Virtual Reality Modeling Research Articles

Shoulder Arthroscopy Simulator Training Improves Surgical Procedure Performance: A Controlled Laboratory Study.

Background:Previous simulation studies evaluated either dry lab (DL) or virtual reality (VR) simulation, correlating simulator training with the performance of arthroscopic tasks. However, these studies did not compare simulation training with specific surgical procedures.Purpose/Hypothesis:To determine the effectiveness of a shoulder arthroscopy simulator program in improving performance during arthroscopic anterior labral repair. It was hypothesized that both DL and VR simulation methods would improve procedure performance; however, VR simulation would be more effective based on the validated Arthroscopic Surgery Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET) Global Rating Scale.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Enrolled in the study were 38 orthopaedic residents at a single institution, postgraduate years (PGYs) 1 to 5. Each resident completed a pretest shoulder stabilization procedure on a cadaveric model and was then randomized into 1 of 2 groups: VR or DL simulation. Participants then underwent a 4-week arthroscopy simulation program and completed a posttest. Sports medicine–trained orthopaedic surgeons graded the participants on completeness of the surgical repair at the time of the procedure, and a single, blinded orthopaedic surgeon, using the ASSET Global Rating Scale, graded participants’ arthroscopy skills. The procedure step and ASSET grades were compared between simulator groups and between PGYs using paired t tests.Results:There was no significant difference between the groups in pretest performance in either the procedural steps or ASSET scores. Overall procedural step scores improved after combining both types of simulator training (P = .0424) but not in the individual simulation groups. The ASSET scores improved across both DL (P = .0045) and VR (P = .0003), with no significant difference between the groups.Conclusion:A 4-week simulation program can improve arthroscopic skills and performance during a specific surgical procedure. This study provides additional evidence regarding the benefits of simulator training in orthopaedic surgery for both novice and experienced arthroscopic surgeons. There was no statistically significant difference between the VR and DL models, which disproved the authors’ hypothesis that the VR simulator would be the more effective simulation tool.Clinical Relevance:There may be a role for simulator training in the teaching of arthroscopic skills and learning of specific surgical procedures.

In Reply: Immersive 3-Dimensional Virtual Reality Modeling for Case-Specific Presurgical Discussions in Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery.

Background Adequate surgical planning includes a precise understanding of patient-specific anatomy and is a necessity for neurosurgeons. Although the use of virtual reality (VR) technology is emerging in surgical planning and education, few studies have examined the effectiveness of immersive VR during surgical planning using a modern head-mounted display. Objective To investigate if and how immersive VR aids presurgical discussions of cerebrovascular surgery. Methods A multiuser immersive VR system, BananaVisionTM, was developed and used during presurgical discussions in a prospective patient cohort undergoing cerebrovascular surgery. A questionnaire/interview was administered to multiple surgeons after the surgeries to evaluate the effectiveness of the VR system compared to conventional imaging modalities. An objective assessment of the surgeon's knowledge of patient-specific anatomy was also conducted by rating surgeons' hand-drawn presurgical illustrations. Results The VR session effectively enhanced surgeons' understanding of patient-specific anatomy in the majority of cases (83.3%). An objective assessment of surgeons' presurgical illustrations was consistent with this result. The VR session also effectively improved the decision-making process regarding minor surgical techniques in 61.1% of cases and even aided surgeons in making critical surgical decisions about cases involving complex and challenging anatomy. The utility of the VR system was rated significantly higher by trainees than by experts. Conclusion Although rated as more useful by trainees than by experts, immersive 3D VR modeling increased surgeons' understanding of patient-specific anatomy and improved surgical strategy in certain cases involving challenging anatomy.

