Measurement device, information processing device, computer-readable medium, and computer program product

Abstract

A measurement device, an information processing device, and a computer-readable medium are provided. The measurement device has: a light irradiation unit capable of performing light irradiation to a specific portion of a measurement target from a plurality of directions; a light receiving portion that receives reflected light from the specific portion; and a processor that causes the light irradiation unit to sequentially perform light irradiation to the specific portion from each of the plurality of directions, and obtains information on the inclination of the surface of the specific portion based on information on light received by the light receiving portion when light is irradiated to the specific portion from one direction and information on light received by the light receiving portion when light is irradiated to the specific portion from another direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to measuring devices, information processing devices, and computer-readable media. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-240830 discloses the following process: setting the scanning distance of the line light source according to the characteristics of the object being measured, controlling the movement of the line light source and the imaging of the camera unit, and estimating the reflection characteristics of the object being measured based on multiple images captured by the camera unit.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-134561 discloses an apparatus comprising: a memory storing multiple reflection characteristic models; a brightness information acquisition unit for acquiring brightness information of a subject from multiple photographic images; a selection unit for selecting a specific model from the multiple reflection characteristic models based on the brightness information; and a normal estimation unit for acquiring normal information using changes in brightness information corresponding to light source conditions and the specific model. Summary of the Invention

[0004] When determining the inclination of a specific part of the surface of a measurement object, for example, by shining light on that specific part from one direction and receiving the reflected light from that specific part, the inclination of the surface of that specific part can be determined by determining the intensity of the received reflected light.

[0005] However, the intensity of reflected light received by the light-receiving part is affected by the color of a particular part, and the intensity of reflected light varies depending on the color of that particular part, which may make it impossible to accurately determine the tilt of the surface of that particular part.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to obtain the surface inclination of a specific part of a measuring object with higher accuracy compared to the case where light is shone from only one direction to determine the surface inclination of a specific part.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a measuring device is provided, comprising: a light irradiation unit capable of irradiating a specific portion of a measuring object with light from multiple directions; a light receiving unit receiving reflected light from the specific portion; and a processor that causes the light irradiation unit to sequentially irradiate the specific portion with light from each of the multiple directions, wherein the processor obtains information about the inclination of the surface of the specific portion based on information about the light received by the light receiving unit when the specific portion is irradiated with light from one direction and information about the light received by the light receiving unit when the specific portion is irradiated with light from another direction.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the measuring device further comprises a support surface supporting the object to be measured, the light irradiation unit being capable of irradiating light onto the specific portion from various of a plurality of locations located around a vertical line, the vertical line being a vertical line relative to the support surface and passing through the specific portion, the orientation of each of the plurality of locations being viewed from the vertical line being different, and the processor causing the light irradiation unit to irradiate light onto the specific portion sequentially from each of the plurality of locations with different orientations.

[0009] According to the third aspect of this disclosure, the light irradiation unit is configured to irradiate light onto the specific portion from one of the portions and the other portion, wherein the one portion and the other portion have an angle greater than 90° formed by the orientation of the one portion when viewed from the vertical and the orientation of the other portion when viewed from the vertical, and the processor causes the light irradiation unit to sequentially irradiate the specific portion from at least the one portion and the other portion having the angle greater than 90°.

[0010] According to the fourth aspect of this disclosure, the light irradiation unit is configured to irradiate the specific portion from one of the portions and the other portion, wherein the one portion and the other portion have an angle of 180° formed by the orientation of the one portion when viewed from the vertical line and the orientation of the other portion when viewed from the vertical line, and the processor causes the light irradiation unit to irradiate the specific portion sequentially from at least the one portion and the other portion with the formed angle of 180°.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, the angle formed by the light path of light from one part toward the specific portion and the perpendicular line is equal to the angle formed by the light path of light from the other part toward the specific portion and the perpendicular line.

[0012] According to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, the light irradiation unit has multiple light sources arranged at different positions, and the processor causes the light irradiation unit to sequentially illuminate each of the multiple light sources arranged at different positions, and sequentially irradiate the specific part from each of the multiple directions.

[0013] According to the seventh aspect of this disclosure, the light irradiation unit includes a light source arranged along one direction, and the processor causes the light irradiation unit to illuminate a portion of the light source arranged along one direction, and then illuminate another portion, sequentially irradiating the specific portion from each of the plurality of directions.

[0014] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the processor causes the light irradiation unit to illuminate one end of the light source along the length direction of the light source configured in one direction, and then illuminate the other end, and sequentially irradiate the specific portion from each of the plurality of directions.

[0015] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the measuring device further comprises a support surface supporting the object to be measured, the light irradiation unit being capable of irradiating the specific portion with light from each of a plurality of directions having different angles relative to a vertical line, the vertical line being a vertical line relative to the support surface and passing through the specific portion, and the processor causing the light irradiation unit to sequentially irradiate the specific portion with light from each of the plurality of directions having different angles relative to the vertical line.

[0016] According to the 10th aspect of this disclosure, the light irradiation unit irradiates the specific portion from at least two locations, namely a first location and a second location, thereby irradiating the specific portion from various directions among a plurality of directions with different angles relative to the vertical line. The processor causes the light irradiation unit to irradiate the specific portion sequentially from each of the at least two locations, wherein the angle formed by the orientation of the first location when viewed from the vertical line and the orientation of the second location when viewed from the vertical line is less than 90°.

[0017] According to aspect 11 of this disclosure, the measuring device further includes a support surface supporting the object to be measured, and the processor instructs the user to rotate the object to be measured, such that the object to be measured rotates about a vertical line relative to the support surface as a center of rotation.

[0018] According to a 12th aspect of this disclosure, the processor instructs the user to rotate the object being measured, such that the object being measured rotates 90° about the vertical line as the center of rotation.

[0019] According to the 13th aspect of this disclosure, the light irradiation unit includes: a first light source used when irradiating the specific portion with light from the one direction; and a second light source used when irradiating the specific portion with light from the other direction. The processor generates correction information for correcting the information of the light received by the light-receiving portion when irradiating the common irradiated object from the first light source and the information of the light received by the light-receiving portion when irradiating the common irradiated object from the second light source, and generates correction information for correcting the information of the light received by the light-receiving portion when irradiating the specific portion with light from the first light source.

[0020] According to the 14th aspect of this disclosure, color information, which is measured by the measuring device, is output from the measuring device in a predetermined form, and the processor outputs the information about the inclination of the surface of the specific portion, i.e., inclination information, in the predetermined form used when outputting the color information.

[0021] According to a 15th aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable medium is provided storing a program for causing a computer to perform processing, the computer being included in an apparatus comprising: a light irradiation unit capable of irradiating a specific portion of a measurement object from multiple directions; a light-receiving portion receiving reflected light from the specific portion; and a light irradiation unit capable of irradiating a specific portion of the measurement object from multiple directions, the processing comprising the steps of: causing the light irradiation unit to sequentially irradiate the specific portion from each of the multiple directions; and obtaining information about the inclination of the surface of the specific portion based on information about the light received by the light-receiving portion when irradiating the specific portion from one direction and information about the light received by the light-receiving portion when irradiating the specific portion from another direction.

