Sony has unveiled a head-mounted image processing unit based off its Personal 3D Viewer visor that allows surgeons to easily see inside a patient's body in either 2D or 3D. So far, this advancement in medical technology has only been approved for use in Japan, but still, it has a lot of potential for medical procedures requiring endoscopes, like laparoscopic surgery for individuals with prostate cancer.
Here are some of the main features of this display:
- HD OLED panels
- "Dual Panel 3D method" so that each eye has its own screen
- Depending on the type of endoscope, you can switch between 2D and 3D
- The head-mounted design allows surgeons to move around freely and comfortably
- Built-in Picture in Picture (PinP) feature so that a second, smaller window can appear
- Ability to rotate image left, right, or 180 degrees
- Offers several input-output terminals to accomodate different endoscopic cameras
Here's a bit from Sony's official press release:
"This year, a number of medical device manufacturers have released 3D-compatible endoscopes on the market and these devices have gained attention for their extremely accurate three-dimensional images of the area being operated on, and thereby contribute to improving surgical precision. Consequently, there has been an increase in demand for high-precision 3D images and monitors.
Hopefully, this head-mounted display will make its way to other countries in the future when its price falls. According to Med Gadget, Sony currently the complete package for around $15,000, which includes a "head-mounted image processing unit, one head-mounted monitor and one cable." Yowza. Hopefully a startup comes along and makes a cheaper solution.
Sony, via Med Gadget
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