Patent US 5,339,822

An improved method of validating pulse-like, heartbeat-induced physiologic events, such as blood-pressure pulses, is described in relation to vital signs monitoring apparatus that is also capable of monitoring R-waves obtained from an ECG sensor. The method includes the steps of monitoring the occurrence of an R-wave followed by an event of interest, and validating such event based upon analyzing, along with other preselected criteria, a time relationship extant between the R-wave and the event. The validating step includes the steps of noting the time period between selected points of the two occurrences, labeling the time period based on preselected timing criteria, and using the label with other criteria to validate the event. Events whose immediate validation is questionable are placed in a "wait and see" category for future review. The disclosed method further includes the step of repeating the monitoring, noting and labeling steps for successive R-waves and pulses, thus to establish a first measurement cycle. Also, disclosed is a step for adapting the preselected timing criteria based upon already analyzed time relationships.