Augmented Reality in Anatomy 12
YOUR BODY AR
Your Body AR is a lightweight app that allows users to view a few of the human body’s main biological systems. It is a basic app made by a company whose main focus is making simple mobile games, so its target demographic is more novice users. This is not an app designed for serious, in-depth study, but it is an educational app that is very easy to use. It can be used by simply downloading the app and printing out a paper marker. It includes a model of a human with four different views:
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normal
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muscular system
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skeletal system, and
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internal organs.
Users can toggle between views for a simple overview of these systems.
How to Use the App
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Download and install the app (only Android) HERE
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Once installed, open the app and select “Marker Download” in the middle of the screen to download a .pdf of the paper marker. You’ll need to print this marker! It’s how the phone knows where to orient the AR image on it’s screen.'
*Note : Marker image will be saved in the "Download" folder in your phone.
3. Once you’ve printed the marker page, place in on a flat surface and back up a foot or two from the page.
4. Select “START” on the app’s home screen and scan the marker image to begin experiencing AR
5. You can watch this quick video for a demo of how to begin and how to toggle between the views in the app.
Unique Features
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Has very low barriers to entry. It is an incredibly simple app to start experiencing AR with. It would be especially useful to introduce a class to the concept of AR if they are unfamiliar with it because of its simple, quick startup - you can go from app download to AR image in less than one minute.
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Simple user interface. The controls for the app are very simple and intuitive.
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Don’t need multiple devices. Some AR apps need to have a ‘host’ devices that ‘tour’ other devices through the AR experience. This is a standalone app that can be used by students and/or teachers individually on their phones.
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Labels. There are some labels for the major parts of the four systems that are modeled in the app for easy student recognition. These can be toggled on/off as desired with one simple button.
Challenges & Limitations
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Only Android, not iOS. This app has currently only been developed for use on Android smartphones. If you’re an Apple user, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
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Need newer phone. As with all AR apps, you’ll need a newer phone. HERE’s a link to AR-enabled devices.
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Not super detailed. You can see the organs and systems, but there’s not much labelled. You also can’t zoom in very easily or clearly for a closeup look.
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Limited organs & systems. There are only the four basic systems represented and they are not done very thoroughly. It’s fine for an introduction, but there is not really enough details included in the app to completely satisfy the requirements for the BC curriculum.
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Only good for locating. While the app is fun to use and can help students understand the location of the various organs and systems, there is no mechanism included for teaching their function.