NextMed, Augmented and Virtual Reality platform for 3D medical imaging visualization

The visualization of the radiological results with more advanced techniques than the current ones, such as Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies, represent a great advance for medical professionals, by eliminating their imagination capacity as an indispensable requirement for the understanding of medical images. The problem is that for its application it is necessary to segment the anatomical areas of interest, and this currently involves the intervention of the human being. The Nextmed project is presented as a complete solution that includes DICOM images import, automatic segmentation of certain anatomical structures, 3D mesh generation of the segmented area, visualization engine with Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, all thanks to different software platforms that have been implemented and detailed, including results obtained from real patients. We will focus on the visualization platform using both Augmented and Virtual Reality technologies to allow medical professionals to work with 3d model representation of medical images in a different way taking advantage of new technologies

Exploring the Potential of 3D Visualization Techniques for Usage in Collaborative Design

Best practice for collaborative design demands good interaction between its collaborators. The capacity to share common knowledge about design models at hand is a basic requirement. With current advancing technologies gathering collective knowledge is more straightforward, as the dialog between experts can be supported better. The potential for 3D visualization techniques to become the right support tool for collaborative design is explored. Special attention is put on the possible usage for remote collaboration. The opportunities for current state-of-the-art visualization techniques from stereoscopic vision to holographic displays are researched. A classification of the various systems is explored with respect to their tangible usage for augmented reality. Appropriate interaction methods can be selected based on the usage scenario

Nextmed: Automatic Imaging Segmentation, 3D Reconstruction, and 3D Model Visualization Platform Using Augmented and Virtual Reality

The visualization of medical images with advanced techniques, such as augmented reality and virtual reality, represent a breakthrough for medical professionals. In contrast to more traditional visualization tools lacking 3D capabilities, these systems use the three available dimensions. To visualize medical images in 3D, the anatomical areas of interest must be segmented. Currently, manual segmentation, which is the most commonly used technique, and semi-automatic approaches can be time consuming because a doctor is required, making segmentation for each individual case unfeasible. Using new technologies, such as computer vision and artificial intelligence for segmentation algorithms and augmented and virtual reality for visualization techniques implementation, we designed a complete platform to solve this problem and allow medical professionals to work more frequently with anatomical 3D models obtained from medical imaging. As a result, the Nextmed project, due to the different implemented software applications, permits the importation of digital imaging and communication on medicine (dicom) images on a secure cloud platform and the automatic segmentation of certain anatomical structures with new algorithms that improve upon the current research results. A 3D mesh of the segmented structure is then automatically generated that can be printed in 3D or visualized using both augmented and virtual reality, with the designed software systems. The Nextmed project is unique, as it covers the whole process from uploading dicom images to automatic segmentation, 3D reconstruction, 3D visualization, and manipulation using augmented and virtual reality. There are many researches about application of augmented and virtual reality for medical image 3D visualization; however, they are not automated platforms. Although some other anatomical structures can be studied, we focused on one case: a lung study. Analyzing the application of the platform to more than 1000 dicom images and studying the results with medical specialists, we concluded that the installation of this system in hospitals would provide a considerable improvement as a tool for medical image visualization

Molecular simulations and visualization: introduction and overview

Here we provide an introduction and overview of current progress in the field of molecular simulation and visualization, touching on the following topics: (1) virtual and augmented reality for immersive molecular simulations; (2) advanced visualization and visual analytic techniques; (3) new developments in high performance computing; and (4) applications and model building

New Trends in Using Augmented Reality Apps for Smart City Contexts

The idea of virtuality is not new, as research on visualization and simulation dates back to the early use of ink and paper sketches for alternative design comparisons. As technology has advanced so the way of visualizing simulations as well, but the progress is slow due to difficulties in creating workable simulations models and effectively providing them to the users. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, the evolving technologies that have been haunting the tech industry, receiving excessive attention from the media and colossal growing are redefining the way we interact, communicate and work together. From consumer application to manufacturers these technologies are used in different sectors providing huge benefits through several applications. In this work, we demonstrate the potentials of Augmented Reality techniques in a Smart City (Smart Campus) context. A multiplatform mobile app featuring Augmented Reality capabilities connected to GIS services are developed to evaluate different features such as performance, usability, effectiveness and satisfaction of the Augmented Reality technology in the context of a Smart Campus

Acceptance of an Augmented Reality system as a visualization tool for Computer-Aided Design classes

This paper presents a study conducted with nineteen students from the Technical University of Catalonia. The study examines user experience and acceptance of an Augmented Reality (AR) system as a visualization tool for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) classes. Although results showed that AR does not improve the learning of CAD techniques, students mentioned that they would find it useful and interesting to continue using AR in CAD lectures. They said that AR helps them to easily understand the forms and volumes of objects and better comprehend the location of objects in the space and its relations with others.This paper presents a study conducted with nineteen students from the Technical University of Catalonia. The study examines user experience and acceptance of an Augmented Reality (AR) system as a visualization tool for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) classes. Although results showed that AR does not improve the learning of CAD techniques, students mentioned that they would find it useful and interesting to continue using AR in CAD lectures. They said that AR helps them to easily understand the forms and volumes of objects and better comprehend the location of objects in the space and its relations with others

Acceptance of an Augmented Reality system as a visualization tool for Computer-Aided Design classes

This paper presents a study conducted with nineteen students from the Technical University of Catalonia. The study examines user experience and acceptance of an Augmented Reality (AR) system as a visualization tool for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) classes. Although results showed that AR does not improve the learning of CAD techniques, students mentioned that they would find it useful and interesting to continue using AR in CAD lectures. They said that AR helps them to easily understand the forms and volumes of objects and better comprehend the location of objects in the space and its relations with others.This paper presents a study conducted with nineteen students from the Technical University of Catalonia. The study examines user experience and acceptance of an Augmented Reality (AR) system as a visualization tool for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) classes. Although results showed that AR does not improve the learning of CAD techniques, students mentioned that they would find it useful and interesting to continue using AR in CAD lectures. They said that AR helps them to easily understand the forms and volumes of objects and better comprehend the location of objects in the space and its relations with others