Category: AR/VR

  • What will 5G change in Virtual Reality?

    What will 5G change in Virtual Reality?

    VR (virtual reality), which redefines the perception of reality with its technology, is used in many areas from entertainment to education and production, is a candidate to transform different areas of our lives. So, with the arrival of 5G, 

     

    1- ACCORDING TO IDC’S PROJECTIONS, AR / VR MARKET WILL REACH A TOTAL OF 52.2 MILLIONS BY 2022. 

    It is difficult to say anything clear. Other companies have different predictions. Two years ago there were many other predictions, today those predictions are undergoing transformation. For example, expectations in 2016 were much higher than today. Now a little more down-to-earth numbers are being spoken.

    As far as we can see, the pace of technology progress and the adaptation speed of this business has gained significant speed in the 2018-2019 period. Consequently, that number can go to different places. As HTC, we launched about 2 months ago . There was an ecosystem that we were familiar with before, but we saw that many more companies were working to develop VR-related applications, and corporate companies to adapt VR to their own business.

    Therefore, I think you will not have a bad share, as we see that our population, which is young and has a high interest in technology, and that the adaptation of this work will be fast in corporate work. If we give an example from mobile; It is an annual market of 10 million in this is one of the biggest markets in Europe. We think there will be a similar picture in VR.

     

    2- WILL WE HAVE A REMEMBERLY DECREASE IN CORRECT PROPORTIONAL PRICES WITH THE INCREASE OF VR USAGE?

    For example, if we said that 10 years ago, such an experience would be realized with today’s costs, people would laugh. VR is actually not a new technology, we are talking about a 60-year-old technology, and when it first came out, it was applied with a different method with very different hardware, but for the last 20 years, VR has already been used in the field of design and new product development.

    While using this, companies make installations known as “wall” and “cave”, which cost more than 100 thousand euros. Now the point at which such costly hardware has come today is truly surprisingly affordable. Although it is still considered to be somewhat priced for the individual user, you can actually have this experience for the price of a mobile phone.

    VR hardware is not a stand-alone source of income for manufacturers. HTC doesn’t specifically look at it that way. Rather than doing business with very high margins here, the important part of the job is to see this business as an infrastructure provider to build a service on. Because the eco system it will create around it and the platform and services you will put on it are much more important in the long run.

    Of course, the economy of scale cannot be denied. In other words, the more a product is produced, the lower its costs per unit. Therefore, it is normal that even this current product decreases as the number increases.

     

    3- HOW WILL THE ADVANCE OF 5G AFFECT THE VR SECTOR?

    We will see different combinations with new technologies. We currently have VR headsets that can be used alone or work with a computer.

    With 5G, a different service called “Cloud VR” will start to be received and we expect individual users to be included in much more VR areas after this step.

     

    4- WHEN VR IS CALLED, IT IS OVERALLY THINK OF GAME BASED. WHICH AREAS OF OUR LIVES IS VR CANDIDATE FOR TRANSFORMING IN THE DAYS TOGETHER?

    It is necessary to look at this by dividing it into two as individual and institutional. The game still occupies a very important place in individual use. Currently, we have around 3,500 content specially produced for VR.

    More than 80 percent of them are games. But 20 percent is a considerable amount, and this 20 percent includes very different ingredients. For example, a developer designed Apollo 11’s travel to the Moon via VR.

    As soon as JFK announces the trip to the Moon, you watch this public address on a television at home, and then Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and you go to Apollo 11 with the elevator. You can sit in that cabin and experience what happened during the journey from launch until reaching the Moon, in the most realistic way.

     

    Apart from that, for example, today there is a VR gallery in front of the Mona Lisa in the Louvre Museum. There, the environment in which Da Vinci lives is brought together with the user.

    A famous VR developer company named ‘Muse VR’ made a very similar application. There is a VR gallery right opposite Osman Hamdi Bey’s The Tortoise Trainer and we have been informed that he will stay there for a long time.

    Apart from the game, many different experiences will continue to increase for VR today. For example, the VR category was created in film festivals such as Sundae and Tribeca, and we have an initiative called Vive Studios, they invest in this area with them and other developers.

    Many valuable film production companies are working to develop films for VR. For VR, there will be movies with both animation and real actors. Therefore, although we are in a very early steps, VR allows the human imagination to spoil everything.

    Also, it is necessary to talk about the applications on the corporate side. On the corporate side, education, health, design, tourism, real estate, construction, etc. fields have the opportunity to transform their own business with virtual reality. There are many institutions in the world that do this as a pioneer. VR is something that offers us everything we can imagine, eliminating the need to physically be in one place.

    For example, there is a VR application developed by Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, which will be available in September or October and they will offer the training of open heart surgery to students with VR. VR is very valuable to ensure equal opportunities in education. You can enter hard-to-reach places in the world with VR. With an internet connection and VR connection, a kid in Mozambique can listen to a lecture at Harvard University as if they were in that classroom.

     

    5- WHAT IS THE MARKET SIZE IF WE WILL TALK TODAY? DO YOU HAVE ANY DATA ABOUT VR USAGE ?

    Unfortunately, we do not have such data  yet. As I said, we have just entered the market and we are the only company in worlds that delivers high-end VR applications to the user. We have a few competitors around the world, but none of them make official sales in the Pakistani market. In short, we will watch the formation of the markets

     

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  • What will 5G change in Virtual Reality?

    What will 5G change in Virtual Reality?

    VR (virtual reality), which redefines the perception of reality with its technology, is used in many areas from entertainment to education and production, is a candidate to transform different areas of our lives. So, with the arrival of 5G, 

     

    1- ACCORDING TO IDC’S PROJECTIONS, AR / VR MARKET WILL REACH A TOTAL OF 52.2 MILLIONS BY 2022. 

    It is difficult to say anything clear. Other companies have different predictions. Two years ago there were many other predictions, today those predictions are undergoing transformation. For example, expectations in 2016 were much higher than today. Now a little more down-to-earth numbers are being spoken.

    As far as we can see, the pace of technology progress and the adaptation speed of this business has gained significant speed in the 2018-2019 period. Consequently, that number can go to different places. As HTC, we launched about 2 months ago . There was an ecosystem that we were familiar with before, but we saw that many more companies were working to develop VR-related applications, and corporate companies to adapt VR to their own business.

    Therefore, I think you will not have a bad share, as we see that our population, which is young and has a high interest in technology, and that the adaptation of this work will be fast in corporate work. If we give an example from mobile; It is an annual market of 10 million in this is one of the biggest markets in Europe. We think there will be a similar picture in VR.

     

    2- WILL WE HAVE A REMEMBERLY DECREASE IN CORRECT PROPORTIONAL PRICES WITH THE INCREASE OF VR USAGE?

    For example, if we said that 10 years ago, such an experience would be realized with today’s costs, people would laugh. VR is actually not a new technology, we are talking about a 60-year-old technology, and when it first came out, it was applied with a different method with very different hardware, but for the last 20 years, VR has already been used in the field of design and new product development.

    While using this, companies make installations known as “wall” and “cave”, which cost more than 100 thousand euros. Now the point at which such costly hardware has come today is truly surprisingly affordable. Although it is still considered to be somewhat priced for the individual user, you can actually have this experience for the price of a mobile phone.

