Acoustic Breathing Feedback for Radiotherapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for providing feedback on a patient's breathing status during radiation therapy, such as voice commands and visual aids, suffer from time delays, language barriers, and increased staff effort, and are not effective for patients with poor eyesight or those requiring radiation sparing techniques like respiratory gating.
Innovation Solution
The method employs room signals, including changes in room lighting and sound, to provide clear, real-time feedback on the patient's breathing status, eliminating the need for staff intervention and accommodating language barriers and poor eyesight, while automatically determining the breathing phase and adjusting breath-holding times based on individual patient data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If verbal commands are used to inform patients about breathing status, then communication is simple, but time delay and language barriers occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/verbal communication system with an acoustic signal system. Speakers emit sound signals that directly convey breathing phase information to the patient, eliminating the need for staff to verbally communicate and removing language barriers. The system automatically generates and transmits acoustic feedback based on real-time breathing detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by providing automatic acoustic feedback that guides patients through breathing exercises without requiring staff intervention. The acoustic signals independently communicate breathing status and instructions, allowing patients to self-regulate their breathing during treatment.
2Loss of information
If visual methods like VR glasses or monitors are used, then feedback is provided, but additional workload and disinfection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the feedback function from complex visual devices (VR glasses, monitors) and implements it through simple acoustic speakers. This removes the need for handling, positioning, and disinfecting complex visual equipment while maintaining effective communication of breathing status information.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic signal system uses simple, inexpensive speakers that require no disinfection or special handling. These acoustic devices are far simpler and more disposable-friendly than VR glasses or monitors, eliminating the burden of device maintenance and hygiene protocols.
3Loss of information
If monitors are used for visual feedback, then breathing information is displayed, but unfavorable viewing angle and visual impairments become obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the visual display mechanism with an acoustic signal mechanism. Sound waves propagate through the air and can be heard by patients regardless of their position on the treatment table or their visual acuity, providing universal accessibility to breathing feedback information.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for improved accuracy of radiation during radiotherapy, wherein 3D signals are used to transmit information to the patient on his or her current breathing condition and/or instructions to the patient on how to breathe. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out a method of said kind.