Projection Mapping for Radiation Suite Patient Anxiety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Patients undergoing radiation therapy or imaging often experience fear and anxiety due to the intimidating nature of radiation machines, leading to increased chances of movement during treatment or imaging, which can result in the need for repeated setups and adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving projection mapping of calming images or videos onto the radiation machine and treatment room, combined with calming sounds and scents, to create an immersive distraction and reduce patient anxiety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radiation therapy or imaging is performed using a linear accelerator, then cancer treatment and diagnosis are achieved, but patient fear and anxiety increase due to the intimidating machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces projectors as an intermediary device that projects calming images and videos onto the radiation machine surfaces. This mediator transforms the intimidating appearance of the linear accelerator into a soothing visual environment, reducing patient fear and anxiety without interfering with the therapeutic radiation delivery function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies visual transformation by projecting colored images and videos onto the radiation machine surfaces. The projected visuals change the perceived appearance of the machine from a cold, metallic, intimidating structure to a warm, engaging, and calming environment that reduces patient psychological distress
2Reliability
If the patient is kept in a relaxed state, then movement during treatment is reduced, but the setup time and patient preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by projecting calming visuals onto the radiation machine before the patient enters the treatment room and continues during the entire treatment process. This pre-prepared visual environment eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustments and repositioning during treatment, as the patient remains relaxed and still throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous calming visual stimulation throughout the entire treatment process, from patient entry to completion. The projectors operate continuously, maintaining the relaxing environment without interruption, which sustains patient relaxation and prevents movement throughout the procedure, eliminating repeated setup needs
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple projectors are used to cover the radiation machine and treatment room, then the immersive calming environment is enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mapping software that can project images and videos across multiple surfaces (gantry, couch, walls, floor, ceiling) simultaneously using a coordinated projector system. This multi-functional approach allows a set number of projectors to create a comprehensive immersive environment that covers all visible surfaces, enhancing the calming effect without requiring excessive individual projector units
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation suite includes a room having a floor, a ceiling, and one or more walls, a radiation system including a gantry enclosing a radiation source and a couch, and an image projection system operable to project an image on a projection surface on at least a portion of the gantry and/or the couch, providing a calming environment for a patient to relax. The image projection system comprises a computer and one or more projectors operably controlled by the computer. The computer comprises a mapping software operable to map an image file to the projection surface. The one or more projectors are operable to project the mapped image file on the projection surface.