Science & Technology

Assistant Professor Dr. Chaowanan Khundam, Head of the Multimedia Technology, Animation, and Game Program at the School of Informatics, Walailak University, has developed an application for VR headsets to train medical students in the insertion of breathing tubes.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have gained popularity in recent times. VR creates a sense of being in a different reality, while AR adds digital information to the real environment.

"We became interested in applying and developing an application for the medical field. During a discussion, a doctor pointed out the challenge of training medical students in the insertion of breathing tubes. This procedure involves complex steps and specific learning methods. Using the research question as a foundation, I developed an application specifically for the VR headset," said Dr. Chaowanan.

The application offers two systems. The first system allows students to interact using controllers, allowing them to pick up objects in virtual reality. The results are then displayed through the headset. The second system uses sensors on the front of the headset, allowing students to use their bare hands to interact with objects in the virtual world.

"We designed a step-by-step procedure for medical students to practice. We let them watch the video demonstration before practicing with the VR headset. My research experiments and compares the difference between using controllers and using hands for interaction. The results showed no significant difference."

Dr. Chaowanan further explained that the current device can be used in single-player mode. However, the team plans to develop it for multiple users in the future. "For example, we have medical students in Nakhon Si Thammarat while some highly skilled doctors may be based in Bangkok. We can remotely connect and receive instructions from doctors for practical training, such as specifying where to pick up or hold certain items, without physically being together," he added.

In addition to AR and VR devices, Walailak University's School of Informatics has practical laboratories, including a McIntosh laboratory equipped with the latest iMac models, a PC laboratory tailored for tasks such as animation and rendering, and a motion capture room used in animation and gaming industries. The school also provides full support for Virtual Youtuber live streamers.





Photos from Walailak Research and Innovation Program, Walailak Channel
Article by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication