Radio-Transparent Screen for Video Distraction in Radiation Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pediatric patients undergoing external beam radiation therapy often require anesthesia to remain still and calm during lengthy treatments, which can lead to adverse side effects and health risks.
Innovation Solution
A multimedia distraction system that projects a video image onto a radio-transparent screen, allowing patients to view the image during treatment without interfering with the radiation beam, thereby reducing the need for anesthesia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If anesthesia is used to keep pediatric patients still during radiation therapy, then patient stability during treatment is improved, but patient health and quality of life deteriorate due to adverse side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a distraction system as an intermediary substance between the radiation therapy procedure and the pediatric patient. This system uses visual distractions (videos, movies, interactive content) projected onto screens to engage patients' attention, thereby reducing anxiety and movement without requiring anesthesia. The distraction system serves as a mediator that provides stability during treatment while avoiding the harmful effects of anesthetic drugs.
2Ease of operation
If a distraction system is introduced during radiation therapy, then patient anxiety and movement are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distraction system is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall complexity. A single integrated system can provide multiple types of distraction content (videos, movies, interactive games) through different display modes (projector, tablet, smartphone). The system can adapt to various patient ages and preferences, serving multiple purposes: anxiety reduction, movement control, and entertainment. This universal approach consolidates what would otherwise be multiple separate devices into one cohesive system.
3Ease of operation
If a video projection system is placed in the radiation therapy room, then distraction effectiveness is improved, but radiation beam interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by utilizing the third dimension (vertical space above the patient). The projection system is positioned above the patient's head, projecting images downward onto a screen or directly onto the patient's field of view. This vertical arrangement allows the distraction system to be effective without occupying horizontal space that would interfere with the radiation beam path. The projection system operates in a different spatial dimension than the radiation therapy equipment, eliminating interference while maintaining distraction effectiveness.
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 system effectively reduces anxiety and movement in patients during radiation therapy, minimizing the need for anesthesia and improving the overall patient experience and health outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a projector communicatively coupled to the video source, wherein the projector is configured to receive video content from the video source and emit a projection of the video content, and a beam manipulator comprising multiple lenses configured to focus the projection of the video content onto a first side of a screen
Implementation Method 2
the screen is a radio-transparent screen mounted above a radiation therapy couch and emanates the projected video content to the second side of the screen
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present technology are generally related to a multimedia distraction system for patients receiving external beam radiation therapy. More specifically, some embodiments relate to a system for providing a video image to a patient while undergoing a treatment to avoid the need to anesthetize. The system comprises a video image source, a projector communicatively coupled to the video image source, abeam expander coupled to the projector, and a screen transparent to the radiation beam used in a radiation therapy treatment. The present technology can be used to distract a patient during multiple types of external beam radiation therapy including three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, volumetric modulated arc therapy, and non-coplanar arcs, without interfering with the treatment.