Abstract: An endoscope includes a handle, an elongated body extending distally from the handle and defining a longitudinal axis, a light source disposed within the distal portion of the elongated body and configured to illuminate tissue, and a therapeutic unit disposed within the distal portion of the elongated body and configured to treat tissue.

Abstract: A method for locating a center of a field of view of an optical element using a system having a surface disposed at a first illumination, an image receiver, a blocker disposed at a second illumination, the method including disposing the blocker at, at least one location in the field of view upon the surface in a first direction when the brightness of an image within the field of view of the optical element is disposed at a brightness and recording a first location of the blocker; repeating the disposing step in a second direction and at the brightness, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction and each of the first direction and the second direction is parallel to the surface; and averaging the first location and the second location to yield the center of the field of view of the optical element in the first direction.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for articulating visual inspection devices are provided. For example, a method can include receiving an inspection template by a control system associated with the visual inspection device. The inspection template can include data associated with at least one point of interest in a scene viewable to the visual inspection device. The method can further include generating, by the control system, an articulation path based on the data. The method can also include actuating an electro-mechanical system of the visual inspection device according to the articulation path.

Abstract: The endoscope includes an observing optical system having a magnified-observation function which enables a proximity observation by approximating an object, and at least three illuminating optical systems which are, a first illuminating optical system, a second illuminating optical system, and a third illuminating optical system. An amount of light of the first illuminating optical system which is at a distance nearest from the observing optical system, out of at least the three illuminating optical systems which are the first illuminating optical system, the second illuminating optical system, and the third illuminating optical system, is not more than half of an amount of light of the second illuminating optical system and the third illuminating optical system, and the endoscope satisfies the following conditional expressions (1?), (2?), (3), (4), (6), and (7). 0.5<rd1/rd3<0.75 ??(1?) 0.5<rd1/rd2<0.75 ??(2?) 0.3<(rd22×LI1)/(rd12×LI2)<1.2 ??(3) 0.3<(rd32×LI1)/(rd12×LI3)<1.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for articulating visual inspection devices are provided. For example, a method can include receiving an inspection template by a control system associated with the visual inspection device. The inspection template can include data associated with at least one point of interest in a scene viewable to the visual inspection device. The method can further include generating, by the control system, an articulation path based on the data. The method can also include actuating an electro-mechanical system of the visual inspection device according to the articulation path.

Abstract: An in vivo endoscope illuminates tissue using multiple sources. Light from a short-range source exits a tubular wall of the endoscope through a first illumination region that overlaps an imaging region, and the light returns through the imaging region after reflection by tissue, to form an image in a camera. Light from a long-range source exits the tubular wall through a second illumination region that does not overlap the imaging region. The endoscope of some embodiments includes a mirror, and light from an emitter for the short-range source is split and reaches the first illumination region from both sides of an optical axis of the camera. Illuminating the first illumination region with split fractions of light results in greater uniformity of illumination, than illuminating directly with an un-split beam. The energy generated by each source is changed depending on distance of the tissue to be imaged.

Abstract: An optical element to be interposed between an optical transmission line and a light-emitting element or a light-receiving element such that an optical path from one side to the other passes through the optical element is provided. At least one surface of the optical element is provided with a first light-collecting area and a second light-collecting area. A surface of the first light-collecting area is configured such that light from the one side is received by the other side. A surface of the second light-collecting area is an annular surface or a part of the annular surface and is configured such that light that has passed through the second light-collecting area forms an image in the shape of a ring or a part of the ring at a position between the optical element and the other side.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing the spine include tissue penetrating members with direct visualization capability that may be used to form an access pathway to a targeted treatment site. The direct visualization capability, which may be provided by fiberoptic illumination and imaging components, may be use to visualize the tissue as the access pathway is formed by the tissue penetrating member. The tissue penetrating members include catheters and cannulas with sharpened tips with integrated fiberoptic components and/or channels in which a fiberscope or miniscope may be inserted. Apertures and/or transparent materials are provided to permit imaging of tissue about the distal end of the tissue penetrating member.

