title: Application of stereo-imaging technology to medical field.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There has been continuous development in the area of stereoscopic medical imaging devices, and many stereoscopic imaging devices have been realized and applied in the medical field. In this article, we review past and current trends pertaining to the application stereo-imaging technologies in the medical field.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe the basic principles of stereo vision and visual issues related to it, including visual discomfort, binocular disparities, vergence-accommodation mismatch, and visual fatigue. We also present a brief history of medical applications of stereo-imaging techniques, examples of recently developed stereoscopic medical devices, and patent application trends as they pertain to stereo-imaging medical devices.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three-dimensional (3D) stereo-imaging technology can provide more realistic depth perception to the viewer than conventional two-dimensional imaging technology. Therefore, it allows for a more accurate understanding and analysis of the morphology of an object. Based on these advantages, the significance of stereoscopic imaging in the medical field increases in accordance with the increase in the number of laparoscopic surgeries, and stereo-imaging technology plays a key role in the diagnoses of the detailed morphologies of small biological specimens.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The application of 3D stereo-imaging technology to the medical field will help improve surgical accuracy, reduce operation times, and enhance patient safety. Therefore, it is important to develop more enhanced stereoscopic medical devices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea. ; Biomedical Engineering Branch, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.
authors.forename: Kyoung Won
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Nam
authors.forename: Jeongyun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: In Young
authors.initials: IY
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Kwang Gi
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Kim
keywords: Human Factor; Stereoscopic Vision; Visual Information; Visual System