Demystifying XR
For those new to the immersive technologies the abbreviations of VR, AR, MR and XR can be confusing. A wide range of technologies fall within the Extended Reality (XR) spectrum, accessible on a range of hardware devices including VR headsets, smart glasses and smart phones.
Extended Reality, or XR, is an overarching term for immersive technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). The technologies combine or mirror the physical world with a "digital twin world" able to interact with it, giving users an immersive experience by being in a virtual or augmented environment. Another way to consider the XR spectrum is as a circular diagram of complimentary technologies:
Virtual Reality (VR):
Puts users inside a virtual environment. VR users typically wear a headset that transport them into an entirely virtual world — one moment they’re standing in a real room, and the next they’re immersed in a simulated digital environment. VR immerses users in a fully, making it a powerful tool for medical training and therapy. By wearing a VR headset, training can be delivered in a simulated clinical space with virtual equipment and patients. This gives users an experience without the costs of accessing medical facilities, and without any risks to real patients. The image below shows a surgeon using VR to train for a knee replacement procedure.
Credit: Ghpst
Augmented Reality (AR):
AR overlays digital elements onto the real world, The mobile game Pokémon GO famously brought AR to the mainstream by showing computer-rendered monsters on smartphone screens that players could collect by walking their around their neighbourhoods.
Within medicine, AR can provide doctors with critical, real-time visual information. Within surgery It can be used to project a patient’s anatomy onto their body, guiding surgeons with unprecedented precision. The advantage of AR is that the user can maintain real-world situational awareness, whilst having a digital image incorporated with their view of the world. AR also supports medical education giving trainees a detailed view of 3D models of anatomy through tablets or smartphones, making learning more interactive and accessible.
PokemonGo
Credit: Microsoft
Mixed Reality (MR):
MR blends physical and digital elements, enabling direct interaction between them. In healthcare, MR is being used to enhance telemedicine, allowing doctors to examine virtual representations of a patient’s body while communicating remotely.
Additionally, MR headsets are enabling collaborative tele-surgery and collaborative pre-operative planning. Surgeons can manipulate 3D holograms of a patient’s anatomy segmented into systems to plan and minimise hazards in complex procedures. Colleagues and trainees can ‘dial in’ to witness the procedure or collaborate in real time via the headset device.
In orthopaedic procedures, MR allows for a hybrid view where the surgeon interacts with both the real patient and a holographic overlay, ensuring precise alignment of prosthetic components.
Source: Augmedics
Source: St Josephs Healthcare London
Revolve Labs create immersive educational experiences using technologies within the XR spectrum described above. The potential for VR in the healthcare sector is limited only by the creativity & ingenuity of those creating and applying the technology. Extended reality tools are radically change the way learning is designed and delivered.
If you’d like to discuss how we can bring your Virtual Reality project to life get in touch: hello@revolvelabs.co.uk
Watch our Showreel of recent XR projects