Abstract: This endoscope has an observation optical system that switches its observation mode between magnified observation and normal observation by moving some lenses in an optical-axis direction; and a plurality of illumination optical systems, wherein lens surfaces at the most distal ends of the plurality of illumination optical systems are disposed closer to a proximal end than a lens surface at the most distal end of the observation optical system, and all of the lens surfaces at the most distal ends of the plurality of illumination optical systems are disposed substantially parallel to the lens surface at the most distal end of the observation optical system, wherein the following conditional expressions (1) to (3) are satisfied. 1.0?D_Back(far)/D_Back(near)<3.0??(1) 0.015<D_Back(far)/D_far<1.0??(2) 1.01<?(wide)/?(tele)<5.

Abstract: This endoscope has an observation optical system provided in a distal end of an inserted portion of the endoscope, for observation of an object, and plural illumination optical systems provided in the inserted portion, for illuminating a certain angle of view, wherein one illumination optical system having the widest light distribution is distant from the observation optical system relative to another illumination optical systems having the narrowest light distribution, and the following conditional expression is satisfied, 0.6?|?S·fW/?W·fS|?1.0??(1) wherein fW is a focal length of the widest light distribution optical system, fS is a focal length of the narrowest light distribution optical system, ?W is an outer diameter of the lens nearest to the object within the widest light distribution optical system, and ?S is an outer diameter of the lens nearest to the object within the narrowest light distribution optical system.

Abstract: This endoscope includes an observation optical system capable of changing a magnified observation and a normal observation with each other, and a plurality of illumination optical systems, wherein a most tip side lens surface of at least one of the illumination optical systems is disposed at a position which is closer to a proximal end side than a most tip side lens surface of the observation optical system, and the following conditional expressions are satisfied. 0.03<D_Back(max)/ft<2??(1) 1.05<ft/fw<5??(2) In the expression, D_Back(max) is a maximum value of a distance between the most tip side lens surface and the most tip side lens surface, ft is a focal length in a close-distance magnified observation state, and fw is a focal length in a normal observation state.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for space-optimized visualization catheters are provided. Some embodiments utilize complimentary metal-oxide-semi-conductor (“CMOS”) technology integrated into a CMOS camera train holder system that may be a stand-alone component for use with a visualization catheter, such as a baby endoscope, or may be fabricated/extruded as a part of the catheter itself. Some embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and equivalents thereto provide better direct visual feedback to the medical personnel performing the procedure while providing a similarly-sized outer diameter visualization catheter device having an increased space therein for additional lumens and equipment or by reducing the overall outer diameter of the visualization catheter.

Abstract: A medical device that is wirelessly powered by a resonant magnetic field, the device automatically coupling to a power transmitter in a control unit when brought within a threshold radius. In one embodiment, the control unit automatically identifies the medical device and automatically adjusts its settings to control the medical device, where the device and power transceivers may be provided detachable from either or both the endoscope/camera and camera control unit or may be provide integral to either one or both.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for space-optimized visualization catheters are provided. Some embodiments utilize complimentary metal-oxide-semi-conductor (“CMOS”) technology integrated into a CMOS camera train holder system that may be a stand-alone component for use with a visualization catheter, such as a baby endoscope, or may be fabricated/extruded as a part of the catheter itself. Some embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and equivalents thereto provide better direct visual feedback to the medical personnel performing the procedure while providing a similarly-sized outer diameter visualization catheter device having an increased space therein for additional lumens and equipment or by reducing the overall outer diameter of the visualization catheter.

Abstract: An endoscope according to the present invention includes: a first image pickup optical system for observing a first observation direction, a second image pickup optical system for observing an observation a second observation direction, a light guide guiding illumination light, and an illumination optical system including a ring-shaped portion illuminating the first observation direction, an incident surface being in contact with an end surface of the light guide to receive the illumination light, and two reflecting surfaces disposed at a position opposite to the incident surface, having inclinations in two directions with respect to a surface orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion, disposed so as to face each other, and reflecting the illumination light incident from the light guide toward directions along tangent lines of the ring-shaped portion of the illumination optical system, to cause the illumination light incident to inside of the illumination optical system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ingestible capsule and method for in vivo imaging and/or treatment of one or more diseased areas of interest within the gastrointestinal tract of an animal or human being.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes a transparent member that is provided at a distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope and opposed to an image pickup optical system, a transducer that is attached to an inner surface of the transparent member, a diffraction grating that is provided on an outer surface of the transparent member, and converts an ultrasound vibration f from the transducer into a surface acoustic wave ? which propagates on the outer surface of the transparent member, and absorption portions that are provided at an outer peripheral portion of the transparent member, and deflect the propagated surface acoustic wave ? to a surface different from the outer surface to absorb the surface acoustic wave.

Abstract: In a light irradiating device of a scanning endoscopic device, a proximal end of a lens optical system is located apart from a distal end of an optical fiber in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a lens-side facing portion faces a fiber-side facing portion apart from the fiber-side facing portion by a second dimension smaller than a first dimension between the distal end of the optical fiber and the proximal end of the lens optical system in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis. The proximal end of the lens optical system and the distal end of the optical fiber are located between a distal end and a proximal end of the window in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of colorimetric abnormalities within a body lumen includes an image receiver for receiving images from within the body lumen. Also included are a transmitter for transmitting the images to a receiver, and a processor for generating a probability indication of presence of colorimetric abnormalities on comparison of color content of the images and at least one reference value.

Abstract: A wide range is illuminated with a sufficient light amount while a diameter of an insertion portion is reduced. Provided is an illumination optical system for endoscope including an optical fiber for guiding excitation light emitted from a light source; a first mirror and a second mirror disposed facing a light emission end at a distal end of the optical fiber and diffusing the excitation light emitted from the light emission end; and a phosphor on which the excitation light diffused by the first mirror and the second mirror is incident and which emits fluorescence.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion portion which is to be inserted into a subject, and an operation portion which is connected to a proximal end of the insertion portion, and held by a user. A light source is provided in the operation portion. A heat transmission frame is provided with the light source in the operation portion, is able to transmit heat generated by the light source, and is at least partially electrically insulated. An external heat radiation part is connected to the heat transmission frame, is at least partially exposed to the outside of the operation portion, and radiates heat transmitted to the heat transmission frame to the outside of the operation portion.

Abstract: An illumination lens to be disposed in a front end of a light guide of an endoscope includes an entrance face and an exit face. The entrance face has positive power. The exit face has positive power. The following Expression (1) is satisfied while the following Expression (2) is satisfied. 1.2<1/r1×?<1.8,??(1) 0.24<1/r2×?<0.96,??(2) where ? [mm] is a diameter of the lens, r1 [mm] is a curvature radius of the entrance face, and r2 [mm] is a curvature radius of the exit face.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a rigid portion having an illuminating portion disposed therein and a cover integrally molded to include a transparent first resin member and a colored second resin member. The first resin member configures a first molded portion including an illumination window forming portion which includes an incident surface on which the illumination light is made incident and an emission surface from which the incident illumination light is emitted and an eaves portion projecting from the illumination window forming portion and including a first surface located on the emission surface side and a second surface located on the incident surface side. The second resin member configures a second molded portion forming a cover external shape that covers, the side surface of the illumination window forming portion, the first surface of the eaves portion, and the second surface of the eaves portion.

Abstract: The application relates to an ingestible capsule and method for in vivo imaging and/or treatment of one or more diseased areas of interest within the gastrointestinal tract of an animal or human being.

Abstract: In an imaging device for capturing an image by applying illuminating light emitted from a light source to a part to be observed through a light exit window and receiving light coming from the part to be observed when the illuminating light is applied, a light exit window cleaning unit discharges a liquid toward the light exit window to clean the light exit window in response to an instruction to start application of the illuminating light.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for an endoscope guiding externally-entering light to a transparent light-guiding body including an annular-shaped annular portion, the annular portion including inner and outer circumferential faces, and making the light exit from the annular portion as illuminating light, wherein the light-guiding body includes: a notch portion formed by cutting out a part of the annular portion so as to form a line extending perpendicularly from the outer circumferential face toward the inner circumference side of the annular portion from a line extending from a point on an outer circumference of a circle in a cross section of the annular portion; and an incident portion that allows the light to enter in a direction along the line extending from the point on the outer circumference, the direction being a direction perpendicular to a cutout surface of the notch portion provided in the annular portion.

