Development of 3D space-sharing interface using augmented reality technology for domestic tele-echography

We propose a domestic tele-echography system linking between the patient´s home and a hospital because of the demand due to increase in the number of patients by aging society and recent progress in portable echography enabled us to develop this system. In previous researches three-dimensional position of the ultrasound probe was difficult to specify because a remote doctor observe the patient through a video camera. Therefore we have developed a reproduction system of the probe position and angle using the ARToolKit and GUI interface using OpenGL. Only an USB camera and two markers for the body surface and the probe are necessary to memorize and transfer three-dimensional position of the probe. We have also designed a doctor side interface including echogram, patient scene and CG to instruct probe operation. As a result of evaluation experiments, guided position was satisfied to reproduce the echogram for diagnosis.