Revolutionizing MRI Experience: SMRT IMAGE Lumica

Boombang Inc. Design Team's Innovative Approach to Patient Comfort and Efficiency

The SMRT IMAGE Lumica is a unique design that offers two-way communication between patients and medical professionals, enhanced fMRI brain mapping capabilities, and sophisticated audio-visual entertainment for patients during MRI imaging. This innovative design provides advantages to all parties involved, from the patients to the pharmaceutical companies. The AV functionality, compatible with all multimedia, offers a comforting distraction for patients, while the enhanced fMRI technology saves pharmaceutical companies time and money, ensuring that medications get to the people who need them faster.

The design of SMRT IMAGE Lumica was realized using aluminum CNC construction, which allows maximum strength and weight while maintaining the critical EMI component shielding, non-ferrous specifications, and optimal thermal properties. Non-MRI sensitive components are made from Poly carbonate, ABS, and delrin plastics. Non-magnetic Electrostatic audio earphone drivers allow safe use in an MRI machine. The use of a touchscreen control interface gives the user added control without taking up extra space in already crowded control desks.

Boombang Inc. Industrial Design Team, in partnership with the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), developed the original technology for SMRT IMAGE Lumica. The team conducted first-hand research throughout the MRI scanning process to identify areas of improvement. Interviews with MRI specialists and patients provided valuable insights and design opportunities. Secondary material and technology research was used to improve design direction.

Designing for the highly magnetic MRI environment posed many challenges. Electronic shielding for electromagnetic interference is critical for taking noise-free scans. Electromagnetic motors in cooling fans fail under a high magnetic field, causing a thermal management issue. This led to a design opportunity that can be clearly seen in the heat sink design. For safety, all materials and components were carefully selected and tested for MRI use.

SMRT IMAGE Lumica is a two-way communication device that allows enhanced fMRI brain mapping capabilities and sophisticated audio-visual entertainment for patients during MRI imaging. This innovative design offers a comforting distraction for patients while saving pharmaceutical companies time and money, ensuring that medications get to the people who need them faster. The design was awarded Platinum in A' Medical Devices and Medical Equipment Design Award in 2015, recognizing its world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative design that contributes to societal wellbeing.