Abstract: A lighting structure includes: an optical transmission medium that transmits pumping light and image light; an objective optical system that is disposed at a distal-end portion of the optical transmission medium; a wavelength conversion unit comprising a fluorescent body that receives the pumping light transmitted through the optical transmission medium and irradiates an object with illuminating light; and a wavelength-selective reflective unit that selectively reflects one of a wavelength of the pumping light and a wavelength of the image light, thereby emits pumping light that is incident thereto through the optical transmission medium into the fluorescent body and emits image light that is incident from the object into the optical transmission medium through the objective optical system.

Abstract: The invention provides lenses at low cost, which form an illumination optical system for endoscopes that has high efficiency and achieves improved light distribution. The illumination optical system for endoscopes is used in opposition to a light beam exit end 1 of a transmission means F for light emitted from a light source, and comprises, as viewed from the light beam exit end 1, a lens group 10 having positive power and an optical member 20 subsequent thereto which has a spherical surface 20a that functions as a lens, has a radius of curvature R, and satisfies the following condition: 1.48?S/?R2?4??(1) where R is the radius of curvature of the spherical surface, in mm, and S is a surface area of the spherical surface, in mm2.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes first and second irradiation units that emit first light and second light, respectively, an image pickup unit that outputs, as pixel information, an electrical signal after photoelectric conversion from a pixel arbitrarily designated as a read target among pixels, a setting unit that arbitrarily sets a pixel as the read target and a read order in the image pickup unit, a control unit that controls irradiation processes in the first and second irradiation units and changes the pixel as the read target and the read order according to a type of an irradiation unit that emits light, a reading unit that reads the pixel information by causing the pixel information to be output from the pixel set as the read target, in accordance with the read order, and an image processing unit that generates an image from the pixel information read by the reading unit.

Abstract: In a light irradiating device of a scanning endoscopic device, a proximal end of a lens optical system is located apart from a distal end of an optical fiber in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a lens-side facing portion faces a fiber-side facing portion apart from the fiber-side facing portion by a second dimension smaller than a first dimension between the distal end of the optical fiber and the proximal end of the lens optical system in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis. The proximal end of the lens optical system and the distal end of the optical fiber are located between a distal end and a proximal end of the window in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: To provide excellent illumination over entire range from near view to distant view to achieve clear observation over entire range from near view to distant view. Provided is an endoscope including an imaging optical system 3 provided in insertion portion at a distal end thereof and for observing an object to be observed, and a plurality of illumination optical systems 2a, 2b provided in the insertion portion 1 and for distributing the illuminating light emitted from a light source to the object to be observed, the illumination optical systems being directed in the same direction each other to illuminate the same field of view, wherein at least one of the plurality of illumination optical systems is a first illumination optical system 2a having a convex lens, and at least one of the others is a second illumination optical system 2b having a concave lens.

Abstract: In an endoscope apparatus, inside an endoscope, color correction processing is performed that performs multiplication between a color correction coefficient that is set based on a plurality of numerical apertures with respect to a plurality of different wavelengths included in a wavelength band of illuminating light of a light guide that is mounted in the endoscope and that transmits light-source light from a light source apparatus, and at least one of B, G and R signals generated by the signal processing apparatus.

Abstract: An endoscope of the present invention includes an insertion section including a distal end portion, an objective lens placed in the distal end portion, an illumination lens which is placed in the distal end portion adjacently to the objective lens and emits illumination light from a light source, and a wall portion which is placed between the objective lens and the illumination lens, and shields the illumination light, and thereby, secures a sufficient illumination range for an image pickup range with a wide field of view, can obtain a favorable endoscope image and can reduce the diameter.

Abstract: The invention is an endoscopic device comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a first location positioned between the proximal end and the distal end. The endoscopic device comprises an optical system that terminates with an objective lens that is located at the first position. A lens protector unit is positioned between the objective lens and the distal tip in order to protect the objective lens. The lens protector unit comprises a rotating window that is located at the distal end of the endoscopic device. The endoscopic device also comprises a source of light located on the distal end. The source of light is adapted to illuminate the space in front of the distal end of the endoscopic device.

