Physicians, radiologists and others in the medical profession have been using three-dimensional (3D) stereo-imaging to capture more realistic depth perception views of patients. This technology offers better views than conventional 2D imaging technologies and provides the doctor with a more accurate view and analysis of the patient.
Stereo imaging, such as stereo endoscopy and stereo microscopy are being utilized clinically to “improve surgical accuracy” and enhance patient safety.
“Stereopsis” is the impression of depth perceived when an object is viewed through the human eye. For example, when a person observes an object with both eyes at the same time, there are two slightly different images created. These two images are transmitted to the visual cortex through the optic nerves to fuse and create stereopsis. To achieve stereoscopic depth perception, our visual cortex will pair the corresponding parts of the images and measure disparities in the matched parts of the object to form a whole image.
In a stereoscopic system there are two separate visual inputs and that means that two separate optical lenses are used under the same photographic conditions, but with different viewing angles. There are both parallel-camera structures and beam-splitter structures that can be used in the stereoscopic system.
In the parallel structure, the set up mimics the human eye. This technology is ideal for long-range image capture. In the beam-splitter technology, cameras are arranged perpendicularly and they utilize a half-silvered mirror to transmit the image. With the beam-structure it is easier to capture up-close images.
Stereoscopic systems can help prevent eye fatigue because the use of them will prevent focusing issues and blurred vision and distortion of images. Stereoscopic X-ray devices provide more realistic images of tissue morphology.
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