Dermaphone: Using Photogrammetry-based Data Driven Vibrotactile Texture Rendering to Simulate Skin Lesions for Dermatology Students using a Smartphone

The Dermaphone is an educational tool for medical students learning dermatology. Within the application, consultants can use photogrammetry to create 3D models of skin lesions. These are presented to students with texture rendered through vibration by the iPhone’s taptic engine. The application is designed to give medical students exposure to dermatology and act as a study resource to fill gaps from their limited opportunities for practical experience. A framework for crowdsourcing a skin lesion library of 3D models and associated texture data is also provided, built as more educators contribute scans from real life cases.