Abstract: An endoscope light source apparatus includes a turret provided with a first optical filter and a second optical filter for transmitting an illuminating light, an instruction section in which an operation instruction of the turret is inputted, a drive section that drives the turret, a first detector that detects a position of the turret, a first detected portion for identifying a position of the first optical filter, a second detected portion for identifying a position of the second optical filter, a second detector that optically detects a position of the first or the second detected portion, and a turret control section that outputs a drive signal to the drive section to move the turret until the first or the second detected portion is detected by the second detector and stop the turret in response to the first or the second detected portion being detected.

Abstract: An illumination light application structure provided for irradiating an observation object with illumination light in an observation optical apparatus provided with an objective optical system inside a lens barrel whose top is configured into a slender shape, includes a wavelength converting element located in the proximity of a position of an entrance pupil of the objective optical system; a light source emitting light whose wavelength is converted by the wavelength converting element; and an irradiation device irradiating the wavelength converting element with the light emitted from the light source through the objective optical system.

Abstract: A large diameter fiber is composed of a multimode optical fiber and provided with a fiber body having a constant diameter in an optical axis direction XA and a tapered section tapered in diameter toward a light exit surface. An adhesive member attaches the large diameter fiber inside a retaining hole of a tubular housing such that an outer circumferential surface of a tapered clad of the tapered section is entirely exposed to air to a predetermined depth from the light exit surface. A light passing space is a ring-like space formed between the exposed outer circumferential surface of the tapered clad and an inner circumferential surface of the tubular housing. Light in the tapered section is output from the light exit surface and partially leaked to the tapered clad. A part of the leaked light is released from the light passing space.

Abstract: A movement detection circuit analyzes image data from a DSP, and detects an amount of movement of an object relative to a solid-state image sensor. A CPU compares a movement detection value with a threshold value. When the movement detection value is the threshold value or less, a normal light source and a special light source are alternately turned on and off at intervals of charge accumulation time of the solid-state image sensor. Normal light moving images and special light moving images are simultaneously displayed on a screen. When the movement detection value exceeds the threshold value, write of the special light moving images is inhibited. A display control circuit displays on the screen one of the normal light moving images, a special light still image, and tiled windows for simultaneously showing the normal light moving images and special light still image.

Abstract: An imaging probe may utilize a suitably shaped lens structure to deflect light off-axis, allowing for the acquisition of B-scans by rotary or reciprocating motion of the lens.

Abstract: An imaging probe may utilize one or more suitably shaped lens structure to deflect light off-axis, allowing for the acquisition of B-scans by rotary or reciprocating motion of the lens. In some embodiments, a rotary joint is integrated into the probe to couple the lens structure(s) to, for example, an external imaging console.

Abstract: An illumination unit includes a distal end frame member having a through opening, a plurality of illumination sections, and a holding member which is arranged in the through opening and holds the illumination sections to incline the illumination sections at a desired angle with respect an opening surface of the through opening and to form a cascade along the axial direction of the through opening. The illumination unit includes a reflective member which is configured to reflect the illumination light emitted from the illumination sections toward the opening surface, the reflective member being held by the holding member to face the illumination sections and to apply the illumination light externally emitted from the illumination sections from the inside of the through opening via the opening surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a small diameter endoscope in which a handle is removably attached to a probe. The probe includes a fiber optic illumination channel that is concentric about an imaging channel. The handle includes an imaging device that detects light from the imaging channel and a sterile barrier that can be extended over the handle for use. Relay optics couples the small diameter imaging channel to the imaging device in the handle. The probe has a mounting hub that connects the probe to the handle and also serves to optically couple the fiber optic illumination channel to a light source.

Abstract: An endoscope includes light emitting devices arranged in the distal end portion of its insertion unit, and at least one elongated heat-radiating member. One end of the radiating member is arranged in the vicinity of the light emitting devices and the other end is arranged in a predetermined position adjacent to the proximal end of the insertion unit. In observation using the endoscope, a decrease in the amount of illumination rays or the occurrence of image noise can be prevented, the decrease and the noise being caused due to heat generated by LED illumination lights arranged at the distal end of the insertion unit. Therefore, observation can be performed for a long time in good conditions.

