Systems and methods are provided for determining the pulse rate of a patient from multiple fiducial points using Gaussian kernel smoothing. Based on acquired pleth signals, each recorded fiducial pulse period is converted to a Gaussian kernel function. The Gaussian kernel functions for all recorded fiducial points are summed to generate a Gaussian kernel smoothed curve. The pulse rate of a patient may be determined from the Gaussian kernel smoothed curve. All acquired fiducial pulse periods contribute to generate the Gaussian kernel smoothing curve. The number of fiducial points utilized may change to improve pulse rate determination or provide additional functionality to the system.
