Optimal Display Positions for Heads-Up Surgery to Minimize Crosstalk

PURPOSE: To determine optimal display positions during heads-up surgery (HUS) to minimize crosstalk. METHODS: Three three-dimensional (3D) displays were analyzed to evaluate the relationship between display position and amount of crosstalk. First, the 3D displays were calibrated to show a completely white image in the right eye and completely black image in the left eye. Images were captured through the polarized filter, which corresponded to the left-eye image. The amount of crosstalk in the left eye was measured as white areas on the black background that originated from the right-eye image. The amount of crosstalk was measured at different display distances and heights to estimate the non-crosstalk display positions for each display. RESULTS: Varying amounts of crosstalk (0%–70.3%) were observed for different display distances and heights. The crosstalk almost always started from the corner of the display, although the starting area varied according to the type of display. The minimum distance of non-crosstalk position was 1.26 meters away from display 1, 1.24 meters away from display 2, and 1.8 meters away from display 3. With regard to display height, the optimal center-of-display heights for displays 1, 2, and 3 were 72 mm below, 18 mm above, and 101 mm above eye level, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of crosstalk differed according to display positions and displays. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: The optimal HUS display settings differ among displays; therefore, each surgeon should carefully evaluate individual display characteristics before using HUS in practice.