Patent ID: 7400342

Claim:
An optical observation apparatus including: an optical system ( 2 ) which produces an image of the object ( 1 ) being observed, and a video device ( 7 ) for recording the image and for producing an image signal representative of the image, characterised in that the video device ( 7 ) includes a first memory ( 71 ) for temporary storage of the image signal, a replaceable second memory ( 73 ) in data communication ( 77 ) with the first memory ( 71 ), and a control device ( 75 ) in control communication ( 76 B, 76 C) with both memories ( 71 , 73 ) for controlling the storage procedure and data transfer from the first to the second memory, wherein the control device is adapted for controlling the storage procedure for the first memory in such a way that the image signal is stored over a predetermined period of time and an oldest image signal is continuously overwritten by a fresh image signal, and that transfer of at least a portion of content of the first memory ( 71 ) to the second memory ( 73 ) takes place as a reaction to a trigger signal; and a third memory ( 80 ) which is in data communication ( 81 , 82 ) both with the first memory ( 71 ) and also with the second memory ( 73 ) and in signal communication ( 83 ) with the control device ( 75 ), wherein the at least a portion of content of the first memory is transferred to the third memory as a reaction to the generated trigger signal while the second memory is being replaced.