Zooviz – Unveiling Anatomy Virtually

Rakesh R1 , Afra Mariyam2, Abhienaya Sri3, Nithya M4

1,2,3Student, Department of CSE(INTEGRATED), Sri Sairam Engineering College Chennai, India
4HOD, Department of CSE(INTEGRATED), Sri Sairam Engineering College Chennai, India
sec22cj013@sairamtap.edu.in , sec22cj033@sairamtap.edu.in , sec22cj032@sairamtap.edu.in , nithya.cae@sairam.edu.in

Abstract— Zooviz is at the forefront of a replicating the immersive, tactile experience that traditional
transformative shift in biology education, harnessing the dissection offers. This gap in existing solutions highlights the
power of Mixed Reality (MR) technology to redefine how need for a more advanced approach that can fully engage
students explore and understand the natural world. By students and enhance their understanding of biological concepts
merging MR with a specially developed application, this in a more ethical and sustainable way.
initiative offers a revolutionary approach to traditional
dissection practices in educational settings. The need for Zooviz addresses this critical need by integrating cutting-
this project arises from the growing ethical concerns and edge Mixed Reality (MR) technology with a proprietary
environmental impact associated with conventional application to create an immersive virtual dissection
dissections, as well as the limitations they impose on the experience. This project offers a lifelike simulation of
accessibility and inclusivity of biology education. Zooviz traditional dissection practices, enabling students to explore
addresses these challenges by providing a humane, and understand biological structures in unprecedented detail.
sustainable, and universally accessible alternative. With a Zooviz not only alleviates the ethical and environmental
strong focus on ethical, environmental, and pedagogical concerns associated with traditional dissections but also
values, Zooviz replaces the need for live specimens, makes high-quality biology education more accessible to
instead offering students an immersive, hands-on students worldwide. By leveraging MR technology, Zooviz
experience that mirrors the intricacies of biological ensures that the educational experience is both interactive
dissections. This cutting-edge tool not only enhances the and comprehensive, paving the way for a new era in biology
educational experience but also aligns with modern education.
ethical standards, providing a sustainable and humane
II. RELATED WORKS
alternative to conventional methods. Zooviz empowers
students to delve deeply into the study of flora and fauna,
ensuring a rich, interactive learning journey that respects Jinsil Hwaryoung Seo, Brian Smith proposed an Anatomy
both life and the environment. Builder VR is a project that explores how virtual reality can
support hands-on learning in anatomy education. The aim is to
Keywords - Mixed Reality (MR), Virtual Dissection, provide an alternative, constructivist approach to teaching
Biology Education, Environmental Sustainability, canine anatomy. The program allows learners to manipulate
Interactive Learning, Humane Alternatives. individual bones or bone groups, adjust their viewing angles,
and control the speed of content interaction. Anatomy Builder
I. INTRODUCTION VR runs on the HTC Vive platform, which includes a high-
definition headset, two motion controllers, and two infrared
The practice of animal dissection has been a cornerstone of tracking stations. Developed in Unity3D with scripting in C#,
biology education for decades, offering students a hands-on Unity’s tools and pre-built APIs made it easy to quickly develop
approach to learning about anatomy and physiology. However, a working prototype and focus on designing user-specific
this traditional method presents significant ethical, interactions.[1] Most of the interactions within the virtual
environmental, and logistical challenges. The use of live environment are done through the Vive controllers.
animals in educational settings raises ethical concerns regarding
animal welfare, as it often results in the sacrifice of countless Haley Adams, Jack Noble, and William G. Morrel developed
animals for a single learning experience. Additionally, the an immersive stereoscopic tool for visualizing ear anatomy using
environmental impact of sourcing and disposing of biological real patient data. The tool includes a virtual environment featuring
specimens is increasingly coming under scrutiny in an era segmented skull and ear structures. Participants were trained to
where sustainability is a global priority. Furthermore, these identify ear anatomy on a cadaver after learning through either the
dissections are not universally accessible, with some students virtual reality tool or traditional methods. The study hypothesized
and institutions lacking the resources to participate fully, while that participants using VR would perform better in locating
others may be uncomfortable with or even opposed to the anatomical structures than those using standard learning
practice on ethical grounds. techniques. The research focuses on the interface design and
effectiveness of VR in anatomy education. [2].
In response to these challenges, there is a growing demand
for innovative educational tools that can deliver the same Pavithra Rajeswaran, Thenkurussi Kesavadas, Priti Jani, and
educational benefits as traditional dissection without the Praveen Kumar from the University of Illinois at Urbana-
associated drawbacks. Virtual dissection tools have emerged as Champaign introduce AirwayVR, a virtual reality-based simulation
a promising alternative, but many of these tools fall short in
platform designed to train medical professionals in endotracheal structures by solving a virtual 3D puzzle using a haptic
intubation. Endotracheal intubation is a critical, lifesaving procedure device, which provides tactile feedback. This setup allows
where a tube is inserted through the mouth into the trachea to secure users to better understand the spatial relationships between
an open airway and enable artificial respiration. Given its different anatomical components while offering a more
complexity, it requires significant training and experience to avoid interactive and engaging learning experience.
complications during the procedure.
The paper also highlights two other AR-based educational
