Abstract:
A medical training and simulation system includes a plurality of inanimate objects, each being associated with an identification tag which stores an identification code which uniquely identifies an associated object. A database stores information of the objects. A reader reads a respective identification code of a selected object. An information retrieving processor retrieves the stored information which corresponds to the read identification code of the selected object. A device reproduces at least a portion of the retrieved information of the selected object.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/704,023 filed Jul. 29, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following relates to medical arts. It finds particular application in conjunction with computed tomography (CT) simulations and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it finds application in simulating other types of imaging, such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), three-dimensional x-ray imaging, ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the like. 
     In general, a computed-tomography system comprises an x-ray source and an x-ray detector which rotates around a subject to be examined. From several orientations, the subject is irradiated with an x-ray beam from the x-ray source. The x-ray detector receives x-radiation that has passed through the subject at the respective orientations and forms an attenuation profile for the orientation at issue. The attenuation profiles represent the attenuation of incident x-rays in the object due to and absorption or scattering of x-rays along the path of the x-rays through the subject at the orientation at issue. 
     Typically, the subject is positioned on a couch which is moved linearly into a cylindrical bore of a CT scanner. A CT scan is often an uncomfortable process for most people, especially young children. In the past, various approaches have been taken to put young children at ease with diagnostic imaging procedures. One known approach uses a book with animal characters. The animal characters explain the imaging procedure to the children. Another approach uses an animated presentation explanation of the imaging procedure. In this approach, a three dimensional toy walks children through the imaging procedure. Yet another approach uses a wooden toy model of a scanner which helps to explain to the children the imaging procedure. A typical ultrasound system acquires image information by positioning a probe on the surface of the subject with an acoustic coupling gel, transmitting a series of ultrasound waves into the object, and detecting the ultrasound echoes reflected therefrom. The known ultrasound training systems are not appropriate for children. In summary, the current approaches are not universal and not effective. In many cases, the unfamiliarity with the environment and lack of knowledge of the actual scanning process increases patient&#39;s anxiety which might lead to cancellations of scheduled scanning sessions with a corresponding financial impact on the health care providers. 
     The present application contemplates a new and improved method and apparatus that overcomes the above-referenced problems and others. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present application, a medical training and simulation system is disclosed. A plurality of inanimate objects, each is associated with an identification tag, which stores an identification code which uniquely identifies an associated object. A database stores information of the objects. A reader reads a respective identification code of a selected object. An information retrieving processor retrieves the stored information which corresponds to the read identification code of the selected object. A device reproduces at least a portion of the retrieved information of the selected object. 
     In accordance with another aspect, a simulation and education method is disclosed. An identification code, which identifies a selected inanimate object, is read. Stored data which corresponds to the read identification code of the selected object is received. A diagnostic image of the identified object is generated from the retrieved stored data. 
     One advantage of the present invention resides in effective patient&#39;s education prior to imaging. 
     Another advantage resides in alleviating patient&#39;s anxiety. 
     Another advantage resides in simplified presentation of function and purpose of an imaging system. 
     Another advantage resides in interactive presentation of function and purpose of an imaging system. 
     Still further advantages and benefits of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic illustration of a model monitoring system for toys; and 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic illustration of a portion of the monitoring system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , an imaging simulation system  10  includes a scaled model of a diagnostic imaging scanner or simulator  12  to effectively explain the imaging procedure to the patients. The simulator  12  includes many like parts to a real diagnostic scanner, such as a CT scanner, MRI simulator, SPECT simulator, PET simulator, ultrasound simulator, and other imaging simulators. For example, the simulator  12  includes a non-rotating gantry  14 . A bore  16  defines an examination region of the simulator  12 . A plurality of objects  20  such as toys is each identified with an identification (ID) tag  22  encoded with a unique identification code. The ID tag  22 , for example, can be an RFID chip, a color tag, a shape tag, an RF tag, and other appropriately identifiable tag. The ID tag  22  is embedded or otherwise associated with each object  20 . The toys  20  are made of an appropriate size and material which is appropriate for use with the simulator  12 . A selected object  20  is positioned on an examination table or couch or bed  24  which is linearly moved into the examination region  16  by a motor drive  26 . Of course, it is contemplated that the selected object  20  can be moved into the examination region  16  by other means, as for example, is placed directly into the CT simulator bore  16  by a user, slide along a stationary couch or bed, or the like. Likewise, the examination table  24  can be manually slid into the examination region  16  by the user. 