Research on Urban Architecture Landscape Design Based on Virtual Reality Technology

With the continuous escalation of architectural design requirements, the continuous complexity of architectural models, and the integration of computer technology, virtual reality technology in architectural design has also emerged. The application of virtual reality technology in architectural design deepens the communication between professional architects and non-professionals, makes the architectural effect more intuitive, and effectively solves the communication barriers between architects and non-professionals. This article discusses the basic theory of virtual reality technology, and studies how to apply virtual reality technology in the landscape design of modern cities. On the premise of analyzing traditional landscape design methods, analyze the disadvantages of traditional landscape design methods; by studying the advantages of virtual reality technology, we choose to construct some scenes of urban architectural landscape design for virtual reality models. The article combines virtual reality technology with architectural design to effectively solve some of the shortcomings of traditional urban landscape design.

Metrics development and modelling the mixed reality and digital twin adoption in the context of Industry 4.0

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the current technology acceptance model (TAM) in the field of mixed reality and digital twin (MRDT) and identify key factors affecting users' intentions to use MRDT. The factors are used as a set of key metrics for proposing a predictive model for virtual, augmented and mixed reality (MR) acceptance by users. This model is called the extended TAM for MRDT adoption in the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry.Design/methodology/approachAn interpretivist philosophical lens was adopted to conduct an inductive systematic and bibliographical analysis of secondary data contained within published journal articles that focused upon MRDT acceptance modelling. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) approach to meta-analysis were adopted to ensure all key investigations were included in the final database set. Quantity indicators such as path coefficients, factor ranking, Cronbach’s alpha (a) and chi-square (b) test, coupled with content analysis, were used for examining the database constructed. The database included journal papers from 2010 to 2020.FindingsThe extant literature revealed that the most commonly used constructs of the MRDT–TAM included: subjective norm; social influence; perceived ease of use (PEOU); perceived security; perceived enjoyment; satisfaction; perceived usefulness (PU); attitude; and behavioural intention (BI). Using these identified constructs, the general extended TAM for MRDT in the AECO industry is developed. Other important factors such as “perceived immersion” could be added to the obtained model.Research limitations/implicationsThe decision to utilise a new technology is difficult and high risk in the construction project context, due to the complexity of MRDT technologies and dynamic construction environment. The outcome of the decision may affect employee performance, project productivity and on-site safety. The extended acceptance model offers a set of factors that assist managers or practitioners in making effective decisions for utilising any type of MRDT technology.Practical implicationsSeveral constraints are apparent due to the limited investigation of MRDT evaluation matrices and empirical studies. For example, the research only covers technologies which have been reported in the literature, relating to virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), MR, DT and sensors, so newer technologies may not be included. Moreover, the review process could span a longer time period and thus embrace a fuller spectrum of technology development in these different areas.Originality/valueThe research provides a theoretical model for measuring and evaluating MRDT acceptance at the individual level in the AECO context and signposts future research related to MRDT adoption in the AECO industry, as well as providing managerial guidance for progressive AECO professionals who seek to expand their use of MRDT in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). A set of key factors affecting MRDT acceptance is identified which will help innovators to improve their technology to achieve a wider acceptance.

How do atria affect navigation in multi-level museum environments?

How do people explore multiplex environments? What role do atria play in spatial navigation? These are critical questions for architectural design. However, few studies have examined the role atria play in visitors’ exploration of museums. Consequently, the relationship between free exploration and the design of atria in museums is not well understood. A pilot study in the Ashmolean Museum indicated that atria influence navigation. The Museum, therefore, lends itself as a case study to assess the impact of visual connections upon exploration and orientation. We present an experimental study with two conditions: a highly-detailed realistic virtual model of the building and a modified virtual model of the same building, eliminating the views crossing through the atria. Two hypotheses are tested: first, that visitors’ paths will be different depending on the amount of visual information they receive inside each experimental condition; second, that visitors’ ease of exploring and viewing the environment will also differ. Analysis confirmed that participants followed different paths in the two experimental conditions. Users visiting the exact model turned their heads around fewer times than users visiting the modified model. These findings suggest that atria play a significant role in nudging movement and affect the ease of navigation.

