The first semester "Interactive Applications" project introduces students to application development. Extra-curricular workshops in second semester allow students to expand these skills into areas of Extended Reality (such as Virtual or Augmented Reality).
The knowledge and skills built in these two taught semesters are then applied by students in the creation of their own interactive applications as part of their research dissertation work in the third, summer, semester.
A range of these projects are shown below.
Dr Felicity Herrington - HoloAnatomy Application & HoloViewer
This project developed a hologram-based anatomy application in combination with a cost-effective holographic projection system, suitable for educational environments. Innovative visualisation methods were utilised to produce the HoloAnatomy application, which enables students to interact with 3D anatomical models using a voice command system. The app can be viewed on the tabletop HoloViewer, which was built using cheap and readily accessible materials and could be easily reproduced by a person with basic DIY skills. These developments represent a step towards the use of low-cost digital holographic projection in anatomy education, something that will hopefully help to encourage the engagement of young people with anatomy in the future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeorNp9HIQE
Rowan Fitzpatrick
In collaboration with the Scottish Ambulance Service, this MSc project aimed to develop an AR application capable of improving paramedic comprehension of cardiac electrophysiology and recognition of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (a type of heart attack). This application was named ECG-in-AR and, through user testing, has demonstrated to significantly contribute to increase paramedics’ knowledge.
Tara M Mulyawan
As part of an elective module, this project showcased the exploration of Human-Computer Interaction and Extended Reality to provide enhanced interaction with anatomical reconstructions, using Leap Motion Controller
Sandie Chambers - Visualising Canine Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Clinical Interactive Application
This project was conducted in association with Fitzpatrick Referrals Oncology & Soft Tissue Hospital. It aims to create an interactive platform to facilitate veterinary communication around the most diagnosed liver tumour in dogs, the Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
Xinlin Chen - Kidney Exploration: A VR experience for public learning structure and function of kidney
Kidney Exploration is a VR experience supported by Oculus Quest, designed to educate the public about the structure and function of the kidneys. This VR experience builds upon a CT dataset to extract a kidney’s model with its internal structure and create an immersive experience that gives access to the interior cavity of the body and learning about the organ. Integrating interactivity and immersive visualisation of diabetic kidney disease can allow for more active learning and increased user engagement.