This post originally appeared on stephaniebova.com on Jul. 6, 2016.
“We’ve been teaching human anatomy the same way for 100 years. Students get a cadaver, then they look at medical illustrations. And it’s completely 2 dimensional. And the human body isn’t.” -Barbara R. Snyder, President of Case Western University.
The Microsoft HoloLens, also known as Project Baraboo, is becoming increasingly popular in telecommunications, platform games, and the medical education field. These mixed reality smartglasses were developed and manufactured by Microsoft are considered to be one of the first computers operating under Windows 10 to run a Windows Holographic Platform.
Case Western Reserve University, a private university in Cleveland, Ohio, has partnered with Microsoft and is allowing medical students to view the human anatomy and systems using the Microsoft HoloLens. The next generation of doctors can now receive a deeper view and understanding of the human anatomy by through this groundbreaking device.
Product Description:
The origins of the Microsoft HoloLens can be linked back to the Microsoft’s Xbox gaming system add-on, Kinect, which provided an motion sensing for interactive game play.
Designed as a head-mounted display, the HoloLens, connects to an adjustable, insulated headband, that allows the device to tilt up, down, forward and backward.
The front of the HoloLens consists of a tinted visor through which the projected images are displayed. The front is also comprised of the necessary sensors and much of the required hardware needed for functionality, such as the processors and the cameras. In the front is much of the sensors and related hardware, including the cameras and processors.
3D audio speakers are located near the ear’s of the user which produce binaural audio in order to “stimulate spatial effects”. This means the user is given the ability to locate and perceive sound as if it is transmitting from a virtual location.
The top of the HoloLens includes buttons to control the volume and display brightness. Both pairs of buttons are distinguishable by touch due to their difference in shape.
The end of the left arm has a power button as well as a row of five, small individual LED connecting points which are used to pinpoint battery level, system status, and the setting for standby/ power mode.
Additionally, a USB micro-B plug is positioned on the bottom of the device along with an audio jack.
To learn more about the Microsoft HoloLens visit, www.microsoft.com.
Stephanie Bova 