title: A Protein in the palm of your hand through augmented reality.
abstract: Understanding of proteins and other biological macromolecules must be based on an appreciation of their 3-dimensional shape and the fine details of their structure. Conveying these details in a clear and stimulating fashion can present challenges using conventional approaches and 2-dimensional monitors and projectors. Here we describe a method for the production of 3-D interactive images of protein structures that can be manipulated in real time through the use of augmented reality software. Users first see a real-time image of themselves using the computer's camera, then, when they hold up a trigger image, a model of a molecule appears automatically in the video. This model rotates and translates in space in response to movements of the trigger card. The system described has been optimized to allow customization for the display of user-selected structures to create engaging, educational visualizations to explore 3-D structures.
authors: Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom.
authors: Colin
authors: C
authors: Berry
authors: Jason
authors: J
authors: Board
mesh_terms: D001671:Biochemistry / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D003196:Computer Graphics; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D011487:Protein Conformation; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012984:Software; D014584:User-Computer Interface
chemical_list: D011506:Proteins
keywords: augmented reality; computer-assisted learning; molecular graphics; protein structure