ECG Image Standardization Using Fixed Background Quality Scoring
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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 factors such as camera characteristics and environmental conditions, leading to altered or skewed determinations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize an overlay image comprising a fixed background image with a predetermined pattern and a primary image, where an image quality score is generated based on the fixed background image and quality thresholds to standardize ECG signal images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current image quality determination systems are used for ECG signals, then the assessment process is simple, but the measurement precision is poor due to influence from camera characteristics and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
A standardized reference image containing known patterns (such as geometric shapes, text, or color patches) is introduced as an intermediary element. This reference image is captured along with the ECG signal image by the imaging device. The system compares the captured reference image patterns against their known original patterns to objectively quantify image quality parameters such as sharpness, contrast, color accuracy, and distortion, thereby eliminating subjective assessment and reducing the influence of varying camera characteristics and environmental conditions.
2Reliability
If subjective image quality assessment methods are used, then the system complexity is low, but the reliability is poor due to altered or skewed determinations
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures the reference image alongside the ECG signal and automatically compares the captured reference patterns against their known original patterns. This comparison provides objective feedback on image quality parameters. The system can generate quality scores or flags that indicate whether the image meets acceptable quality thresholds, enabling automated decision-making about whether the ECG image is suitable for further analysis or requires retaking.
3Manufacturing precision
If no standardization method is applied, then the ease of operation is high, but the manufacturing precision of image quality is poor due to variations in camera characteristics and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
A standardized reference image with known patterns is prepared and placed in the capture area before the ECG signal is printed or displayed. The imaging device captures both the reference image and the ECG signal in a single operation. This preliminary placement of the reference standard ensures that quality assessment can be performed automatically without requiring complex post-capture adjustments or multiple shooting attempts.
Data Source
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.