APPLICATION OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN PRACTICAL WORK WITH FUTURE CHOREOGRAPHY SPECIALISTS

The expediency of innovative technologies application in practical work with future choreography specialists in higher education institutions has been substantiated. It has been established that the value of innovative technologies implies the unleashing of the future choreographers’ creative potential, formation of a stable motivation to learn, ensuring a high creative result in the educational process. On the basis of general scientific (analysis, systematization, generalization) and specific scientific (comparative analysis) methods of scientific research, the differences of the innovative technologies has been found out. As a result, pedagogical, organizational and managerial innovations are used in the practical work with future choreography specialists.
 It has been proved that the creation and realization of various types of programs (author’s, block, integrated), additional developing disciplines (gymnastics, bases of acting skill), game technologies, technologies of “project training” (report concert, master class, academic show), information technologies (digital, video and audio technologies, computer multimedia technologies, artificial intelligence technologies, Internet and communication technologies, virtual reality modeling technologies), non-traditional methods of pedagogical process organization (binary approach, trainings) are fundamental in pedagogical innovations.
 Non-traditional forms of the educational process organization, technology of “collaborative learning”, innovative methods of space and time organization, technology of health-saving learning, information technologies are components of organizational innovations that provide future choreographers with a sense of tolerance, collectivism and also have a psychological influence on emotional state, behavior, attitude to classes, the level of mastering general and professional competences. The professional activity of future choreography specialists, in particular leadership of the choreographic team, requires mastering managerial innovations (marketing and advertising, basics of entrepreneurship, management principles, information provision of management, cultural and artistic projects, basics of business planning, fundraising techniques) that form image and reputation of the latter. The study does not include all the aspects of the issue of using innovative technologies in practical work with future choreographers and shows the need for its further development in such promising areas as optimizing the content of higher choreographic education by means of information technology, especially teaching choreographic disciplines in conditions of distance learning.

Integration of Virtual Reality and Digital Human Model Simulations for Ergonomic Analysis of CAD Models

The paper deals the exercising Virtual Reality (VR) validation for ergonomic study of Computer Aided Design (CAD) virtual environment models, for the safe and comfortable operations for human. The CAD based virtual environments will subject to ergonomic analysis could reduce the costs of testing and errors in integration of sub systems compared to real-time trials. In this venture, a Digital Human Model Simulation (DHMS) was analysed in a workspace by incorporating VR simulation softwares. A transport and freight of military personnel and equipment in Armoured Personnel Carrier Vehicles (APVCs) model was employed as environment for ergonomic assessment. VR device with head-mounted display was used to perform the ergonomics analysis in virtual environment. The ergonomics study and the experience lead to changes in design features. This application could benefit in the defence, aerospace and naval sector, where ergonomically viable compact spaces for human inhabit of key importance.

Implementation of Virtual Reality Model for Offshore Gas Field Platform and Evaluation of Gas Hydrate Formation for Subsea Production Pipeline using AI

Implementation of Virtual Reality Model for Offshore Gas Field Platform and Evaluation of Gas Hydrate Formation for Subsea Production Pipeline using AI

Virtual Reality in Preoperative Planning of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery Using Google Cardboard.

ObjectivePreoperative planning in spine surgery is a fundamental step of the surgical workup and is often assisted by direct visualization of anatomical 2-dimensional images. This process is time-consuming and may excessively approximate the 3-dimensional (3D) nature of spinal anatomy. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology capable of reconstructing an interactive 3D anatomical model that can be freely explored and manipulated. MethodsSixty patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis underwent correction of the scoliotic curve by posterior arthrodesis after preoperative planning using traditional on-screen visualization of computed tomography scans (control group, n = 30) or exploration of a 3D anatomical model in VR using Google Cardboard (Google Inc.) (VR group, n = 30). Mean operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and surgeon’s satisfaction were assessed after surgery. ResultsThe use of VR led to a significant decrease in operative time and bleeding while increasing the surgeon’s satisfaction compared to the control group. ConclusionPreoperative planning with VR turned out to be effective in terms of operative time and blood loss reduction. Moreover, such technology proved to be reproducible, cost-effective, and more satisfactory compared to conventional planning.

