Physical-Virtual Patient Shell with Dynamic Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient simulator systems lack realism and interactivity, failing to provide a comprehensive physiological simulation necessary for effective healthcare training, as they often have static and unrealistic visual appearances and cannot react to physical or emotional contact.
Innovation Solution
A Physical-Virtual Patient (PVP) system that combines physical and virtual realities using a translucent or transparent patient shell illuminated by projectors to render dynamic imagery, allowing for interactive simulations with optical touch sensing, temperature feedback, and audio-based tactile responses, enabling customizable and realistic patient simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a screen-based virtual patient system is used, then visual display capability is improved, but physical interaction capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges screen-based virtual patient display with physical mannequin components to create a hybrid system. The virtual patient interface is overlaid on a physical mannequin body, allowing users to interact with both visual displays and physical structures simultaneously. This combination enables healthcare professionals to practice procedures on a physical form while receiving virtual guidance and feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the patient simulation system. This intermediary includes augmented reality overlays, virtual reality headsets, and interactive display interfaces that mediate between the physical mannequin and the virtual patient scenarios, enabling enhanced interaction and training experiences.
2Reliability
If a robotic mannequin simulator is used, then physiological simulation capability is improved, but visual appearance realism deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic color and appearance modification capabilities in the virtual patient layer. The virtual overlay can change skin tone, facial features, and physical appearance in real-time to match different patient demographics and conditions, while the physical mannequin provides consistent structural form. This separation allows independent optimization of physiological simulation and visual realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates dynamic interactivity by allowing the virtual patient appearance to change in response to simulated conditions while the physical mannequin remains structurally stable. The virtual layer can dynamically adjust facial expressions, body posture, and physiological displays based on training scenarios, providing both realism and adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a static mannequin is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but interactivity and responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the patient simulation system into two independent components: a physical mannequin base and a virtual patient overlay layer. This segmentation allows the physical component to remain simple and cost-effective while the virtual component provides dynamic interactivity and responsiveness through software-based physiological simulation and user interaction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform where a single physical mannequin can support multiple virtual patient scenarios and training modules. The virtual overlay system can be configured to simulate various conditions, demographics, and procedural scenarios, making the overall system highly versatile without requiring multiple specialized physical simulators.
4Shape
If a physical patient shell with projection is used, then visual realism is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a projection-based virtual overlay that copies and renders patient anatomy and physiology onto the physical mannequin surface. Instead of creating a completely new physical model, the system projects virtual patient features onto the existing mannequin form, reducing the complexity of creating highly realistic physical replicas while achieving strong visual realism through computational graphics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The PVP system provides a cost-effective, highly realistic training experience that simulates various patient scenarios, allowing healthcare professionals to interact with a dynamic and responsive patient model, enhancing the realism and effectiveness of healthcare training.
Implementation Method 1
The shell is illuminated from below or inside by one or more image projectors adapted to render dynamic patient imagery onto the underneath or inside of the shell
Implementation Method 2
Most patient simulators also have no way of sensing the touch (location and force) of the healthcare provider; hence the simulated patient is unable to react to physical contact
Data Source
AI summary
A patient simulation system for healthcare training is provided. The system includes one or more interchangeable shells comprising a physical anatomical model of at least a portion of a patient's body, the shell adapted to be illuminated from within the shell to provide one or more dynamic images viewable on the outer surface of the shells; wherein the system comprises one or more imaging devices enclosed within the shell and adapted to render the one or more dynamic images on an inner surface of the shell and viewable on the outer surface of the shells; one or more interface devices located about the patient shells to receive input and provide output; and one or more computing units in communication with the image units and interface devices, the computing units adapted to provide an interactive simulation for healthcare training. In other embodiments, the shell is adapted to be illuminated from outside the shell.