[0022] According to a 16th aspect of this disclosure, an information processing apparatus is provided, comprising a processor that processes information from a light-receiving section, the light-receiving section receiving reflected light from a specific part of a measurement object, the processor acquiring first information and second information, and obtaining information about the tilt of the surface of the specific part based on the first information and the second information, the first information being information about the light received by the light-receiving section when light is irradiated onto the specific part of the measurement object from one direction, and the second information being information about the light received by the light-receiving section when light is irradiated onto the specific part of the measurement object from another direction.

[0023] According to a 17th aspect of this disclosure, the processor obtains information about the intensity of light received by the light-receiving portion as the first information and the second information, and obtains information about the tilt of the surface of the specific portion based on the information about the light intensity obtained as the first information and the information about the light intensity obtained as the second information.

[0024] According to an 18th aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable medium is provided storing a program that causes a computer to perform processing, the computer processing information from a light-receiving part that receives reflected light from a specific part of a measurement object, the processing comprising the steps of: obtaining first information, the first information being information about the light received by the light-receiving part when light is irradiated onto the specific part of the measurement object from one direction; obtaining second information, the second information being information about the light received by the light-receiving part when light is irradiated onto the specific part of the measurement object from another direction; and obtaining information about the inclination of the surface of the specific part based on the first information and the second information.

[0025] (Effect)

[0026] According to the first scheme described above, compared with the case where the tilt of a specific part of the surface is determined by illuminating light from only one direction, the tilt of a specific part of the surface of the object being measured can be obtained with higher accuracy.

[0027] According to the second scheme described above, compared with the case where light is shone onto a specific part from multiple locations in the same orientation in sequence, the tilt of the surface of a specific part of the object being measured can be obtained with higher accuracy.

[0028] According to the third scheme mentioned above, compared with the case where light is shone sequentially on a specific part from one part and another part with an angle of less than 90° between the orientation when viewing one part from the vertical and the orientation when viewing another part from the vertical, the tilt of the surface of a specific part of the object being measured can be obtained with higher accuracy.

[0029] According to the fourth scheme described above, compared to the case where light is shone sequentially from one part and another part having a relationship other than 180° between the orientation when viewing one part from the vertical and the orientation when viewing another part from the vertical, the tilt of the surface of a specific part of the object being measured can be obtained with higher accuracy.

[0030] According to the fifth scheme, compared with the case where the angle between the light path of light from one part and the perpendicular is different from the angle between the light path of light from another part and the perpendicular, the process of calculating information about the tilt of the surface of a specific part can be simplified.

[0031] According to the sixth scheme mentioned above, compared with the case of lighting multiple light sources arranged in the same position in sequence, the tilt of the surface of a specific part of the object being measured can be obtained with higher accuracy.

[0032] According to the seventh scheme above, compared with the case of sequentially lighting up multiple light sources to illuminate a specific part from multiple directions, fewer light sources can be used to illuminate a specific part from multiple directions.

[0033] According to the eighth scheme mentioned above, for a specific part located at a relative position to the center of the light source along its length, light can be sequentially irradiated from various directions that are different from each other.

[0034] According to the ninth scheme mentioned above, light can be sequentially irradiated onto a specific part from various directions that are different from the vertical.

[0035] According to the 10th scheme mentioned above, compared with the case where the angle formed by the orientation when viewing the first part from the vertical and the orientation when viewing the second part from the vertical is 90°, the component of the tilt in a specific direction can be obtained with higher accuracy.

[0036] According to the 11th scheme, compared to not instructing the user to rotate the object being measured, light can be irradiated onto a specific part from more directions.

[0037] According to the 12th scheme, it is possible to obtain both the component of the surface inclination of a specific portion in one direction and the component in the direction perpendicular to that one direction.

[0038] According to the 13th scheme mentioned above, compared with the case where no correction information is generated, the accuracy of information related to the tilt of a specific part of the surface can be improved.

[0039] According to the above-mentioned 14th scheme, compared with the case where information about the tilt of the surface is output in a separate form, i.e., tilt information, the scope of utilization of tilt information can be expanded.

[0040] According to the 15th scheme mentioned above, the inclination of a specific part of the surface can be obtained with higher accuracy compared to the case where light is shone from only one direction to determine the inclination of a specific part of the surface of the object being measured.

[0041] According to the 16th scheme mentioned above, the inclination of a specific part of the surface can be obtained with higher accuracy compared to the case where light is shone from only one direction to determine the inclination of a specific part of the surface of the object being measured.

[0042] According to the 17th scheme, information about the tilt of a specific part of the surface can be obtained based on information about the intensity of light received by the light-receiving part.

[0043] According to the above-mentioned Scheme 18, compared with the case of obtaining the tilt of a specific part of the surface by illuminating light from only one direction, the tilt of a specific part of the surface of the object being measured can be obtained with higher accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the image reading device.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the control unit.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the reading unit, etc.

[0047] Figure 4 (A) and (B) are diagrams representing the state of the read unit.

[0048] Figure 5 It is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of normal.

[0049] Figure 6 From Figure 3 The diagram shows the sensor, the first light source, the second light source, and a specific part of the object being measured, viewed in the direction indicated by arrow VI.

[0050] Figure 7 (A) and (B) are from Figure 3 The direction indicated by arrow VII is used to observe the sensor isochronous diagram.

[0051] Figure 8 From Figure 3 The diagram shows the object being measured when observed in the direction indicated by arrow VIII.

[0052] Figure 9 From Figure 3 The diagram shows the isochronous view of the third light source, as indicated by arrow IV.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing another structural example of a reading unit.

[0054] Figure 11 This is a diagram representing the first light source, etc.

[0055] Figure 12 This is a picture taken from above when viewing the first platen glass. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the image reading device 1.

[0058] The image reading device 1 includes: a scanning device 10, which acquires an image of the original document by scanning the original document; and an original document transport device 20A, which transports the original document to the scanning device 10.

[0059] The original document transport device 20A is provided with an original document loading section 21, which loads a bundle of original documents consisting of multiple original documents. In addition, the original document transport device 20A is provided with a paper discharge loading section 22, which is located below the original document loading section 21 and is used to load the original documents after reading is completed.

[0060] In addition, the original manuscript conveying device 20A is provided with: a delivery roller 23, which delivers the original manuscript on the original manuscript loading section 21; and a sorting mechanism 24, which separates the original manuscripts one sheet at a time.

[0061] In addition, the transport path 25 for transporting originals is provided with: a transport roller 26 that transports the originals that are separated one by one toward the downstream roller; and a registration roller 27 that supplies the originals while performing registration adjustment on the scanning device 10.

[0062] In addition, a shoot section 28 is provided to assist in the transport of the original being read by the scanning device 10; and an output roller 29 is provided to further transport the read original downstream. Furthermore, an discharge roller 30 is provided for discharging the original to the paper loading section 22.

[0063] The scanning device 10 is provided with a housing 13 and an upper cover 14.

[0064] The upper cover 14 is equipped with: a first platen glass 11A for holding a static original; and a second platen glass 11B for reading the light transmitted through the original conveying device 20A.

[0065] A guide component 68 is provided between the first document stage glass 11A and the second document stage glass 11B, which guides the original document conveyed by the original document conveying device 20A.

[0066] Additionally, a white reference plate 71 (an example of an irradiated object) is provided at the lower part of the guide member 68. The reference plate 71 has a white surface, which serves as a reference for shading correction (described later).

[0067] In addition, a reading unit 12 is provided inside the housing 13, which reads the originals placed on the first document stage glass 11A and the originals transported by the document transport device 20A.

