Surgical Stereoscopic Image Depth Distortion Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
When observing a three-dimensional image stereoscopically, there is distortion in the depth direction, making it difficult to accurately perceive distances within the stereoscopic image space.
Innovation Solution
A surgical image display system that captures images of a living body from two viewpoints, generates a three-dimensional image, and overlays depth distortion information to assist in grasping distances in the depth direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a three-dimensional image is stereoscopically displayed, then spatial visualization is improved, but depth direction distortion occurs making it difficult to grasp distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces depth distortion information as an intermediary element that mediates between the stereoscopic image and the observer. This information is superimposed on the stereoscopic image to compensate for depth distortion, allowing observers to accurately grasp distances despite the inherent distortion in stereoscopic display. The depth distortion information acts as a corrective layer that bridges the gap between the distorted visual perception and the actual spatial relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension of information by superimposing depth distortion information (such as numerical values or visual indicators) onto the three-dimensional stereoscopic image. This additional dimensional layer provides quantitative or qualitative guidance about depth accuracy, transforming the single-dimensional depth perception problem into a multi-dimensional information presentation that compensates for the distortion.
2Measurement precision
If depth distortion information is added to assist distance perception, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or optical correction systems with computational image processing. Instead of using additional optical elements or mechanical adjustment mechanisms to correct depth distortion, the system uses software-based algorithms to calculate depth distortion information and superimpose it on the stereoscopic image. This substitution of computational methods for physical mechanisms reduces device complexity while achieving the same corrective effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses computationally generated depth distortion information that can be rapidly calculated and updated without requiring expensive, complex hardware. The depth distortion information is generated through image processing algorithms that can be implemented using standard computing resources, making the solution cost-effective and easier to implement compared to sophisticated optical correction systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology is a surgical image display system, an image processing device, and an image processing method that enable to assist grasping of a distance in a depth direction in a space in which a stereoscopic image is reproduced when a three-dimensional image is stereoscopically viewed. An image of an observation region is shot from two different viewpoints, and a three-dimensional image that reproduces a stereoscopic image of the observation region is acquired. There is generated an output image that outputs the acquired three-dimensional image and depth distortion information that represents magnitude of distortion in a depth direction in a stereoscopic image space in which a stereoscopic image of the observation region is reproduced by stereoscopically viewing the three-dimensional image. The present technology can be applied to an operative field camera system for medical facilities that shoots an image of a field of view (operative field) of a surgical site.