Sony is launching a head-mount display for endoscopy. During laparoscopic procedures, surgeons normally have to divide their attention between the monitor displaying the endoscopic image and the surgical field where the instruments are. Sony’s head-mounted display allows surgeons to quickly switch between the two without changing position by implementing a gap at the bottom of the device, which enables the wearer to view both the images inside the head-mounted monitor and the actual area of surgery outside of it.
Additionally, the head-mounted display gives the benefit of viewing 3D images. Multiple 3D endoscopes have been released over the last few years. These are capable of conveying visual depth-related information, which might help improve surgical precision. Sony’s head-mounted display uses two HD (720p) OLED (organic light-emitting diode) panels to provide the surgeon with highly detailed 3D images. Characteristics of these panels include excellent reproduction of blacks, fast video image response times and precise color reproduction.
Moreover, the system provides ‘Picture in Picture’ capability similar to what is found on many televisions. Images can also be flipped to the left, right, up, or down, for different display perspectives. Two head-mounted displays can be attached to one processing unit. The system has been approved in Japan, and will be introduced there on August 1. The introduction price will be approximately 15,000 US dollars or 11,000 Euros for a complete set including a head-mounted image processing unit, one head-mounted monitor and one cable.
Press release: Sony Introduces ‘head-mount image processing unit’ for endoscopic image display…