[Comparative study of spatial imaging techniques in stereo-endoscopy].
OBJECTIVE
This study compares the two-dimensional presentation of stereo-endoscopic video data with three-dimensional presentation using polarization glasses and three-dimensional presentation with an autostereoscopic display. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible advantages of the three display technologies.


METHODS
Fifty-nine test persons untrained in endoscopy had to complete three endoscopic tasks with different levels of difficulty. Each test involved a new presentation method. Different measurements were noted such as speed of task completion, accuracy of task performance, and quantity of solved tasks. The data collected were statistically evaluated.


RESULTS
Neither sex, handedness, nor level of stereopsis had any statistically significant impact on the test results. The differences between the three presentation methods of stereo-endoscopic pictures were not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Similar results were achieved with all three presentation methods. None of the presentation methods was significantly superior in the values measured. A final assessment of the possibilities of spatial endoscopy should await future technological developments in endoscopic devices (e.g., picture acquisition).
Müller-Richter
U D A
UD
Abteilung für Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie, Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferkrankheiten, Homburg, Saar. mueller-richter@web.de
Limberger
A
A
Weber
P
P
Schilling
M
M
D000328:Adult; D003626:Data Display; D003867:Depth Perception; D019723:Endoscopes; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D009949:Orientation; D011930:Reaction Time; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014741:Video Recording / Q000295:instrumentation*