Metaverse forensics framework: A NIST based investigation framework for metaverse

Extended-Reality Technologies: An Overview of Emerging Applications in Medical Education and Clinical Care.

The perceptual behavior of consumers on a product displayed in the market has a vital role in analyzing the importance given to that product. Therefore, various strategies have been developed to understand this consumer behavior in the selection of products. Immersive technologies like virtual, augmented, and mixed reality are among them. With the foremost feature of immersion in the virtual world and interaction of users with virtual objects, virtual reality, and augmented reality have unlocked their potential in research and a user-friendly tool for analyzing consumer behavior. In addition to these technologies, mixed reality also has a significant role in investigating consumer behavior. Studies on immersive technologies in food applications are vast, hence this review focuses on the applications of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality in the food selection behavior of consumers. The behavioral studies are elicited to develop new products based on consumer needs, to understand the shopping behavior in supermarkets for real-time usage, and to know the influence of emotions in a selection of products. The findings suggest that virtual, augmented, and mixed reality induce immersion of the users in food selection behavioral studies. Information on the technological advancements in the tools used for bringing immersion and interaction are discussed for its futuristic applications in food. Though immersive technology gives users a realistic virtual environment experience, its application in food systems is in the budding stage. More research on human response studies would contribute to its innovative and inevitable application in the future.

Augmented and virtual reality have the potential to improve various aspects of everyday life such as tourism. An elementary part of tourism is the organization and execution of guided city tours. In case of tours for virtual cities, such as in the case of no longer existing ancient settlements, a combination of augmented and virtual reality may render high benefit for collaboration between guide and visitors. Immersive technology has been shown suitable for collaborative systems by previous research, as they can provide a better experience than other technologies. However, recent literature analyses showed that there is a lack of research regarding the role of augmented reality supporting the active/leading user role in such scenarios. Usually, augmented reality is used for the users who are passively experiencing the virtual environment and not for the one controlling it. However, we think that augmented reality has a large potential to improve the workflow of such a primary user. To investigate this research question, we present a collaborative system in this work, which implements a virtual city tour. In this system, the guide is using augmented reality and the visitor is immersed in the virtual city using virtual reality glasses. To implement a valid research prototype, the system has been developed in close feedback with experts in the field of guided city tours.

BackgroundExtended reality, which encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), is increasingly used in medical education. Studies assessing the effectiveness of these new educational modalities should measure relevant outcomes using outcome measurement tools with validity evidence.ObjectiveOur aim is to determine the choice of outcomes, measurement instruments, and the use of measurement instruments with validity evidence in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of VR, AR, and MR in medical student education.MethodsWe conducted a systematic mapping review. We searched 7 major bibliographic databases from January 1990 to April 2020, and 2 reviewers screened the citations and extracted data independently from the included studies. We report our findings in line with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.ResultsOf the 126 retrieved RCTs, 115 (91.3%) were on VR and 11 (8.7%) were on AR. No RCT on MR in medical student education was found. Of the 115 studies on VR, 64 (55.6%) were on VR simulators, 30 (26.1%) on screen-based VR, 9 (7.8%) on VR patient simulations, and 12 (10.4%) on VR serious games. Most studies reported only a single outcome and immediate postintervention assessment data. Skills outcome was the most common outcome reported in studies on VR simulators (97%), VR patient simulations (100%), and AR (73%). Knowledge was the most common outcome reported in studies on screen-based VR (80%) and VR serious games (58%). Less common outcomes included participants’ attitudes, satisfaction, cognitive or mental load, learning efficacy, engagement or self-efficacy beliefs, emotional state, competency developed, and patient outcomes. At least one form of validity evidence was found in approximately half of the studies on VR simulators (55%), VR patient simulations (56%), VR serious games (58%), and AR (55%) and in a quarter of the studies on screen-based VR (27%). Most studies used assessment methods that were implemented in a nondigital format, such as paper-based written exercises or in-person assessments where examiners observed performance (72%).ConclusionsRCTs on VR and AR in medical education report a restricted range of outcomes, mostly skills and knowledge. The studies largely report immediate postintervention outcome data and use assessment methods that are in a nondigital format. Future RCTs should include a broader set of outcomes, report on the validity evidence of the measurement instruments used, and explore the use of assessments that are implemented digitally.

Questionnaires are used for evaluating virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (MR) in healthcare. Utilizing the perfect one to meet the needs is a challenge for researchers and examiners. Hence, this study aimed to review and determine the frequently used questionnaires for evaluating mentioned services. The PubMed and Web of science databases were searched for conducting this review. Original observational and interventional studies that used a referenced questionnaire to evaluate virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and MR in healthcare were included. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Totally, 179 studies were included in this research. The questionnaires are mostly used for evaluating usability (39%) and cybersickness (37.5%). System Usability Scale (28%), Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (27.5%), and Presence Questionnaire (9.5%) were the most used questionnaires. The use of special, need-based, and targeted questionnaires to evaluate the various outcomes of VR, AR, and MR can help in better evaluation of these services.

