A Virtual Simulator for Acupuncture

This work presents a virtual simulator prototype for acupuncture. Among the functionalities designed and implemented, it is worth mentioning the simulation of the needlework process, performed with the Phantom Omni device as the acupuncture needle. This device is used to interact with geometric meshes superimposed in layers that represent the major organ systems in the human body. The acupuncture process is simulated by visually showing the impacts arising from the insertion of a needle in different acupoints of the human body. In addition, the prototype also simulates the location and angulation of the ideal puncture (since a correct needle's manoeuvre influences the result and efficiency of the puncture), alerting the user when the procedure is performed incorrectly, by showing the ideal positioning of the needle. Finally, functional and usability tests were performed with an expert in acupuncture. The results show that the prototype is capable of delivering useful information about the puncture process, with the potential to evolve to a virtual simulator with a even more realistic behavior.