DE102010015691A1 - Observation device for use as comparator for co-observation of e.g. three-dimensional stereoscopic image of patient, has beam combiner arranged downstream of beam splitter for coupling of partial optical path in main optical path - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has an image data memory (7) for storing an object image. Another image data memory (11) stores image information or another object image. A partial optical path (5) is directed toward an opto-electronic imager (6) i.e. charge coupled device (CCD) camera. Electronic-optical imagers (8) e.g. LCD monitors, are connected with the opto-electronic imager and the image data memories by image data lines (16). A beam combiner (9) is arranged downstream of a beam splitter (2) for coupling of another partial optical path (10) in a main optical path (1).

Description

The invention relates to a microscope device for observing, in particular, three-dimensional stereoscopic images of an object and images imprinted in the object images, which allow the visual comparison of the object image with other object images or contain additional information concerning the object. The device according to the invention can also be used for co-observation by several observers.

With regard to the representation of stereoscopic images, although object images are observed on stereomicroscopes, slit lights or surgical microscopes in the prior art, an especially three-dimensional archiving and reproduction of the object images obtained in this way is not yet possible in a satisfactory manner. Solution approaches involving 3D monitors and 3D projection techniques with polarized glasses for the observers have not been able to assert themselves due to the technical shortcomings and high costs associated therewith.

For displaying additional information concerning the object image, such as details of the currently set magnification, measurement marks, designation of the object or also for superposition of the object image with the microscopic or macroscopic image of a comparison object, microscopic beam paths arranged side by side are used in the prior art. So z. B. shown in the two eyepieces of a binocular tube different pictures. If object images obtained in this way are to be compared with older object images, it is problematic to create lighting conditions that are as identical as possible for both imaging beam paths, so that the differences to be observed are actually based on object differences.

This comparison microscopy is, for example, an important tool for forensic ballistics in order to be able to compare two projectiles displayed at the same time. For quality assurance in industrial production, it is also necessary to compare images of newly manufactured individual parts with simultaneously displayed illustrations of sample parts in order to be able to quickly and unambiguously assess compliance with specific properties.

In this context, the digitization of images and the availability of evaluation programs on the basis of image processing techniques as well as possibilities for imprinting additional information, as already exemplified above, are advantageous and therefore desirable.

In the prior art, various solutions are known which allow to register numerical data in intermediate images of optical devices. For this purpose, the image displayed on a self-illuminating or backlit display is usually imaged from a conjugate plane into an intermediate image plane of the imaging beam path of an object image, so that the imprinted information can be seen or documented simultaneously with the object image.

In WO 2001/027659 A2 a stereo surgical microscope is described with an Informationseinspiegelvorrichtung, in which a Einspiegelungsstrahlengang and a diaphragm are present for a temporary interruption of the main beam path, if necessary. During this interruption disadvantageously only the sole observation of the mirrored image, but no superimposition of the images is possible.

An in EP 1 338 238 A2 The described ophthalmic surgical microscope comprises an integrated refractometer and an information mirror device, with which it is possible to determine the optical data of a patient's eye in situ during an operation and to make it visually perceptible to the surgeon.

The US 6,819,485 B2 discloses an optical device which is designed only for data exposure in the main beam path of a stereo operating microscope, but not for the co-observation of the stereoscopic images including the imprinted data by a plurality of observers.

Furthermore, in the prior art devices for controlling lighting, for example, with regard to brightness and color of an additionally imprinted in an observation beam path image, such as in DE 100 64 909 A1 described.

Based on this, the object of the invention is to be able to record, archive and reproduce image information, in particular stereoscopic images, it also being possible to observe currently recorded images simultaneously with archived images and / or visually perceptible additional information by a plurality of observers can.

• – einem im Hauptstrahlengang für die Objektabbildung angeordneten Strahlenteiler, von dem ein erster Teilstrahlengang in einen Tubus und ein zweiter Teilstrahlengang auf einen opto-elektronischen Bildwandler gerichtet ist,
• – einem zur Speicherung der Objektabbildung vorgesehenen ersten Bilddatenspeicher,
• – einem zur Speicherung zusätzlicher Bildinformationen oder weiterer Objektabbildungen vorgesehenen zweiten Bilddatenspeicher,
• – mindestens einem elektronisch-optischen Bildwandler, der mit dem opto-elektronischen Bildwandler und den Bilddatenspeichern über Bilddatenleitungen verbindbar ist, und mit
• – einem dem Strahlenteiler im Hauptstrahlengang nachgeordneten Strahlenvereiniger zur Einkopplung eines von einem der elektronisch-optischen Bildwandlern ausgehenden Nebenstrahlengangs in den Hauptstrahlengang.

