Components of VirtuX
VirtuX is a system that uses virtual reality to reduce pain. The system is composed of a virtual reality headset, headphones and a wristband. These components are all linked by Bluetooth to a device (phone, computer, etc.) that serves as a data collection and control center. Both before and after use of VirtuX a survey will be offered to collect data on the user, further personalizing their experience.
Headset & Earpiece
The headset and headphones serve to play the simulation to the user. They will be played at a volume and brightness level that is set by the user on the Bluetooth device. The type of simulation played will be set by artificial intelligence based upon the user’s condition and based upon the surveys that the user has completed. Further research must be done to find how different simulations affect different types of pain in order for this to occur. This research could be done through the system once it is launched. The user can also set the simulation to one that they prefer. The simulations that will be played through headset can fit into 4 categories detailed below.
(Hover over box to see details)
This simulation type is interactive and allows the user to attempt to complete a challenge, such beating a level or making a new high score.
Game
This type of simulation allows the user to experience something they might never be able to otherwise. The user can move throughout the landscape of the simulation and in certain simulations even interact with their surroundings.
Experience
This type of simulation helps the user to meditate and focus their attention on something else than their pain. The strategies they learn in the simulation can also be employed when they do not have their VirtuX on them.
Meditation
This type of simulation puts the user under hypnosis. Hypnosis has already been used as an analgesic and proven to help patients with terminal cancer. Unlike in person hypnosis this type of hypnosis is portable and accessible at any time.
Hypnosis
Wristband
The wristband will function to collect information on the user including movement, heart rate, oxygen levels and amount of movement. This information will be used as another way to measure the pain of the patient as heart rate and oxygen levels are often affected by pain. The amount of movement measures how uncomfortable the person is. External signs of pain are important to use because perception of pain will change over time. Recommendations of simulations to try will be provided to the user based on this information. Additionally if the data collected shows the user is in pain during the simulation to create subtle changes to reduce that pain. For example if the user was still feeling pain in a meditation simulation they might by directed to focus on the sound of a bell instead of focusing on their breathing.
Use of VirtuX
VirtuX is a pain management system that uses virtual reality to reduce pain. Click here to learn more about how this works. VirtuX is generally meant to be used in conjunction with other systems of pain management for serious pain. A pain management specialist would be helpful in deciding what systems should be used. When VirtuX is used it increases the effectiveness of the other systems and can lower or eliminate the need for a pharmaceutical analgesic. This lower dosage lowers the likelihood of addiction and other harmful effects. In many cases VirtuX could be used to replace the use of an opioid, provided the user takes an over the counter drug. This would curb the opioid crisis without putting people through extreme pain. VirtuX is designed to be lightweight and portable allowing it to be packaged easily and shipped to houses. This allows it to be used for chronic pain or shortly after surgery. With minor or no adjustments it could be used in a myriad of other ways should the situation warrant it. The possibilities in pain management that VirtuX allows are almost limitless.
Prototype Pictures (Band would be attached to earpiece)
3D model
If you cannot play the model try clicking here or copy the link below and paste it into your web browser.
https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/virtux-dd9fe1f03fa1480bad83fbea8664a649