Detecting missing signals in multichannel recordings by using higher order statistics

In real world applications, a multichannel acquisition system is susceptible of having one or many of its sensors displaced or detached, leading therefore to the loss or corruption of the recorded signals. In this paper, we present a technique for detecting missing or corrupted signals in multichannel recordings. Our approach is based on Higher Order Statistics (HOS) analysis. Our approach is tested on real uterine electromyogram (EMG) signals recorded by 4×4 electrode grid. Results have shown that HOS descriptors can discriminate between the two classes of signals (missing vs. non-missing). These results are supported by statistical analysis using the t-test which indicated good statistical significance of 95% confidence level.