Affiliations: [a] Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan | [b] Department of Neurosurgery, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kee-Lung, Taiwan | [c] Division of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan | [d] Commercial Computer BU Software R&D Division, ASUSTeK Computer Inc., Taipei, Taiwan
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Acupuncture and moxibustion are effective in alleviating symptoms, but the large number of acupoints can make accurate needle placement and training difficult. OBJECTIVE:To address these challenges, this study aims to develop an augmented reality (AR) acupuncture navigation system designed to improve the accuracy and intuitiveness of acupoint localization. METHODS:The proposed system employs a six-point registration and positioning technique, enabling the AR navigation model to adapt to the specific characteristics of each patient. RESULTS:In testing, discrepancies between virtual and actual acupuncture points ranged from 0.6 mm to 3.9 mm, which is within the acceptable tolerance range for acupuncture. CONCLUSION:This AR-based system shows promise in enhancing the precision of acupuncture point localization, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.
