ECG Signal Grid Alignment for Precise Interval Reading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis methods face challenges in accurately aligning ECG waveforms with grid lines for precise measurement of intervals, particularly when the intended interval is not aligned with the grid, complicating the reading process.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows independent movement of the ECG signal or grid relative to each other in response to user input, enabling alignment of the ECG waveform with grid squares for precise interval measurement without the need for additional tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the ECG waveform is displayed on a fixed grid without alignment tools, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of ECG intervals deteriorates when the waveform is not aligned with grid lines

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveECG interval measurement precisionVSAvoidalignment tool complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements independent movable components where the ECG waveform and grid can be moved separately relative to each other. This dynamic adjustment allows the waveform to be aligned with grid lines for precise measurement without requiring complex fixed alignment tools, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the display system into independent movable segments: the ECG waveform can be moved independently, and the grid can be moved independently. This segmentation allows flexible alignment adjustments to achieve precise interval measurements while maintaining simple individual components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the ECG waveform and grid are displayed together without independent movement capability, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates when alignment is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveECG interval measurement precisionVSAvoidwaveform alignment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows dynamic independent movement of the ECG waveform and grid through simple user interactions such as dragging. This dynamic capability enables precise alignment when needed while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive touch or click-drag gestures, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If additional alignment tools are added to improve ECG interval measurement precision, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveECG interval measurement precisionVSAvoidalignment tool structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding complex fixed alignment tools, the patent implements simple dynamic movement capability where the waveform or grid can be independently positioned. This dynamic approach achieves precise alignment through basic user actions without increasing device structural complexity, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4628001A1System and method for easy reading of intervals of electrocardiogram signals
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
  • EP4628001A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4628001A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4628001A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method includes receiving an electrocardiogram signal obtained of a subject. The method also includes displaying the electrocardiogram signal over a grid on a display. The grid includes both vertical lines and horizontal lines that define a first of plurality of squares and a second plurality of smaller squares within each square of the first plurality of squares. Both the first plurality of squares and the second plurality of smaller squares represent an interval of time in a horizontal direction. Both the first plurality of squares and the second plurality of squares represent a voltage or electrical potential level in a vertical direction. The method further includes independently moving either the electrocardiogram signal relative to the grid or the grid relative to the electrocardiogram signal to align the electrocardiogram signal with an outer edge of a respective square of the first plurality of squares in response to a user input.