Traditional training methods, such as using manikins and cadavers, systems: the Magic Mirror and the SAR Atlas. Both systems
have certain limitations. While helpful, these tools are often not utilize gesture-based interactions to display virtual
easily accessible for early-stage medical professionals, limiting their anatomical objects on the user's body. The Magic Mirror
opportunities to practice. Additionally, they may not accurately overlays virtual internal organs onto the user's body, which
simulate high-risk or difficult intubation scenarios, which are crucial is shown on a large display, creating a mirror-like
for experts to mentally prepare and develop a strategy before visualization of the body’s internal structures. This setup
performing the procedure in real life. AirwayVR addresses these allows users to view how virtual organs would appear on
issues by providing a virtual reality platform where users can learn their own bodies, enhancing the learning experience. The
and practice intubation in a controlled, immersive environment. SAR Atlas operates similarly, providing an AR-based visual
Designed with two target audiences in mind—medical students and representation of anatomical structures on the user’s body,
residents—AirwayVR serves as an introductory tool for novice further facilitating interactive and engaging anatomy
learners. It allows them to practice basic intubation skills while also education [5]
enabling more experienced professionals to prepare for high-risk The SAR Atlas is an advanced AR educational system that
cases. [3] The VR platform offers a realistic, hands-on training overlays virtual anatomical objects directly onto the user's
experience that can overcome the limitations of traditional methods, body using a projector. This system visualizes internal
making intubation training more accessible and effective for medical organs, bones, and muscles in real time, enhancing the
professionals at various stages of their careers. learning experience with dynamic content. For example,
users can see a beating heart and breathing lungs projected
The Virtual Animal Slaughtering and Dissection via onto their bodies, providing a more interactive and realistic
Global Navigation Elements paper introduces a method for representation of these vital functions. This dynamic feature
integrating visual information to simulate virtual animal allows learners to observe and understand the movement and
slaughtering and dissection. This virtual system offers an behavior of internal organs, making anatomy education more
educational alternative to real-life procedures by accurately engaging and insightful.
representing animal specimens and simulating scenarios that are
otherwise difficult or impossible to recreate in reality. The platform III. PROPOSED WORK
includes additional learning tools and is designed to be flexible,
multi-user, and remotely accessible, making it ideal for collaborative Zooviz emerges as a groundbreaking solution to the ethical,
training. It aims to enhance animal dissection education through a environmental, and educational challenges associated with
virtual environment that simulates procedures and provides traditional dissection practices. In an era where the treatment of
recommendations for the technologies needed to develop such a living organisms is under increasing scrutiny, and the need for
system. Notably, the research also explores the integration of haptic sustainable educational practices is paramount, Zooviz offers a
feedback to simulate the tactile experience of dissections, adding a humane and innovative alternative. By harnessing the power of
layer of realism to the training process [4]. Mixed Reality (MR) technology, this project eliminates the need
for live specimens, thereby addressing the ethical concerns
Philipp Stefan, Patrick Wucherer, and Yuji Oyamada related to animal cruelty and the moral implications of
introduced an innovative AR-based educational system, disassembling living organisms for educational purposes.
known as the AR Bone Puzzle, designed to enhance the
learning of bone anatomy. This system employs augmented Moreover, virtual dissections cater to the emotional and cultural
reality (AR) to create a unique and interactive educational sensitivities of students who may experience discomfort or
experience. The user's body serves as the puzzle frame, while distress with traditional methods. This inclusive solution ensures
virtual, computer-generated bones act as puzzle pieces that that all students can engage in biology education without
the user must assemble. By engaging in this hands-on compromising their values.
process of fitting virtual bones onto their body, learners gain By replacing physical dissections with a lifelike virtual
a deeper understanding of bone anatomy in an intuitive and alternative, this project enhances the educational experience,
immersive way. The system's standout features include 3D allowing students to explore biological structures in detail while
AR visualizations that provide detailed anatomical aligning with modern ethical and environmental standards. This
representations and gesture-based user interactions, allowing innovative approach ensures a future in biology education that is
learners to engage with the content naturally and more humane, sustainable, and accessible to all learners.
interactively. This approach not only makes learning more
engaging but also helps reinforce spatial awareness of bone A. Exploring Animal Anatomy in 3D
structures. At the heart of this MR application is the ability to explore
detailed 3D models of various animal species. These models are
In addition to the AR Bone Puzzle, the authors propose a
related VR 3D jigsaw puzzle system aimed at teaching the crafted with remarkable anatomical accuracy, allowing students
to closely examine the intricacies of animal anatomy. The
anatomy of muscles, ligaments, and bones, specifically
application provides a dynamic learning environment where
focusing on the foot. Learners can explore anatomical
students can zoom in on specific parts, rotate the models to view
them from different angles, and delve into the internal structures
of organisms in ways that are not possible with traditional
dissection tools. This feature not only makes learning more
engaging but also ensures that students gain a thorough
understanding of the complex biological systems that govern
animal life.

