Enhanced stereo visualisation of low-contrast microtissues by means of image processing and HMD technology
Tomasz Kucharski, Małgorzata Kujawińska, Marcin Leśniewski, Kazimierz Niemczyk, Andrzej Bruzgielewicz · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 2004
Recently medical visualization systems require extensive support from stereo imaging technologies in order to increase effectiveness of recognitions of low contrast micro biological structures. Low image contrast prevents identifications of tissues and in many cases is a reason of forbear from operation. In this paper authors present a system consisting of stereoscopic microscope with two image acquisition channels, data processing unit and Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) for stereoscopic visualization of operational field. Special attention is paid to the development of automatic image segmentation and low contrast areas enhancement algorithms. Algorithms proposed automatically find regions characterized by low contrast, modify intensity distribution and display enhanced stereo images in real time. The conditions of images processing and manipulation in order to assure synchronization of images transfer in both visual channels are presented. The algorithms are optimized for stereo visualization of biological micro-structures of inner ear. Some of those structures have quasi-phase nature and are almost invisible by human eye. The tests performed at the images captured during operation have been positively evaluated by surgeons. The performance of the system presented ascertained that quality of inner ear processed images guaranties safety carrying of operations not undertaken so far.