A multichannel template based data compression algorithm

Data compression methods for electrocardiogram (EGG) signals play an important role in computer processing and analysis of ECG. Ambulatory monitoring of ECG (AECG) is the area of application which mostly benefits from data compression techniques. AECG is usually done using the conventional Holter monitor, which consists of a 24 hour, 2-channel, analog, cassette recording of the EGG. Modern Holter monitors with digital memory cards are now expected to improve fidelity of recording and decrease system size. The cost of high capacity integrated memory cards makes it convenient to store ECG samples in compact form. A powerful template matching algorithm (ABS) has been recently introduced. The authors present a method which improves ABS algorithm, in order to achieve a better compression ratio as well as faster processing.<>