Posted October 07, 2023 by Quintus033
Introduction
Experience and master the use of AEDs in life-threatening situations through our immersive VR training application, equipping you with the confidence and skills to potentially save lives in real-world emergencies.
Description of the application
Our team has developed a Virtual Reality (VR) application specifically designed to educate and train users on the utilization of AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators). By harnessing the immersive and interactive capabilities of VR technology, we have crafted a lifelike simulation environment for AED usage. With the VR headset, users can immerse themselves in training scenarios, learning the critical steps to employ an AED during emergencies. Our application provides real-time feedback and guidance throughout the entire training process, ensuring not just understanding, but mastery of each step. The primary objective of our application is to deliver a comprehensive and engaging learning experience on the correct use of AEDs. Within this virtual realm, users can interact with simulated AED devices using hand controllers. They are trained to swiftly assess a patient's condition, locate the AED based on visual signs like markers or signposts, place the electrode pads accurately, and activate the AED for defibrillation.
In the context of the chosen scenario, which is educating and training individuals on the use of AEDs, this VR application holds immense significance.
After completing the AED training using this VR application, users will have a deep understanding of how to properly use an AED in various scenarios. Users will be well prepared to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies, knowing when and how to initiate AED use and administer life-saving treatment. The user will also gain the confidence to take swift and decisive action in high-stress situations, potentially increasing the chance of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest (US CPR online 2022).
Description of the interface solution
The interface solution for the VR application designed for AED training plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall learning experience.
Interaction Design
Interaction design plays an important role in VR applications designed for AED training.
Storyboard:
Initial technical Development
Technical development:
Development Platform: Unity 3D.
Hardware: Oculus Quest.
3D Modelling & Assets:
For a more realistic environment, we integrated texture materials, such as those from Yughues Free Metal Materials and Yughues Free Wooden Floor Materials. These textures provided depth and realism to our virtual environments.
We are currently using a cube as a placeholder for the human body, which will be replaced with a detailed human model in the next stage to further enhance realism.
User Interface:
Our application boasts a unique HUD (Heads-Up Display) bound to the user's left hand. This dynamic UI provides instant instructions and feedback, enhancing the immersive learning experience. The HUD concept was inspired by popular wearable tech interfaces, like smartwatches.
User Interaction:
The user interacts with buttons and can grab and drop items through the handle and triggers on the handle.
Future Technical Development:
The next phase will introduce a more realistic human body model and integrate voice guidance to simulate more realistic situations.
Specific interface technology:
In the development of the VR application used for AED training, A widely used and recognized interface technology for VR applications is the Oculus platform, specifically the Oculus Rift or Oculus Quest.
Oculus Quest: The Oculus Quest is a standard VR headset. It does not require a PC or an external sensor. It offers portability and convenience, allowing users to engage in VR experiences without being tethered to a computer. The Quest provides a rich and immersive VR experience with hand tracing and gesture recognition. The Oculus headsets offer precise tracking of user movements, including head and hand tracking. This ensures that interactions in virtual environments are accurate and realistic.
Initial 3D Models
The 3D models used and planned to use in the applications:
The picture is from mega sticker store: (https://megastickerstore.com.au/products/first-aid-sticker-aed-automated-external-defibrillator-sticker-warning-signs-set)
Material from Yughues Free Metal Materials: (https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/2d/textures-materials/metals/yughues-free-metal-materials-12949)
3. 3D model cube: used as a medium to assume the human body to place the electrode and perform the task. This object will be replaced by human model in next stage.
The picture is from shutter stock: (https://www.shutterstock.com/zh/image-vector/men-body-icon-vector-illustration-male-1921828673)
4. 3D cubes Electrode Pads: A 3D model of AED electrode pads used to simulate attaching electrodes to the virtual cube (imagined as a patient body).5. 3D Object AED opened: Consists of two Electrode Pads, a button and base to simulate what a real AED looks like when opened.
9. Floor: used to allowed user to walk around.
Material is from Yughues Free Wooden Floor Materials: (https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/2d/textures-materials/wood/yughues-free-wooden-floor-materials-13213)
Conclusion
The interface solution of our VR application leverages the immersive capabilities of the Oculus Quest headset and creates a realistic and interactive learning experience. The application utilizes 3D models to replicate AED devices and training environments, allowing users to practice their AED operation skills in a safe and controlled environment. The combination of VR technology, interaction, and a 3D model fosters skill development, enhances knowledge, and ultimately equips users with the confidence and competence to respond effectively in a real-life cardiac emergency.
Reference list
AEDUSA 2020, What Is The Defibrillator Survival Rate | aedusa.com, https://www.aedusa.com/knowledge/, viewed 6 October 2023, <https: www.aedusa.com="" knowledge="" what-is-the-defibrillator-survival-rate="" #:~:text="An%20AED%20is%20a%20relatively">.</https:>
Bandura, A 1994, ‘Encyclopedia of mental health’, Self-Efficacy, vol. 4, Academic Press, no. 4, pp. 71–81, viewed 6 October 2023, <http: happyheartfamilies.citymax.com="" f="" self_efficacy.pdf="">.</http:>
Kolb, DA & Hay Resources Direct 2007, The Kolb learning style inventory : LSI workbook, Haygroup, Boston, Mass.
Start Beyond 2020, Start Beyond — Three reasons VR is the best way to deliver life-saving First Aid Training, www.startbeyond.co, viewed 6 October 2023, <https: www.startbeyond.co="" media="" three-reasons-vr-is-the-best-way-to-deliver-life-saving-first-aid-training="">.</https:>
Stice, JE 1987, ‘Using Kolb’s Learning Cycle to Improve Student Learning’, Engineering Education, vol. 77, no. 5, pp. 291–96, viewed 6 October 2023, <https: eric.ed.gov="" ?id="EJ357319">.</https:>
US CPR online 2022, What Are The Benefits of AEDs at Workplace, mycpr-new.webflow.io, viewed 6 October 2023, <https: www.uscpronline.com="" blog="" benefits-of-aeds-at-workplace#:~:text="Having%20an%20AED%20in%20the%20workplace%20can%20help%20save%20lives">.</https:>
VR, P 2021, Automated External Defibrillator VR Training (AED), PIXO VR, viewed 6 October 2023, <https: pixovr.com="" vr-training-content="" aed-freerangexr="">.</https:>