach.
Then, periodic sequences, which can be viewed as the result of a convo
lutional process similar to that of seismic signals, are postulated as
candidates to be processed by the method. Tests performed on a set of
signals - including natural and artificial, periodic and quasiperiodi
c - produce filter outputs showing the desired comb-type shape. These
output markers are successfully used in individual period determinatio
n. The MED algorithm operating conditions that lead to useful results
are described. In order to introduce the application of the MED method
to the problem of pitch determination, voiced speech sequences are in
cluded among the examples shown. A complete test set of the Spanish vo
wels is used to evaluate the performance of the method as a pitch esti
mator. Results obtained and their qualitative validation reveal its ro
bustness, even for individual period measurement.