Camera-Based ECG Digitization for Ejection-Fraction Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical data, such as electrocardiogram (ECG) data, is often recorded on paper and requires manual analysis by specialists, limiting accessibility due to the scarcity of trained professionals.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a camera, network interface, and computing device to capture, process, and digitize ECG data, enabling automatic analysis and display of signal metrics associated with ejection-fraction characteristics, connected to a repository of deidentified patient health information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual analysis by specialists is used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture an image of the physical ECG signal, creating a digital copy that can be processed automatically. This copying approach enables the system to preserve the original signal integrity while allowing multiple automated analyses without requiring the original physical signal, thereby improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision through digital image processing algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual analysis process with an automated computer vision system that uses image processing algorithms to extract ECG features and calculate ejection fraction. This substitution eliminates the need for specialist manual intervention, significantly improving productivity while maintaining or enhancing measurement precision through consistent, repeatable automated measurements
2Measurement precision
If manual analysis by specialists is used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary digitization by capturing the ECG signal as an image using a camera, converting it to digital format in advance. This preliminary digital conversion enables subsequent rapid automated processing without requiring specialist intervention, thereby reducing the overall time loss while preserving measurement precision through algorithmic analysis of the pre-digitized signal
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a digital image copy of the ECG signal, the system enables simultaneous processing without waiting for manual analysis. The copied digital representation can be rapidly processed by algorithms to extract ejection fraction metrics, significantly reducing analysis time while maintaining measurement precision through consistent automated measurements
3Productivity
If automated analysis is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a camera, a ubiquitous multi-functional device, to capture ECG signals instead of requiring specialized medical imaging equipment. This universal device approach simplifies the overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity, as the same camera technology can be used across different settings without requiring complex specialized hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image as an intermediary between the physical ECG signal and the digital analysis process. This intermediary approach simplifies device complexity by using standard camera technology and image processing algorithms rather than requiring complex direct digital conversion hardware, thereby achieving high productivity with simpler system architecture
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems and methods for signal digitization. A system may include a camera; a network interface device; a user interface; and a computing device configured to, using the camera, capture an image of a signal; determine a signal metric as a function of the image of the signal; and using the user interface, display the signal metric to a user; wherein the system is communicatively connected to a repository of deidentified patient health information.