Abstract ’- This paper proposes a tele-instruction system for
ultrasound probe operation, based on shared Augmented
Reality (AR) technology. Telemedicine, a strategy to diminish
geographic gaps in the quality of medical service, is fashionable.
However, existing medical-data transmission systems cannot
convey the skills of physicians, so they cannot eliminate the
problem of geographic gaps. This research developed a
telemedicine system that transports physicians’ skills over a
shared AR space. The shared AR technology provides an
environment where users can exchange spatial information, and
facilitates smooth communication. This research concentrates
on interfaces for physicians and technicians at the patient site.
The proposed system provides intuitive and unrestricted
interfaces for the physician and technician, using a data
projector and an LCD tablet. At the patient site, instructions for
the technician are projected directly onto the patient’s body,
using a data projector. The physician site allows the physician
to send instructions on probe operation using an LCD tablet.
This information is displayed as a “web-mark”, which provides
spatial information for ultrasound probe operation.
Furthermore, the system sends environmental information
about the patient to the physician, such as the technician’s
behavior and patient’s posture, via an immersive display. The
proposed system was tested with a physician using real telediagnosis.
The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the
proposed method in providing smooth communication in
telemedicine.
Keywords - telemedicine, tele-instruction, shared AR space,
ultrasound probe operations, web-mark