Graticule with cursors

Abstract

An improved graphical recorder display system for obtaining an accurate record of one or more sensed and displayed parameter values, such as associated with one or more vital signs of a patient. The system includes a writing surface medium, such as a chart paper on a drum; means for advancing the writing surface medium relative to a galvanometer pen means, the pen means being adapted for scribing on the writing surface in a direction transverse to the direction of relative advance of the chart paper; means for generating time-incremented electrical signals for extension to the galvanometer pen means during a predetermined period for scribing a graticule on the chart paper; means, such as a dither signal, selectively extendible to the galvanometer pen means for scribing one or more cursors on the chart paper; and means providing control signals representative of one or more respective vital sign parameter values for controlling the application of the dither signal to the galvanometer pen means such that the resulting cursors are in accurately timed relation to the graticule. The dither signal is available in different amplitudes for selection by respective different parameter value signals such that the scribed cursor associated with the respective parameter values differ from one another in appearance. Further, the intensity of the scribed trace may be varied.