Fast-track virtual reality for cardiac imaging in congenital heart disease.

We sought to evaluate the appropriateness of cardiac anatomy renderings by a new virtual reality (VR) technology, entitled DIVA, directly applicable to raw magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data without intermediate segmentation steps in comparison to standard three-dimensional (3D) rendering techniques (3D PDF and 3D printing). Differences in post-processing times were also evaluated. We reconstructed 3D (STL, 3D-PDF, and 3D printed ones) and VR models of three patients with different types of complex congenital heart disease (CHD). We then asked a senior pediatric heart surgeon to compare and grade the results obtained. All anatomical structures were well visualized in both VR and 3D PDF/printed models. Ventricular-arterial connections and their relationship with the great vessels were better visualized with the VR model (Case 2); aortic arch anatomy and details were also better visualized by the VR model (Case 3). The median post-processing time to get VR models using DIVA was 5 min in comparison to 8 h (range 8-12 h including printing time) for 3D models (PDF/printed). VR directly applied to non-segmented 3D-MRI data set is a promising technique for 3D advanced modeling in CHD. It is systematically more consistent and faster when compared to standard 3D-modeling techniques.

80. Vaginal healing research: from bench to bedside and beyond

<h3>Background</h3> Adolescents undergoing vaginal surgery are often left with scaring and lifelong sequelae that can interfere with their daily lives, including retained menstruation and painful vaginal exams and dyspareunia. While vaginal stents are known to aid in healing, there are no current stents available for young patients and furthermore, we do not fully understand why some girls scar while others do not. It is our goal to understand vaginal healing at the mechanistic level in order to prevent scaring while at the same time provide solutions in the clinic. <h3>Methods</h3> To elucidate fundamental mechanisms of vaginal healing, both in vitro and in vivo methods were developed. Using primary murine fibroblasts, the expression of hyaluronan (HA) related genes and cell migration in response to estrogen and mechanical stretch were evaluated. To model the interplay between vaginal layers, a vagina-on-a-chip is being designed. Murine models, including full thickness wounds and bleomycin instillation plus vaginal trauma, were developed to study regenerative vaginal healing and fibrosis, respectively. In combination with oophorectomy, histologic and gene expression changes were evaluated at various time points after insults. Clinically, vaginal stents were designed and validated in a porcine model and review panels. Virtual reality (VR) technology and 3D imaging is being used for pre-operative training. <h3>Results</h3> We have successfully isolated and rapidly expanded murine primary vaginal fibroblasts, and our ongoing in vitro work suggests that estrogen influences HA via upregulation of HA synthesis genes. Full thickness murine vaginal wounds result in complete epithelial layer closure and resolution of inflammatory changes by 72 hours, which is altered in oopherectomized mice. Bleomycin instillation alone did not lead to fibrosis, but in combination with wire brush trauma led to disrupted collagen organization. The design criteria for a vagina-on-a-chip has been established including sustaining 3D cell culture and matching biomechanical properties. Physical vaginal stent designs to improve retention and patient comfort were validated and two designs were chosen for further benchtop testing in a novel pressurized 3D-printed model and a funded Phase I clinical trial. Resorbable stents were designed with polycaprolactone-based shape memory foams to provide sufficient radial force to maintain vaginal caliber over a target healing time of 4 weeks. Lastly, we are improving clinical training with 3D imaging and VR modeling. <h3>Conclusions</h3> We are advancing vaginal healing research by translating clinical problems into basic science questions and closing the loop ultimately back to bedside improvements.

