Converting ECG and other paper legated biomedical maps into digital signals

Abstract

This paper presents a digital signal processing tool developed using MatlabTM, which provides a very low-cost and effective strategy for analog-to-digital conversion of legated paper biomedical maps without requiring dedicated hardware. This software-based approach is particularly helpful for digitalizing biomedical signals acquired from analogical devices equipped with a plottingter. Albeit signals used in biomedical diagnosis are the primary concern, this imaging processing tool is suitable to modernize facilities in a non-expensive way. Legated paper ECG and EEG charts can be fast and efficiently digitalized in order to be added in existing up-to-date medical data banks, improving the follow-up of patients. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.