Possibilities and limitations of current stereo-endoscopy.
BACKGROUND
Stereo-endoscopy has become a commonly used technology. In many comparative studies striking advantages of stereo-endoscopy over two-dimensional presentation could not be proven. To show the potential and fields for further improvement of this technology is the aim of this article.


METHODS
The physiological basis of three-dimensional vision limitations of current stereo-endoscopes is discussed and fields for further research are indicated. New developments in spatial picture acquisition and spatial picture presentation are discussed.


RESULTS
Current limitations of stereo-endoscopy that prevent a better ranking in comparative studies with two-dimensional presentation are mainly based on insufficient picture acquisition.


CONCLUSIONS
Devices for three-dimensional picture presentation are at a more advanced developmental stage than devices for three-dimensional picture acquisition. Further research should emphasize the development of new devices for three-dimensional picture acquisition.
Mueller-Richter
U D A
UD
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Gebäude 71, University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany. mueller-richter@web.de
Limberger
A
A
Weber
P
P
Ruprecht
K W
KW
Spitzer
W
W
Schilling
M
M
D003867:Depth Perception / Q000502:physiology; D019723:Endoscopes; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D013037:Spatial Behavior; D014796:Visual Perception