According to the invention, a microscope device of the type described above is provided with

• A beam splitter arranged in the main beam path for the object image, of which a first partial beam path is directed into a tube and a second partial beam path is directed onto an optoelectronic image converter,
• A first image data memory provided for storing the object image,
• A second image data memory provided for storing additional image information or further object images,
• - At least one electronic-optical image converter, which is connectable to the opto-electronic image converter and the image data storage via image data lines, and with
• - One of the beam splitter in the main beam downstream Strahlvereiniger for coupling a emanating from one of the electronic-optical image converter secondary beam path in the main beam path.

In preferred embodiments, the second image data memory is designed to store comparable older object images and / or visually representable information that relates to the represented object, such as designation, dimension or other information characterizing the imaged object.

In alternative embodiments, beam splitters and beam combiner are formed either as a structural unit in the form of a beam splitter cube, or the beam splitter and the beam combiner are each designed as stand-alone modules. In the latter case, an on / off switchable optical shutter can be provided between the beam splitter and the beam combiner, wherein in the switched-on state the main beam path is interrupted at the location of the shutter. At the same time as switching on the shutter and thus interrupting the main beam path, the production of a data connection between the opto-electronic image converter and the electronic-optical image converter can be provided, which serves for coupling the secondary beam path via the beam combiner into the main beam path.

In a further preferred embodiment, the output of the first image data memory provided for storing the object images is multi-branched, and each of these branches is connected by a number of observers with further electronic-optical image converters for purposes of co-observation of the object images and / or the imaged images.

According to the invention, it is optionally possible to retrieve data from the first image data memory provided for object imaging and / or from the second image data memory for additional image information at the same time as viewing an object image or with a time delay and to transmit it to one or more of the electronic-optical image converters.

A delayed transmission is for example advantageous for observing growth or other processes of change on an object by comparing a current object image with an older image of the same object by superimposing the images.

In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, for the purpose of co-observation, the electronic-optical image converter on the image output side via tubes with tubes of spatially separated from each other microscopes and input side connected via data lines with the opto-electronic image converter and the image data storage.

In the context of the invention, however, it is also when the electronic-optical image converter are designed as separate displays, which allow direct viewing of the object images and / or additional information. It is also conceivable to make the coupling not in a complete microscope setup, but in only one tube, which allows the viewing of the images.

As an opto-electronic image converter, for example, a camera, preferably a CCD camera, application. As electronic-optical image converter LCD, LED or OLED monitors are provided, which is followed by an imaging optics.

In a very particularly preferred embodiment, the microscope device according to the invention is designed as a stereomicroscope device for recording, storage, reproduction of three-dimensional object images and of additional image information concerning the imaged object and its co-observation by a plurality of observers.

In this case, the viewers looking into the respective binocular tube can see with one eye the current object image transmitted via the first imaging channel, while in the second imaging channel associated with the other eye an older image of the object can be seen, with both images overlapping and thus with one another can be compared. Optionally, however, by switching the shutter the current object image can also be transmitted via both imaging channels of the stereomicroscope device and thus spatially displayed and observed, as will be explained in more detail below.

The recording and archiving of three-dimensional object images applies in the context of the invention both for stereoscopic digital images in the so-called still camera mode as well as for stereoscopic video sequences, that is in the video camera mode.

With the invention, the stereoscopic co-observation is possible in an advantageous embodiment, even without additional microscope setup by the image data recorded with an executed only as an intermediate tube inventive device and transmitted to several co-observation tubes. Since this transfer takes place electronically, there are no restrictions with regard to the arrangement, number and spatial extent of optical assemblies. In theory, any number of co-observers can be connected, whereby an equal co-observation at distant facilities is possible. An intermediate tube constructed in this manner is inserted between the main body and the observation tube of a stereomicroscope.

