A light guide member illuminates with uniform light intensity distribution
using the point light source light. On the lower end of the light guide
member having a pair of side faces disposed oppositely, a groove is
provided for receiving light output from each point light source and
diffusing the above received light to at least three directions from the
incident side toward the output side. Light components having directions
using side-face reflection are generated in the light guide member,
enabling light output to multiple directions from the cylindrical-shaped
light guide member, and uniform illumination over a wide range. By using
the ring-shaped light guide member, cost reduction is effectively
achieved, and miniaturization of the illumination mechanism and the image
capturing mechanism can also be attained.