Augmented Reality Helps Protect Against X-Rays
Anyone who works with radioactivity on a daily basis needs appropriate protection. This is essential in radiology within the healthcare sector. When working with patients under X-ray equipment for extended periods, correctly applied radiation protection is indispensable. Accordingly, medical staff are trained regularly. Since radioactive radiation is not visible, Augmented Reality (AR) can provide valuable support. Based on simulation data, the radiation in the room is quantified and displayed using colors.
The available protective shield of the virtual model corresponds to the real protective shield and can be moved in a similar way to the original. Taking into account height, position, and angle, the area behind it is shown as safe. This updates continuously whenever either the position of the machine arm or the shield changes.
AR was chosen on the one hand because it enables location-independent training and, on the other hand, because it allows the real machine to be enhanced in a later step. By tracking the protective elements and the machine, the visualization is integrated into the real environment. This makes it possible to train on the real device using the radiation values from sensors placed in the room. The real danger becomes visible.
The project was implemented in collaboration with the Radiology Department of Lucerne Cantonal Hospital. Initial studies have been able to demonstrate the effectiveness of AR-supported training.
Project Data
| Project Type | Research |
| Duration | 01.07.2022-31.03.2023 |
| Project Partner | Luzerner Kantonsspitals (LUKS) Fakultät für Gesundheitswissenschaften und Medizin der Universität Luzern https://www.luks.ch/spezialisten/dr-phil-thiago-lima |
| Funding | Forschungsstipendium der Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Strahlenbiologie und Medizinische Physik (SGSMP) |
| Project Team | Tobias Kreienbühl |