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The use of Virtual Environments has been widely reported as a method of teaching anatomy. Generally such environments only convey the shape of the anatomy to the student. We present the Bangor Augmented Reality Education Tool for Anatomy (BARETA), a system that combines Augmented Reality (AR) technology with models produced using Rapid Prototyping (RP) technology, to provide the student with stimulation for touch as well as sight. The principal aims of this work were to provide an interface more intuitive than a mouse and keyboard, and to evaluate such a system as a viable supplement to traditional cadaver based education.

The medical domain provides excellent opportunities for communication and teaching of healthcare issues using computer graphics, visualization techniques, and virtual environments. Possible applications include anatomical educational tools; patient education; diagnostic aids; virtual autopsies; planning and guidance aids; skills training; and computer augmented reality. Both clinicians and patients can benefit from the appropriate use of tools that make use of these technologies. This paper provides an overview of the state-of-the-art technologies in this exciting field, including detailed examples from our research. The term cybermedicine is discussed and issues for effective cybermedicine are highlighted.