Development and Evaluation of Educational Systems Using Airborne Tactile Technology for Medical Radiation Protection

In the medical field, the use of radiation for examinations and treatments offers the advantage of minimal invasiveness.However, exposure to excessive amounts of radiation can result in adverse effects commonly referred to as radiation damage.This issue is not exclusive to patients; it also affects medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, and radiology technicians.Therefore, it is imperative for medical professionals to receive comprehensive education on radiation protection.To enhance awareness of radiation protection, some studies have employed mixed-reality technology to render invisible radiation visible.However, only a few studies have employed alternative methods.In this study, we developed software that employs airborne haptics technology to deliver a tactile vibration to the user's hand upon finger contact with a virtual 3D model of primary X-rays, thereby signaling the position of the primary X-rays.To assess the software, 16 individuals (radiology technicians, educators, and students) were invited to experience the software and complete a questionnaire.The results of the questionnaire survey indicated that the software was perceived to be as useful as the previously developed visualization software.Additionally, it was confirmed that a potential exists for improvement in the application of vibrations to the palm.