Parents-to-be can now 鈥渇eel鈥� a baby in the womb with the aid of a computer system that converts ultrasound images into a tactile virtual picture.
A 3D ultrasound image of the baby is generated by layering successive 2D pictures on top of one another. The computer then traces the features of the fetus and allows the 3D shapes to be felt using a 鈥渉aptic鈥� device, which resembles a robot arm.
鈥淲hen the cursor touches a virtual object, the motors in the device kick in and that鈥檚 what lets you actually feel it,鈥� says Tom Anderson who founded Novint, the New Mexico-based company behind the system. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a pretty amazing experience. You can feel the nose and reach down and touch the lips.鈥�
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The pliancy of real skin is simulated by the system鈥檚 software to add realism to the experience, he says.
Virtual examination
Anderson also claims the technology could help doctors diagnose illnesses without performing invasive examinations, as the system works with X-ray, MRI and ultrasound imaging. He says something such as a colonoscopy could therefore be performed 鈥渧irtually鈥�, relieving patients of an uncomfortable experience.
However some experts in the field of medical 3D imaging are not convinced the system would match the accuracy of a conventional examination.
鈥淏ecause ultrasound images are usually so poor quality, any way of enhancing those might be useful,鈥� says Chris Baber at the University of Birmingham. 鈥淏ut as a diagnostic tool, I鈥檓 not sure how accurate it would be.鈥� The ultrasound scan may not be able to collect all the information needed for a diagnosis.