Virtual reality (VR) is becoming increasingly popular around the world, with various interactive devices being continuously invented, such as 3D (three-dimensional) glasses, 3D televisions, and especially VR glasses.  In Da Nang, many universities have also conducted their research activities into this interesting aspect.

A view of the 2D human skeleton model

VR is a computer technology uses Virtual reality headsets, sometimes in combination with physical spaces or multi-projected environments.  It aims at generating realistic images, sounds and other sensations that simulate a user's physical presence in a virtual or imaginary environment.

A group of talented lecturers from the city-based Duy Tan University has successfully created a 3D virtual human skeleton model which has been used in the teaching of anatomy at their school’s Faculty of Medicine. 

According to lecturer Le Van Chung, the research group’ leader, the 3D model features important organs of the human body, including bones, muscles, and the nervous, digestive and circulatory systems.  Thanks to the useful model, students have unforgettable memories when they can lively view the structure of a human being. 

Students can also position and view the body from any angle, while quickly identifying a total of 254 bones, described using precise scientific and common names.  Bones are rendered using high-definition bone shapes, with realistic 3D illumination and accurate perspective.

In addition to the 3D model, the 2D one is also available for the students to study about anatomy via their computers and laptops.

Most notably, the 3D model won the 1^st prize at the Viet Nam Young Science Talent Awards 2016 which was opened to lecturers and students from colleges and universities nationwide.  The event was jointly organised by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee and the Ministry of Education and Training. 

Lecturer Chung proudly remarked that, his research group will make even greater efforts to perfect their product, and set up a 3D room for endoscopic surgery, along with create virtual patients with common diseases.

With their strong passion for modern technologies, students Nguyen Phuc Hao and Nguyen Van Tan Dat, both aged 23, from the IT Faculty of the city’s University of Science and Technology has already created a 3D model of their school, using Microsoft’s VR tools. 

At recent oral defence representations of their graduation theses, the 2 students surprised all the attendees with this interesting and eye-catching model.  The 3D model of the university is vividly viewed through a Microsoft HoloLens which is a pair of mixed reality smartglasses developed and manufactured by Microsoft.  HoloLens gained popularity for being one of the first computers running the Windows Mixed Reality platform under the Windows 10 operating system.  This modern device looks like a wireless visor, raises the stakes in the emerging market for virtual and augmented reality.