    VR hardware is not a stand-alone source of income for manufacturers. HTC doesn’t specifically look at it that way. Rather than doing business with very high margins here, the important part of the job is to see this business as an infrastructure provider to build a service on. Because the eco system it will create around it and the platform and services you will put on it are much more important in the long run.

    Of course, the economy of scale cannot be denied. In other words, the more a product is produced, the lower its costs per unit. Therefore, it is normal that even this current product decreases as the number increases.

     

    3- HOW WILL THE ADVANCE OF 5G AFFECT THE VR SECTOR?

    We will see different combinations with new technologies. We currently have VR headsets that can be used alone or work with a computer.

    With 5G, a different service called “Cloud VR” will start to be received and we expect individual users to be included in much more VR areas after this step.

     

    4- WHEN VR IS CALLED, IT IS OVERALLY THINK OF GAME BASED. WHICH AREAS OF OUR LIVES IS VR CANDIDATE FOR TRANSFORMING IN THE DAYS TOGETHER?

    It is necessary to look at this by dividing it into two as individual and institutional. The game still occupies a very important place in individual use. Currently, we have around 3,500 content specially produced for VR.

    More than 80 percent of them are games. But 20 percent is a considerable amount, and this 20 percent includes very different ingredients. For example, a developer designed Apollo 11’s travel to the Moon via VR.

    As soon as JFK announces the trip to the Moon, you watch this public address on a television at home, and then Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and you go to Apollo 11 with the elevator. You can sit in that cabin and experience what happened during the journey from launch until reaching the Moon, in the most realistic way.

     

    Apart from that, for example, today there is a VR gallery in front of the Mona Lisa in the Louvre Museum. There, the environment in which Da Vinci lives is brought together with the user.

    A famous VR developer company named ‘Muse VR’ made a very similar application. There is a VR gallery right opposite Osman Hamdi Bey’s The Tortoise Trainer and we have been informed that he will stay there for a long time.

    Apart from the game, many different experiences will continue to increase for VR today. For example, the VR category was created in film festivals such as Sundae and Tribeca, and we have an initiative called Vive Studios, they invest in this area with them and other developers.

    Many valuable film production companies are working to develop films for VR. For VR, there will be movies with both animation and real actors. Therefore, although we are in a very early steps, VR allows the human imagination to spoil everything.

    Also, it is necessary to talk about the applications on the corporate side. On the corporate side, education, health, design, tourism, real estate, construction, etc. fields have the opportunity to transform their own business with virtual reality. There are many institutions in the world that do this as a pioneer. VR is something that offers us everything we can imagine, eliminating the need to physically be in one place.

    For example, there is a VR application developed by Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, which will be available in September or October and they will offer the training of open heart surgery to students with VR. VR is very valuable to ensure equal opportunities in education. You can enter hard-to-reach places in the world with VR. With an internet connection and VR connection, a kid in Mozambique can listen to a lecture at Harvard University as if they were in that classroom.

     

    5- WHAT IS THE MARKET SIZE IF WE WILL TALK TODAY? DO YOU HAVE ANY DATA ABOUT VR USAGE ?

    Unfortunately, we do not have such data  yet. As I said, we have just entered the market and we are the only company in worlds that delivers high-end VR applications to the user. We have a few competitors around the world, but none of them make official sales in the Pakistani market. In short, we will watch the formation of the markets

     

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  • Why is the Metaverse in the medical field attracting attenction? Introduction examples and future issues

    Why is the Metaverse in the medical field attracting attenction? Introduction examples and future issues

    The use of the metaverse in the medical field is expanding. It is estimated that by utilizing 5G and new technologies, the growth rate of the Metaverse will be over 30% by 2030.
    Therefore, in this article, we will explain why the Metaverse is attracting attention in the medical field, what the challenges are in promoting it, and examples of what has been done to date.

    Metaverse in the medical field is expected to grow by more than 30% by 2030 

    The use of the Metaverse in the medical field is attracting attention. This is because the use of virtual space is thought to have a wide range of uses, such as enabling medical procedures that would be difficult in the real world, and medical examinations using avatars.

    In 2021, the market size of Metaverse in healthcare was not very large. However, in the medical field, the metaverse is expected to grow significantly by 2030, as it is believed that it can be used in a wide variety of ways.
    The use of the Metaverse in the medical field is expanding, with examples of surgeries being performed using AR smart glasses.

    Why metaverse medicine is attracting attention

    Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues 02

    There are three reasons why metaverse medicine is attracting attention. Let’s look at them one by one.

    Introduction can eliminate regional disparities in medical quality

    In recent years, “medical disparities” have been occurring all over the world, including Japan.
    For example, medical institutions are concentrated only in urban areas, making it difficult to receive advanced medical care in rural areas. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s “Measures to prevent uneven distribution of doctors”, the regional uneven distribution of doctors continues, and some regions are experiencing a shortage of doctors.

    Metaverse is also expected to solve these problems. This is because VR space not only allows us to connect with people around the world in real time, but also makes it easier to provide medical services to patients in remote areas. Therefore, we can expect to eliminate regional disparities in the quality of medical care.

    Advances in 5G and communication technology have made real-time remote surgery possible.

    In the field of digital medicine, it is expected that paper prescriptions will disappear in the next few decades and transition to digital treatment in the metaverse space.
    In order to perform digital medicine using this metaverse space without any problems, an environment is required that allows for high-speed and high-capacity communication without problems.

    What is expected of this is the communication technology called 5G. It has the characteristics of “high-capacity, high-speed communication,” “high reliability and low latency,” and “multiple simultaneous connections.”
    Even now, it has a proven track record of being used for real-time remote control of surgical support robots.
    5G, which is capable of faster speeds and higher capacity communications, is said to be able to be used in digital medicine, and is expected to become a new field of digital medicine.

    Metaverse medical care has become a system that is easy for patients to consult.

    In the Metaverse space, you create an “avatar” that is your alter ego and communicate with it.
    Communication using this avatar is attracting attention as a system that makes it easy for patients to consult.

    Kohei Yoshioka, a psychiatrist who runs Metaverse Clinic, a medical consultation community on the Metaverse, says the following.
    “I feel that in the metaverse space where we use alter egos called avatars, it is easier to self-disclose because there is no need to actually communicate face-to-face.”

    Currently, we are using the Metaverse space as a place for consultation rather than medical treatment, but I believe that by making it a place for communication, it will be easier for patients to seek advice.

    In this way, metaverse medicine is also beneficial to patients.

    Three medical fields aiming to utilize the metaverse

    Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues 03

    The three specific medical fields that aim to utilize the metaverse include:

    • Medical (VR training)
    • Pharmaceuticals (sharing of medical product information)
    • Drug discovery (time and cost reduction)

    Medical (VR training)

    In the medical field, the metaverse of VR training is being utilized.
    Specifically, this includes training for surgeons regarding surgical procedures and social skills training.
    For example, in the United States, we prepare a real surgical scenario, create a virtual operating room in the metaverse space, and actually perform the procedure in that space.
    The virtual operating room also helps in training for complex procedures. Additionally, in Japan, Jolly Good Inc. is conducting social skills training on developmental disorders on Metaverse.
    We have progressed to the stage where we can promote lifestyle support and employment support for patients.

