Method of making a patient monitor

A patient monitor, comprising:

• an electronic device operatively connected to the monitor, the device adapted to measure predetermined signals from a user and to generate therefrom a substantially unique signature specific to the user;
• and
• an electronic storage member operatively connected to the electronic device, the electronic storage member adapted to store the substantially unique signature;
• wherein the electronic device is adapted to compare newly acquired signatures to the substantially unique signature, and to recognize at least one difference from the substantially unique signature, thereby signifying a new user, whereupon the electronic device acquires new predetermined signals and generates therefrom a new substantially unique signature specific to the new user.

A system for recognizing a new user of a cardiac monitor, the system comprising:

• an electronic device operatively connected to the monitor, the device adapted to measure predetermined cardiac signals from a user and to generate therefrom a substantially unique signature specific to the user;
• and
• an electronic storage member operatively connected to the electronic device, the electronic storage member adapted to store the signature;
• wherein the electronic device is adapted to compare newly acquired signatures to the substantially unique signature, and to recognize at least one significant difference from the substantially unique signature, thereby signifying the new user, whereupon the electronic device acquires new predetermined cardiac signals and generates therefrom a new substantially unique signature specific to the new user.

A method for differentiating between a user and a new user of a patient monitor, the method comprising:

• generating a substantially unique first signature of the user;
• generating a second signature;
• and
• comparing the substantially unique first signature and the second signature to determine if the second signature substantially matches the substantially unique first signature;
• wherein substantially similar first and second signatures indicate the user and wherein different first and second signatures indicate the new user.

A method for monitoring a user's identity, the method comprising:

• generating a substantially unique first signature of the user based on measurements of predetermined signals;
• recognizing a lapse in predetermined signal measurements;
• generating a second signature;
• and
• comparing the substantially unique first signature and the second signature to determine if the second signature substantially matches the substantially unique first signature;
• wherein substantially similar first and second signatures identify the user and wherein different first and second signatures identify a new user.