Physical-virtual patient bed system

A patient simulation system for healthcare training, comprising:

• A shell comprising a physical anatomical model of at least a portion of a patient's body, the shell adapted to be illuminated from behind to provide one or more dynamic images viewable on the outer surface of the shell;
• a support system adapted to receive the shell via a mounting system, wherein the support system comprises one or more image units adapted to render the one or more dynamic images viewable on the outer surface of the shell;
• one or more interface devices including one or more optical touch sensing devices located about the patient shell to receive input and provide output;
• and
• one or more computing units in communication with the image units and interface devices, the computing units adapted to provide an interactive simulation for healthcare training;
• wherein the one or more image units comprise one or more projectors and one or more mirrors coupled to a support in the lower assembly and arranged with proper alignment, registration, and focus, so that a projected image will properly project onto the underneath surface of the shell and show through on to the outer surface of the shell;
• and
• wherein camera units adapted for camera-based optical touch technology having infrared light to cover the area imaged by the camera are placed in-line with the projectors, looking into the mirrors at the projected image, to allow for optical touch sensing over the entire shell.