Human sense of vision: a guide to future endoscopic imaging systems

SummaryVisual perception is the leading sensorial impression from the environment in most situations of daily life. It is almost the only sensorial impression from the operating field in image-guided surgery. In this regard the qualities of the imaging system have considerable impact on the course of the surgical intervention. The way to significant improvements of technical imaging systems is shown up by the sense of vision itself. Five aspects of the sense of vision can be identified as a model for endoscopic imaging tools: (1) Direction of the line of sight; (2) Maintenance of clear vision; (3) Spatial vision; (4) Differentiated visual field and panoramic view; (5) High resolution. The five aspects of the human visual sense introduced obviously represent only a part of the qualities of the human eye. Without doubt our simple analysis of the physiology cannot be understood as a technical plan to imitate the human eye. But it should demonstrate how we can abstract functional principles and define develop...