Abstract: An illuminated medical instrument comprises an insertion portion (1) for insertion into a body opening and defining an elongate passageway (2), the passageway extending along a longitudinal axis (3) and having a proximal end (4) and a distal end (5). An obturator (19) is fitted into the passageway (2). A light emitting structure (7) has a distal end arranged to direct light from the insertion portion (1) into the body opening. The obturator (19) is movable in the passageway (2) between a first position within the passageway and a second position proximal of the first position and is constructed and arranged so that when in its first position it substantially covers in the direction of the longitudinal axis the distal end of the light emitting structure (7).

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes: a first illumination window through which a first illumination light from a first light source is irradiated to a subject; a second illumination window at different position than the first illumination window, through which a second illumination light from a second light source is irradiated to the subject; an electronic image pickup section which picks up subject images; an image creation section which generates observation images based on image pickup signals obtained by the electronic image pickup section; a light adjustment section which synchronously adjusts respective amounts of illumination lights irradiated from the first and second illumination windows; and a control unit which controls the light adjustment section or image creation section to maintain color tone of the observation image to a predetermined one according to increase/decrease of the illumination light amount from the first illumination window.

Abstract: A driving block includes a plurality of magnetic-field generating elements and a driving signal generating section, and the magnetic field generated by the plurality of magnetic-field generating elements is detected by a plurality of magnetic-field detecting elements. A shape calculating block calculates a shape of an insertion portion of an endoscope based on a frequency component corresponding to a frequency of the driving signal in a detection signal detected by the plurality of magnetic-field detecting elements. Oscillation frequency of the reference clock for deciding the frequency of the driving signal is changeably set by the frequency setting section, and the reference clock with oscillation frequency set by the frequency setting section is supplied to both of the driving block and the shape calculating block.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an image acquisition device, an objective optical system having a predetermined optical axis, first and second light guiding members that emit first and second illumination light, first and second optical systems that refract the first and second illumination light to intersect with the optical axis of the objective optical system, and a tube-like inserted portion having a distal end. The first and second optical systems are disposed at substantially mirror symmetrical positions at the distal end having a shoulder portion that becomes narrower toward the tip. When viewed from the optical axis direction of the objective optical system, the inclination directions at substantially the center of the outer surfaces of the first and second optical systems and straight lines that pass through the center of the objective optical system and the centers of the first and second optical systems form angles of 30° or less.

Abstract: An endoscope illumination optical system includes a surface light source, a positive first lens element, a positive second lens element, in this order from the surface light source. The endoscope illumination optical system satisfies the following conditions: 0.40<f/D<0.53??(1) 0.40<0.5·D·?<0.56??(2) wherein f: the combined focal length of the positive first lens element and the positive second lens element; D: the maximum diameter of the surface light source; R1: the radius of curvature of a first surface, of the positive first lens element, facing toward the surface light source; R2: the radius of curvature of a second surface, of the positive first lens element, facing toward a surface to be illuminated; n1: the refractive index of the positive first lens element; d1: the thickness of the positive first lens element; and ? designates an angle defined as (1+0.85d1/R2)(1?1/n1)/R1?1.05/R2.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes an image pickup section incorporated in a medical instrument body and movably provided in the medical instrument body that picks up an image of the object to be examined from an observation window, a covering section movably provided at the medical instrument body so as to cover the observation window and in which an opening portion is formed, a drive section that drives the covering section or the image pickup section, and a control section that controls the drive section so as to drive the covering section or the image pickup section by synchronizing a timing for the image pickup section to pick up the object image with a timing at which the opening portion and the observation window match, and can thereby prevent sticking of deposits to the observation window and obtain a clear observation image.

Abstract: An optical system for preventing shaded areas and method of manufacturing the optical system include an imager, at least one illumination source, and an optical window, behind which the imager and the at least one illumination source are positioned. The optical window may include a diffusing element on a portion thereof, for scattering illumination passing through it, such that light scattered from that portion of the window illuminates an otherwise under-illuminated region of impingement of the illumination. The portion on which the diffusing element is located, is positioned outside a field of view of the imager and within a field of illumination of the at least one illumination source.