    Pharmaceuticals (sharing of medical product information)

    In the pharmaceutical industry , the Metaverse is being used as a place to share medical product information and support communication between doctors and patients.
    Specifically, we are using virtual MR to effectively share medical product information.

    For example, at Tsumura Co., Ltd., a major pharmaceutical company, AI presents content that matches the story to medical professionals in a 3D version of MR.
    Additionally, Astellas Pharma Inc. has begun experimenting with using virtual MR to project patients’ skeletal information in 3D into the real world. For example, it has the benefit of making it easier for patients to understand their own health status when they see their bone density decreasing.

    Drug discovery (time and cost reduction)

    Drug discovery is always time-consuming and costly. Metaverse is being used to reduce the time and cost of drug discovery.
    At Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., researchers use the software “Nanomu” to discover drugs in the metaverse.
    Things that could only be confirmed in two dimensions can now be confirmed in 3D models down to the atomic level, making it possible to create new ideas and test whether they are actually effective in the metaverse space, something never seen before. It provides a sense of speed.

     

    How will the two types of telemedicine (including metaverse medicine) change with 5G?

    Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues 04

    There are two types of telemedicine. The first is medical care in which doctors and patients in remote locations use tools to communicate in real time.
    The other is D to D (Doctor to Doctor), in which other doctors provide online support for the medical care of doctors in remote locations, and D to P (Doctor to Patient), in which doctors provide medical care directly to patients.
    In this chapter, we will explain how these telemedicine systems will change with 5G.

    D to D (Doctor to Doctor)

    D to D (Doctor to Doctor) is when doctors in remote locations use online technology to support doctors who are actually providing medical care.
    Real-time support is essential for doctors who are actually providing medical care. For example, when providing support to doctors providing medical care at a disaster site, every minute can mean the difference between life and death for a patient.
    Utilizing 5G will enable high-speed communication, making it possible to provide support without time lag. The result is faster medical care for patients.

    D to Patient (Doctor to Doctor)

    D to P (Doctor to Patient) is when a doctor in a remote location actually provides medical care to a patient. Currently, online medical consultations are still being conducted, but they are limited to interviewing and almost no actual medical care is provided.
    This is because patient data is exchanged when actually providing medical care. This patient data will be large in volume, so the use of 5G is essential. By utilizing 5G, data can be exchanged smoothly in real time and can be expected to be useful in actual medical care.

     

    There are two issues that need to be resolved in promoting metaverse medicine.

    Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues 05

    Although it is certain that metaverse medicine will continue to expand in the future, there are still issues that need to be resolved. Let’s take a closer look at these two issues.

    Safety issues

    First, there is the issue of safety. When actually performing medical treatment, a multi-layered check system is in place, leading to peace of mind for patients.
    Even when providing medical care in the metaverse, safety must be ensured just as in real life. Creating a safe environment for patients can be said to be a major challenge for metaverse medicine.

    In order to solve safety issues, it is essential not only to collaborate with medical professionals, but also with businesses that provide metaverse space.
    No matter how wonderful a Metaverse space is created, if there are doubts about its safety, it will be difficult to promote it.

    Security issues

    Metaverse space is a virtual space provided online. Therefore, addressing cyber security is essential.
    If the security of the Metaverse is weak, it may be infiltrated by malicious hackers. If such hackers are allowed to infiltrate, medical practices may come to a halt, and patients’ personal information may also be leaked.
    In order to solve these security issues, it is necessary not only to have a strong environmental infrastructure that does not allow intrusion from outsiders, but also to have laws in place to deal with incidents.

     

    Five examples of using the Metaverse in medical care

    Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues 06

    In this chapter, we will introduce five examples of how the Metaverse is actually used in medical care.

    Juntendo Virtual Hospital (virtual space imitating a hospital)

    Juntendo University is collaborating with IBM Japan, Ltd. to construct the “Juntendo Virtual Hospital” within the Metaverse space.
    The Juntendo Virtual Hospital is a place for medical professionals and patients to interact, allowing patients to experience a simulated medical procedure before coming to the hospital. The purpose is to alleviate patients’ anxiety through simulated experiences.

    VR vaccine injection simulator (VR of intramuscular injection)

    As the name suggests, a VR vaccine injection simulator allows you to simulate an injection in VR. Imma Create Co., Ltd. has released a service for training purposes, which allows you to intuitively learn how to give intramuscular injections in VR space. In addition, simulators have been released for training purposes when learning the procedures for vaccination against the new coronavirus, and are expected to be more effective than learning through classroom lectures.

    Mediverse OCD (virtual space such as seminars)

    MediVerse OCD aims to create new services by building a platform that connects medical professionals or medical professionals and companies in a metaverse space.
    It can be used for a variety of purposes depending on the user, including sharing case information, gathering research knowledge from medical professionals, and holding simple study sessions and study groups.

    Holoeyes (VR software for medical education)

    Holoeyes is VR software for learning medical education or clinical practice.
    Since the purpose is medical education, 3D information of the human body can be accurately reproduced in VR, making it possible to learn visually. Furthermore, it can also be used to simulate actual procedures. You can also communicate with other users in remote locations in real time via avatars.

     

    Introducing 5 papers that will help you understand future metaverse medicine

    Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues 07

    In this chapter, we will introduce five papers that will be useful in deepening our knowledge of metaverse medicine, which will be promoted in the future.

    Papers on cardiology

    The use of the metaverse in cardiology is called the CardioVerse.
    In cardiology, by utilizing this Cardioverse, it is possible to receive specialized services in 3D space even in remote locations, and the quality of medical care can be improved by integrating surgical robots and navigation systems. It has been reported that the effect of “increases 

    Papers on ophthalmology

    In ophthalmology, there are many things related to AR and VR.
    For example, “Using AR and VR to help patients notice visual abnormalities” and “Making it easier to train medical professionals in optometry and surgery.”
    The use of AR and VR can help patients in remote locations decide whether to travel to the hospital for testing. Other training simulators introduced include the EyeSi simulator (VR Magic) and MicroVisTouch (Immersive Touch).

    Papers on medical education

    In the field of medical education, we classify the metaverse into four types and discuss how to utilize each type. The four types of medical education are ” Augmented Reality ,” “Lifelog,” “Mirror World,” and “Virtual Reality.”
    Each type is discussed in the paper as follows.

    • Augmented reality uses augmented reality t-shirts to explore inside the human body
    • Lifelog is introducing a service that can utilize accumulated biometric information in the medical field.
    • Mirror World is developing a platform that contributes to scientific research through games.
    • In virtual reality, use of avatar services and platforms

    Papers on gastroenterology

    In gastroenterology, papers have been published on the clinical results of endoscopy training actually conducted in the metaverse space.
    Specifically, this includes surgical training using endoscopic equipment in the Metaverse, treatment by senior doctors in the Metaverse, and discussion of surgical procedures by experts in the Metaverse via avatars.
    Training and discussions held in the Metaverse space have led to results such as improved experience for doctors, shorter surgical times, and lower complication rates.