[0068] A moving mechanism (not shown) is also provided to move the reading unit 12 in the left-right direction as shown in the figure. The moving mechanism is not particularly limited and can be composed of a known mechanism.

[0069] When reading the original document placed on the first document stage glass 11A, the reading unit 12 moves to the right below the first document stage glass 11A.

[0070] When reading a manuscript delivered by the manuscript delivery device 20A, the reading unit 12 is positioned in a stationary state below the second manuscript stage glass 11B.

[0071] Inside the reading unit 12 are a light source consisting of LEDs or the like (described in detail later), an imaging optical system that focuses the reflected light from the original, and a sensor that receives the light focused by the imaging optical system.

[0072] A hinge (not shown) for opening and closing the original document transport device 20A is provided on the rear side of the image reading device 1. In this embodiment, the original document transport device 20A can rotate to the rear side of the image reading device 1.

[0073] When the original document is placed on the first document stage glass 11A, the user rotates the original document transport device 20A toward the rear of the image reading device 1.

[0074] When the user places the original document on the first document stage glass 11A, the original document transport device 20A rotates in front of the image reading device 1 and returns to its original position.

[0075] Next, in this embodiment, press the start button (not shown) to begin reading the original document.

[0076] In addition, the image reading device 1 of this embodiment is provided with a control unit 60 for controlling each part of the image reading device 1.

[0077] Furthermore, the image reading device 1 includes a display device 61 for displaying information. This display device 61 is composed of a known device such as a liquid crystal display.

[0078] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the control unit 60.

[0079] The control unit 60 includes: a control unit 101 that controls the operation of the entire device; a storage unit 102 that stores data, etc.; and a network interface 103 that enables communication via a LAN (local area network) cable, etc.

[0080] Here, the control unit 101 can be understood as an information processing device that processes information from a sensor (described later) that serves as a light-receiving part.

[0081] The control unit 101 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, which serves as a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, which stores basic software and BIOS (Basic Input Output System), and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113, which serves as a working area.

[0082] The control unit 101 is what is called a computer.

[0083] The storage unit 102 is composed of semiconductor memory and the like.

[0084] The control unit 101, storage unit 102 and network interface 103 are connected via bus 104 or signal lines not shown.

[0085] Here, the program executed by the CPU 111 is provided to the image reading device 1 in a state stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disc, etc.), a magnetic-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0086] In addition, the program executed by CPU111 can also be provided to image reading device 1 using communication means such as the Internet.

[0087] In addition, in this embodiment, processor refers to processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and special-purpose processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic devices, etc.).

[0088] Furthermore, the actions of the processor can be implemented not only by a single processor, but also by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Additionally, the order of the processor's actions is not limited to the order described in this embodiment and can be changed.

[0089] (Structure of reading unit 12, etc.)

[0090] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the reading unit 12, etc.

[0091] The reading unit 12 is provided with a light irradiation unit 12A that functions as part of a light irradiation unit. In this embodiment, a signal from the CPU 111 is input to the light irradiation unit 12A to irradiate the original document.

[0092] A light source is provided in the light irradiation section 12A. Specifically, in this embodiment, three light sources are provided: a first light source 16, a second light source 18, and a third light source 20.

[0093] Furthermore, the light irradiation section 12A is provided with a control unit (not shown) for controlling the illumination of the first light source 16, the second light source 18, and the third light source 20. In addition, the position of the control unit is not particularly limited, and it may also be provided on the main body side of the scanning device 10.

[0094] In addition, the reading unit 12 is provided with an imaging optical system 31 that focuses the reflected light from the original document, and a sensor 32 that receives the light focused by the imaging optical system 31.

[0095] The reading unit 12 is a moving body that moves in the direction indicated by arrow 3A in the figure.

[0096] The first document tray glass 11A is made of a transparent glass plate formed in a plate shape. The first document tray glass 11A is arranged in a horizontal direction. The first document tray glass 11A supports the original document from below.

[0097] More specifically, the first platen glass 11A has an upward-facing, flat support surface 11D, which supports the original document from below. Furthermore, the first platen glass 11A is not limited to glass; for example, it could be an acrylic sheet.

[0098] When the original is read by the scanning device 10, the original is supported by the support surface 11D and arranged along the plane.

[0099] In the image reading device 1 of this embodiment, not only is general original text read (not only color information acquired), but information about the surface tilt of each part of the object being read is also obtained. In other words, the image reading device 1 of this embodiment can also be understood as a measuring device, in which the surface tilt of each part of the object being read can also be measured.

[0100] The following describes the process for obtaining information about the tilt of the surface.

[0101] Furthermore, in the following text, the object on which information about the tilt of a surface is obtained will be referred to as the "measurement object".

[0102] There are no particular restrictions on the object being measured; examples include paper, cloth, metal, resin, and rubber. Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the shape of the object being measured. In the case of paper or cloth, it can be circular.

[0103] In this embodiment, when the measuring object can be formed into a circle, the measuring object is placed on the first platen glass 11A and arranged in a planar shape along the support surface 11D.

[0104] The first light source 16, the second light source 18, and the third light source 20 are respectively arranged in different positions. The light irradiation unit 12A of this embodiment can irradiate a specific part 40 of the object to be measured from multiple directions.

[0105] In other words, in this embodiment, when the portion of the object to be measured, whose surface tilt is to be determined, is captured as a specific portion 40, light can be irradiated onto the specific portion 40 from multiple directions.

[0106] Light source 16, light source 18, and light source 20 are respectively along the lines with... Figure 3 The light source extends in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface. In addition, the first light source 16, the second light source 18, and the third light source 20 extend in a direction that intersects (perpendiculars) the moving direction of the reading unit 12.

[0107] In addition, each of the first light source 16, the second light source 18, and the third light source 20 has multiple white LEDs (point light sources) arranged in the main scanning direction.

[0108] In addition, the first light source 16, the second light source 18, and the third light source 20 can also be composed of fluorescent lamps, rare gas fluorescent lamps, etc.

[0109] As described above, the reading unit 12 is equipped with an imaging optical system 31 and a sensor 32.

[0110] As an example of a light receiving unit, the sensor 32 receives reflected light from a specific part 40 of the object being measured.

[0111] Sensor 32 extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in the figure. In other words, sensor 32 extends in a direction that intersects (is perpendicular to) the movement direction of reading unit 12, and this direction is called the main scanning direction. Sensor 32 is a line sensor in which light-receiving elements 32A are arranged in a column. Reflected light from the main scanning direction of the object being measured is imaged onto the light-receiving elements 32A in the imaging optical system 31, enabling the reading of a specified range of the main scanning direction of the object being measured in a single operation.

[0112] In this embodiment, the direction in which the first light source 16, the second light source 18, the third light source 20, and the sensor 32 extend is referred to as the main scanning direction.

[0113] In this embodiment, the direction that intersects with the main scanning direction (the direction in which the reading unit 12 moves) is called the secondary scanning direction.

[0114] When reading the object being measured, the reading unit 12 moves at a predetermined speed in the sub-scanning direction. More specifically, it moves in the direction shown by arrow 3A in the figure.

[0115] The imaging optical system 31 is composed of a mirror or an imaging lens, which causes reflected light from a specific part 40 (the part being read) of the object being measured to be imaged on the sensor 32.

[0116] Sensor 32 receives reflected light imaged by imaging optics system 31, generates information corresponding to the intensity of the received reflected light (information about the intensity of the reflected light), and outputs it.