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging and image reconstruction play a prominent role in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and post-therapeutic monitoring of patients with congenital heart disease. More interactive and realistic medical experiences take advantage of advanced visualization techniques like augmented, mixed, and virtual reality. Further, 3D printing is now used in medicine. All these technologies improve the understanding of the complex morphologies of congenital heart disease. In this review article, we describe the technical advantages and disadvantages of various advanced visualization techniques and their medical applications in the field of congenital heart disease. In addition, unresolved issues and future perspectives of these evolving techniques are described.

Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and other realities along the Mixed Reality(MR) continuum use multi-sensory displays and spatial interaction to enable a number of usefuland novel applications. These virtual worlds are able to train, explore and entertain in addition toaugment the real world with information for our everyday lives. To perform tasks such as traveland other interaction, researchers in these worlds have focused heavily on issues of three-dimensionalinteraction, including interaction techniques, user interface metaphors and inputdevices but always with an outlook centric to their particular position along the MR continuum.This has resulted in interfaces tuned to certain MR instances that are not possible in them allbecause of factors such as the display types, tracking issues or interference and limits from thereal world.This panel brings together diverse researchers across the MR continuum to discuss theirresearch and dissect the similarities and differences of each other's fields. The result is anunderstanding of interfaces across these realities and a merger of developing terminology,techniques and tools for future collaborations.Panel members will give a description of their research followed by a short vision of futureinterface research. Audience questions submitted via index cards are heavily encouraged andexpected to shape the panel discussion and direction.

We are very glad to host VRCAI2009 in Japan and welcome you to Tokyo Institute of Technology which is a very active university in VR, CG and Image processing fields. Virtual Reality Continuum (VRC), which spans across next-generation info information communication environments, like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Virtuality (AV), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), is a key in the way we define and interact with, and within, our virtual worlds. To advance research in the VRC field, the VRCAI conference seeks to provide a forum for scientists, researchers, developers, users and industry players in the international VRC community to come together to share experiences, exchange ideas and spur one another in the knowledge of this fast-growing field. This year, VRCAI 2009 focuses on the following themes: Fundamentals, Systems, Computer Graphics, Image Processing, Interactions , and Industry and Applications. A new focus area on Computer Graphics and Image Processing related to Virtual Reality has been introduced. We see the importance of CG and image processing for developing VR systems and applications growing more and more. Especially, VRCAI2009 is held just 2 days before SIGGRAPH ASIA 2009. VRCAI and SIGGRAPH ASIA should be more strongly connected each other. So, we hope VRCAI welcomes the papers in the fields of CG and Image Processing. Since its beginning as the 1st International Workshop on Virtual Reality and Visualization in Scientific Computing held in Hangzhou, China in 1995, VRCAI has grown and matured into a reputable biennial conference. Selected papers from past VRCAI conferences have been published in special issues of Computers & Graphics journal, International Journal of Virtual Reality, International Journal of Image and Graphics, and Computer Animation and Virtual Worlds. Since 2004, the conference has been indexed by EI. It has been also co-sponsored by ACM SIGGRAPH, and its papers included in the ACM Digital Library. The 8th VRCAI 2009 conference attracted 98 submissions from 17 countries in Europe, North and South America and Asia. The submissions were reviewed by about 70 reviewers, with each full paper receiving at least three reviews. The papers were of high quality and very competitive. 40 submissions have been accepted as full papers and 29 as poster papers.

As technology advances, mobile devices have gradually turned into wearable devices. Furthermore, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) are being increasingly applied in medical fields such as medical education and training, surgical simulation, neurological rehabilitation, psychotherapy, and telemedicine. Research results demonstrate the ability of VR, AR, and MR to ameliorate the inconveniences that are often associated with traditional medical care, reduce incidents of medical malpractice caused by unskilled operations, and reduce the cost of medical education and training. What is more, the application of these technologies has enhanced the effectiveness of medical education and training, raised the level of diagnosis and treatment, improved the doctor-patient relationship, and boosted the efficiency of medical execution. The present study introduces VR, AR, and MR applications in medical practice and education with the aim of helping health professionals better understand the applications and use these technologies to improve the quality of medical care.