     A simulation triggering device or means  30  activates an ID tag reader or means  32  which is positioned about an opening of the bore  16  of the CT simulator  12 . The reading distance of the ID tag reader  32  is selected to cover the entire diameter of the bore opening. The ID reader  32  is linked with a workstation  40  such as a personal computer, a network computer, a laptop, and the like. The workstation  40  includes a monitor  42 , an input device  44 , software  46  and hardware  48  for processing and displaying simulated images. The monitor  42  can be integrated in the simulator  12 , located outside the simulator  12  such as in the examination room or any other appropriate location for the users to view the displayed images. 
     It is contemplated that the simulation triggering device  30  can be any appropriate device such as a motion sensor to detect the motion of the bed  24  to trigger the ID reader  32 . Other examples of the simulation triggering device  30  are a push button and a switch. When triggered by the simulation triggering device  30 , the ID reader  32  reads a corresponding ID tag  22  of the object  20  which is positioned in the examination region  16 . For example, each ID tag  22  includes a unique RFID tag. The ID reader  32  uses RF technology to read the RFID tag  22 . As another example, the ID reader  32 , such as camera, uses an imaging technology to identify the color and/or shape of the object  20 . Also, the ID reader can be disposed in other locations, such as on the couch, on a separate structure, or the like. 
     An information or image retrieving processor  50  locates a corresponding personal information about the selected object  20  such as prescanned actual x-ray images, animated internal images, and the like in an object information database  52 . The object information database  52  includes any information pertinent to the selected object  20  such as personal traits, a medical history, prescanned images, a unique soundtrack, an animation of medical examination, and like attributes which help patients to better understand the examination procedure and overcome fear associated with the examination. A retrieved prescanned image of the object interior is displayed on the monitor  42 . In one embodiment, the personal information retrieving processor  50  triggers a story teller  54 , which presents an animation which uses children friendly characters related to the object  20  positioned in the examination region  16 . The animation tells a story about the particular object or toy character and explains particulars of the imaging procedure. For example, an animation story may involve the crocodile that follows Captain Hook. When the crocodile is placed in the scanner, the story of the crocodile&#39;s strange “ticking” ailment is told and the monitor  42  displays an image showing an interior view of the crocodile which shows the clock in the crocodile&#39;s stomach. The story also explains the imaging procedure, why the crocodile is doing it, the crocodile apprehension of the imaging machine, the painlessness of the procedure, and the like. 
     It is contemplated that the information retrieving processor  50  can retrieve and present unique stories and views for each of a plurality of toys and audio, video, and the like presentations which are educational. 
     As one educational aspect, in one embodiment, a motion sensor  60  is positioned to monitor the bore  16  to detect motion of the object  20 . If the object  20  moves, the imaging simulation system  10  displays a blurred or unclear image on the monitor  42  by blurring the current image or displaying a previously recorded blurred image. Such procedure emphasizes the importance of remaining still during the imaging procedure. 
     In another embodiment, the child carries the encoded toy into the actual examination room with him/her. When the toy&#39;s encoding is read adjacent the diagnostic scanner, an animated display is generated in the examination room in which an animation of the carried toy eases the child&#39;s apprehensions and guides the child through the imaging procedure. As a further extension, the toy can cause similar displays in other treatment environments in other parts of the hospital. 
     With continuing reference to  FIG. 1  and further reference to  FIG. 2 , the imaging simulation system  10  simulates an ultrasound imaging procedure. The simulation system  10  includes the ID tag reader  32  in a shape of an ultrasound probe which is familiar to the patients. A typical ultrasound system acquires image information by transmitting a series of ultrasound waves into the object and then detecting the ultrasound echoes reflected therefrom. The ultrasound simulation system  10  includes the plurality of objects  20  such as toys, as described above. Each toy  20  includes one or more identification (ID) tags  22  which are embedded in the toy  20  in one or more various locations to associate with various imaging regions, e.g. organs. For example, the ID tags  22  are embedded under the skin surface, in the area of heart  70 , head  72 , legs  74 ,  76 , stomach  78 , arm  80 , etc. The ID tag  22 , for example, can be a color tag, a shape tag, an RF tag, and other appropriately identifiable tag. The ID tag reader  32  uses an appropriate technology to read the ID tag  22 . The reading distance of the ID reader  32  is adjusted to be relatively short. The object or toy  20  is positioned on the examination table  24  for a demonstration of the examination. When the ID reader  32  identifies the ID tag related to a particular organ, the prescanned image retrieving processor  50  retrieves a prescanned image of the organ that corresponds to the ID tag, from the prescanned images database  52 . The simulation system  10  displays the retrieved prescanned ultrasound or animation image which represents the image of the organ on the monitor  42 . 
     Of course, it is contemplated that the above described exemplary embodiments are applicable to educate the adult patients as well as children. 
     The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.