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NInFEA: an embedded framework for the real-time evaluation of fetal ECG extraction algorithms

  • Danilo Pani EMAIL logo , Gianluca Barabino and Luigi Raffo
Published/Copyright: December 25, 2012

Abstract

Fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) extraction from non-invasive biopotential recordings is a long-standing research topic. Despite the significant number of algorithms presented in the scientific literature, it is difficult to find information about embedded hardware implementations able to provide real-time support for the required features, bridging the gap between theory and practice. This article presents the NInFEA (non-invasive fetal ECG analysis) tool, an embedded hardware/software framework based on the hybrid dual-core OMAP-L137 low-power processor for the real-time evaluation of fetal ECG extraction algorithms. The hybrid platform, including a digital signal processor (DSP) and a general-purpose processor (GPP), allows achieving the best performance compared with single-core architectures. The GPP provides a portable graphical user interface, whereas the DSP is extensively used for advanced signal processing tasks. As a case study, three state-of-the-art fetal ECG extraction algorithms have been ported onto NInFEA, along with some support routines needed to provide the additional information required by the clinicians and supported by the user interface. NInFEA can be regarded both as a reference design for similar applications and as a common embedded low-power testbed for real-time fetal ECG extraction algorithms.


Corresponding author: Dr. Danilo Pani, DIEE, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d’Armi, 09123 Cagliari, Italy, Phone: +39 070 675 5763, Fax: +39 070 675 5782

This work has been supported by Region of Sardinia, Young Researchers Grant, PO Sardegna FSE 2007–2013, L.R.7/2007 “Promotion of the scientific research and technological innovation in Sardinia.” The authors wish to thank Barbara Cabras, Alessia Dessì, and Mirko Matraxia for their cooperation in this research, and Dr. R. Tumbarello (MD, Head, Division of Paediatric Cardiology of the Hospital “G. Brotzu,” Cagliari, Italy) and his staff for the medical support.

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Received: 2012-5-9
Accepted: 2012-11-15
Published Online: 2012-12-25
Published in Print: 2013-02-01

©2013 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin Boston

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