Virtual and Augmented Reality for Training and Maintenance of a Multiparameter Monitor

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have experienced a significant boom in recent years regarding their features and utility. They have become reliable tools that are applied in different fields and disciplines (medicine, industry, science, teaching, training, and robotics, among others). In the present research work, these technologies are used as tools for the training and maintenance of medical equipment. An application was developed using flexible programming and design software, such as Vuforia, Unity, SolidWorks, Visual Studio, and hardware such as smartphones and the HTC VIVE glasses. Considering the existing need and based on surveys carried out to medical and hospital technical staff, significant results were obtained about the use of AR and VR in the area of medicine. The use of interactive applications enables autonomous training, which may be executed at any time and it is also user-friendly; in addition, it enables achieving reduced maintenance time and improves the process of acquiring abilities, thus releasing resources for other purposes.