The virtual gamma camera room.
The installation of a gamma camera is time-consuming and costly and, once installed, the camera position is unlikely to be altered during its working life. Poor choice of camera position therefore has long-term consequences. Additional equipment such as collimators and carts, the operator's workstation and wall-mounted display monitors must also be situated to maximize access and ease of use. The layout of a gamma camera room can be optimized prior to installation by creating a virtual environment. Super-Scape VRT software running on an upgraded 486 PC microprocessor was used to create a 'virtual camera room'. The simulation included an operator's viewpoint and a controlled tour of the room. Equipment could be repositioned as required, allowing potential problems to be identified at the design stage. Access for bed-ridden patients, operator ergonomics, operator and patient visibility were addressed. The display can also be used for patient education. Creation of a virtual environment is a valuable tool which allows different camera systems to be compared interactively in terms of dimensions, extent of movement and use of a defined space. Such a system also has applications in radiopharmacy design and simulation.
Penrose
J M
JM
Department of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, UK.
Trowbridge
E A
EA
Tindale
W B
WB
D006804:Ergonomics; D004954:Esthetics; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D015902:Gamma Cameras; D006801:Humans; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology; D012984:Software