ECG Controller Cable Interchange Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting electrocardiogram (ECG) cable interchange are limited in their ability to accurately identify misconnections across different ECG lead systems, particularly in non-standard systems used in monitoring or exercise ECG devices, which can lead to erroneous waveforms and diagnostic reports.

Innovation Solution

An ECG controller that integrates with various ECG devices to detect and classify cable interchanges using a combination of waveform morphology and redundancy-based methods, employing an electrode interface, ECG interpreter, and cable interchange classifier to identify misconnections across standard and non-standard lead systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If morphology-based detection methods are used for ECG cable interchange detection, then detection capability is improved, but the method is limited to standard 12-lead systems and cannot accurately detect interchanges in non-standard lead systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable interchange detection accuracyVSAvoidcompatibility with different lead systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal detection framework that adapts to multiple lead systems (standard 12-lead, Mason-Likar, reduced-lead) by configuring detection algorithms according to the specific lead system being used. The system maintains morphological analysis capabilities while adding system-specific adaptation layers that enable accurate cable interchange detection across different ECG configurations without requiring separate specialized systems for each lead type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If redundancy-based detection methods are used, then detection robustness is improved, but computational complexity increases due to transformation and reconstruction operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection robustnessVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial redundancy analysis by selecting and analyzing only the critical lead combinations necessary for cable interchange detection rather than performing complete ECG reconstruction for all leads. The system identifies minimal sufficient subsets of leads that provide adequate redundancy for detection purposes, reducing computational burden while maintaining detection robustness through targeted analysis of key waveform relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive detection algorithms are implemented for all lead systems, then detection coverage is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverage across lead systemsVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cable interchange detection process into lead-system-specific modules, where each module is optimized for a particular lead system configuration (standard 12-lead, Mason-Likar, reduced-lead). The system first identifies the active lead system type and then activates only the corresponding detection module, avoiding the computational overhead of running comprehensive algorithms across all possible lead systems when only one configuration is present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3277176B1Automatic detection/classification of ECG cable interchange for different ECG lead systems
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP3277176B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3277176B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3277176B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An ECG controller for an ECG device is connectable to a base ECG lead system (e.g., a 12-lead system) whereby the ECG controller implements an ECG waveform morphology based and ECG lead redundancy based detection and classification of any cable interchange (e.g., a limb cable interchange or a precordial cable interchange) between the ECG controller and the base ECG lead system. Alternatively, the ECG controller is further connectable to a sub-base ECG lead system (e.g., a limb only-lead system or a limited precordial-lead system) whereby the ECG controller implements an ECG waveform morphology based detection and classification of any cable interchange (e.g., a limb cable interchange or a precordial cable interchange) between the electrode interface and the sub-base ECG lead system.