Abstract: An imaging system is disclosed for imaging buried structure, typically vasculature, below the surface of an object which can be skin, fat deposits, or other material and for projecting an image of the buried structure onto the surface of the object. Scanning lasers are used both to illuminate the object and to project an image onto it. One or more photodiodes measure the intensity of scattered and reflected light to create an image in conjunction with one or more of the scanning lasers.

Abstract: An imaging system illuminates an object with infrared light to enhance visibility of buried structure beneath the surface of the object, and projects a visible light image of the buried structure onto the surface of the object. The system may include an infrared light source for generating the infrared light and a structure for diffusing the infrared light. The diffusing structure may include one or more layers of diffusing material for diffusing the light. The system further includes a video imaging device for receiving the infrared light reflected from the object and for generating a video image of the buried structure based on the reflected infrared light. The buried structure may be a subcutaneous blood vessel. A calibration procedure is described as well as embodiments for ensuring that the object is maintained in focus at the correct distance.