Abstract: A room for use in conducting medical procedures includes an image on a screen disposed in the room. The room preferably includes a track for disposing the screen across the room to create a panoramic view of the scene in the screen. Preferably the track, and hence the image on the screen disposed on the track, are arcuate. The screen provides a virtual reality and a calming effect to the patient undergoing the procedure. The screen can be moved mechanically around the room to display different images on the screen. The screen can be changed to provide a different set of images. Ceiling lights, sounds and smells can be added to the room to further accent the theme of the screen's image and enhance the overall calming effect by portraying the medical procedure room as the scene in the screen. Illumination may be provided behind the screen, as well. The medical procedure may be a magnetic resonance imaging procedure, in which case the room comprises a magnetic resonance imaging assembly.

Abstract: In one example, an illumination system is provided in an MRI system including an open MRI assembly comprising a pole covered by a canopy. The MRI system is within a shielded room. A light source is provided outside of the shielded room, at least one light projector is connected to the canopy, and optical fibers couple the light source to the light projector. The light projector is preferably flexible. The light projector or projectors increase the illumination in the imaging volume, facilitating medical procedures conducted on a subject within the imaging volume.