An algorithm for computing the fractal dimension of waveforms

The fractal dimension of a waveform represents a powerful tool for transient detection in signals. In particular, in analysis of electroencephalograms and electrocardiograms, this feature has been used to identify and distinguish specific states of physiological function. We propose a new method of computing fractal dimension (FD) of waveforms. Compared to Higuchi’s algorithm, advantages of this method include greater speed and the criterion to choose the value for Kmin and Kmax. Comparisons with the other waveform fractal dimension algorithms also presented.