BACKGROUND: Virtual reality is a high-tech simulation system, comprehensive integration of computer graphics technology, computer simulation technology, artificial intelligence, sensor technology, display technology, and network parallel processing technologies.
OBJECTIVE: To briefly introduce simulated human body, operation, laboratory and virtual reality technology applied in neuropsychology and nuclear medicine.
METHODS: A computer-based online search of 2003/2010 CBM and CNKI database and Google search was performed, with key words “virtual reality, virtual human, digital human, virtual surgery” in Chinese and English, respectively.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The application of virtual reality technology is very broad, such as urban planning, energy sources investigation, industry simulation, historic site recovery, architecture simulation, communication bridge, harbor stream, tour simulation, simulated class, gardens and military affairs simulation. It also exhibited favorable effects in the biomedical field, virtual human and virtual surgery. In addition, virtual reality technology has advanced in nuclear medicine and radiation protection, dose calculation in nuclear power plant refueling task, and training of staff in nuclear power plant. Virtual reality exposure therapy exhibits good effect in specific phobia and other anxiety disorders. In the future, with the further development of computer technology, virtual reality technology will become the most important application of digital medical tools.