    Papers on body transformation research cases

    Body transformation is a phenomenon in which emotions, cognition, and behavior change by transforming from one’s own body to another body in VR space. Research on this body transformation is underway in Japan.
    Specifically, the following cases have been reported.

    • When white people use black avatars, their sense of discrimination is reduced.
    • Using a child avatar leads to overestimation of object size and childish behavior.
    • Being a superhero and helping others makes you more likely to act altruistically.

    In other words, using an avatar with a different personality in VR space will have an impact on your body and way of thinking in the real world.

    Summary

    Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues 08

    It is no exaggeration to say that the market for the use of the metaverse in medical care is growing, and there is no doubt that it will continue to develop. With the use of 5G, the impact of the Metaverse on medical care will increase. The range of applications will continue to expand in a variety of medical fields, including telemedicine and real-time communication between doctors and patients.

     

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  • Why is the Metaverse in the medical field attracting attenction? Introduction examples and future issues

    Why is the Metaverse in the medical field attracting attenction? Introduction examples and future issues

    The use of the metaverse in the medical field is expanding. It is estimated that by utilizing 5G and new technologies, the growth rate of the Metaverse will be over 30% by 2030.
    Therefore, in this article, we will explain why the Metaverse is attracting attention in the medical field, what the challenges are in promoting it, and examples of what has been done to date.

    Metaverse in the medical field is expected to grow by more than 30% by 2030 

    The use of the Metaverse in the medical field is attracting attention. This is because the use of virtual space is thought to have a wide range of uses, such as enabling medical procedures that would be difficult in the real world, and medical examinations using avatars.

    In 2021, the market size of Metaverse in healthcare was not very large. However, in the medical field, the metaverse is expected to grow significantly by 2030, as it is believed that it can be used in a wide variety of ways.
    The use of the Metaverse in the medical field is expanding, with examples of surgeries being performed using AR smart glasses.

    Why metaverse medicine is attracting attention

    Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues 02

    There are three reasons why metaverse medicine is attracting attention. Let’s look at them one by one.

    Introduction can eliminate regional disparities in medical quality

    In recent years, “medical disparities” have been occurring all over the world, including Japan.
    For example, medical institutions are concentrated only in urban areas, making it difficult to receive advanced medical care in rural areas. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s “Measures to prevent uneven distribution of doctors”, the regional uneven distribution of doctors continues, and some regions are experiencing a shortage of doctors.

    Metaverse is also expected to solve these problems. This is because VR space not only allows us to connect with people around the world in real time, but also makes it easier to provide medical services to patients in remote areas. Therefore, we can expect to eliminate regional disparities in the quality of medical care.

    Advances in 5G and communication technology have made real-time remote surgery possible.

    In the field of digital medicine, it is expected that paper prescriptions will disappear in the next few decades and transition to digital treatment in the metaverse space.
    In order to perform digital medicine using this metaverse space without any problems, an environment is required that allows for high-speed and high-capacity communication without problems.

    What is expected of this is the communication technology called 5G. It has the characteristics of “high-capacity, high-speed communication,” “high reliability and low latency,” and “multiple simultaneous connections.”
    Even now, it has a proven track record of being used for real-time remote control of surgical support robots.
    5G, which is capable of faster speeds and higher capacity communications, is said to be able to be used in digital medicine, and is expected to become a new field of digital medicine.

    Metaverse medical care has become a system that is easy for patients to consult.

    In the Metaverse space, you create an “avatar” that is your alter ego and communicate with it.
    Communication using this avatar is attracting attention as a system that makes it easy for patients to consult.

    Kohei Yoshioka, a psychiatrist who runs Metaverse Clinic, a medical consultation community on the Metaverse, says the following.
    “I feel that in the metaverse space where we use alter egos called avatars, it is easier to self-disclose because there is no need to actually communicate face-to-face.”

    Currently, we are using the Metaverse space as a place for consultation rather than medical treatment, but I believe that by making it a place for communication, it will be easier for patients to seek advice.

    In this way, metaverse medicine is also beneficial to patients.

    Three medical fields aiming to utilize the metaverse

    Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues 03

    The three specific medical fields that aim to utilize the metaverse include:

    • Medical (VR training)
    • Pharmaceuticals (sharing of medical product information)
    • Drug discovery (time and cost reduction)

    Medical (VR training)

    In the medical field, the metaverse of VR training is being utilized.
    Specifically, this includes training for surgeons regarding surgical procedures and social skills training.
    For example, in the United States, we prepare a real surgical scenario, create a virtual operating room in the metaverse space, and actually perform the procedure in that space.
    The virtual operating room also helps in training for complex procedures. Additionally, in Japan, Jolly Good Inc. is conducting social skills training on developmental disorders on Metaverse.
    We have progressed to the stage where we can promote lifestyle support and employment support for patients.

    Pharmaceuticals (sharing of medical product information)

    In the pharmaceutical industry , the Metaverse is being used as a place to share medical product information and support communication between doctors and patients.
    Specifically, we are using virtual MR to effectively share medical product information.

    For example, at Tsumura Co., Ltd., a major pharmaceutical company, AI presents content that matches the story to medical professionals in a 3D version of MR.
    Additionally, Astellas Pharma Inc. has begun experimenting with using virtual MR to project patients’ skeletal information in 3D into the real world. For example, it has the benefit of making it easier for patients to understand their own health status when they see their bone density decreasing.

    Drug discovery (time and cost reduction)

    Drug discovery is always time-consuming and costly. Metaverse is being used to reduce the time and cost of drug discovery.
    At Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., researchers use the software “Nanomu” to discover drugs in the metaverse.
    Things that could only be confirmed in two dimensions can now be confirmed in 3D models down to the atomic level, making it possible to create new ideas and test whether they are actually effective in the metaverse space, something never seen before. It provides a sense of speed.

     

    How will the two types of telemedicine (including metaverse medicine) change with 5G?

    Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues 04

    There are two types of telemedicine. The first is medical care in which doctors and patients in remote locations use tools to communicate in real time.
    The other is D to D (Doctor to Doctor), in which other doctors provide online support for the medical care of doctors in remote locations, and D to P (Doctor to Patient), in which doctors provide medical care directly to patients.
    In this chapter, we will explain how these telemedicine systems will change with 5G.

    D to D (Doctor to Doctor)

    D to D (Doctor to Doctor) is when doctors in remote locations use online technology to support doctors who are actually providing medical care.
    Real-time support is essential for doctors who are actually providing medical care. For example, when providing support to doctors providing medical care at a disaster site, every minute can mean the difference between life and death for a patient.
    Utilizing 5G will enable high-speed communication, making it possible to provide support without time lag. The result is faster medical care for patients.

    D to Patient (Doctor to Doctor)

    D to P (Doctor to Patient) is when a doctor in a remote location actually provides medical care to a patient. Currently, online medical consultations are still being conducted, but they are limited to interviewing and almost no actual medical care is provided.
    This is because patient data is exchanged when actually providing medical care. This patient data will be large in volume, so the use of 5G is essential. By utilizing 5G, data can be exchanged smoothly in real time and can be expected to be useful in actual medical care.

     

    There are two issues that need to be resolved in promoting metaverse medicine.

    Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues 05

    Although it is certain that metaverse medicine will continue to expand in the future, there are still issues that need to be resolved. Let’s take a closer look at these two issues.

    Safety issues

    First, there is the issue of safety. When actually performing medical treatment, a multi-layered check system is in place, leading to peace of mind for patients.
    Even when providing medical care in the metaverse, safety must be ensured just as in real life. Creating a safe environment for patients can be said to be a major challenge for metaverse medicine.

    In order to solve safety issues, it is essential not only to collaborate with medical professionals, but also with businesses that provide metaverse space.
    No matter how wonderful a Metaverse space is created, if there are doubts about its safety, it will be difficult to promote it.

    Security issues

    Metaverse space is a virtual space provided online. Therefore, addressing cyber security is essential.
    If the security of the Metaverse is weak, it may be infiltrated by malicious hackers. If such hackers are allowed to infiltrate, medical practices may come to a halt, and patients’ personal information may also be leaked.
    In order to solve these security issues, it is necessary not only to have a strong environmental infrastructure that does not allow intrusion from outsiders, but also to have laws in place to deal with incidents.

     

    Five examples of using the Metaverse in medical care

    Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues 06

    In this chapter, we will introduce five examples of how the Metaverse is actually used in medical care.

    Juntendo Virtual Hospital (virtual space imitating a hospital)

    Juntendo University is collaborating with IBM Japan, Ltd. to construct the “Juntendo Virtual Hospital” within the Metaverse space.
    The Juntendo Virtual Hospital is a place for medical professionals and patients to interact, allowing patients to experience a simulated medical procedure before coming to the hospital. The purpose is to alleviate patients’ anxiety through simulated experiences.

    VR vaccine injection simulator (VR of intramuscular injection)

    As the name suggests, a VR vaccine injection simulator allows you to simulate an injection in VR. Imma Create Co., Ltd. has released a service for training purposes, which allows you to intuitively learn how to give intramuscular injections in VR space. In addition, simulators have been released for training purposes when learning the procedures for vaccination against the new coronavirus, and are expected to be more effective than learning through classroom lectures.

    Mediverse OCD (virtual space such as seminars)

    MediVerse OCD aims to create new services by building a platform that connects medical professionals or medical professionals and companies in a metaverse space.
    It can be used for a variety of purposes depending on the user, including sharing case information, gathering research knowledge from medical professionals, and holding simple study sessions and study groups.

    Holoeyes (VR software for medical education)

    Holoeyes is VR software for learning medical education or clinical practice.
    Since the purpose is medical education, 3D information of the human body can be accurately reproduced in VR, making it possible to learn visually. Furthermore, it can also be used to simulate actual procedures. You can also communicate with other users in remote locations in real time via avatars.

     

    Introducing 5 papers that will help you understand future metaverse medicine

    Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues 07

    In this chapter, we will introduce five papers that will be useful in deepening our knowledge of metaverse medicine, which will be promoted in the future.

    Papers on cardiology

    The use of the metaverse in cardiology is called the CardioVerse.
    In cardiology, by utilizing this Cardioverse, it is possible to receive specialized services in 3D space even in remote locations, and the quality of medical care can be improved by integrating surgical robots and navigation systems. It has been reported that the effect of “increases 

    Papers on ophthalmology

    In ophthalmology, there are many things related to AR and VR.
    For example, “Using AR and VR to help patients notice visual abnormalities” and “Making it easier to train medical professionals in optometry and surgery.”
    The use of AR and VR can help patients in remote locations decide whether to travel to the hospital for testing. Other training simulators introduced include the EyeSi simulator (VR Magic) and MicroVisTouch (Immersive Touch).

    Papers on medical education

    In the field of medical education, we classify the metaverse into four types and discuss how to utilize each type. The four types of medical education are ” Augmented Reality ,” “Lifelog,” “Mirror World,” and “Virtual Reality.”
    Each type is discussed in the paper as follows.

    • Augmented reality uses augmented reality t-shirts to explore inside the human body
    • Lifelog is introducing a service that can utilize accumulated biometric information in the medical field.
    • Mirror World is developing a platform that contributes to scientific research through games.
    • In virtual reality, use of avatar services and platforms

    Papers on gastroenterology

    In gastroenterology, papers have been published on the clinical results of endoscopy training actually conducted in the metaverse space.
    Specifically, this includes surgical training using endoscopic equipment in the Metaverse, treatment by senior doctors in the Metaverse, and discussion of surgical procedures by experts in the Metaverse via avatars.
    Training and discussions held in the Metaverse space have led to results such as improved experience for doctors, shorter surgical times, and lower complication rates.

    Papers on body transformation research cases

    Body transformation is a phenomenon in which emotions, cognition, and behavior change by transforming from one’s own body to another body in VR space. Research on this body transformation is underway in Japan.
    Specifically, the following cases have been reported.

    • When white people use black avatars, their sense of discrimination is reduced.
    • Using a child avatar leads to overestimation of object size and childish behavior.
    • Being a superhero and helping others makes you more likely to act altruistically.

    In other words, using an avatar with a different personality in VR space will have an impact on your body and way of thinking in the real world.

    Summary

    Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues 08

    It is no exaggeration to say that the market for the use of the metaverse in medical care is growing, and there is no doubt that it will continue to develop. With the use of 5G, the impact of the Metaverse on medical care will increase. The range of applications will continue to expand in a variety of medical fields, including telemedicine and real-time communication between doctors and patients.

     

    Follow us on Facebook for updates and exclusive content! Click here: Each Techy
  • Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues

    Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues

    The use of the metaverse in the medical field is expanding. It is estimated that by utilizing 5G and new technologies, the growth rate of the Metaverse will be over 30% by 2030.
    Therefore, in this article, we will explain why the Metaverse is attracting attention in the medical field, what the challenges are in promoting it, and examples of what has been done to date.

     

     

    Metaverse is expected to grow by more than 30% by 2030 in the medical field

    The use of the metaverse is attracting attention in the medical field. This is because the use of virtual space is thought to have a wide range of uses, such as enabling medical procedures that would be difficult in the real world, and medical examinations using avatars.

    In 2021, the market size of Metaverse in healthcare was not very large. However, in the medical field, the metaverse is expected to grow significantly by 2030, as it is believed that it can be used in a wide variety of ways.
    The use of the Metaverse in the medical industry is expanding, with examples of surgeries being performed using AR smart glasses.

    Why metaverse medicine is attracting attention

    There are three reasons why metaverse medicine is attracting attention. Let’s look at them one by one.

    Introduction can eliminate regional disparities in medical quality

    In recent years, “medical disparities” have been occurring all over the world, including Japan.
    For example, medical institutions are concentrated only in urban areas, making it difficult to receive advanced medical care in rural areas. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s “Measures to prevent uneven distribution of doctors”, the regional uneven distribution of doctors continues, and some regions are experiencing a shortage of doctors.

    Metaverse is also expected to solve these problems. This is because VR space not only allows us to connect with people around the world in real time, but also makes it easier to provide medical services to patients in remote areas. Therefore, we can expect to eliminate regional disparities in the quality of medical care.

    Advances in 5G and communication technology have made real-time remote surgery possible.