With Generation Z becoming the primary group of nursing learners and the increasing shortage of nursing education resources, augmented reality and mixed reality based on head-mounted displays are being used more and more in nursing education. However, the current application landscape and the proper usage of these concepts remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a scoping review to explore the current applications of head-mounted display-based augmented reality and mixed reality in nursing education and to clarify the definitions and usage of the concepts of augmented reality and mixed reality, ultimately providing directions for future applications and research. Based on the five-stage framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive collection and summarization of evidence regarding the application of head-mounted display-based augmented reality and mixed reality in nursing education were conducted. The databases retrieved include CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, and Ei. The languages of the included literature are Chinese and English. The retrieval was up to October 2024. A total of 44 studies were included in this review, covering three types of head-mounted displays: immersive head-mounted displays, smart glasses, and smartphone-based head-mounted displays. The main application areas were skills training and knowledge acquisition. Most of the studies were feasibility studies, though they also included some efficacy studies and research on personal experiences. In addition, these studies often employed vague or inconsistent definitions of augmented reality and mixed reality. Despite various explorations in the application of head-mounted display-based augmented reality and mixed reality in nursing education, there is still room for improvement in the relevant theory and utilization of this technology. In the future, interventions should use the three dimensions (observation of reality, real - virtual interaction, and fidelity of virtuality) described in detail, rather than simply employing the concepts of augmented reality or mixed reality. Efforts should be concentrated on developing and implementing head-mounted displays combined with other technologies that boast enhanced performance and cost - effectiveness, and further validating their effectiveness.

Immersive technologies offer an alternative means of presenting and communicating data derived from BIM modeling. Augmented, virtual, and mixed reality technologies allow architects to visualize and interact with digital data, providing a simulation of their physical presence in an architectural structure, and thus a more realistic and interactive approach to various stages of project activities. In fact, immersive technologies can be used throughout the entire life cycle of an architectural project: planning, design, construction, and operation. The aim of research is to identify and systematize data on computer tools using immersive technologies and the prospects for its development in architectural activities. The scientific paper describes three groups of software products based on immersive technologies with BIM modeling support. Each of the groups is based on a particular immersive technology: augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), or mixed reality (MR). The main difference between these technologies is the level of immersion in the virtual environment: AR overlays computer-generated content on the real world; VR content is 100% digital; MR is a digital overlay that allows virtual 3D elements to interact with the real environment. Each group contains different software products: the first group is mostly characterized by mobile applications, since the physical world is supplemented with digital content through the screens of smartphones, tablets, and other compact equipment; the second group includes various plug-ins that integrate into professional tools and improve them in terms of visualization in a virtual environment and the possibility of its research; The third group with mixed reality support is smaller in number of programs, but it is the most promising for the future development of the architectural profession, as it provides an integrated approach to architectural activity by expanding the professional tools.

The article considers the possibility of using virtual and mixed reality in studying the geometry of the crystal lattice in the framework of the course of solid state physics. The application of mixed and virtual reality technologies in the study of various branches of physics is receiving more and more attention. Virtual reality headsets were used in practical and laboratory classes, where students had to create crystal structures and carry out modeling of various processes. When studying complex spatial objects of crystallography, virtual reality technology allowed students to familiarize themselves with the object of study in more detail, understand the structure of crystals and, accordingly, complete the task in a timely manner. At the same time, the prolonged use of virtual reality headsets led to rapid fatigue of students.

Augmented reality imaging technology for orthopaedic surgery

A Mixed Reality (MR) application using an optical see-through headset was developed to assess short-term spatial memory. A study with 29 participants was conducted. Data from this study were compared to two previous studies using mobile Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) with headsets. When comparing the three technologies (MR, AR, VR) for the performance variables, there were no statistically significant differences for either the total number of correctly placed objects or the total number of attempts. However, the MR application required more time than the AR and VR applications in the evaluation phase and more time than the VR application in the learning phase. Our arguments for the longer time are the novelty of the MR application for the participants and the characteristics of the applications. The key results from the MR study include the following: (1) the objects used in the MR application were correctly positioned on a map, which implies that the memory acquired with the MR application is effectively transferred to the user's mental map; (2) for the performance variables, there were no significant differences in the results by gender; (3) and the usability rating decreased with computer experience. The results show that the MR application is effective for spatial memory assessment and was well rated by the participants. The three technologies, along with suitable hardware, are effective for spatial memory assessment. However, MR using optical see-through headsets offers advantages over mobile AR and VR using headsets, discussed in this publication.

Background Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) face challenges in employment. Emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) offer innovative, immersive training environments, enhancing skills, and media literacy while providing cost-effective, engaging solutions. Objective The review investigates how AR, MR, and VR technologies can support individuals with NDDs in workplace and training. Methods A systematic review of studies across 6 databases was conducted. Selection criteria focused on studies published after 2016, involving immersive AR/MR/VR technologies, targeting NDDs in workplace contexts. Data extraction utilized qualitative content analysis. Results The analysis of 10 studies showed that AR and VR improved work performance and motivation in most cases, with features like assistive prompts and simplified interfaces aiding usability. No studies involving MR were identified. Key barriers included sensory overload and difficulties interacting with AR-/VR-elements, but these were not universal. AR was noted for workplace integration, and VR was linked to fewer reported complications compared to AR. A lack of standardized research frameworks and focus on mainstream labour markets was identified. Conclusions AR and VR are promising tools for vocational training but require better accessibility, adaptability, and inclusion in broader labour market contexts to maximize their impact.