Plataforma web de realidade aumentada não-imersiva para tratamento de aracnofobia

Abstract

Arachnophobia (spiders phobia) is one of the most common phobias, negatively affecting pe- ople’s quality of life. Current treatments in the vast majority involve exposure of the object that causes fear to the patient. Exposure can occur through either photographs, drawings or in vivo. Although these methods have proven efficacy in many cases, a large proportion of patients are discouraged from starting or continuing the sessions because of the type of exposition and its protocols. Based on Augmented Reality techniques, a platform for Arachnophobia treatment was developed. This work describes this web-based platform. The system’s construction metho- dology will be described, as well as the tools, usage and its functionalities. The main purpose of the system is to provide an environment to expose patients to their virtual object of fear (spiders) and the system’s management, by the responsible therapist. Users (patient and therapist) can access the system through a computer or smartphone con- nected to the internet, from any location and time.