Wavelet analysis of fractal systems
AssigneeThe Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
InventorMeir Shinnar
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Abstract
System and method for determining characteristics of a system ideally represented by fractals by using wavelet analysis to determine whether regions of a signal derived from the fractal system are self affine, in particular, using wavelet analysis of an ECG signal to determine whether a patient is at risk for ventricular tachycardia or sudden death.
Claims10
A method of determining characteristics of a signal derived from a fractal system, comprising the steps of:
- a) selecting a region of said signal for analysis which is known to be self affine;
- b) performing wavelet analysis of the selected region to determine whether said region is indeed self affine during normal operation of said fractal system;
- and
- c) determining said characteristics of said fractal system as a function of whether the selected region is self affine.
A method for analyzing an electrocardiogram ("ECG") signal to determine whether a patient is at risk for ventricular tachycardia or sudden death, comprising the steps of:
- a) selecting a region of the ECG signal for analysis;
- b) performing wavelet analysis of the selected region of said ECG signal to determine whether said region is substantially self affine and exhibits no abnormalities or whether said region is not substantially self affine and exhibits abnormalities;
- and
- c) comparing a result of said wavelet analysis to a predetermined threshold to determine whether the selected region of said signal exhibits an abnormality representative of a risk for ventricular tachycardia or sudden death.
A method for determining whether a patient is at risk for ventricular tachycardia or sudden death, comprising the steps of:
- a) using an electrocardiograph to generate an electrocardiogram ("ECG") signal of the patient;
- b) selecting a region of the ECG signal for analysis;
- c) performing wavelet analysis of the selected region of said ECG signal to determine whether said region is substantially self affine and exhibits no abnormalities or whether said region is not substantially self affine and exhibits abnormalities;
- and
- d) comparing a result of said wavelet analysis to a predetermined threshold to determine whether the selected region of said signal exhibits an abnormality representative of a risk for ventricular tachycardia or sudden death.
A system for determining characteristics of a signal derived from a fractal system, comprising:
- a wavelet analysis system adapted to:
- select a region of said signal for analysis which is generally self affine,
- perform wavelet analysis of the selected region to determine whether said region is indeed self affine during normal operation of said fractal system, and
- determine said characteristics of said fractal system as a function of whether the selected region is self affine;
- and
- means for indicating an output of said analysis system to an operator for a determination of said characteristics.
A system for determining whether a patient is at risk for ventricular tachycardia or sudden death, comprising:
- an electrocardiograph adapted to generate an electrocardiogram ("ECG") signal of the patient;
- and
- a computer system adapted to:
- select a region of the ECG signal for analysis,
- perform wavelet analysis of the selected region of said ECG signal to determine whether said region is substantially self affine and exhibits no abnormalities or whether said region is not substantially self affine and exhibits abnormalities, and
- compare a result of said wavelet analysis to a standard indicative of a normal ECG to determine whether the selected region of said signal exhibits an abnormality representative of a risk for ventricular tachycardia or sudden death.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.