Digital Biosignal Processing

by Rolf Weitkunat (Editor)

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is the fundamental tool of biomedical data analysis, just as a telescope is in astronomy. Assuming data has been correctly gathered according to a well-designed protocol, the effectiveness of the application of DSP techniques determines the success of a study. Unfortunately, since DSP is a relatively new branch of electrical engineering and applied mathematics, and is not usually included in the curricula of psychological, biological or medical science educational programs, the vast majority of biomedical researchers are inadequately prepared in DSP, and are thus at a severe disadvantage in conducting their research.

The problem is not easily rectified since DSP is a technically complex area to study, which, at the least, requires prerequisite knowledge of linear algebra, calculus and the physics of electricity. But without at least a working knowledge of common DSP procedures, researchers are reduced to rote application of DSP programs, as is often done with statistics software packages and which is likely to produce erroneous results due to the many application-specific details required to correctly apply DSP techniques to a particular application.

The present volume has been designed to provide the biomedical researcher with a comprehensive and concise means of acquiring an understanding of some of the basic aspects of the application of DSP to biological signals, whilst offering an easily accessible and affordable alternative to often scarce and costly consultants.

601 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 1991