The shadow telescope vs. 3-D video system—evaluation in standardised tasks

Abstract Today's endoscopes use a central frontal illumination, which creates huge contrast, no visible shadows, and gives an unnaturally flat appearance. Since a few years, there are three-dimensional video systems available, but they have drawbacks considering image quality and comfort of use. In the SIMIC project 1 , the so-called “shadow telescope” 2 with improved illumination has been developed. With the help of additional illumination fibres, a visible shadow and a more spatial and natural impression can be achieved. Comparative studies have been completed directly comparing two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) video systems. We also performed a study comparing the shadow telescope with conventional 2-D video. At the moment, a new study is proceeding comparing shadow vision with 3-D vision. The aim of this study using standardised phantom tasks is to gain objective information about benefits and drawbacks of shadow vision compared to 3-D vision. The results will be available and presented at the SMIT Congress 2001 in Berlin.