Bent rigid endoscopes: a challenge for accurate distortion correction and 3D reconstruction

No investigation is published so far, describing the distortion correction for bent rigid endoscopes. This work comprises a definition of endoscope bending states and a proof that inhomogeneous (section varying) radial distortion correction achieves enhanced results in comparison to linear distortion correction. Precaution or advanced distortion correction techniques should be taken while using bent or deflected endoscopes in applications of computer assisted diagnosis and therapy.