Research on 3D virtual simulation of geology based on GIS

A simplified method based on GIS combined with virtual reality modeling language (VRML) to achieve real time and fast 3D geological modeling is proposed. By calling the borehole rock and soil information stored in the GIS database, it is automatically created using spatial interpolation technology. The spatial interpolation technology is used to automatically create the side map of the model, and automatically output this information as a VRML script according to the standard format. The created model can be displayed independently without relying on the modeling software platform and can realize functions such as free rotation, flying, and zooming. Successfully developed a 3D geological modeling system based on the introduced design ideas, and used the system to achieve 3D geological modeling of a certain bridge site. This method has the characteristics of simple operation, fast modeling speed, less manual intervention, and visual interactive operation and can be used as an auxiliary decision-making method for engineering surveys.

Quantifying the alignment error and the effect of incomplete somatosensory feedback on motor performance in a virtual brain\u2013computer-interface setup

Invasive brain–computer-interfaces (BCIs) aim to improve severely paralyzed patient’s (e.g. tetraplegics) quality of life by using decoded movement intentions to let them interact with robotic limbs. We argue that the performance in controlling an end-effector using a BCI depends on three major factors: decoding error, missing somatosensory feedback and alignment error caused by translation and/or rotation of the end-effector relative to the real or perceived body. Using a virtual reality (VR) model of an ideal BCI decoder with healthy participants, we found that a significant performance loss might be attributed solely to the alignment error. We used a shape-drawing task to investigate and quantify the effects of robot arm misalignment on motor performance independent from the other error sources. We found that a 90° rotation of the robot arm relative to the participant leads to the worst performance, while we did not find a significant difference between a 45° rotation and no rotation. Additionally, we compared a group of subjects with indirect haptic feedback with a group without indirect haptic feedback to investigate the feedback-error. In the group without feedback, we found a significant difference in performance only when no rotation was applied to the robot arm, supporting that a form of haptic feedback is another important factor to be considered in BCI control.

Educators’ Interests, Prior Knowledge and Questions Regarding Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and 3D Printing and Modeling

Innovative new technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and 3D printers, provide new affordances for education. While each of these technologies has been shown to positively impact learning, they have not yet been widely adopted in schools. With the interest in these technologies growing among educators, this study explores why educators are motivated to learn about these tools, what they already know about these tools, and what they want to know. This paper presents data from 265 educators who completed a pre-course survey before engaging in an open online course to learn about these technologies. Findings from the data reveal significant variance in educators’ prior knowledge, interests, and motivations. This paper yields new insights that can support the design of professional learning experiences for educators and potentially increase mainstream adoption and use of these tools in education.

Commentary: Immersive 3-Dimensional Virtual Reality Modeling for Case-Specific Presurgical Discussions in Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery.

Commentary: Immersive 3-Dimensional Virtual Reality Modeling for Case-Specific Presurgical Discussions in Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery.

Commentary: Immersive 3-Dimensional Virtual Reality Modeling for Case-Specific Presurgical Discussions in Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery.

Commentary: Immersive 3-Dimensional Virtual Reality Modeling for Case-Specific Presurgical Discussions in Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery Ben A Strickland, MD, Ben A Strickland, MD Correspondence: Ben A. Strickland, MD, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 1200 N State Street, Suite 3300, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. Email: ben.strickland@med.usc.edu Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Tatsuhiro Fujii, MD, Tatsuhiro Fujii, MD Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Jonathan J Russin, MD Jonathan J Russin, MD Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Operative Neurosurgery, Volume 20, Issue 3, March 2021, Pages E208–E209, https://doi.org/10.1093/ons/opaa394 Published: 29 December 2020 Article history Received: 15 September 2020 Accepted: 16 September 2020 Published: 29 December 2020

Immersive 3-Dimensional Virtual Reality Modeling for Case-Specific Presurgical Discussions in Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery.

