ECG Data Visualization Using Linear Timeline Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for displaying electrocardiogram (ECG) data on computer screens are inefficient in showing large periods of time and navigating, annotating, and handling the data effectively, as they require extensive paper usage and are not optimized for digital visualization.
Innovation Solution
A method of displaying ECG data on a computer screen using elongated rectangular portions with multiple single-axis graphs aligned transversally, where each graph represents a successive period of time, using color or tone scales for magnitude values, and a contrasting area to show rhythmic information, allowing for user-defined zones and automatic heartbeat recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional 2D graph display is used, then ECG data can be visualized with magnitude on Y-axis and time on X-axis, but the display becomes compressed and cannot show large periods of time effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional 2D graph display into a 1D linear timeline display. Instead of using a compressed 2D graph where time and magnitude are both represented, the invention uses a single horizontal axis to represent time sequentially, with each heartbeat displayed as a separate graphical element along the time axis. This dimensional change allows the display to accommodate large time periods without compression, as each heartbeat is explicitly represented in sequence along the time dimension rather than being compressed into a 2D plot.
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple single-axis graphs are displayed side-by-side to show more heartbeats, then time coverage increases, but the display complexity and navigation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ECG data into individual heartbeat events, with each heartbeat represented as a separate graphical element along a single linear timeline. This segmentation allows the system to display multiple heartbeats sequentially without creating multiple separate graphs. Each heartbeat is an independent unit that can be individually interacted with, while all heartbeats share a common time axis, simplifying the overall display structure compared to showing multiple simultaneous 2D graphs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic navigation capabilities that allow the display to adaptively adjust the visible portion of the timeline based on user interaction. The system can dynamically pan, zoom, and focus on specific time periods or heartbeat ranges, transforming the static linear timeline into an interactive dynamic view. This dynamic behavior enables users to navigate through large time periods efficiently without needing to manually scroll through multiple fixed graphs, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining comprehensive time coverage.
3Loss of information
If ECG data is displayed to show large time periods, then comprehensive data visibility is achieved, but data processing and navigation become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of the ECG data by automatically detecting and segmenting individual heartbeat events before display. The system pre-processes the continuous ECG signal to identify heartbeat onsets and offsets, creating a structured representation of discrete heartbeat events with associated features (P, Q, R, S, T peaks). This preliminary action simplifies the display of large time periods, as the system can navigate through pre-segmented heartbeat events rather than processing continuous raw data, reducing the complexity of data handling while maintaining complete data visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
This specification describes a method of visually displaying electrocardiogram data in a compressed manner on the display screen wherein rhythmic information is visible and a method of categorizing zones of the electrocardiogram data.