Converting ECG and other paper legated biomedical maps into digital signals

TL;DR

This paper introduces a cost-effective Matlab-based digital signal processing tool for converting analog biomedical maps, like ECG and EEG charts, into digital signals without specialized hardware, enhancing medical data management.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel software approach for digitizing paper-based biomedical signals, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware and facilitating modernization of medical facilities.

Findings

Efficient digitalization of ECG and EEG charts achieved

Low-cost software solution suitable for existing analog devices

Improves patient follow-up through digital data integration

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.