Adequate surgical planning includes a precise understanding of patient-specific anatomy and is a necessity for neurosurgeons. Although the use of virtual reality (VR) technology is emerging in surgical planning and education, few studies have examined the effectiveness of immersive VR during surgical planning using a modern head-mounted display. To investigate if and how immersive VR aids presurgical discussions of cerebrovascular surgery. A multiuser immersive VR system, BananaVisionTM, was developed and used during presurgical discussions in a prospective patient cohort undergoing cerebrovascular surgery. A questionnaire/interview was administered to multiple surgeons after the surgeries to evaluate the effectiveness of the VR system compared to conventional imaging modalities. An objective assessment of the surgeon's knowledge of patient-specific anatomy was also conducted by rating surgeons' hand-drawn presurgical illustrations. The VR session effectively enhanced surgeons' understanding of patient-specific anatomy in the majority of cases (83.3%). An objective assessment of surgeons' presurgical illustrations was consistent with this result. The VR session also effectively improved the decision-making process regarding minor surgical techniques in 61.1% of cases and even aided surgeons in making critical surgical decisions about cases involving complex and challenging anatomy. The utility of the VR system was rated significantly higher by trainees than by experts. Although rated as more useful by trainees than by experts, immersive 3D VR modeling increased surgeons' understanding of patient-specific anatomy and improved surgical strategy in certain cases involving challenging anatomy.

Exploring gestural input for engineering surveys of real-life structures in virtual reality using photogrammetric 3D models

Photogrammetry is a promising set of methods for generating photorealistic 3D models of physical objects and structures. Such methods may rely solely on camera-captured photographs or include additional sensor data. Digital twins are digital replicas of physical objects and structures. Photogrammetry is an opportune approach for generating 3D models for the purpose of preparing digital twins. At a sufficiently high level of quality, digital twins provide effective archival representations of physical objects and structures and become effective substitutes for engineering inspections and surveying. While photogrammetric techniques are well-established, insights about effective methods for interacting with such models in virtual reality remain underexplored. We report the results of a qualitative engineering case study in which we asked six domain experts to carry out engineering measurement tasks in an immersive environment using bimanual gestural input coupled with gaze-tracking. The qualitative case study revealed that gaze-supported bimanual interaction of photogrammetric 3D models is a promising modality for domain experts. It allows the experts to efficiently manipulate and measure elements of the 3D model. To better allow designers to support this modality, we report design implications distilled from the feedback from the domain experts.

A Perception Model for Optimizing and Evaluating Evacuation Guidance Systems

To overcome the difficulties of quantitatively optimizing and evaluating evacuation guidance systems, we proposed a perception model based on virtual reality (VR) experiments and the social force model (SFM). We used VR and eye tracking devices to carry out experiments. The VR experiment data was mainly used for three purposes: to determine the parameter values of the perception model, to optimize the evacuation guidance system by quantitative analysis, and to validate the perception model. Additionally, we compared the VR experimental and model simulation results before and after the optimization to quantitatively assess the improvement in the optimized evacuation guidance system. The results showed that our model can effectively simulate the perception behaviors of evacuees on the evacuation guidance system and it can quantitatively evaluate different evacuation guidance system schemes. The model simulations showed that the optimized evacuation guidance system improved the evacuation efficiency, with the average escape time and distance of the two starting positions reduced by 37% and 28%, respectively.

Interactive 3D Modeling with Virtual Reality

The immersive Virtual Reality (VR) environment transforms the way people learn, work, and communicate. While the traditional modeling tools such as Blender and AutoCAD are commonly used for industrial design today, handling 3D objects on a two-dimensional screen with a keyboard and mouse is very challenging. In this work, we introduce a VR modeling system named The Virtual Workshop supporting the design and manipulation of various 3D objects in virtual environments. The proposed system was developed for the Oculus Rift platform allowing a user to efficiently and precisely design 3D objects using two hands directly. The friendly system GUI supports the user to create new 3D objects from scratch using premade “basic objects” or alternatively to import an existing 3D object made in other applications. Meanwhile, the finished 3D models are stored in the standard OBJ file format and exported later for the development of 3D scenarios in other applications such as the Unity engine. From concept to design, the VR modeling system provides an open platform where the designers and the clients can better share their ideas as well as interactively refine the rendered virtual models in collaboration.