A variety of 3D displays were exhibited at Medica 2011, a healthcare-related trade show that runs from Nov 16 to 19, 2011, in Dusseldorf, Germany.
For example, Panasonic Corp showed a 3D LCD monitor for endoscopic surgery. It was developed by combining a 32-inch full-HD (1,920 x 1,080-pixel) LCD panel and Arisawa Manufacturing Co Ltd's "Xpol" polarizing filter. 3D video can be viewed by using circularly-polarized glasses.
In addition, Panasonic showcased a system that consists of the monitor, a full-HD camera for medical operations and a full-HD camcorder for recording operations under the concept of "full-HD operating room" in the aim of proposing the use of the company's video technologies for medical practices.
Toshiba (Toshiba Mobile Display Co Ltd) exhibited a 21-inch naked-eye 3D monitor with a pixel count of 1,280 x 800. It is an LCD panel based on the integral imaging method and almost the same as a panel that Toshiba has already commercialized as a TV. This time, the company displayed medical images on the panel to show its intention to use the panel for medical purposes.
Furthermore, many other companies including Sony Corp and Germany-based Karl Storz exhibited 3D video systems for endoscopic surgery. At this point, few 3D technologies have been employed for medical practices. But the introduction of them may become a major trend in consideration of the technologies showed at the trade show.