Methods and tools for generating and managing ecgML-based information

There is a need to develop methods to harmonize electrocardiogram data representation and management. An extensible markup language vocabulary for electrocardiogram data encoding and analysis, ecgML, illustrates an alternative to support intelligent and system-independent electrocardiogram information management. In order to facilitate the development of ecgML-based applications, this paper presents tools for managing this type of information. Emphasis has been placed on the design of the ecgMLgenerator and ecgMLbrowser. An information visualization application, which automatically transforms data from the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database into ecgML format, is discussed. Recommendations on future research directions to support XML-based ECG information integration are provided. The tools are freely available on request from the authors.