In summary, the inventive arrangement provides significant advantages as follows:
If the invention is carried out in conjunction with a stereomicroscopy device, it can serve for the stereoscopic recording, storage and reproduction of three-dimensional object images. In this case, co-observation of images currently obtained from an object can take place by imprinting this image on both channels. In the context of the invention, however, it is also particularly appropriate to reproduce two different monoscopic images of the same object or images of two objects comparable in size or geometry separately in the two imaging channels of the stereomicroscope device, for example for the purpose of comparing two similar projectiles in the forensic analysis one eye of the beholder one and the other eye the other image is offered for viewing.

Furthermore, it is possible to display current object images and archived images simultaneously or alternately, which is advantageous, for example, for the training of medical students or pathologists since images of tissue sections currently obtained by several observers can be compared directly with images from a memory or a database, wherein adjustment by zooming or contrast and brightness changes can be made. This direct image comparison allows effective learning of typical image features and makes elaborate didactic methods, such as microscopic drawing, superfluous.

In the most preferred case, an observed stereoscopic image can be compared to a blended archived stereoscopic image. By suitable shifts of the comparison image so stereoscopic images can be compared, for example, for the purpose of ballistic analysis. In stereoscopic observations, it is also possible in particular to generate and visualize spatial measurement marks.

Data exposures are possible in either one of two channels or simultaneously in both channels of a stereomicroscope device. If necessary, typical digital camera playback functions such as digital zooming, image inversion, contrast enhancement, or picture-in-picture functions may be used for the data exposure.

The superimposition of several images of an object, which have been recorded in different illumination and contrasting methods, offers a number of advantageous usage values that are important in manipulation, such as in the context of bright / dark field illumination and fluorescence in neurosurgery for the purpose of reflecting X-ray or ultrasound images in live images of the same object.

In industrial quality management, the imprinting of target data, target contours, inspection points and dimensions in live images is possible and increases the productivity of inspection operations, since all necessary information is visible in the eyepiece insight.

• – als Mitbeobachtungs-Mikroskopiereinrichtung zur gleichzeitigen Beobachtung einer Objektabbildung durch mehrere räumlich voneinander getrennte Beobachter,
• – als Vergleichs-Mikroskopiereinrichtung zur gleichzeitigen Betrachtung einer aktuellen Objektabbildung und einer aus dem ersten Bilddatenspeicher abgerufenen älteren Abbildung desselben Objektes oder von aus dem zweiten Bilddatenspeicher abgerufenen, das abgebildete Objekt betreffenden Informationen, wie auch als
• – als Vergleichs- und Mitbeobachtungs-Mikroskopiereinrichtung zur gleichzeitigen Betrachtung einer aktuellen Objektabbildung und einer aus dem ersten Bilddatenspeicher abgerufenen älteren Abbildung desselben Objektes oder von aus dem zweiten Bilddatenspeicher abgerufenen, das abgebildete Objekt betreffenden Informationen durch mehrere räumlich voneinander getrennte Beobachter.

Due to the aforementioned advantages, the inventive idea also includes uses of the device according to the invention

• As a co-observation microscope device for the simultaneous observation of an object image by a number of spatially separated observers,
• As a comparison microscope device for simultaneous viewing of a current object image and a retrieved from the first image data memory older image of the same object or retrieved from the second image data memory, the imaged object information information, as well as
• - As a comparison and co-observation microscope for simultaneous viewing of a current object image and retrieved from the first image data memory older image of the same object or retrieved from the second image data memory, the imaged object information by a plurality of spatially separated observers.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained not only as indicated, but also in further modifications within the scope of the invention.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments. In the accompanying drawings show:

1 a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, designed for the imprinting of additional information into a current object image and for the electronic storage of the object image,

2 one of the illustration in 1 different embodiment, in which a shutter is arranged between the beam splitter and the beam combiner,

3 an embodiment, which likewise has a shutter between the beam splitter and the beam combiner, as well as a connection of the optoelectronic image converter that can be produced by control with the electronic-optical converter,

4 a further embodiment of the invention, which includes the possibility of co-observation by several observers,

5 an embodiment also designed for co-observation, in which, however, the object image can be overlaid with additional information relating to the object.

