An augmented reality delivery simulator for medical training

Abstract. This paper presents the extension of a birth simulator for medical training with an augmented reality system. The system presents an add-on of the user interface for our previous work on a mixed reality delivery simulator system [1]. This simulat

AMI-ARCS'04

to refresh their knowledge.The long term goal of the proposed delivery simula-tor is offering a device for improved training in order to reduce the amount of cesarean sections as well as the number of perinatal deaths.

1.2Delivery Simulator

The’Klinik f¨u r Orthop¨a die und Sportorthop¨a die r.d.Isar’has developed a birth simulator consisting of a haptic device in a body phantom and software that sim-ulates biomechanical and physiological functions.The position of the3D model is visualized on a screen and audio output is generated.Still in development pro-cess,it already represents a delivery simulator that provides multimodal func-tionality[1,5].Therefore the birth simulator includes already3D visualization.

1.3Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality(AR)is a relative new means of visualization.The idea of augmented reality is inserting virtual objects into the normalfield of view.Since the early90’s AR researchers have tried to apply this technology to medical applications[6].Different medical AR prototype systems were built and tested in the late90’s.Blackewell et al.[7]proposed a semi transparent display for augmentation of orthopedic surgery.Edwards et al.[8]proposed an integrated AR solution for operating microscopes.Birkfellner et al.[9]introduced the varioscope AR,an augmented head-mounted operating microscope,for oral implantology.

A major strength of augmented reality compared to visualization on an external monitor is the fact that it is able to show virtual objects in place.Users need not take a look away from the place of interest to the screen.

According to[10]Virtual Reality has a high potential for medical teaching. The advantages of virtual endoscopy for medical training has been recognized [11].Beier et al[12]propose a virtual reality platform for medical education.The strength of augmented reality compared to Virtual Reality is the perception of the real scene.The system only overlays those pieces of information that are necessary.This eliminates the need for the user to immerse in a totally virtual environment and supports the intuitive integration of the information into the setup.This information can be given e.g.by visualization of objects that are actually hidden under the real surface giving the impression of a view inside.

The augmented reality system we use is a research system that is called RAMP.It has been developed by Siemens Corporate Research(SCR)for real time augmentation in medical procedures[13].It is optimized for accurate aug-mentation regarding relative errors between the real and the virtual scene.Its accuracy,its high resolution,high update rate and its little lag is currently state of the art.

1.4Integration Objectives

The contribution of this paper is the novel combination of an augmented re-ality device with a physical simulator.By this means the advantages of a real

12

上一页第2页下一页