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Optimisation of computer ECG processing
BOOK REVIEW
Optimisation of Computer ECG Processing, Edited by H. K. Wolf and P. W. Macfarlane, North-Holland Publishing Co., Amsterdam, 1980, ($48.75). This book represents the proceedings of the IFIP Technical Committee Four Working Conference on ECG Processing which was held in Halifax, Nova Scotia in June, 1979, and the editors and publishers are to be congratulated on producing the book within six months of the conclusion of the Conference. The Book has the appearance of being typewritten but is right hand justified presumably through the use of computer methods. The theme of the Conference was optimisation and, in the main, the papers strive to present the optimum methods for (1) data acquisition which includes recording techniques, choice of lead system etc.; (2) data compression techniques for storage and telephone transmission of ECGs; (3) morphological analysis of ECG wave forms; (4) diagnostic techniques including fuzzy set theory and linguistic concepts; (5) total system for acquisition, storage and retrieval of data. By and large the papers presented are at the forefront of techniques and the book, therefore, is not really for the amateur wishing to be appraised of basic methods of ECG interpretation by computer. Rather it will serve as an excellent reference volume for those active in this field and will complement the earlier publication of the Amsterdam 1976 meeting also sponsored by IFIP TC4 in which the various systems available were discussed. A good percentage of the book consists of discussion following various contributions and the editors would appear to have put a great deal of work into ensuring that the discussion is coherent and meaningful. There is much of interest to be found in these sections also. It is of interest to note the development of techniques in Japan where many manufacturers favour the use of an output which presents the Minnesota Code. Although actual numbers processed by computer in Japan are still relatively 441 Znt. J. Bio-Medical Computing (11) (1980) 441-442 @ Elsevier/North-Holland Scientific Publishers Ltd.
442
BOOK REVIEW
small (0.3% of all ECGs) the high density living creates the enormous potential for centralised ECG interpretation where in the Tokyo/Tokyo area for example over 22 million people live within a local telephone call of an ECG computer system. The book costs approximately f25 and is published by North-Holland Publishing Co. Limited. It will form a most useful addition to the departmental libraries of those groups interested in this area though it is not recommended for the cardiologist or physician with an interest in electrocardiography. T.D.V.
LAWRIE
Optimisation of Computer ECG Processing, Edited by H. K. Wolf and P. W. Macfarlane, North-Holland Publishing Co., Amsterdam, 1980, ($48.75). This book represents the proceedings of the IFIP Technical Committee Four Working Conference on ECG Processing which was held in Halifax, Nova Scotia in June, 1979, and the editors and publishers are to be congratulated on producing the book within six months of the conclusion of the Conference. The Book has the appearance of being typewritten but is right hand justified presumably through the use of computer methods. The theme of the Conference was optimisation and, in the main, the papers strive to present the optimum methods for (1) data acquisition which includes recording techniques, choice of lead system etc.; (2) data compression techniques for storage and telephone transmission of ECGs; (3) morphological analysis of ECG wave forms; (4) diagnostic techniques including fuzzy set theory and linguistic concepts; (5) total system for acquisition, storage and retrieval of data. By and large the papers presented are at the forefront of techniques and the book, therefore, is not really for the amateur wishing to be appraised of basic methods of ECG interpretation by computer. Rather it will serve as an excellent reference volume for those active in this field and will complement the earlier publication of the Amsterdam 1976 meeting also sponsored by IFIP TC4 in which the various systems available were discussed. A good percentage of the book consists of discussion following various contributions and the editors would appear to have put a great deal of work into ensuring that the discussion is coherent and meaningful. There is much of interest to be found in these sections also. It is of interest to note the development of techniques in Japan where many manufacturers favour the use of an output which presents the Minnesota Code. Although actual numbers processed by computer in Japan are still relatively 441 Znt. J. Bio-Medical Computing (11) (1980) 441-442 @ Elsevier/North-Holland Scientific Publishers Ltd.
442
BOOK REVIEW
small (0.3% of all ECGs) the high density living creates the enormous potential for centralised ECG interpretation where in the Tokyo/Tokyo area for example over 22 million people live within a local telephone call of an ECG computer system. The book costs approximately f25 and is published by North-Holland Publishing Co. Limited. It will form a most useful addition to the departmental libraries of those groups interested in this area though it is not recommended for the cardiologist or physician with an interest in electrocardiography. T.D.V.
LAWRIE