Objective analysis of human pulse based on traditional Chinese medicine pulse matrix

Pulse diagnosis, an important part of Chinese traditional medicine (TCM), has developed over thousands of years and is still valued and applied worldwide. The process of pulse diagnosis necessitates extensive training and practice by physicians, necessitating the objectification of pulse diagnosis. However, the existing studies on the definition and description of pulse waveforms are incomplete, and the standards for objectification vary, which to some extent affects the further development of pulse diagnosis in TCM. In this research, a concept of pulse matrix is introduced and the definition and description of 13 pulse signals are accomplished through a literature review combined with the characterization methods in time and frequency domains, and a new method of pulse recognition based on Spearman's rank correlation coefficient is introduced. For a single pulse signal, the recognition of the pulse was completed. For continuous pulse signals, a random pulse signal generator was constructed, and the recognition of continuous pulse. Through the recognition experiments of single pulse, continuous pulse and real pulse, the effectiveness and rationality of the method are proved. It provides a promotion for the modern development of TCM pulse diagnosis. With the continuous progress of technology and the deepening of interdisciplinary cooperation, it is believed that TCM will usher in a prosperous development in the near future.