B. Interactive, Hands-On Dissections

One of the most captivating aspects of this MR tool is its
capacity for active, hands-on dissection. Equipped with virtual
tools, students can engage in layer-by-layer dissections, peeling
away virtual tissues to expose underlying organs and systems.
This interactive process mirrors the hands-on experience of
traditional dissections but without the ethical dilemmas and
environmental impact associated with using real specimens. The
virtual tools are designed to simulate real-world dissection F. Use Cases
instruments, providing a tactile and realistic experience that Virtual Dissection Labs: Imagine a high school biology class
enhances students' understanding of animal anatomy. where students can dissect a virtual frog without ever needing to
handle a scalpel. In these virtual labs, students can peel away
C. Seamless Integration with Curriculum layers of tissue to explore internal organs like the heart and
Understanding that education is most effective when it is aligned lungs, just as they would in a physical dissection. However,
with specific learning objectives, this MR app integrates unlike traditional methods, this approach eliminates the ethical
seamlessly with institutional curriculums. It offers linked concerns associated with the use of live specimens and offers a
activities, quizzes, and practice sessions tailored to the syllabus, repeatable, mess-free experience. For instance, a student can
reinforcing key concepts and promoting long-term knowledge dissect a digital model of a cat multiple times to study its
retention. For instance, after virtually dissecting a frog, students muscular system, gaining deeper insights with each session.
might engage in a quiz designed to test their understanding of
the circulatory system, or participate in a practice session that 3D Organ Models: Consider a veterinary student who needs to
challenges them to identify and label different organs. This understand the intricate details of a canine heart. With our 3D
targeted approach ensures that the learning experience is not organ models, they can zoom in on the heart, rotate it to view it
only immersive but also pedagogically sound, helping students from different angles, and even simulate the beating process to
to better retain and apply the knowledge they gain. observe how blood flows through the chambers. These models
are more than just static images; they’re dynamic tools that allow
D. Ethical and Sustainable Learning for real-time interaction. For example, students can manipulate
Beyond its educational benefits, this project addresses a model of a dog's brain to study the nervous system's pathways,
significant ethical and environmental concerns associated with enhancing their comprehension of complex neurological
traditional dissection practices. By using virtual models instead functions.
of live specimens, this MR tool eliminates the need for animal
sacrifice, aligning with the growing emphasis on ethical Surgical Simulations: For students aiming to become
treatment of animals in education. Moreover, it reduces the veterinarians, practical experience is crucial. Our surgical
environmental impact associated with the procurement and simulations provide a platform where they can practice
disposal of biological specimens, making it a more sustainable procedures like spaying or neutering a dog in a controlled, virtual
option for schools and colleges. environment. These simulations mimic real-life scenarios,
complete with the need to make precise incisions and navigate
E. A Future-Oriented Educational Tool anatomical structures accurately. By practicing in this virtual
This MR application represents the future of biology education, space, students can build their skills without the risks associated
offering a solution that is as humane as it is effective. By with practicing on live animals, ensuring they’re better prepared
enabling students to explore animal anatomy in unprecedented for clinical rotations.
detail and engage in interactive dissections without harming real
animals, it paves the way for a new standard in educational tools. Remote Collaboration: Imagine a scenario where a student in
The app not only meets the ethical and educational demands of the United States collaborates with a peer in Japan on a virtual
today but also sets a precedent for how technology can enhance dissection project. They can work together in a shared online
learning while respecting the natural world. space, discussing their findings and making adjustments to the
virtual specimen in real-time. This feature not only makes
learning more interactive but also fosters global collaboration,
giving students a broader perspective on their studies. For
example, a group of students could jointly dissect a digital model
of a horse, each focusing on different systems—one on the
skeletal structure, another on the digestive system—before
coming together to share their insights.
Mixed Reality Field Trips: Picture a classroom where students anatomy museums, such as the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
put on MR headsets and are instantly transported to the in Berkeley. They can explore exhibits on various animal
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Here, they species, learning about their evolution, anatomy, and behavior.
can explore the intricate skeletal structures of various animals or Additionally, they can virtually visit laboratories where
virtually walk through a lab where cutting-edge research on researchers are dissecting animals for scientific studies,
animal genetics is being conducted. These mixed reality field providing them with a behind-the-scenes look at how scientific
trips offer an immersive experience that goes beyond what is discoveries are made.
possible with traditional methods. For instance, students could
virtually tour a marine biology lab, watching as scientists study These specific use cases and learning activities highlight the
the anatomy of dolphins in real-time, all while sitting in their transformative potential of this project. By leveraging cutting-
classroom. edge technology, we can provide students with an education that
is both engaging and deeply informative, all while upholding
G. Learning Activities ethical standards and fostering a global perspective.
Digitally Section Organ Systems: Students can digitally
section organ systems like the respiratory or circulatory system
within a virtual dissection lab. For example, after isolating the
lungs of a rabbit, they can trace the path of oxygen from
inhalation to its distribution throughout the body. This hands-on
activity helps students visualize and understand the complex
interplay between different organs and systems in a way that
static images cannot.

