The virtual reality technology first entered the mainstream culture last year. Different types of VR content have been discovered ever since including gaming, movies, shopping, training and travel. This segment is growing at a fast pace. In fact, industry insight consultancy firm Deloitte Global even predicted back then that virtual reality (VR) will have its first billion dollar year in 2016 with about $700 million in hardware sales and the remainder from content.
Virtual reality is a fantastic innovation which can demonstrate the cutting edge of what technology is capable of today. On a similar line, Brazilian scientists recently developed a new technology that will allow parents to watch their unborn babies grow in realistic virtual reality environment.
This technology works by combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that provides high-resolution foetal and placental imaging with contrast, and ultrasound data to scan segments of the mother’s womb and foetus to build a life-like model of the baby that can be experienced using a virtual reality (VR) headset.
‘The 3D foetal models combined with virtual reality immersive technologies may improve our understanding of foetal anatomical characteristics and can be used for educational purposes and as a method for parents to visualise their unborn baby,’ said Heron Werner Jr. from the Clinica de Diagnostico por Imagem in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
First, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) slices are constructively mounted in a shape of the model that it is supposed to imitate. The segmentation process involves the physician selecting body parts that are required to be reconstructed in 3D. After the models are accurately created, a virtual reality device is thereafter programmed for the purpose of showcasing the model.
‘We believe that these images will help facilitate a multi-disciplinary discussion about some pathologies in addition to bringing a new experience for parents when following the development of their unborn child,’ Werner said. This study is scheduled to be presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America which is situated in Chicago.