1 shows a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, in particular designed for imprinting additional information in the microscopic image of an object 14 as well as for the electronic storage of the object image.

How out 1 It can be seen in one of the object 14 coming and about a lens 19 in a symbolically represented microscope structure entering main beam path 1 first a beam splitter 2 arranged, of which a first partial beam path 3 into a tube 4 and a second partial beam path 5 on an opto-electronic image converter 6 , For example, a CCD area sensor is directed. The opto-electronic image converter 6 is an imaging optic 20 upstream. The imaging optics 20 and the opto-electronic image converter 6 are basically components of an opto-electronic camera.

The at the output of the opto-electronic image converter 6 in the form of electronic image data fitting object image is via an image data line 16 in an image data memory 7 is read in and is still available there as an image data set.

The in the tube 4 reached partial beam path 3 , which also guides the object image, allows the visual observation of the object 14 with insight into the tube 4 ,

The beam splitter 2 subordinate is a Strahlenvereiniger 9 , which is for coupling one of an electronic-optical image converter 8th outgoing secondary beam path 10 in the main beam path 1 serves. The electronic-optical image converter 8th , in the special case an LCD, LED or OLED display, stands with an image data memory 11 in connection, for example, in the form of illustrative information which the object 14 concern, or comparable object images are stored electronically. The coupling of the on the electronic-optical image converter 8th shown images in the main beam path 1 done by means of an optic 21 ,

Out 1 is further to recognize that the beam splitter 2 and the Radiation Association 9 as an assembly in the form of a beam splitter cube 13 are executed, wherein the beam splitting or beam combination takes place in each case via partially permeable or partially reflecting coated surfaces which are directed against the direction of the main beam path 1 are inclined at an angle of 45 °. Still goes out 1 show that the beam splitter cube 13 , the opto-electronic converter 6 and the electronic-optical converter 8th including the optics 20 and 21 for example, as an assembly in the form of an intermediate tube 22 between a microscope body 23 and a tube 4 is arranged.

With this arrangement, it is possible to retrieve from the image data memory 11 Retrieve information and in the main beam path 1 einzustelichten, which overlay the object image and, for example, provide the viewer alpha-numerically represented information on the imaged object, such as currently set magnification or name of the imaged object. At the same time, the object image, with or without unexposed additional information, can be stored electronically in the image data memory 7 get saved.

In 2 is one of the illustration in 1 Deviating embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention to see. For the sake of clarity, compared to 1 for the same components and the same reference numerals. How out 2 shows, here are the beam splitter 2 and the Radiation Association 9 designed as separate assemblies, and between the beam splitter 2 and the Radiation Association 9 is a shutter 15 arranged, which is switched on and off via a drive circuit, not shown. When switched on is the main beam path 1 interrupted at this point.

Furthermore, in the embodiment according to 2 a switch 18 provided, which, as shown in the image data line 16 recognizable, either the output of the image data memory 7 in which object images are stored, or the output of the image data memory 11 in which the object to be imaged 14 relevant additional information or comparable object images are stored with the electronic-optical converter 8th combines.

When the shutter is switched on 15 , so interrupted main beam path 1 , depending on the position of the switch 18 either via the opto-electronic converter 6 obtained image data sets of object images on the image data memory 7 to the electronic-optical converter 8th or from the image data memory 11 retrieved information in the main beam path 1 be imprinted.

With shutter off 15 , so continuous main beam path 1 , depending on the position of the switch 18 additional image information or comparable object images from the image data memory 11 or older object images from the image data memory 7 via the electronic-optical converter 8th in the main beam path 1 imprinted and superimposed on a current object image.

The so far based 1 and 2 explained embodiments of the invention are applicable for recording, archiving, playback and also for comparative consideration in monoscopic examinations, wherein one or the other of these embodiments is arranged in the imaging beam path of the microscope. However, embodiments of the invention are also and in particular embodiments that are related to the stereoscopic examination of objects and are useful in this regard. This applies both to telescope-style stereomicroscopes and to Greenough-type stereomicroscopes, both with or without post-magnification systems in the two imaging channels.

