A simulator adapter is provided to be used with a conventional oximeter for monitoring
a patient who may be remotely located from the oximeter. In a first embodiment
of the invention, the simulator adapter has a simulator digit that fits to the
sensor of the oximeter. The simulator digit senses the light output from the oximeter
and provides a feedback to the simulator adapter to enable the adapter to adapt
the signal of the patient sent to the adapter for use by the oximeter, as if the
patient is on-site and is being measured by the oximeter. In a second embodiment,
in place of a simulator digit, the simulator adapter has as its output a connector
which is adapted to mate with the conventional connector that is part of the conventional
oximeter. This second embodiment eliminates the need for any simulator digit and
sensor for the oximeter, as appropriate circuitries are provided in the simulator
adapter to enable it to connect directly to the oximeter. In an environment where
the signal from the patient may be affected electromagnetically, the simulator
adapter may be connected to the remote oximetry unit by a fiber optic cable, so
that the signal representing the physiological parameter remotely measured from
the patient is directly sent either to the simulator digit of the first embodiment
or the adapter connector of the second embodiment.