ECG Signal Image Standardization Using Fixed-Background Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining the image quality of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals are inadequate, as they are influenced by various camera and environmental factors, leading to altered or skewed image quality assessments.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize an imaging device, processor, and memory to receive an overlay image, identify a captured fixed background and primary image, compare the fixed background image to quality thresholds, and output image modification data based on an image quality score, potentially involving machine learning for iterative adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current image quality determination systems are used for ECG signals, then image quality assessment can be performed, but the assessment is influenced by camera characteristics and environmental factors leading to skewed results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized reference ECG image as an intermediary object to mediate between the captured ECG image and the quality assessment process. This reference image serves as a benchmark that is independent of camera and environmental factors, allowing for objective comparison and eliminating the influence of varying capture conditions on quality determination
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of comparison from direct image analysis to difference calculation between the captured image and reference image. By computing the absolute difference and comparing it against a threshold, the system transforms the quality assessment into a parameter-based evaluation that is immune to camera characteristics and environmental variations
2Productivity
If image quality assessment is performed without standardization, then quick evaluation is possible, but consistency and reliability of assessments are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a standardized reference ECG image that encapsulates ideal quality characteristics. This reference is created beforehand and can be reused for multiple assessments, enabling quick and consistent quality checks without requiring complex real-time analysis for each image
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing the captured ECG image against the standardized reference and providing a binary quality determination based on the difference threshold. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent reliability by always measuring against the same standard while maintaining productivity through automated comparison
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for standardization of electrocardiogram signal images, the apparatus having an imaging device, at least a processor and a memory communicatively connected to the at least a processor, the memory containing instructions configuring the at least a processor to receive an overlay image from the imaging device, identify a captured fixed background image and a captured primary image within the overlay image, wherein the captured primary image includes a plurality of electrocardiogram signals, compare the captured fixed background image to one or more image quality thresholds, determine an image quality score of the primary image as a function of the captured fixed background image, and output one or more image modification datum as a function of the image quality score.