Including a timer in a pulse oximeter simulation is essential to replicate real-world conditions accurately. It ensures realism by simulating the passage of time, allowing the software to mimic physiological changes in patients' oxygen saturation and pulse rate over time. The timer regulates data sampling intervals, enabling consistent capture of data points for accurate calculations. Moreover, it facilitates the evaluation of algorithms used in pulse oximeters by providing a continuous stream of simulated data. Additionally, the timer aids in scenario management, allowing for the implementation of dynamic changes in patient condition or environmental factors throughout the simulation.

Michelle Lipenga Michelle, Time is an important item here. The oxygen in your blood does not stay the same over a period of time. How much it changes and rate of change tell us a lot an individual body. It may be a normal fluctuation of human beings from morning to night. Or it may be a sign of concern. High concern if it changes in short amount if time. And bigger concern if change over time becomes random.

I'm not sure for what or how you're stimulating blood-ox levels or why - but please be sure you know more about the way our bodies function before coding it.