Augmented-reality communication for diagnostic tasks in cardiology.

In the CardiAssist project, a teleconsultation module has been implemented that uses both ultrasound images and three-dimensional (3-D) animated heart models as common artifacts to support communication between medical professionals. Real images and conceptual models are linked as "augmented reality" so that the models provide orientation for diagnostic tasks in cardiology. Hypotheses or results can be documented on the image or the abstract level, as the heart model can be modified to include pathological details. In teleconsultation, pointing references accelerate communication between physicians of different backgrounds.