Development of Anaglyph 3D Functionality for Cost-Effective Virtual Reality Anatomical Education Tool

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) is becoming more widely available and accessible as a technology due to the affordability of cheap computing power. Thus, it has made it possible for virtual reality systems to capture audiences in industry and education, as well as for personal use. Currently, a major limitation of VR headsets is that the user’s vision is completely occluded, making it difficult for them to interact with others. This is problematic in an educational setting since it is difficult for the given instructor and students to have a shared learning experience. Here, we have developed anaglyph 3D functionalities into the Visible Heart® Laboratories anatomical virtual reality platform. These functionalities augment what is viewed by the virtual reality user with an anaglyph shader which in turn projects it to an external display. This allows a multitude of users to wear anaglyph “red/blue 3D glasses” and view the same anatomy as the VR instructor is viewing in 3D, but while preserving the important 3D anatomical spatial relationships.

Stereoscopic 3D teaching material usability analysis for interactive boards

“…Bernard et al 13 stated that 85% of the students who participated in their research supported the use of S3D video as a complementary tool in normal anatomy teaching. It has been stated that anaglyph 3D imaging in the healthcare industry provides a cost‐effective solution that allows taking advantage of virtual reality, especially in anatomy education 14 . Similarly, it is stated that surgical training can be contributed with 3D imaging techniques 15 …”

“…It has been stated that anaglyph 3D imaging in the healthcare industry provides a cost-effective solution that allows taking advantage of virtual reality, especially in anatomy education. 14 Similarly, it is stated that surgical training can be contributed with 3D imaging techniques. 15 S3D applications are not only used in the health sector.…”