Using contexts and R-R interval estimation in lossless ECG compression

Comput Methods Programs Biomed. 2002 Mar;67(3):177-86. doi: 10.1016/s0169-2607(01)00126-2.

Abstract

The paper presents a new lossless ECG compression scheme. The short-term predictor and the coder use conditioning on a small number of contexts. The long-term prediction is based on an algorithm for R-R interval estimation. Several QRS detection algorithms are investigated to select a low complexity and reliable detection algorithm. The coding of prediction residuals uses primarily the Golomb-Rice (GR) codes, but, to improve the coding results, escape codes GR-ESC are used in some contexts for a limited number of samples. Experimental results indicate the good overall performance of the lossless ECG compression algorithms (reducing the storage needs from 12 to about 3-4 bits per sample). The scheme consistently outperforms other waveform or general purpose coding algorithms.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Electrocardiography / methods*
  • Heart / physiopathology*
  • Humans