Open standard for digital EEG files?

[Erik Nordh <erik.nordh@neuro.umu.se>]

When reading some old postings to the list, I noticed the request below. Perhaps some member of the list has already been able to help this guy, but the message indirectly brings up an interesting question, namely do we have any more accepted file standar






d for transferring digital recordings of bioelectric signals in general and of EEG records in particular?

As you certainly know there are several manufacturers of digital EEG equipment, all probably hoping that just their particular file format eventually will be the de-facto standard (simply because of the fact that they have sold the most machines). Some ma






nufacturers also offer possibilities of reading other files into their systems. But as often in commercial settings no one is really interested in providing their competitors with details which may indirectly reveal secrets about their own systems. Should






n't the ideal situation be an open file standard, as for example Apple's QuickTime standard for AV-files?

The situation somewhat resembles what happened when digital X-ray equipment was introduced. Initially Kodak and Agfa was reluctant to define an open standard for the digital images, but when a small Swedish company declared that it would provide an open s






ystem with open file standard, almost immediately capturing 20-30% of the market, the giants turned and suddenly an open file standard was created quickly.

I guess that all this list is a good place to discuss these matters, as those attached to it probably are the most "computer minded" neurophysiologists ;-) ??

Thus; how sholud an ideal standard be outlined??? (Think of it in detail: which data do we need from a clinical, biological and administrative point of view, and which technical requirements have to be met - in ASCII/TXT format, binary format or  perhaps 






only curve images in "Adobe Acrobat"/PDF format or similar; and which tecknical information is needed - settings from the original recording and reviewing such as sampling rate, gain, filter, remarks, etc.). How and where can this standardizing work be ca






rried on outside this list - nationally, at international meetings, in separate work groups, through industrial cooperation?

Regards
/Erik




----------  COPY OF MESSAGE FROM DECEMBER 13:th  -97  ---------------------------

>  I am a student working on the analysis of Brain signals ( mainly
>  epilepsy ) .Is it possible to download a file which has the
>  continous monitoring of the patient before , during and after
>  the seizure . The seizure should be a naturally occuring one.
>  I am interested in the prediction of the seizure.
>  I would be very thankful if you could provide me this file.
>
>Thanking you
>
>N.RadhaKrishnan