    In the field of digital medicine, it is expected that paper prescriptions will disappear in the next few decades and transition to digital treatment in the metaverse space.
    In order to perform digital medicine using this metaverse space without any problems, an environment is required that allows for high-speed and high-capacity communication without problems.

    What is expected of this is the communication technology called 5G. It has the characteristics of “high-capacity, high-speed communication,” “high reliability and low latency,” and “multiple simultaneous connections.”
    Even now, it has a proven track record of being used for real-time remote control of surgical support robots.
    5G, which is capable of faster speeds and higher capacity communications, is said to be able to be used in digital medicine, and is expected to become a new field of digital medicine.

    Metaverse medical care has become a system that is easy for patients to consult.

    In the Metaverse space, you create an “avatar” that is your alter ego and communicate with it.
    Communication using this avatar is attracting attention as a system that makes it easy for patients to consult.

    Kohei Yoshioka, a psychiatrist who runs Metaverse Clinic, a medical consultation community on the Metaverse, says the following.
    “I feel that in the metaverse space where we use alter egos called avatars, it is easier to self-disclose because there is no need to actually communicate face-to-face.”

    Currently, we are using the Metaverse space as a place for consultation rather than medical treatment, but I believe that by making it a place for communication, it will be easier for patients to seek advice.

    In this way, metaverse medicine is also beneficial to patients.

    Three medical fields aiming to utilize the metaverse

    The three specific medical fields that aim to utilize the metaverse include:

      • Medical (VR training)
      • Pharmaceuticals (sharing of medical product information)
      • Drug discovery (time and cost reduction)

    Medical (VR training)

    In the medical field, the metaverse of VR training is being utilized.
    Specifically, this includes training for surgeons regarding surgical procedures and social skills training.
    For example, in the United States, we prepare a real surgical scenario, create a virtual operating room in the metaverse space, and actually perform the procedure in that space.
    The virtual operating room also helps in training for complex procedures. Additionally, in Japan, Jolly Good Inc. is conducting social skills training on developmental disorders on Metaverse.
    We have progressed to the stage where we can promote lifestyle support and employment support for patients.

    Pharmaceuticals (sharing of medical product information)

    In the pharmaceutical industry , the Metaverse is being used as a place to share medical product information and support communication between doctors and patients.
    Specifically, we are using virtual MR to effectively share medical product information.

    For example, at Tsumura Co., Ltd., a major pharmaceutical company, AI presents content that matches the story to medical professionals in a 3D version of MR.
    Additionally, Astellas Pharma Inc. has begun experimenting with using virtual MR to project patients’ skeletal information in 3D into the real world. For example, it has the benefit of making it easier for patients to understand their own health status when they see their bone density decreasing.

    Drug discovery (time and cost reduction)

    Drug discovery is always time-consuming and costly. Metaverse is being used to reduce the time and cost of drug discovery.
    At Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., researchers use the software “Nanomu” to discover drugs in the metaverse.
    Things that could only be confirmed in two dimensions can now be confirmed in 3D models down to the atomic level, making it possible to create new ideas and test whether they are actually effective in the metaverse space, something never seen before. It provides a sense of speed.

    How will the two types of telemedicine (including metaverse medicine) change with 5G?

     

    There are two types of telemedicine. The first is medical care in which doctors and patients in remote locations use tools to communicate in real time.
    The other is D to D (Doctor to Doctor), in which other doctors provide online support for the medical care of doctors in remote locations, and D to P (Doctor to Patient), in which doctors provide medical care directly to patients.
    In this chapter, we will explain how these telemedicine systems will change with 5G.

    D to D (Doctor to Doctor)

    D to D (Doctor to Doctor) is when doctors in remote locations use online technology to support doctors who are actually providing medical care.
    Real-time support is essential for doctors who are actually providing medical care. For example, when providing support to doctors providing medical care at a disaster site, every minute can mean the difference between life and death for a patient.
    Utilizing 5G will enable high-speed communication, making it possible to provide support without time lag. The result is faster medical care for patients.

    D to Patient (Doctor to Doctor)

    D to P (Doctor to Patient) is when a doctor in a remote location actually provides medical care to a patient. Currently, online medical consultations are still being conducted, but they are limited to interviewing and almost no actual medical care is provided.
    This is because patient data is exchanged when actually providing medical care. This patient data will be large in volume, so the use of 5G is essential. By utilizing 5G, data can be exchanged smoothly in real time and can be expected to be useful in actual medical care.

    There are two issues that need to be resolved in promoting metaverse medicine.

    Although it is certain that metaverse medicine will continue to expand in the future, there are still issues that need to be resolved. Let’s take a closer look at these two issues.

    Safety issues

    First, there is the issue of safety. When actually performing medical treatment, a multi-layered check system is in place, leading to peace of mind for patients.
    Even when providing medical care in the metaverse, safety must be ensured just as in real life. Creating a safe environment for patients can be said to be a major challenge for metaverse medicine.

    In order to solve safety issues, it is essential not only to collaborate with medical professionals, but also with businesses that provide metaverse space.
    No matter how wonderful a Metaverse space is created, if there are doubts about its safety, it will be difficult to promote it.

    Security issues

    Metaverse space is a virtual space provided online. Therefore, addressing cyber security is essential.
    If the security of the Metaverse is weak, it may be infiltrated by malicious hackers. If such hackers are allowed to infiltrate, medical practices may come to a halt, and patients’ personal information may also be leaked.
    In order to solve these security issues, it is necessary not only to have a strong environmental infrastructure that does not allow intrusion from outsiders, but also to have laws in place to deal with incidents.

    Five examples of using the Metaverse in medical care

    In this chapter, we will introduce five examples of how the Metaverse is actually used in medical care.

    Juntendo Virtual Hospital (virtual space imitating a hospital)

    Juntendo University is collaborating with IBM Japan, Ltd. to construct the “Juntendo Virtual Hospital” within the Metaverse space.
    The Juntendo Virtual Hospital is a place for medical professionals and patients to interact, allowing patients to experience a simulated medical procedure before coming to the hospital. The purpose is to alleviate patients’ anxiety through simulated experiences.

    VR vaccine injection simulator (VR of intramuscular injection)

    As the name suggests, a VR vaccine injection simulator allows you to simulate an injection in VR. Imma Create Co., Ltd. has released a service for training purposes, which allows you to intuitively learn how to give intramuscular injections in VR space. In addition, simulators have been released for training purposes when learning the procedures for vaccination against the new coronavirus, and are expected to be more effective than learning through classroom lectures.

    Mediverse OCD (virtual space such as seminars)

    MediVerse OCD aims to create new services by building a platform that connects medical professionals or medical professionals and companies in a metaverse space.
    It can be used for a variety of purposes depending on the user, including sharing case information, gathering research knowledge from medical professionals, and holding simple study sessions and study groups.

    Holoeyes (VR software for medical education)

    Holoeyes is VR software for learning medical education or clinical practice.
    Since the purpose is medical education, 3D information of the human body can be accurately reproduced in VR, making it possible to learn visually. Furthermore, it can also be used to simulate actual procedures. You can also communicate with other users in remote locations in real time via avatars.

