Real-Time Scattered Radiation Visualization in Medical Facilities
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical personnel in facilities with radiation-producing equipment face challenges in accurately determining their distance and exposure levels to scattered radiation, which can lead to health risks due to repeated or extended exposure, as existing radiation tracking devices provide only periodic measurements and do not offer real-time visualization of radiation zones.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for visualizing scattered radiation using augmented reality tracking devices, electronic displays, and projection systems that provide real-time, qualitative feedback on radiation intensity levels, allowing medical personnel to adjust their position to minimize exposure, with position tracking devices monitoring personnel and equipment to update the visualization dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiation tracking devices are used to monitor exposure levels, then radiation exposure can be measured, but real-time visualization of radiation zones is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visualization systems including electronic displays, projection systems, and augmented reality headsets as intermediary devices between the radiation detection sensors and medical personnel. These intermediaries transform raw radiation measurement data into intuitive visual representations (color-coded zones, heat maps, directional indicators) that provide real-time spatial information about radiation exposure levels, effectively bridging the gap between measurement capability and real-time information availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where radiation sensors constantly monitor exposure levels, the controller processes this data in real-time, and the visualization systems immediately display updated radiation zone information to personnel. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that medical personnel receive current radiation status information, enabling them to adjust their positions and actions based on real-time exposure conditions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If medical personnel stay at least six feet away from radiation producing equipment, then radiation exposure is minimized, but it is difficult to constantly and accurately determine distance from equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visualization systems as intermediary tools that indirectly measure and display distance-related radiation information. Instead of requiring personnel to directly measure their distance from equipment, the system uses radiation sensors positioned throughout the room to detect exposure levels at various locations, then visually maps this data to show personnel the radiation intensity zones and their relative positions, providing accurate distance-related information without direct measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual distance estimation and physical measurement methods with electronic radiation detection and digital visualization. Sensors automatically detect radiation levels at multiple points in space, and the controller calculates exposure zones and distance relationships, substituting mechanical distance measurement with electronic field detection and computational analysis
3Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation shielding and protective equipment are used, then radiation exposure is reduced, but exposure is not altogether eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The visualization system provides real-time feedback about radiation exposure levels and zones to medical personnel, enabling them to make informed decisions about their positioning and protective measures. By displaying color-coded radiation zones and directional indicators, the system allows personnel to proactively avoid high-exposure areas and adjust their protective equipment usage dynamically, reducing overall exposure without requiring complex additional shielding structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system empowers medical personnel to take control of their own radiation protection by providing them with real-time information about exposure zones. Personnel can use this information to self-adjust their positions, movements, and protective equipment usage based on the displayed radiation maps, transforming passive protection into active, informed self-protection
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a real time visualization of scattered radiation in a medical facility are provided. A number of visualization devices such as augmented reality (“AR”) tracking devices, electronic displays, or projection devices are in electronic communication with a controller and configured to generate a visualization of scattered radiation. Position data is received from the position sensors associated with individuals in the medical facility, the AR tracking devices, radiation producing medical equipment, or radiation scattering medical equipment, and the visualization is adjusted accordingly.