Reviving Velicus

Virtual reality currently has many more useful applications than just playing games. For example, hospitals and government agencies use virtual reality to train their personnel. Mixed reality is also frequently used nowadays to simulate situations. The difference between virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) mainly lies in the fact that virtual reality is a completely simulated virtual world, while mixed reality is a combination of the ‘real’ world and the virtual world.

The Dutch development companyVelicushas developed a very beautiful and innovative application that makes good use of mixed reality applications. With the HoloLens® Microsoft HoloLens 2users can follow a (recognised) CPR course in a very realistic manner. You can read exactly how this works in this blog.

With Velicus’ CPR and AED course, trainees can learn CPR independently of time and place, in a playful manner, practice, and test. Velicus’ CPR course meets all requirements and is officially certified by The Orange Cross.

Through a projection in the HoloLens©, the user sees a lifelike hologram in front of them. Depending on which course the user is following, they see a person lying on the ground with someone standing around them performing the steps. This allows the user to watch and absorb the information without having to do much themselves. It goes a step further when the user sees a dummy lying in front of them, with a lifelike projection of someone in need of help on it. In the HoloLens©, the user receives instructions and can proceed to perform CPR based on them. This even goes so far that the user is physically resuscitating the dummy while the displayed hologram in the headset gives a realistic image of the 'patient'.

The headset used for this application is the Microsoft HoloLens 2. This augmented reality device makes it possible to see the ‘real’ world and overlay a hologram or virtual representation on top of it. Thus, it is possible to create a combination between 'real' and 'virtual' with the HoloLens 2.

The HoloLens 2 is currently the most used headset for applications where the real and virtual worlds need to be combined. Due to the high quality of the holograms and the relatively wide field of view, the HoloLens 2 is (almost) always the right choice for this. However, the HoloLens 2 is capable of much more. For instance, it is possible to work via ‘remote assist’. This means the user can make video calls to communicate remotely with someone. Consider a plumber working on-site who has a specific question for an electrician. The HoloLens 2 makes it possible to put the headset on the plumber and have the electrician remotely look along via a tablet, phone, or laptop, and directly communicate with the plumber. Since the electrician does not need to be physically present at the location, as he can see exactly what the plumber is seeing, this saves a lot of time and costs.

In our blog 'HoloLens 2 Use Cases & Best Practices' we provide several practical examples of how other companies are using the HoloLens 2 innovatively. Still unsure about the applications the HoloLens 2 offers? Then this blog is definitely worth checking out!

Want to know more about this topic, or can we connect you with the software developers at Velicus? Then please contact us and we will be happy to assist you!

You can also contact us with other questions about virtual, augmented, or mixed reality. Do you or your company have an idea to start with VR/AR, but are not sure where to begin? We can connect you with our ownXR ConsultantWith his experience in implementing VR/AR in large-scale companies and organisations, he can provide valuable insights into long-term implementation within your organisation.