    Introducing 5 papers that will help you understand future metaverse medicine

    In this chapter, we will introduce five papers that will be useful in deepening our knowledge of metaverse medicine, which will be promoted in the future.

    Papers on cardiology

    The use of the metaverse in cardiology is called the CardioVerse.
    In cardiology, by utilizing this Cardioverse, it is possible to receive specialized services in 3D space even in remote locations, and the quality of medical care can be improved by integrating surgical robots and navigation systems. It has been reported that the effect of “increases the

    Papers on ophthalmology

    In ophthalmology, there are many things related to AR and VR.
    For example, “Using AR and VR to help patients notice visual abnormalities” and “Making it easier to train medical professionals in optometry and surgery.”
    The use of AR and VR can help patients in remote locations decide whether to travel to the hospital for testing. Other training simulators introduced include the EyeSi simulator (VR Magic) and MicroVisTouch (Immersive Touch).

    Papers on medical education

    In the field of medical education, we classify the metaverse into four types and discuss how to utilize each type. The four types of medical education are ” Augmented Reality ,” “Lifelog,” “Mirror World,” and “Virtual Reality.”
    Each type is discussed in the paper as follows.

      • Augmented reality uses augmented reality t-shirts to explore inside the human body
      • Lifelog is introducing a service that can utilize accumulated biometric information in the medical field.
    • Mirror World is developing a platform that contributes to scientific research through games.
    • In virtual reality, use of avatar services and platforms

    Papers on gastroenterology

    In gastroenterology, papers have been published on the clinical results of endoscopy training actually conducted in the metaverse space.
    Specifically, this includes surgical training using endoscopic equipment in the Metaverse, treatment by senior doctors in the Metaverse, and discussion of surgical procedures by experts in the Metaverse via avatars.
    Training and discussions held in the Metaverse space have led to results such as improved experience for doctors, shorter surgical times, and lower complication rates.

    Papers on body transformation research cases

    Body transformation is a phenomenon in which emotions, cognition, and behavior change by transforming from one’s own body to another body in VR space. Research on this body transformation is underway in Japan.
    Specifically, the following cases have been reported.

      • When white people use black avatars, their sense of discrimination is reduced.
      • Using a child avatar leads to overestimation of object size and childish behavior.
    • Being a superhero and helping others makes you more likely to act altruistically.

    In other words, using an avatar with a different personality in VR space will have an impact on your body and way of thinking in the real world.

    summary

     

    It is no exaggeration to say that the market for the use of the metaverse in medical care is growing, and there is no doubt that it will continue to develop. With the use of 5G, the impact of the Metaverse on medical care will increase. The range of applications will continue to expand in a variety of medical fields, including telemedicine and real-time communication between doctors and patients.

     

    Follow us on Facebook for updates and exclusive content! Click here: Each Techy
  • Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues

    Why is the Metaverse attracting attention in the medical field? Introduction examples and future issues

    The use of the metaverse in the medical field is expanding. It is estimated that by utilizing 5G and new technologies, the growth rate of the Metaverse will be over 30% by 2030.
    Therefore, in this article, we will explain why the Metaverse is attracting attention in the medical field, what the challenges are in promoting it, and examples of what has been done to date.

     

     

    Metaverse is expected to grow by more than 30% by 2030 in the medical field

    The use of the metaverse is attracting attention in the medical field. This is because the use of virtual space is thought to have a wide range of uses, such as enabling medical procedures that would be difficult in the real world, and medical examinations using avatars.

    In 2021, the market size of Metaverse in healthcare was not very large. However, in the medical field, the metaverse is expected to grow significantly by 2030, as it is believed that it can be used in a wide variety of ways.
    The use of the Metaverse in the medical industry is expanding, with examples of surgeries being performed using AR smart glasses.

    Why metaverse medicine is attracting attention

    There are three reasons why metaverse medicine is attracting attention. Let’s look at them one by one.

    Introduction can eliminate regional disparities in medical quality

    In recent years, “medical disparities” have been occurring all over the world, including Japan.
    For example, medical institutions are concentrated only in urban areas, making it difficult to receive advanced medical care in rural areas. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s “Measures to prevent uneven distribution of doctors”, the regional uneven distribution of doctors continues, and some regions are experiencing a shortage of doctors.

    Metaverse is also expected to solve these problems. This is because VR space not only allows us to connect with people around the world in real time, but also makes it easier to provide medical services to patients in remote areas. Therefore, we can expect to eliminate regional disparities in the quality of medical care.

    Advances in 5G and communication technology have made real-time remote surgery possible.

    In the field of digital medicine, it is expected that paper prescriptions will disappear in the next few decades and transition to digital treatment in the metaverse space.
    In order to perform digital medicine using this metaverse space without any problems, an environment is required that allows for high-speed and high-capacity communication without problems.

    What is expected of this is the communication technology called 5G. It has the characteristics of “high-capacity, high-speed communication,” “high reliability and low latency,” and “multiple simultaneous connections.”
    Even now, it has a proven track record of being used for real-time remote control of surgical support robots.
    5G, which is capable of faster speeds and higher capacity communications, is said to be able to be used in digital medicine, and is expected to become a new field of digital medicine.

    Metaverse medical care has become a system that is easy for patients to consult.

    In the Metaverse space, you create an “avatar” that is your alter ego and communicate with it.
    Communication using this avatar is attracting attention as a system that makes it easy for patients to consult.

    Kohei Yoshioka, a psychiatrist who runs Metaverse Clinic, a medical consultation community on the Metaverse, says the following.
    “I feel that in the metaverse space where we use alter egos called avatars, it is easier to self-disclose because there is no need to actually communicate face-to-face.”

    Currently, we are using the Metaverse space as a place for consultation rather than medical treatment, but I believe that by making it a place for communication, it will be easier for patients to seek advice.

    In this way, metaverse medicine is also beneficial to patients.

    Three medical fields aiming to utilize the metaverse

    The three specific medical fields that aim to utilize the metaverse include:

      • Medical (VR training)
      • Pharmaceuticals (sharing of medical product information)
      • Drug discovery (time and cost reduction)

    Medical (VR training)

    In the medical field, the metaverse of VR training is being utilized.
    Specifically, this includes training for surgeons regarding surgical procedures and social skills training.
    For example, in the United States, we prepare a real surgical scenario, create a virtual operating room in the metaverse space, and actually perform the procedure in that space.
    The virtual operating room also helps in training for complex procedures. Additionally, in Japan, Jolly Good Inc. is conducting social skills training on developmental disorders on Metaverse.
    We have progressed to the stage where we can promote lifestyle support and employment support for patients.

    Pharmaceuticals (sharing of medical product information)

    In the pharmaceutical industry , the Metaverse is being used as a place to share medical product information and support communication between doctors and patients.
    Specifically, we are using virtual MR to effectively share medical product information.

    For example, at Tsumura Co., Ltd., a major pharmaceutical company, AI presents content that matches the story to medical professionals in a 3D version of MR.
    Additionally, Astellas Pharma Inc. has begun experimenting with using virtual MR to project patients’ skeletal information in 3D into the real world. For example, it has the benefit of making it easier for patients to understand their own health status when they see their bone density decreasing.

