An Augmented Reality Embryology Textbook

Abstract

Students of embryology must become able to visualise the three dimensional structures of interest as they do when studying anatomy. They must also be able to recognise how these structures and shapes change with time. This is challenging for many students using text and illustrations so we are developing an augmented reality resource to help. Augmented reality (AR) typically describes the use of mobile devices to layer virtual information over the top of the real world. Advertising campaigns may use images to trigger software to display videos or interactive media, for example. We have used illustrations in the textbook Embryology at a Glance (Wiley-Blackwell) as triggers for custom created animations (see figure) and 3D computer generated (CG) models. The user uses the camera of a mobile device running the AR software (Aurasma UK, London, UK) to view an illustration. The associated software uses the illustration as a fixed point in space relative to the mobile device to display the video or CG model. The viewpoint of a CG model can be manipulated by moving the textbook or the mobile device. In this way the descriptive information in the text is closely associated with supportive visual information, hopefully reducing cognitive load. There is no need for the user to find associated online materials on a website with a log in and search process.