Glasses-Free Holographic Visualization of Pediatric Computed Tomography DICOM Data on Looking Glass 16” OLED

Effective visualization of three-dimensional (3D) medical images is essential for planning medical procedures, as it directly impacts diagnostic precision and enhances patient understanding. High-quality 3D visualization enables physicians to make informed decisions, supports surgeons in planning complex procedures, and helps patients better understand their conditions and treatment options. However, commonly used headmounted display (HMD) devices such as the Meta Quest and Microsoft HoloLens often cause discomfort, eye strain, and communication challenges, and their complex setup can limit practical use in clinical settings. The recently developed, glassesfree Looking Glass Factory 16” Spatial Display presents a compelling alternative, capable of delivering high-quality holographic images without requiring HMDs, making it a promising solution for clinical visualization. This study investigates using the Looking Glass 16” Spatial Display to visualize 3D pediatric cardiac CT scans in DICOM format, demonstrating its potential to improve accessibility and usability in clinical imaging. Clinical DICOM images are converted into MetaImages (RAW images with MHD headers) using 3DSlicer software and rendered with a volume rendering algorithm to create detailed volumetric models. These 3D images are then displayed on the Looking Glass device through the Unity3D platform, with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti graphics card optimizing frame rates, reducing latency, and supporting real-time image control on a personal computer (PC). Experimental evaluations confirm the feasibility of producing high-quality, real-time displays on the Looking Glass 16” Spatial Display, offering clinicians an intuitive and efficient interface. This research highlights the potential of the Looking Glass 16” Spatial Display to enhance 3D medical image visualization, particularly for cardiac CT applications. By providing a more precise, accessible imaging method, this technology could significantly improve clinical decision-making and deepen medical professionals understanding of complex anatomical data.