[From imaging to interaction with 3D models: technical aspects]

Augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR, respectively) are already being used or evaluated in some medical fields: however, the widespread application is still hampered by inconsistent and often confusing terminology, in particular for people who are not familiar with current developments. Additionally, the technical principles and requirements for its use are often insufficiently well known. This overview article therefore aims to clarify the most important terminology and presents the current technical state of the art, spanning from the requirements of medical imaging, through 3D models and the various forms of visualization to the interaction possibilities within VR and AR. This should help to facilitate a common language among developers and users and to ensure that the potentials offered by digital assistive technologies can be fully exploited in the future.