Translucent Patient Shell with Dynamic Image Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient simulator systems lack realism and interactivity, failing to provide customizable, physically and emotionally responsive simulations necessary for effective healthcare training, as they often have static visual appearances and cannot sense touch or simulate vital signs accurately.
Innovation Solution
A Physical-Virtual Patient Bed system that combines translucent or transparent patient shells with dynamic image projection and sensory feedback, allowing for interchangeable human shells and parts, and incorporating optical touch sensing, temperature feedback, and spatial audio to simulate vital signs, enabling realistic and customizable patient simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If computer-controlled robotic mannequins are used to simulate physical symptoms, then physiological simulation capability is improved, but visual appearance realism and customization are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the patient simulator into separate functional modules: a physical mannequin body for physiological simulation and a separate visual display system for appearance customization. The mannequin's visual appearance is segmented from its physical functions, allowing independent customization of appearance while maintaining physiological simulation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual displays (such as screens or projected images) to create virtual copies of patient appearances that can be customized without changing the physical mannequin. This allows multiple visual appearances to be simulated using the same physical platform, enhancing customization without affecting physiological simulation.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple mannequins are used for basic training, then cost is reduced, but interactivity and realism are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a universal platform where a single physical mannequin can support multiple functions through add-on modules and configurable visual displays. This allows the same base system to provide basic training scenarios and advanced interactive simulations, reducing the need for multiple separate systems at different price points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic visual displays that can change appearances and behaviors in real-time based on training scenarios. This dynamic capability allows simple hardware to deliver complex, realistic simulations by updating visual information rather than requiring complex physical structures for each scenario.
3Device complexity
If static mannequin appearances are used, then device complexity is reduced, but training realism and responsiveness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical systems for changing appearances with simpler visual display technologies. Instead of physically transforming the mannequin's appearance through complex mechanisms, the system uses screens, projectors, or other visual displays to present different appearances, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or enhancing training realism.
4Device complexity
If mannequins without touch sensing are used, then device complexity is reduced, but interactivity and physiological responsiveness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates touch sensing and other sensory feedback mechanisms that allow the mannequin to detect and respond to patient interactions. This feedback capability enables the mannequin to simulate real patient responses to examinations and treatments, significantly improving interactivity without requiring completely complex systems.
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 provides a cost-effective, highly realistic training experience by simulating dynamic patient appearances, physiological signals, and motion, enhancing the training of healthcare professionals with realistic interactions and scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The shell is illuminated from below by one or more image projectors in the bed system adapted to render dynamic patient imagery onto the underneath of the shell
Implementation Method 2
Sensory and interactive devices include, but are not limited to, optical touch sensing devices
Implementation Method 3
targeted temperature feedback devices
Implementation Method 4
audio-based tactile sense of pulse devices
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 behind to provide one or more dynamic images viewable on the outer surface of the shells; a support system adapted to receive the shells via a mounting system, wherein the system comprises one or more image units adapted to render the one or more dynamic images 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.