[0117] The sensor 32 is composed of a CCD linear sensor, a CMOS image sensor, etc., and outputs information about the intensity of the received light.

[0118] The sensor 32 includes a plurality of light-receiving elements 32A. In addition, the light-receiving elements 32A are arranged along the main scanning direction in the sensor 32.

[0119] In addition, sensor 32 is equipped with a color filter to generate an image signal representing the color of the original document or the object being measured. Furthermore, in the image reading device 1 of this embodiment, an RGB value consisting of three values ​​such as RGB (165, 42, 42) is generated based on the image signal, and the RGB value is output from the image reading device 1.

[0120] In other words, in this embodiment, the image reading device 1 obtains information about the color of the original or the object being measured, namely color information, and then outputs the color information from the image reading device 1 in a data format (a predetermined data format) arranged in three values.

[0121] The first light source 16 is located upstream of the specific part 40 being read in the moving direction of the reading unit 12 (the moving direction when reading the object being measured), and illuminates the specific part 40 located downstream.

[0122] The second light source 18 and the third light source 20 are located downstream of the specific portion 40 in the moving direction of the reading unit 12, and irradiate light onto the specific portion 40 located upstream.

[0123] In addition, in this embodiment, the angle (incident angle) θ1 between the vertical line 70 and the light path R1 through which the light passes when it is irradiated from the first light source 16 to the specific portion 40 is 45°. The vertical line 70 is a vertical line relative to the support surface 11D and passes through the specific portion 40.

[0124] In addition, in this embodiment, the angle θ2 (the incident angle of light) between the vertical line 70 and the light path R2 through which the light is incident from the second light source 18 to the specific portion 40 is 45°.

[0125] As a result, in this embodiment, the angle θ1 formed by the light path R1 of the light from the first light source 16 toward the specific portion 40 and the perpendicular 70, and the angle θ2 formed by the light path R2 of the light from the second light source 18 toward the specific portion 40 and the perpendicular 70 are equal.

[0126] In other words, in this application, the angle θ1 formed by the light path R1 of the light from one part of the first light source 16 toward the specific part 40 and the perpendicular 70, and the angle θ2 formed by the light path R2 of the light from other parts of the second light source 18 toward the specific part 40 and the perpendicular 70 are equal.

[0127] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the angle θ3 between the vertical line 70 and the light path R3 through which the light travels when it is irradiated from the third light source 20 to the specific portion 40 is 5°.

[0128] In this embodiment, by providing the second light source 18 and the third light source 20, the light irradiation unit 12A of this embodiment can irradiate a specific portion 40 from multiple directions with different angles relative to the vertical line 70.

[0129] The third light source 20 is positioned so as not to block the reflected light from the specific portion 40 toward the sensor 32. In other words, the third light source 20 is positioned offset from the vertical line 70.

[0130] In other words, in this embodiment, the portion through which the vertical line 70 passes becomes the optical path of reflected light from a specific portion 40 toward the sensor 32. In this embodiment, a third light source 20 is provided at a position deviating from this optical path.

[0131] In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the angle θ3 formed by the vertical line 70 and the light path R3 through which the light irradiates the specific portion 40 from the third light source 20 is 5°. However, it is not limited to this; the angle θ3 can also be about 5° to 10°.

[0132] In this embodiment, reflected light from a specific portion 40 travels in the direction of the vertical line 70 and reaches the sensor 32, where it is received by the sensor 32.

[0133] (Reading the measurement of the object and obtaining the normal angle)

[0134] The process of reading and processing the measured object and obtaining the normal angle is explained.

[0135] In this embodiment, firstly, the CPU 111 outputs a control signal to the light irradiation section 2A, which is an example of a light irradiation unit, and sequentially irradiates the specific section 40 with light from each of multiple directions.

[0136] Next, the CPU 111 obtains information about the tilt of the surface of the specific part 40 based on the information of the light received by the sensor 32 when light is shone on the specific part 40 from one direction and the information of the light received by the sensor 32 when light is shone on the specific part 40 from another direction.

[0137] In other words, the CPU 111 obtains information about the tilt of the surface of the specific part 40 based on the information output from the sensor 32 when light is shone on the specific part 40 from one direction and the information output from the sensor 32 when light is shone on the specific part 40 from another direction.

[0138] The details describe how light shines on a specific part 40.

[0139] In this embodiment, firstly, as Figure 4 As shown in (A) of the diagram (showing the state of the reading unit 12), the CPU 111 moves the reading unit 12 to the right in the diagram while only the first light source 16 is lit.

[0140] In this case, light shines on a specific part 40 from the lower left of the diagram.

[0141] In addition, in this embodiment, the specific portion 40 moves sequentially according to the movement of the reading unit 12.

[0142] In this embodiment, "specific portion 40" refers to a part of the object being measured. More specifically, "specific portion 40" refers to a part of the object being measured, specifically the portion read by one of the multiple light-receiving elements 32A disposed in the sensor 32.

[0143] In this embodiment, the light-receiving element 32A moves according to the movement of the reading unit 12, and along with this, a specific portion 40, which is the portion read by the light-receiving element 32A, also moves sequentially.

[0144] Next, in this embodiment, as Figure 4As shown in (B), the CPU 111 moves the reading unit 12 to the right in the figure while only the second light source 18 is lit. In this case, light shines on a specific part 40 from the lower right direction in the figure.

[0145] Thus, when the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 are lit sequentially, light is sequentially irradiated onto the specific portion 40 from multiple directions. Specifically, light is first irradiated onto the specific portion 40 from the lower left direction, and then light is irradiated onto the specific portion 40 from the lower right direction.

[0146] In addition, this embodiment describes the situation where the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 are lit sequentially when the reading unit 12 moves to the right in the figure.

[0147] However, it is not limited to this. When the reading unit 12 moves to the right in the figure, the first light source 16 can be lit up, and when the reading unit 12 moves to the left in the figure, the second light source 18 can be lit up.

[0148] In addition, there are no particular restrictions on the order in which the light sources are lit. You can light up the second light source 18 first, and then light up the first light source 16.

[0149] The CPU 111 obtains information about the light received by the sensor 32 when light shines on a specific portion 40 from the lower left direction. Furthermore, the CPU 111 obtains information about the light received by the sensor 32 when light shines on the specific portion 40 from the lower right direction.

[0150] In other words, the CPU 111 obtains the output value from the sensor 32 when light shines on the specific portion 40 from the lower left direction. Furthermore, the CPU 111 obtains the output value from the sensor 32 when light shines on the specific portion 40 from the lower right direction.

[0151] Furthermore, the CPU 111 obtains information about the tilt of the surface of the specific part 40 based on the information of the light received by the sensor 32 when light shines on the specific part 40 from the lower left direction (output value from the sensor 32) and the information of the light received by the sensor 32 when light shines on the specific part 40 from the lower right direction (output value from the sensor 32).

[0152] More specifically, for example, if the value determined by the information of the light received by the sensor 32 when light is shone on the specific portion 40 from the lower left direction (hereinafter referred to as "first information") is equal to the value determined by the information of the light received by the sensor 32 when light is shone on the specific portion 40 from the lower right direction (hereinafter referred to as "second information"), the tilt of the surface of the specific portion 40 is determined to be 0°.

