Semia: semi-automatic interactive graphic editing tool to annotate ambulatory ECG records

We designed and developed a special purpose interactive graphic editing tool semi-automatic (Semia) to annotate transient ischaemic ST segment episodes and other non-ischaemic ST segment events in 24h ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) records. The tool allows representation and viewing of the data, interaction with the data globally and locally at different resolutions, examining data at any point, manual adjustment of heart-beat fiducial points, and manual and automatic editing of annotations. Efficient and fast display of ambulatory ECG signal waveforms, display of diagnostic and morphology feature-vector time-series, dynamic interface controls, and automated procedures to help annotate, made the tool efficient, user friendly and usable. Human expert annotators used the Semia tool to successfully annotate the Long-Term ST database (LTST DB), a result of a multinational effort. The tool supported paperless editing of annotations at dislocated geographical sites. We present design, characteristic "look and feel", functionality, and development of Semia annotating tool.