Amplitude index for the quality assessment of pulsatile signals in noise

Abstract

The aim of this work is to measure the quality of pulsatile signals in noise, primarily physiological signals, focusing on the photoplethysmogram, recorded from body sensor networks and wearable devices. Mathematical model with computational simulation is presented in this process. First, a formula for SNR is deduced and an amplitude index is proposed. Then the interaction of physiological parameters, such as heart rate, with noise in determining the SNR is discussed theoretically and verified by simulation experiment. At last, the corresponding methods to improve the signal quality are suggested. The results of this study can be applied to any physiological pulse train.