[0153] More specifically, assuming a perpendicular line 70, said perpendicular line 70 is a perpendicular line relative to the support surface 11D and passes through a specific portion 40 (see reference 40). Figure 4 In the case that the first information and the second information are equal, the CPU111 outputs information indicating the inclination of the normal 40X of the surface 40A of a specific part 40, that is, the inclination relative to the vertical line 70 is 0°.

[0154] Additionally, when the first and second information are different, the CPU 111 outputs the inclination of the normal 40X relative to the perpendicular 70 as a value other than 0°.

[0155] Here, in this embodiment, for example, when the value determined by the first information is greater than the value determined by the second information, the normal 40X is oriented towards... Figure 4 The direction indicated by arrow 4E in (A).

[0156] In addition, in this embodiment, the CPU111 obtains the specific angle (hereinafter referred to as "normal angle") of the normal 40X relative to the perpendicular 70 based on the value determined by the first information and the value determined by the second information (described in detail later).

[0157] Additionally, for example, if the value determined by the first information is less than the value determined by the second information, the normal 40X is oriented towards... Figure 4 The direction indicated by arrow 4F in (A).

[0158] In addition, in this embodiment, the CPU111 obtains the specific angle (normal angle) of the normal 40X relative to the perpendicular 70 based on the value determined by the first information and the value determined by the second information (details will be described later).

[0159] (Details of the handling process)

[0160] The details of the process from irradiating a specific part 40 to obtaining the normal angle are explained.

[0161] In this embodiment, shadow correction is first performed on the first light source 16 and the second light source 18. Shadow correction will be described later.

[0162] Next, in this embodiment, the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 are lit up respectively to obtain two scanned images.

[0163] More specifically, firstly, as described above, the reading unit 12 is moved while the first light source 16 is lit, and light is irradiated onto each specific portion 40 from the lower left direction to obtain the first scan image.

[0164] Next, with the second light source 18 lit, the reading unit 12 is moved to obtain a second scan image obtained by illuminating each specific part 40 from the lower right direction.

[0165] Next, in this embodiment, the two scanned images are grayscaled.

[0166] Then, two pixel values ​​for the same pixel are obtained from the two scanned images. In other words, two pixel values ​​are obtained for the same specific portion 40.

[0167] More specifically, for the same particular portion 40, both the output value output from sensor 32 when light is irradiated by the first light source 16 and the output value output from sensor 32 when light is irradiated by the second light source 18 are obtained.

[0168] More specifically, in this embodiment, as described above, a specific portion 40 is read by a light-receiving element 32A.

[0169] In this embodiment, two output values ​​are obtained: the output value output from the light-receiving element 32A when light is irradiated onto the specific portion 40 from the first light source 16; and the output value output from the light-receiving element 32A when light is irradiated onto the specific portion 40 from the second light source 18.

[0170] More specifically, in this embodiment, the pixel value at the same pixel position (x, y) is extracted in each scanned image.

[0171] In this embodiment, let the pixel value obtained from one scanned image be D_-45(x,y), and let the pixel value obtained from another scanned image be D_45(x,y).

[0172] Here, the value "-45" represents the angle of incidence of light from the first light source 16. Additionally, the value "45" represents the angle of incidence of light from the second light source 18.

[0173] Next, in this embodiment, the pixel value (D_-45) obtained when the first light source 16 illuminates the light is associated with the incident angle "-45°", and the pixel value (D_45) obtained when the second light source 18 illuminates the light is associated with the incident angle "+45°".

[0174] In addition, in this embodiment, when the incident angle is ±180° relative to the vertical line 70, since the output value from the sensor 32 is zero, the pixel value "0" is associated with the incident angle "-180°" and the pixel value "0" is associated with the incident angle "+180°".

[0175] Next, CPU 111 sets the incident angle as an independent variable (e.g., -180° to +180°) and the pixel value as a dependent variable (e.g., 0 to 255), and then performs the fitting.

[0176] More specifically, the CPU 111 performs fitting using a BRDF model (Cook-Torrance, etc.) or spline interpolation based on four incident angles of incidence: -180°, -45°, +45°, and +180°, and four pixel values ​​associated with each of these four incident angles.

[0177] More specifically, for example, CPU 111 performs the process of fitting the spline curve to the four pixel values ​​mentioned above.

[0178] Next, the peak value is extracted from the fitted spline curve, and the independent variable (incident angle) corresponding to the peak value is used as the incident angle of the surface 40A of the specific part 40 of the object.

[0179] Based on the determined incident angle, CPU 111 obtains the normal angle of surface 40A of a specific portion 40.

[0180] The CPU 111 performs the above processing on each of all specific parts 40 to obtain the normal angle for each specific part 40.

[0181] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of normal.

[0182] exist Figure 5 In this example, the angle denoted by the symbol α represents an example of the incident angle obtained based on the peak value of the fitted spline curve. Specifically, in this example, the case where an incident angle of 30° is obtained is illustrated.

[0183] When CPU111 determines the incident angle, which is 30°, it obtains half of that incident angle as the normal angle β of the surface 40A of the specific portion 40. In this example, CPU 111 obtains 15° as the normal angle β of the surface 40A of the specific portion 40.

[0184] Figure 6 From Figure 3 The image shows the view taken in the direction indicated by arrow VI when the sensor 32 reads the range 32' of the object being measured, the first light source 16, the second light source 18, and a specific part 40 of the object being measured.

[0185] In this embodiment, as described above, light is sequentially irradiated from the first light source 16 and the second light source 18, respectively, and as a result, light is irradiated from each of the multiple locations around the vertical line 70 toward a specific portion 40.

[0186] More specifically, for example, light is sequentially irradiated onto a specific portion 40 from the first portion 6A and the second portion 6B.

[0187] Here, in this embodiment, the orientation of the first part 6A when viewed from the vertical line 70 is different from the orientation of the second part 6B when viewed from the vertical line 70.

[0188] In this embodiment, light is shone from each of the multiple locations onto a specific part 40, but when these parts are observed with reference to the vertical line 70, their orientations are different.

[0189] Furthermore, in this embodiment, light is sequentially irradiated onto a specific portion 40 from each of the plurality of portions that are in different orientations.

[0190] In this embodiment, when the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 are lit in sequence, light is sequentially irradiated from the first part 6A and the second part 6B to the specific part 40.

[0191] In this case, light is sequentially irradiated onto a specific part 40 from the first part 6A and the second part 6B, which have an angle of 180° between the first part 6A when viewed from the vertical line 70 and the second part 6B when viewed from the vertical line 70.

[0192] More specifically, in this embodiment, by means of CPU 111 (see...) Figure 2 The light source illumination control is executed so that light is sequentially directed onto a specific part 40 from the first part 6A and the second part 6B, which are formed at an angle of 180°.

[0193] In this way, if light is sequentially irradiated onto a specific part 40 from two locations with an angle of 180°, the tilt (normal angle) of the surface 40A of the specific part 40 can be obtained with higher precision.

[0194] More specifically, in this embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, when the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 are lit, the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 illuminate the entire area of ​​the main scanning direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 are each lit, an image of one row of pixels in the main scanning direction is read. During this lighting process, in this embodiment, for each specific portion 40, light is sequentially irradiated from the first portion 6A and the second portion 6B, located on both sides of the specific portion 40 and forming an angle of 180°.

[0195] Here, when determining the inclination of the surface 40A of a specific part 40, one can consider, for example, irradiating the specific part 40 with light only from one location.

[0196] In this case, by receiving the reflected light from the specific part 40 and understanding the intensity of the received reflected light, the tilt of the surface 40A of the specific part 40 can be roughly determined.

