I-Corps: Molecular Augmented Reality for Visualizing Complex Biomolecular Structures

这个I-Corps项目的更广泛的影响/商业潜力是实施分子可视化系统，该系统将通过使用增强现实（AR）技术的动手交互来改变理解生物分子结构的复杂性。用户将与三维分子化合物和预先编程的动画“互动”，使用变革性的手势，以促进缩放和旋转。化合物的分子操作将更加直观，取代传统的计算机图形界面。自然的相互作用最终将使用户能够更深入地了解分子结构和构象。化学结构的三维观点将为其用户提供一个变革性的学习环境。该系统允许促进增强的组发现过程的共享体验。 该系统还使高等教育的学习环境现代化，并使企业环境中的发现和协作过程成为可能。这个I-Corps项目创建了一个理解分子形式的工具，并允许增强探索和发现。目前的技术使化学和生物科学的专业人员能够发现，分析和操纵物理形式。此外，更先进的技术支持在较小规模下捕获和可视化分子形式的能力，从而获得更好的视觉理解。然而，这些当前系统中的一些的缺点是它们依赖于复杂的化学软件并且通常具有很差的界面，这极大地限制了可视化和操纵生物分子的能力。这里开发的分子可视化系统旨在最终改变实施路径，从有限的化学界面到使用可穿戴AR直接动手操作化学模型。这种转变可以将发现过程转变为更具交互性和直观性的体验。主要目标是让学生和教育工作者利用移动的应用程序弥合理论概念和实际应用之间的差距。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact/commercial potential of this I-Corps project is to implement a Molecular Visualization System that will transform the complexities of understanding biomolecular structures via hands-on interaction using augmented reality (AR) technology. Users will "interact" with three-dimensional molecular compounds and pre-programmed animations using transformative hand gestures to facilitate scaling and rotations. Molecular manipulations of chemical compounds will be more intuitive and replace the traditional computer graphic interface. The natural interaction will ultimately allow users to gain closer insight into molecular structures and conformations. The three-dimensional viewpoint of chemical structures will enable a transformative learning environment for its users. The system allows a shared experience facilitating enhanced group discovery processes. The system also modernizes the learning environment for higher education and enables discovery and collaboration processes in corporate environments.This I-Corps project creates a tool for understanding molecular forms and allows for enhanced exploration and discovery. Current technology enables professionals in chemical and biological sciences to discover, analyze, and manipulate physical forms. Additionally, the more advanced technology supports the ability to capture and visualize molecular forms at a smaller scale, resulting in greater visual understanding. However, a drawback of some of these current systems is that they rely on complex chemistry software and often have poor interfaces that greatly limit the ability to visualize and manipulate biomolecules. The Molecular Visualization System developed here aims to ultimately alter the path of implementation from limited chemistry interfaces to direct, hands-on manipulation of chemical models using wearable AR. This shift can transform the discovery process into a more interactive and intuitive experience. The primary goal is for students and educators to utilize the mobile application bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.