Sony today announced the European launch of the HMS-3000MT Head Mount Display System capable of receiving and outputting endoscope video images and controlling other video images, which can then be displayed in 3D or 2D on an accompanying head-mounted monitor. An additional head mount monitor, which is optionally available, can be connected so that two surgeons can view using the same image processor.

    Laparoscopic surgery, whereby an endoscope is inserted through a keyhole incision in a patient’s abdomen allowing the surgeon to view video images displayed on a monitor in real time, is becoming increasingly widespread as a procedure that reduces operation times and enables quicker patient recovery.
    Furthermore, in recent years, realistic 3D images capable of conveying visual depth-related information displayed in high definition and with extreme precision have been recognized as providing significant advantages in the medical field, and there is great potential demand for this technology.

    Recently, a number of medical device manufacturers have released 3D stereoscopic 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.

    Accordingly, Sony is launching a Head Mount Display System that is compatible with most currently available 2D and 3D surgical laparoscopic camera systems on the market. It incorporates Sony’s advanced 3D and display-related technologies to provide crisp natural looking, immersive 3D stereoscopic images that meet the demands of medical professionals, and proposes new workflows.

    The new unit maximizes the technological advantages of OLED (organic light-emitting diode) panels to enable extremely detailed image representation of the target area. These characteristics include high resolution, superb reproduction of blacks, excellent video image response times, and precise colour reproduction. Two panels are fitted inside the display unit: one each for the left and right eye. Independent HD images are displayed on the left and right panels respectively with no crosstalk (the phenomenon of images appearing in duplicate), in order to display the target area in high definition, with faithful colour reproduction and highly-precise information relating to depth.
Conventionally, surgeons view images from an endoscopic camera on an external video monitor, forcing them to continually switch their posture and eye-point between operating positions and looking at the monitor screen. However, Sony’s head-mounted display enables the surgeons to position themselves naturally into the immersive 3D image display as they perform intricate procedures, supporting smooth workflow.
Furthermore, Sony’s ‘Picture in Picture (PinP)’ capability enables two images to be displayed simultaneously.  Images can also be flipped to the left, right, up, or down, for different display perspectives. For example, for a team of surgeons working together in the same operating theatre, this feature can enable laparoscopic images from the operating surgeon to be viewed by other surgeons or assistants standing in other positions, each seeing the laparoscopic images from their respective viewing angle. Sony aims to contribute to the development of 3D laparoscopic surgery by providing functionality of this nature that meets the latest operating theatre needs.

    Sony is positioning the medical business as one of its mid- to long-term growth areas, and was quick to focus on the potential of 3D imaging in the medical field. Based on the 3D technologies and know-how accumulated through Sony’s research and development in professional broadcasting equipment and other areas, the company has already established a proven track record in peripheral medical devices such as 3D cameras, recorders and monitors, which are already fitted to optical microscopes.

    The HMS-3000MT Head Mount Display System will be available in April 2014 with the objective of further contributing to the medical arena, and will aim to continue to provide high-grade, innovative products in the future. Sony will also be showing the HMS-3000MT at the upcoming EAU Congress in Stockholm on April 11-15. For more information, visit www.pro.sony.eu/medical.