Stereo-examination systems and stereo-image generation apparatus as well as a method for operating the same

Abstract

A stereo-examination system for imaging an object 8 is proposed, comprising an objective arrangement 3 having an optical axis 5 and an object plane 7 for positioning the object 8 to be imaged, wherein the objective arrangement 3 receives an object-side beam bundle 11 emanating from the object plane 7 into a solid angle region 9 and converts the same into an image-side beam bundle 13, a selection arrangement for selecting at least a pair of partial beam bundles 19, 20 from the image-side beam bundle 13, and an image transmission apparatus 51, 52 for generating a representation of images of the object 8 provided by the partial beam bundles 19, 20. The stereo-examination system is distinguished in that the selection arrangement is provided for displacing a beam cross-section of at least one of the two partial beam bundles 19, 20 relative to a beam cross-section of the image-side beam bundle 13, a controller 49 being provided for controlling the selection arrangement to displace the beam cross-section of the at least one partial beam bundle 19, 20 in circumferential direction about the optical axis 5.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 357,260, filed Feb. 3, 2003, which claims priority from Germany Patent Applications No. 102 04 431.7, filed Feb. 4, 2002, and No. 103 00 925.6, filed Jan. 13, 2003, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to a stereo-examination system for imaging an object, a stereo-image generation apparatus for generating at least a pair of images of an object and a method for generating such images. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] An example of a conventional stereo-examination system is a stereomicroscope. A beam path of a conventional stereomicroscope is schematically shown in FIG. 1. The stereomicroscope 1 shown there comprises an objective 3 with an optical axis 5 and an object plane 7 in which an object to be viewed is positioned. A beam bundle 11 emanating from the object or object plane 7 into a sol...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Enables observers to move freely around the object while maintaining a stereoscopic view, improving mobility and flexibility in applications like surgical microscopy without the need for fixed observer positions.

Problems solved by technology

In particular, if the microscope is used as surgical microscope during a surgical operation, this spatial limitation is obstructive for the two observers who must operate as surgeons in the operating field.

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