In this case, the embodiment according to 1 be arranged in both imaging channels, so that the stereoscopic viewing of the object with the described advantages is possible.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, however, the embodiment is at least in one of the two imaging channels of a stereoscopic microscope 2 classified. With open shutter 15 can the imaged object 14 as conventionally stereoscopically considered, even with the possibility of imprinting one from the image data memory 11 retrieved additional information.

Will now be the shutter 15 closed, is the main beam path 1 interrupted in this imaging channel and the viewer sees the object image only with one, for example, the right eye on the other imaging channel. With his left eye he sees a picture, depending on the position of the switch 18 either from the image data storage 7 or the image data memory 11 retrieved and via the secondary beam path 10 and the Radiation Association 9 is coupled into this left mapping channel.

This image may be an older image of the same object 14 or the image of another object of the same genus or comparable shape and size, which is now superimposed on the current object image.

Due to this overlay, temporal changes in the one object will occur on the same object 14 , for example on a living cell, made visible, in the other case, a currently viewed object can be 14 , For example, a projectile to be examined, compare with the image of a reference projectile with regard to forensically relevant features.

In telescope-style stereomicroscopes, to obtain the two imaging channels or the stereoscopic impression, two separate light bundles are transmitted through one and the same objective 19 guided. This is reflected in the lens representations 1 and 2 not considered, but easily imaginable.

3 shows an embodiment which, comparable to the embodiment according to 2 , also a shutter 15 between the beam splitter 2 and the Radiation Association 9 having. Deviating here is a controllable on / off switch 24 provided, which in the on state the output of the opto-electronic image converter 6 via a device for image processing 25 with the input of the electronic-optical converter 8th combines. Here is the control of the on / off switch 24 with the control of the shutter 15 so positively coupled that at the same time with the interruption of the main beam path 1 by switching on the shutter 15 the on / off switch 24 is turned on and so the data connection between the image converter 6 and 8th via the image data line 16 and the image processing 25 is made.

This makes it possible for the object 14 obtained image after conversion into an electronic record the possibilities of electronic image processing 25 to subdue and then again on the secondary beam path 10 and the Radiation Association 9 in the main beam path 1 couple. This can be done, for example, for the purpose of image optimization by influencing over- and under-exposure, blurring, contrast weakness, image noise or color representation. Included here is expressly a procedure in which the object image with or without time delay qualitatively unchanged to the electronic-optical converter 8th is transmitted and visible to the viewer, namely, if predetermined criteria for image quality, such as a certain contrast, are already met.

In the context of the invention, of course, applications are also here both in connection with monoscopic and stereoscopic microscopy devices, wherein in the latter case again in each case the same embodiment or in addition to the embodiment according to FIG 3 in one of the imaging channels, also one of the embodiments according to 1 or 2 may be provided in the other imaging channel.

If the embodiments of the invention described so far are advantageous, above all with regard to comparative observations and the visualization of additional information with respect to a single observer, then FIG 4 a further development, which refers to the possibility of co-observation by several observers.

How out 4 it can be seen that the output of the opto-electronic image converter is located 6 also here first on an image data memory 7 which is used to store currently obtained object images. The image data storage 7 However, it also has outputs that go through image data lines 16 with an indefinite number of other microscopy equipment 17 connected, also with the means already described, including substantially electronic-optical image converters 12 and beam unifying 9 for coupling images into tubes 4 are equipped. When retrieving the object images from the image data memory 7 these are for the users of the microscopy equipment 17 visible, noticeable. In this case, retrieval after buffering can be delayed in time or alternatively without any time delay.

Instead of the microscopy equipment 17 According to the invention, displays designed for two- or three-dimensional viewing of the object images and / or for viewing the further information concerning the imaged object can also be provided.