[0197] However, the intensity of the reflected light is affected by the color of a specific part 40, and the intensity of the reflected light varies depending on the color of the specific part 40, which may make it impossible to accurately determine the tilt of the surface 40A of the specific part 40.

[0198] In contrast, as in this embodiment, when light is irradiated onto the specific portion 40 from two locations in sequence, the influence of color is reduced, and the tilt of the surface 40A of the specific portion 40 can be obtained with higher precision.

[0199] Here, a surface 90 is assumed to be perpendicular to the support surface 11D and along the main scanning direction, which passes through a specific portion 40 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0200] In this embodiment, a structure is formed in which light sources (first light source 16 and second light source 18) are respectively provided in the first region AR1 and the second region AR2 located on both sides of the surface 90.

[0201] Furthermore, in this embodiment, light is sequentially irradiated onto the specific portion 40 from the first region AR1 and the second region AR2, respectively. As a result, the influence of the color of the specific portion 40 is reduced, and the tilt of the surface 40A of the specific portion 40 can be obtained with higher precision.

[0202] Furthermore, the above description focuses on the case where the angle formed is 180°, but the angle formed is not limited to 180°. Light can also be shone onto a specific part 40 from two points with a relationship where the angle formed is greater than 90°.

[0203] In other words, the illumination of light on a specific part 40 is not limited to two parts having a relationship of 180°, but can also be from two parts having a relationship of a relationship of greater than 90° and less than 180°.

[0204] In the image reading device 1 of this embodiment, light is irradiated onto a specific portion 40 from two parts with a 180° angle. However, as other device structures, a point light source that moves around the normal can also be considered.

[0205] In this case, the angle formed is not limited to 180°, and light can be irradiated from two parts that form an angle of less than 180°.

[0206] In this case, if the formed angle is less than 90°, the accuracy of determining the tilt of the surface 40A of the specific portion 40 is easily reduced when light is irradiated from the same side relative to the normal. Conversely, when the formed angle exceeds 90°, the accuracy of determining the tilt of the surface 40A of the specific portion 40 is improved compared to the case where it is less than 90°.

[0207] Furthermore, the CPU 111 can enable the light irradiation unit 12A (see...) Figure 3 A portion of the light source is illuminated along one direction, and then another portion of the light source is illuminated, thereby illuminating a specific portion 40 from various directions.

[0208] More specifically, in this embodiment, for example, the first light source 16 is along a direction that is along the main scanning direction.

[0209] like Figure 7 (from Figure 3 As shown in (A) of the isochronous diagram of the sensor 32 (in the direction indicated by arrow VII), a portion of the first light source 16 is illuminated along its length, and then, as... Figure 7 As shown in (B), by illuminating another portion of the first light source 16 along its length, light can also be irradiated from various directions toward a specific portion 40.

[0210] More specifically, in Figure 7 In the example shown, light is irradiated onto a specific portion 40 from multiple directions by illuminating a portion of the first light source 16 along its length and then illuminating another portion that is configured with a gap between it and that portion.

[0211] More specifically, in Figure 7 In the example shown, such as Figure 7 As shown in (A), one end 16A of the first light source 16 is lit in the length direction, and then the other end 16B is lit, so that light from various directions is directed to a specific part 40.

[0212] In this way, when one part and another part of the first light source 16 are lit sequentially along its length, a specific part 40 located between the first part and the other part can be illuminated by light from various directions from multiple different directions.

[0213] More specifically, it is possible to irradiate a specific portion 40 with light from one side of the main scanning direction and from the other side of the main scanning direction.

[0214] Furthermore, when different parts of the first light source 16 are lit sequentially, it is preferable to also light up the second light source 18 along with the first light source 16. If the second light source 18 is also lit, the normal angle can be obtained with higher precision.

[0215] Here, if only the first light source 16 is lit, a shadow extending in the sub-scanning direction may be generated in a certain part 40, and the accuracy of the normal angle may be reduced due to this shadow.

[0216] In contrast, if the second light source 18 is also lit, it is difficult to produce the shadow, thus suppressing the decrease in the accuracy of the normal angle.

[0217] Furthermore, when the second light source 18 is also illuminated, the portion that is illuminated is the same as the portion illuminated by the first light source 16. More specifically, when the second light source 18 is also illuminated, the illuminated portion of the first light source 16 in the main scanning direction is aligned with the illuminated portion of the second light source 18 in the main scanning direction.

[0218] More specifically, for example, when one end 16A of the first light source 16 in the longitudinal direction is lit, one end 18A of the second light source 18 in the longitudinal direction (refer to...) Figure 7 (A) is lit up.

[0219] Additionally, when the other end 16B of the first light source 16 is lit along its length, the other end 18B of the second light source 18 (refer to...) is also lit along its length. Figure 7 (B) is lit up.

[0220] exist Figure 6 In the process shown, it is possible to obtain the component in the sub-scanning direction within the normal angle of the surface 40A of a specific portion 40. In contrast, in Figure 7 In the process shown, it is possible to obtain the composition in the main scanning direction of the normal angle of the surface 40A of a specific portion 40.

[0221] In this embodiment, if in the above Figure 6 Based on the processing shown, proceed with Figure 7 The processing shown allows for the acquisition of the components in the sub-scanning direction and the main scanning direction of the normal angle without changing the orientation of the object being measured.

[0222] In addition, the CPU 111 can instruct the user to rotate the object being measured.

[0223] More specifically, the CPU 111 can also issue an instruction to the user to rotate the object being measured, so that the object being measured is positioned relative to the support surface 11D (see reference). Figure 3 It rotates with the perpendicular line 70 as the center of rotation.

[0224] In this embodiment, when the object to be measured is read by the scanning device 10, the object to be measured moves along the first platen glass 11A (refer to...). Figure 3 The support surface 11D is configured along the plane.

[0225] CPU111 instructs the user to rotate the object being measured so that the object being measured rotates around the vertical line 70 relative to the support surface 11D as the center of rotation.

[0226] More specifically, for example, the CPU 111 instructs the user to rotate the object being measured so that the object is rotated 90° around the vertical line 70 as the center of rotation.

[0227] Figure 8 From Figure 3 The diagram shows the object being measured, as indicated by arrow VIII.

[0228] Figure 8 The reference numeral 8A indicates the perpendicular line 70 relative to the support surface 11D. For example, the CPU 111 instructs the user to rotate the object being measured so that the object being measured rotates 90° around the perpendicular line 70 as the center of rotation.

[0229] More specifically, CPU 111 is in display device 61 (see reference) Figure 1 On the screen, for example, it might display a message like, "Please rotate the object being measured by 90°."

[0230] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the user rotates the object to be measured, the CPU 111 moves the reading unit 12 while the first light source 16 is lit, and then moves the reading unit 12 while the second light source 18 is lit.

[0231] More specifically, in this embodiment, such as Figure 12 (A diagram showing the first platen glass 11A viewed from above) The corners of the rectangular object to be measured are aligned with the upper left corner of the first platen glass 11A. When the user rotates the object to be measured, for example from... Figure 12 The state shown in (A) becomes Figure 12 The state shown in (B) is as follows. Then, the CPU 111 moves the reading unit 12 when the first light source 16 is lit, and then moves the reading unit 12 when the second light source 18 is lit.

[0232] Thus, the normal angle of surface 40A of a specific portion 40 is obtained, taking into account the direction along the long side and the direction along the short side of the rectangular measuring object.

