ECG Signal Processing System for Automated Parameter Extraction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ECG signal analysis methods are time-consuming and prone to errors due to the need for manual interpretation and averaging, which can lead to loss of information and incorrect diagnoses, especially in stressful medical environments where precise comparison of heart activity is challenging.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for quick and precise analysis of ECG data that processes raw signals from multiple leads without averaging, allowing for direct comparison of parameters to predefined criteria for various diseases, with visualization tools to support diagnosis and enable selection or adjustment of criteria for accurate diagnosis suggestions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual interpretation and averaging methods are used for ECG signal analysis, then diagnostic thoroughness is improved, but analysis time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ECG analysis process is segmented into distinct functional modules: signal acquisition from multiple leads, automated parameter extraction (QRS detection, interval measurement, amplitude calculation), criterion comparison engine, and diagnosis generation. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple parameters simultaneously, reducing overall analysis time while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic evaluation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical interpretation with an automated computer-based system that electronically processes ECG signals. The system uses algorithms to detect waves, measure intervals, and compare parameters against predefined criteria, eliminating the time-consuming manual measurement process while maintaining or improving diagnostic accuracy through consistent, error-free automated analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If averaging methods are applied to ECG signals, then noise reduction is achieved, but information loss and measurement precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidsignal accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts relevant ECG parameters (QRS duration, amplitude, intervals) directly from raw signals without applying averaging operations. By taking out only the essential diagnostic features through automated detection algorithms, the system avoids the information loss inherent in averaging while still achieving noise reduction through selective parameter extraction and digital filtering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the approach from signal averaging to parameter-based analysis. Instead of averaging the actual ECG waveforms, the system extracts key parameters from individual beats and analyzes these parameters directly, preserving the unique characteristics of each beat while achieving robust noise reduction through statistical analysis of parameter values across multiple beats

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If comprehensive manual measurement of all parameters is performed, then diagnostic completeness is improved, but operator skill requirements and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic completenessVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ECG analysis system performs self-service by automatically acquiring signals, detecting waves, measuring all relevant parameters (intervals, amplitudes, durations), and comparing results against diagnostic criteria without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously generates a comprehensive diagnosis report, eliminating the need for operator skill in manual measurement techniques while maintaining complete diagnostic evaluation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal automated analysis system that handles multiple ECG parameters, various diagnostic criteria (adult, pediatric, athletic), and different pathological conditions through a single integrated platform. This multi-functional system replaces the need for specialized manual measurement skills by providing consistent, standardized analysis across all parameter types and patient populations

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

4Measurement precision

If traditional ECG analysis methods are used, then detailed parameter measurement is achieved, but visualization and comparison capabilities are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter measurementVSAvoidvisualization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system adds a digital visualization dimension to traditional ECG analysis by displaying measured parameters graphically with reference ranges, criterion breach indicators, and automated annotations on the ECG trace. This dimensional enhancement allows precise parameter measurement results to be visually represented with color-coded alerts and structured layouts, improving interpretability without adding physical complexity to the measurement process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10918295B2System and method for ECG signal processing
Publication Date: 2021.02.16 BTL MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT A S
  • US10918295B2 patent drawing
  • US10918295B2 patent drawing
  • US10918295B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems provide for quick and precise analysis of ECG data, with a simple and understandable visualization and an effective way of communicating the proposed diagnosis suggestion to the medical personnel. Systems and methods detect electrical potentials from at least one lead and process at least one signal. The measurement itself may be executed on the raw signal, to compare measured parameters with a set of criterions related to various diseases, for example to sudden death syndrome.