Superimposing display space on workspace in the context of endoscopic surgery

An experiment was conducted to determine how performance of an endoscopic surgery task is influenced by the location of the image display. Two tasks were performed under two display conditions. The endoscopic camera view of the workspace was displayed either on a monitor in front of the subject or projected directly above the workspace. Timing results revealed significant order by display interactions. Overall, both tasks were faster when the superimposed display was used first. A post-test questionnaire revealed that image quality was perceived to be superior on the monitor. Results are discussed in terms of the subjects' ability to calibrate the display space with the workspace. Implications for surgical operating theatres are discussed.