ECG Paper Records Digitization through Image Processing Techniques

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the most practiced methods to detect any abnormalities in heart function. ECG results are available as paper records. This leads to Archival and retrieval of patient's paper ECG records as a common practice for diagnosis of ailments. This process requires large storage space and extensive manual effort. This paper discusses method that involves processing of ECG paper records by an efficient and iterative set of digital image processing techniques for the conversion of ECG paper image data to time series digitized signal form, resulting in convenient storage and retrieval of ECG information. The method involves calculation of Heart rate, QRS Width and Stability (variation in R-R peaks) from the extracted signal. Comparison of the above calculated parameters with the manually calculated parameters shows an accuracy of 96.4%, hence proves the effectiveness of the process. This paper also proposes the development of fuzzy based ECG diagnosis system that assists the doctor in diagnosis.