[0233] As described above, a method for obtaining the composition in the main scanning direction of the normal angle of the surface 40A of a specific portion 40 can be described as a method for illuminating multiple portions of the first light source 16.

[0234] In addition to this method, as mentioned above, by rotating the object being measured, it is also possible to obtain the component in the main scanning direction regarding the normal angle.

[0235] Furthermore, in this way, when the object being measured is rotated, an image serving as a position reference is pre-applied to the object being measured, and based on this image serving as a position reference, the components in the sub-scanning direction and the components in the main scanning direction are obtained for each specific part 40.

[0236] In addition, the scanning device 10 can also determine whether the object being measured has rotated 90°. If it has not rotated 90°, the display device 61 (see reference) can be used to determine whether the object has rotated 90°. Figure 1 It can send a notification to the user urging them to reset the measurement object.

[0237] Here, whether the object being measured has rotated 90° is determined, for example, by whether the edge of the object being measured is positioned along the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction after the rotation is complete.

[0238] If the edge of the object being measured is positioned along the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction after the rotation is completed, it is determined that the object being measured has rotated by 90°.

[0239] Furthermore, if the edge of the object being measured is not aligned with the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction after the rotation is completed, it is not determined that the object being measured has rotated 90°. In this case, for example, a notification is sent to the user via the display device 61 urging them to reset the object being measured.

[0240] Furthermore, the CPU 111 can move the reading unit 12 while the third light source 20 is lit (while the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 are not lit, but only the third light source 20 is lit) to further obtain reflected light from the specific portion 40.

[0241] In this case, in this embodiment, light is sequentially irradiated onto the specific portion 40 from each of a plurality of directions that are different from each other in angle relative to the vertical line 70.

[0242] More specifically, in this case, in addition to the second light source 18, the third light source 20 is also lit, and light is sequentially directed onto the specific part 40 from various directions that are different from each other at an angle relative to the vertical line 70.

[0243] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the angle θ2 formed by the light path R2 of the light from the second light source 18 toward the specific part 40 and the perpendicular 70, and the angle θ3 formed by the light path R3 of the light from the third light source 20 toward the specific part 40 and the perpendicular 70 are different.

[0244] In this case, if the second light source 18 and the third light source 20 are lit in sequence, light will be directed onto the specific part 40 from each of a plurality of directions with different angles relative to the vertical line 70.

[0245] In other words, if the second light source 18 and the third light source 20 are lit in sequence, light will be irradiated onto the specific part 40 from the part where the second light source 18 is located and the part where the third light source 20 is located, respectively.

[0246] In this case, light is sequentially irradiated onto a specific portion 40 from various directions that are different from each other relative to the vertical line 70.

[0247] Figure 9 From Figure 3 The diagram shows the observation of the third light source 20, etc., in the direction indicated by arrow IV.

[0248] exist Figure 9 In this context, we focus on the point light source indicated by label 9A (hereinafter referred to as "the first point light source 9A") and the point light source indicated by label 9B (hereinafter referred to as "the second point light source 9B").

[0249] At this time, in this embodiment, the angle between the orientation of the first point light source 9A observed from the vertical line 70 and the orientation of the second point light source 9B observed from the vertical line 70 is less than 90°.

[0250] More specifically, in this embodiment, the orientation of the first point light source 9A when viewed from the vertical line 70 is the same as the orientation of the second point light source 9B when viewed from the vertical line 70, and the angle formed is 0°, which is less than 90°.

[0251] In this embodiment, when the second light source 18 and the third light source 20 are lit in sequence, light is irradiated from the first point light source 9A onto the specific portion 40, and light is also irradiated from the second point light source 9B onto the specific portion 40.

[0252] In this case, light is sequentially irradiated onto a specific part 40 from two point light sources (two locations) that have a relationship where the angle between the first point light source 9A observed from the vertical line 70 and the second point light source 9B observed from the vertical line 70 is 0°.

[0253] In this embodiment, if the third light source 20 is also lit, light is irradiated onto a specific part 40 from three light sources (first light source 16, second light source 18, and third light source 20) with different positions. When light is irradiated from two light sources, the accuracy of the normal angle is improved.

[0254] More specifically, if the third light source 20 is also lit, the above fitting is performed based on the pixel values ​​(five pixel values) corresponding to the five incident angles, thereby improving the accuracy of the normal angle.

[0255] That is, in the above, the fitting is performed based on each of the pixel values ​​(4 pixel values) corresponding to the four incident angles of -180°, -45°, +45°, and +180°.

[0256] In contrast, if the third light source 20 is also turned on, the accuracy of the normal angle is improved by fitting each of the five pixel values ​​corresponding to the five incident angles after adding "+5°".

[0257] More specifically, when a particular portion 40 has steep bumps or is very dark, for example, the pixel values ​​(two pixel values) corresponding to the two incident angles "-45°" and "+45°" may be close to each other. In this case, the position of the peak of the fitted spline curve may not be clearly apparent.

[0258] In contrast, as shown in this embodiment, if the third light source 20 is also lit, the position of the peak of the fitted spline curve is more easily and clearly displayed, and the accuracy of the normal angle is improved.

[0259] (Shadow Correction)

[0260] Next, shadow correction will be described.

[0261] In this embodiment, as described above, a white reference plate 71 (see reference) is provided. Figure 1 ).

[0262] In the case of shadow correction, firstly, light is shone from the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 onto the white reference plate 71, which is an example of an irradiated object. In other words, light is shone from the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 onto the common reference plate 71.

[0263] More specifically, in this embodiment, as described above, when determining the normal angle, the shadow correction of the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 is first performed. In this shadow correction, light is first irradiated onto the white reference plate 71 from the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 respectively.

[0264] More specifically, with the reading unit 12 positioned opposite the white reference plate 71, light is sequentially irradiated onto the white reference plate 71 from the first light source 16 and the second light source 18, respectively.

[0265] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the CPU 111 acquires information about the light received by the sensor 32 when the first light source 16 illuminates the reference plate 71 (hereinafter referred to as "first light information"), and information about the light received by the sensor 32 when the second light source 18 illuminates the reference plate 71 (hereinafter referred to as "second light information").

[0266] In this embodiment, the CPU 111 generates two correction information based on the first optical information and the second optical information.

[0267] Specifically, the CPU 111 generates first correction information based on the first light information and the second light information. The first correction information is used to correct the information of the light received by the sensor 32 when light is irradiated from the first light source onto a specific part 40.

[0268] In addition, the CPU 111 generates second correction information based on the first light information and the second light information. This second correction information is used to correct the information of the light received by the sensor 32 when light is irradiated from the second light source onto a specific part 40.

[0269] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is less likely that the output value from sensor 32 will differ due to different light sources.

[0270] When the light intensity of the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 is uneven, even if a specific portion 40 with a normal angle of 0° is read (even if the same specific portion 40 under the same conditions is read), the output value of the sensor 32 when light is irradiated from the first light source 16 onto the specific portion 40 is different from the output value of the sensor 32 when light is irradiated from the second light source 18 onto the specific portion 40.

[0271] Therefore, in this embodiment, the two correction information are generated such that the information of the light received by the sensor 32 when light is irradiated from the first light source 16 onto the common reference plate 71 (the reference plate 71 with a normal angle of 0°) is equal to the information of the light received by the sensor 32 when light is irradiated from the second light source 18 onto the common reference plate 71.

