vNanoscope: a mobile application to support automatic blood sample generation

Abstract

Given the nature of the elements that make up blood, microscopes are fundamental to identifying blood cell morphology. These instruments are expensive, and it is not easy to keep blood samples and their diversity in educational environments. We propose a solution based on virtual reality, that generates reliable blood samples using the automatic creation of images that simulate specific pathologies. As part of its essential characteristics, the proposal allows browsing in larger samples and actions like traditional microscopes’ operation. In this proposal, we analyse academic approaches that detail similar experiences. Then, we describe the technical architecture that supports the sample generation processes. We validated the proposal in four aspects: Amethod of adoption model, the validation of replicated samples, aperformance test, and an educational exercise. The development of the mobile application was able to generate simulations of samples corresponding to a healthy adult and an adult with acute myeloid leukaemia, where users can visualise, explore and obtain data on each of the elements that appear in the sample. This iteration not only verifies its technical feasibility but opens the way for future research on improving education or training processes.