Automatic analysis of printed biological signals
Velimir Išgum, Dalibor Mitrović · Croatian Medical Journal · 1993
Aims. Development of a technique supported by a computer program for quantitative analysis and storing of printed biological signals. Methods. The paper records of the H-reflex electromyographic signal, the electrocardiogram and the book print of auditory evoked potential were scanned using Logitech Hand Held Scanner. The computer program assigned the abscissa and ordinate values to a single element of the scanned signal, producing a series of numbers representing a numerical curve. For the paper records with variable trace thickness and contrast, the program: plied a mathematical algorithm for the calculation of the ordinate mean value and linear interpolation of the m sing segments. The functions for numerical waveform analysis and curve manipulation were also included. Results. The numerical curves obtained after the processing of scanned signals are presented with examples of waveform analysis, including the assessment of the latency, amplitude of characteristic points and surface value under the selected curve segment. The accuracy and reproducibility of numerical values were checked using serial scanning and conversion procedure. Conclusions. The results confirm the value of the presented technique, offering the possibility of autonomic quantitative analysis and storing of paper records and prints in biology and medicine.