Full Virtual Canine Dissections: Veterinary students often

need to perform dissections on dogs to understand their
anatomy. With our virtual dissection tool, they can conduct a full
dissection of a canine model, starting from the skin and moving
inward to explore muscles, bones, and organs. This activity is
not only essential for their education but also ensures that no real
animals are harmed in the process. For example, a student can
virtually dissect a German Shepherd to study its musculoskeletal
system, learning the names and functions of each bone and IV. CONCLUSION
muscle in detail.
The potential impact of this project extends far beyond the
Manipulate Detailed Heart Models: In one learning activity, classroom. As students develop a deeper, more
students can take a deep dive into the anatomy of a mammalian comprehensive understanding of anatomy through virtual
heart. By manipulating a 3D model of a pig’s heart, they can dissections and simulations, they are also instilled with a
explore each chamber, valve, and blood vessel. They can even sense of responsibility toward the natural world. This
simulate heartbeats to see how blood flows through the heart in approach cultivates a generation of learners who are not only
real-time. This kind of detailed exploration helps solidify their more knowledgeable but also more compassionate and
understanding of cardiovascular biology. environmentally conscious. Moreover, the project’s ability to
link students from all over the world encourages
Study Anatomy Collaboratively: Group dissections are made collaboration and cultural exchange, making the learning
more accessible through our virtual lab. Students can work experience much richer. By breaking down geographical
together on a shared project, such as dissecting a virtual shark, barriers, it creates a more inclusive and diverse learning
where each student focuses on a different part—one on the environment, allowing students to interact and learn from
digestive system, another on the nervous system. They can share each other in ways that weren’t possible before.
their findings in real-time, fostering a collaborative learning
environment. This not only makes the learning process more
In conclusion, Zooviz stands as a powerful example of how
engaging but also mirrors the teamwork required in professional
technology can reshape education and have a lasting, positive
medical and veterinary settings.
impact on society. By integrating cutting-edge innovation
with strong ethical principles, Zooviz is not just changing the
Practice Common Procedures: Before stepping into a real
way students learn, but also promoting a more humane and
veterinary clinic, students can practice common procedures like
sustainable approach to education. This project represents a
suturing wounds or removing tumors on virtual animal models.
forward-thinking model that emphasizes both academic
For instance, a student might practice performing a spay surgery
growth and ethical responsibility, ensuring that students are
on a virtual cat, honing their skills without any risk to a live
well-prepared to navigate future challenges with a
animal. This repetition builds confidence and competence,
conscience, setting a new standard for how we integrate
ensuring that when they do perform the procedure in real life,
technology into life science education. Its impact goes
they are well-prepared.
beyond the classroom, paving the way for a more thoughtful,
ethical, and innovative approach to learning that can benefit
Tour Animal Anatomy Museums & Laboratories: Using
society as a whole.
mixed reality, students can virtually tour renowned animal
 [5] Philipp Stefan, Patrick Wucherer, Yuji Oyamada, Meng
Ma Vehicle, “An AR edutainment system supporting
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