Reconstructing three-dimensional vocal fold movement via stereo matching

Endoscopic high-speed video systems, which enable real time observation of vocal fold vibration, have contributed significantly to the understanding of the dynamical features and functions of the vocal folds. The characterization of the high-speed video by videokymography or model-based parameter estimation provides strong support for the practical use of the system in medicine. The stereo-endoscope used in a previous study, manufactured by Nagashima Medical Instrument Corporation, was employed in this study. The stereo-endoscope includes two independent ordinary rigid optical systems with a diameter of 9 mm, a fiber-optic light guide, an optical connector, a light source and a camera. Stereo matching is one of the standard techniques in the field of computer vision. The idea of stereo matching is to find the corresponding points in the left and right images to measure depth.