Recollections on the processing of biomedical signals

ABSTRACT

The processing of biomedical signals took many steps forward in the two decades that followed the introduction of digital computers to the field in the late 50s. Along with my colleagues at the Central Institute for the Deaf and at the Biomedical Computer Laboratory, I was privileged to participate in this exciting early period of biomedical computing. Some of my experiences with projects, both successful and unsuccessful, in evoked response audiometry, neurophysiology, fetal electrocardiography, radiation treatment planning, electrocardiographic rhythm analysis and ambulatory monitoring of electrocardiographic rhythms are described. These recollections give less attention to scientific results than they do to selected anecdotes and observations.

REFERENCES

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• 2: Clark, W. A., R. M. Brown, M. H. Goldstein, C. E. Molnar, D. F. O'Brien and H. F. Zieman: The Average Response Computer (ARC)- A Digital Device for Computing Averages and Amplitude and Time Histograms of Electro- Physiological Responses. IRE Trans. Biomed. Electronics, 1961, BMF~8:46-51.
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• 6: Davis, H., A. M. Engebretson~ E. L. Lowell, T. Mast, J. Satterfield and N. Yoshie: Evoked Responses to Clicks Recorded from the Human Scalp. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci., 1964, 112:224- 225.
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• 8: Eldredge, D. H.: Personal communication, 1987.
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• 15: Cox, J. R., H. A. Fozzard, F. M. Nolle, G. C. Oliver: AZTEC, a Preprocessing Program for Real-Time Rhythm Analysis. IEEE Trans. on Bio-Med. Engr., April 1968, BM~15 :2 :128-129 .
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• 17: Nolle, F. M. and K. W. Clark: Detection of Premature Ventricular Contractions Using an Algorithm for Cataloging QRS Complexes. Proe. of the San Diego Biomedical Symposium, March 1971, 10:85-97.
• 18: Oliver, G. C., F. M. Nolle, A. J. Tiefenbrunn, K. W. Clark: A Study of the Effect of the Argus Computer System on Treatment Actions in a Coronary Care Unit. The American Journal of Cardiology, 1972, 29' 284.
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• 20: Hermes, R. E. and G. C. Oliver: Use of the American Heart Association Database. in Ambulatory Electrocardiographic Recording. N. K. Wenger, M. B. Mock and I. Ringqvist (eds), Year Book Medical Publishers, Chicago, 1981: 165-18t.
• 21: Chernoff, D., T. Lee, G. Moody and R. Mark: Evaluation of R-R Interval Predictors Using an Annotated ECG Database. Proc. of Computer in Cardiology, 1981: 359-362.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.3 SPECIAL-PURPOSE AND APPLICATION-BASED SYSTEMS
      Subjects: Signal processing systems

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.9 Robotics
          Subjects: Sensors

  J. Computer Applications
  J.3 LIFE AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
      Subjects: Health; Biology and genetics

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.2 HISTORY OF COMPUTING
      Subjects: Systems

General Terms:
Experimentation, Human Factors