In addition to the design according to 4 is in the in 5 shown embodiment, in turn, an image data memory 11 present, as already explained 1 explains, for storing pictorially representable, the object 14 formed information retrieved when needed and via image data lines 16 on the electronic-optical image converter 8th or the electronic-optical image converter 12 can be present and, for the respective viewer visible, the object images are superimposed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Main beam path

2

beamsplitter

3

first partial beam path

4

tube

5

second partial beam path

6

opto-electronic image converter

7

Image data storage

8th

electronic-optical image converter

9

Beam combiner

10

In addition to the beam path

11

another image data memory

12

electronic-optical image converter

13

Beam splitter cube

14

object

15

shutter

16

Image data line

17

Microscopy storage facilities

18

switch

19

lens

20

imaging optics

21

optics

22

intermediate tube

23

Microscope body

24

On / off switch

25

image editing

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2001/027659 A2 [0007]
• EP 1338238 A2 [0008]
• US 6819485 B2 [0009]
• DE 10064909 A1 [0010]

Claims (14)

Device for co-observation of microscopic, preferably three-dimensional stereoscopic images of an object and of additional image information imprinted in the object image by one or more observers, - with one in the main beam path ( 1 ) arranged for the object image beam splitter ( 2 ), of which - a first partial beam path ( 3 ) in a tube ( 4 ), and - a second partial beam path ( 5 ) to an opto-electronic image converter ( 6 ), with an image data memory provided for storing the object image ( 7 ), - with a second image data memory provided for storing additional image information or further object images ( 11 ), - with at least one electronic-optical image converter ( 8th . 12 ), with the opto-electronic image converter ( 6 ) and the image data memories ( 7 . 11 ) via image data lines ( 16 ) is connectable, and - with a beam splitter ( 2 ) in the main beam path ( 1 ) subordinate radiation associations ( 9 ) for coupling one of the electronic-optical image converter ( 8th ) outgoing secondary beam path ( 10 ) in the main beam path ( 1 ). Device according to Claim 1, in which the second image data memory ( 11 ) for storing visually representable, preferably related to the object information is formed. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, in which - beam splitters ( 2 ) and Radiation Association ( 6 ) as a structural unit in the form of a beam splitter cube ( 13 ), or - between the beam splitter ( 2 ) and the Radiation Association ( 9 ) an on / off switchable optical shutter ( 15 ) is provided, wherein - at the same time as the interruption of the main beam path ( 1 ) by switching on the shutter ( 15 ) the production of a data connection of the optoelectronic image converter ( 6 ) with the electronic-optical image converter ( 8th ) or establishing a data connection between at least one of the image data memories ( 7 . 11 ) and the electronic-optical image converter ( 8th ) is provided. Device according to Claim 3, in which the optoelectronic image converter ( 6 ) with the electronic-optical image converter ( 8th ) via an image-processing device ( 25 ) are connected. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the output of the image data memory provided for storing the object images ( 7 ) is branched several times, and - each of these branches for the purpose of co-observation of the object images with electronic-optical image converters ( 12 ) connected is. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the retrieval of data from the image data memories ( 7 . 11 ) and their transmission to one or more electronic-optical image converters ( 8th . 12 ) at the same time or with a time delay with respect to the object images in the main beam path ( 1 ) is provided. Device according to Claim 5, in which electronic-optical image converters ( 12 ) for coupling in the object image and / or further information relating to the imaged object via the ray combiner ( 9 ) in the main beam paths ( 1 ) or tubes ( 4 ) of spatially separated microscopy devices ( 17 ) are provided. Device according to claim 5, wherein the electronic-optical image converter ( 12 ) are formed as separate displays for direct viewing of the object image and / or further information concerning the imaged object. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which - as an optoelectronic image converter ( 6 ) a camera, preferably a CCD camera, and - as an electronic-optical image converter ( 8th . 12 ) LCD, LED or OLED monitors are provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, carried out in conjunction with a stereomicroscopy device. Device according to claim 10, formed For stereoscopic recording, storage and reproduction of three-dimensional object images, or For reproducing two different monoscopic images of the same object or images of two objects of comparable size or geometry separated in the two imaging channels of the stereomicroscopy device. Use of a device according to one or more of the preceding claims as a comparison device for the simultaneous viewing of a current object image and one from the image data memory ( 7 ) retrieved older image of the same object or from the second image data memory ( 11 ) retrieved information concerning the imaged object. Use of a device according to one or more of claims 1 to 11 as co-observation device for simultaneous observation an object image by a plurality of spatially separated observers. Use of a device according to one or more of claims 1 to 11 as comparison and co-observation device for the simultaneous viewing of a current object image and one from the image data memory ( 7 ) retrieved older image of the same object or from the second image data memory ( 11 ) retrieved, the imaged object information by a plurality of spatially separated observers.

Images