    Drug discovery (time and cost reduction)

    Drug discovery is always time-consuming and costly. Metaverse is being used to reduce the time and cost of drug discovery.
    At Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., researchers use the software “Nanomu” to discover drugs in the metaverse.
    Things that could only be confirmed in two dimensions can now be confirmed in 3D models down to the atomic level, making it possible to create new ideas and test whether they are actually effective in the metaverse space, something never seen before. It provides a sense of speed.

    How will the two types of telemedicine (including metaverse medicine) change with 5G?

     

    There are two types of telemedicine. The first is medical care in which doctors and patients in remote locations use tools to communicate in real time.
    The other is D to D (Doctor to Doctor), in which other doctors provide online support for the medical care of doctors in remote locations, and D to P (Doctor to Patient), in which doctors provide medical care directly to patients.
    In this chapter, we will explain how these telemedicine systems will change with 5G.

    D to D (Doctor to Doctor)

    D to D (Doctor to Doctor) is when doctors in remote locations use online technology to support doctors who are actually providing medical care.
    Real-time support is essential for doctors who are actually providing medical care. For example, when providing support to doctors providing medical care at a disaster site, every minute can mean the difference between life and death for a patient.
    Utilizing 5G will enable high-speed communication, making it possible to provide support without time lag. The result is faster medical care for patients.

    D to Patient (Doctor to Doctor)

    D to P (Doctor to Patient) is when a doctor in a remote location actually provides medical care to a patient. Currently, online medical consultations are still being conducted, but they are limited to interviewing and almost no actual medical care is provided.
    This is because patient data is exchanged when actually providing medical care. This patient data will be large in volume, so the use of 5G is essential. By utilizing 5G, data can be exchanged smoothly in real time and can be expected to be useful in actual medical care.

    There are two issues that need to be resolved in promoting metaverse medicine.

    Although it is certain that metaverse medicine will continue to expand in the future, there are still issues that need to be resolved. Let’s take a closer look at these two issues.

    Safety issues

    First, there is the issue of safety. When actually performing medical treatment, a multi-layered check system is in place, leading to peace of mind for patients.
    Even when providing medical care in the metaverse, safety must be ensured just as in real life. Creating a safe environment for patients can be said to be a major challenge for metaverse medicine.

    In order to solve safety issues, it is essential not only to collaborate with medical professionals, but also with businesses that provide metaverse space.
    No matter how wonderful a Metaverse space is created, if there are doubts about its safety, it will be difficult to promote it.

    Security issues

    Metaverse space is a virtual space provided online. Therefore, addressing cyber security is essential.
    If the security of the Metaverse is weak, it may be infiltrated by malicious hackers. If such hackers are allowed to infiltrate, medical practices may come to a halt, and patients’ personal information may also be leaked.
    In order to solve these security issues, it is necessary not only to have a strong environmental infrastructure that does not allow intrusion from outsiders, but also to have laws in place to deal with incidents.

    Five examples of using the Metaverse in medical care

    In this chapter, we will introduce five examples of how the Metaverse is actually used in medical care.

    Juntendo Virtual Hospital (virtual space imitating a hospital)

    Juntendo University is collaborating with IBM Japan, Ltd. to construct the “Juntendo Virtual Hospital” within the Metaverse space.
    The Juntendo Virtual Hospital is a place for medical professionals and patients to interact, allowing patients to experience a simulated medical procedure before coming to the hospital. The purpose is to alleviate patients’ anxiety through simulated experiences.

    VR vaccine injection simulator (VR of intramuscular injection)

    As the name suggests, a VR vaccine injection simulator allows you to simulate an injection in VR. Imma Create Co., Ltd. has released a service for training purposes, which allows you to intuitively learn how to give intramuscular injections in VR space. In addition, simulators have been released for training purposes when learning the procedures for vaccination against the new coronavirus, and are expected to be more effective than learning through classroom lectures.

    Mediverse OCD (virtual space such as seminars)

    MediVerse OCD aims to create new services by building a platform that connects medical professionals or medical professionals and companies in a metaverse space.
    It can be used for a variety of purposes depending on the user, including sharing case information, gathering research knowledge from medical professionals, and holding simple study sessions and study groups.

    Holoeyes (VR software for medical education)

    Holoeyes is VR software for learning medical education or clinical practice.
    Since the purpose is medical education, 3D information of the human body can be accurately reproduced in VR, making it possible to learn visually. Furthermore, it can also be used to simulate actual procedures. You can also communicate with other users in remote locations in real time via avatars.

    Introducing 5 papers that will help you understand future metaverse medicine

    In this chapter, we will introduce five papers that will be useful in deepening our knowledge of metaverse medicine, which will be promoted in the future.

    Papers on cardiology

    The use of the metaverse in cardiology is called the CardioVerse.
    In cardiology, by utilizing this Cardioverse, it is possible to receive specialized services in 3D space even in remote locations, and the quality of medical care can be improved by integrating surgical robots and navigation systems. It has been reported that the effect of “increases the

    Papers on ophthalmology

    In ophthalmology, there are many things related to AR and VR.
    For example, “Using AR and VR to help patients notice visual abnormalities” and “Making it easier to train medical professionals in optometry and surgery.”
    The use of AR and VR can help patients in remote locations decide whether to travel to the hospital for testing. Other training simulators introduced include the EyeSi simulator (VR Magic) and MicroVisTouch (Immersive Touch).

    Papers on medical education

    In the field of medical education, we classify the metaverse into four types and discuss how to utilize each type. The four types of medical education are ” Augmented Reality ,” “Lifelog,” “Mirror World,” and “Virtual Reality.”
    Each type is discussed in the paper as follows.

      • Augmented reality uses augmented reality t-shirts to explore inside the human body
      • Lifelog is introducing a service that can utilize accumulated biometric information in the medical field.
    • Mirror World is developing a platform that contributes to scientific research through games.
    • In virtual reality, use of avatar services and platforms

    Papers on gastroenterology

    In gastroenterology, papers have been published on the clinical results of endoscopy training actually conducted in the metaverse space.
    Specifically, this includes surgical training using endoscopic equipment in the Metaverse, treatment by senior doctors in the Metaverse, and discussion of surgical procedures by experts in the Metaverse via avatars.
    Training and discussions held in the Metaverse space have led to results such as improved experience for doctors, shorter surgical times, and lower complication rates.

    Papers on body transformation research cases

    Body transformation is a phenomenon in which emotions, cognition, and behavior change by transforming from one’s own body to another body in VR space. Research on this body transformation is underway in Japan.
    Specifically, the following cases have been reported.

      • When white people use black avatars, their sense of discrimination is reduced.
      • Using a child avatar leads to overestimation of object size and childish behavior.
    • Being a superhero and helping others makes you more likely to act altruistically.

    In other words, using an avatar with a different personality in VR space will have an impact on your body and way of thinking in the real world.

    summary

     

    It is no exaggeration to say that the market for the use of the metaverse in medical care is growing, and there is no doubt that it will continue to develop. With the use of 5G, the impact of the Metaverse on medical care will increase. The range of applications will continue to expand in a variety of medical fields, including telemedicine and real-time communication between doctors and patients.

     

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