[0272] More specifically, in this embodiment, two calibration information is generated for each of the plurality of light-receiving elements 32A disposed in the sensor 32.

[0273] In this embodiment, whenever light is shone on a specific portion 40 and the sensor 32 receives reflected light from the specific portion 40, the output value from each light-receiving element 32A provided in the sensor 32 is corrected using any of the two correction information provided above.

[0274] More specifically, when the first light source 16 illuminates a specific portion 40 and the sensor 32 receives the reflected light from the specific portion 40, the CPU 111 uses the first correction information to correct the output value from each light-receiving element 32A.

[0275] Furthermore, when the second light source 18 illuminates a specific portion 40 and the sensor 32 receives reflected light from the specific portion 40, the CPU 111 uses the second correction information to correct the output values ​​from each light-receiving element 32A.

[0276] Therefore, in this embodiment, the decrease in the accuracy of the normal angle due to different light sources can be suppressed.

[0277] Furthermore, the above describes the case of shadow correction for the first light source 16 and the second light source 18, but shadow correction for the third light source 20 is also performed in the same way.

[0278] More specifically, for example, generating calibration information that makes the information of light received by sensor 32 when light is irradiated from the first light source 16 onto the reference plate 71 equal to the information of light received by sensor 32 when light is irradiated from the third light source 20 onto the reference plate 71.

[0279] (Output of tilt information)

[0280] In this embodiment, as described above, information about the color of the object being measured, namely color information, is obtained by the image reading device 1, and this color information is output from the image reading device 1 in a predetermined data form.

[0281] In addition, in this embodiment, the CPU 111 outputs information about the tilt of the surface 40A of the specific portion 40 (when the normal angle is obtained) and information about the tilt (hereinafter referred to as "tilt information") in the aforementioned predetermined data form used when outputting color information.

[0282] More specifically, in this embodiment, color information is output as a data format of three consecutive RGB values. In this embodiment, tilt information is also output as a three-value sequence.

[0283] More specifically, when outputting tilt information, the tilt information is output in the form of three values ​​arranged as follows: X component (the component of the normal angle in the sub-scanning direction), Y component (the component of the normal angle in the main scanning direction), and Z component (the component of the normal angle in the direction perpendicular to both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction).

[0284] Thus, if the tilt information is output in the same data format used when outputting color information, then other computers that obtain this tilt information can display the tilt degree of each specific part 40 in different colors without the need for special software.

[0285] More specifically, in other computers that obtain tilt information, software that can visually display the color of each pixel based on RBG values ​​can be used to display the tilt degree of each specific part 40 using color.

[0286] Here, when outputting tilt information in the form of data used when outputting color information, firstly, the CPU111 obtains the tangent vector Nx = (1, 0, X') of the sub-scanning direction based on the normal angle obtained for the sub-scanning direction.

[0287] CPU 111 obtains the tangent vector Ny = (0, 1, Y′) in the main scanning direction based on the normal angle obtained in the main scanning direction.

[0288] Next, CPU111 calculates the three-dimensional normal vector N by taking the cross product of the two tangent vectors. Then, CPU111 calculates the norm of the three-dimensional normal vector N, thus normalizing the three-dimensional normal vector N (n = N / (N)).

[0289] Subsequently, CPU 111 adds 1 to each component of n, divides by 2, and then multiplies by 255 to obtain the values ​​corresponding to each component in the XYZ components.

[0290] CPU 111 outputs the value (three values) corresponding to each component in the XYZ component in the above data form arranged in three values.

[0291] (Obtaining color information)

[0292] The above mainly describes the processing for obtaining tilt information. In this case, as mentioned above, tilt information is obtained after removing color information through grayscale conversion, etc.

[0293] In contrast, when acquiring the color information of the object being measured, for example, when both the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 are lit, the reading unit 12 is moved to read the object being measured.

[0294] That is, when obtaining the color information of the measured object, unlike the scanning used to obtain tilt information, both the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 are lit to perform a scanning for obtaining color information.

[0295] If scanning is performed with both the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 lit, the shadows that may be cast by the object being measured can be suppressed, and the reduction in reading accuracy caused by such shadows can be suppressed.

[0296] In addition, the timing of the scan used to obtain color information is not particularly limited; it can be performed before or after the scan used to obtain normal information.

[0297] 〔other〕

[0298] In the above, by setting two light sources, namely a first light source 16 and a second light source 18, and by lighting the first light source 16 and the second light source 18 in sequence, light is irradiated onto a specific part 40 from various directions.

[0299] However, setting up multiple light sources is not necessary, such as Figure 10 As shown in the figure (showing other structural examples of the reading unit 12), even if there is only one light source, it is possible to illuminate a specific part 40 with light from various directions among multiple directions.

[0300] exist Figure 10 In the configuration example shown, a light source 180 is provided in the region located on the right side of the comparison surface 90 (a surface perpendicular to the support surface 11D and along the main scanning direction, which passes through a specific portion 40).

[0301] Additionally, in the area located on the left side of the surface 90, a light-reflecting part 181, such as a reflector, is provided to reflect light from the light source 180 toward a specific part 40.

[0302] Furthermore, in this structural example, a light-shielding member 182 is provided to block the light emitted from the light source 180.

[0303] The light-shielding member 182 is movable, moving onto the first light path R11 from the light source 180 toward the specific portion 40 and onto the second light path R12 from the light source 180 toward the light-reflecting portion 181.

[0304] In this configuration example, when light is irradiated onto the specific portion 40 from the lower left direction, the light-shielding member 182 is positioned on the first light path R11. As a result, light is irradiated onto the specific portion 40 from the light-reflecting part 181.

[0305] Furthermore, in this configuration example, when light is irradiated onto the specific portion 40 from the lower right direction, the light-shielding member 182 is positioned on the second optical path R12. Thus, light is irradiated onto the specific portion 40 from the light source 180.

Claims

1. A measuring device comprising: The light illumination unit is capable of illuminating specific parts of the object being measured from multiple directions. A light-receiving part, which receives reflected light from that specific portion; and processor, The processor causes the light irradiation unit to sequentially irradiate the specific portion with light from each of the plurality of directions. The processor obtains information about the surface tilt of the specific portion based on information about the light received by the light-receiving portion when light is shone on the specific portion from one direction and information about the light received by the light-receiving portion when light is shone on the specific portion from another direction. The light illumination unit has a light source arranged along one direction. The processor causes the light irradiation unit to illuminate a portion of the light source configured along one direction, and then illuminate another portion, sequentially irradiating the specific portion from each of the plurality of directions.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The measuring device also has a support surface for supporting the object being measured. The light irradiation unit can irradiate light onto the specific portion from various locations among a plurality of locations located around a vertical line, the vertical line being perpendicular to the supporting surface and passing through the specific portion, such that the orientation of each of the plurality of locations viewed from this vertical line is different. The processor causes the light irradiation unit to sequentially irradiate light onto the specific part from each of the plurality of parts that are in different orientations.

3. The measuring device according to claim 2, wherein, The light irradiation unit is configured to irradiate light onto the specific portion from one of the plurality of portions and another of the plurality of portions, wherein the angle formed by the orientation of the one portion when viewed from the vertical line and the orientation of the other portion when viewed from the vertical line is greater than 90°. The processor causes the light irradiation unit to sequentially irradiate the specific portion from at least one location and the other location having a relationship with an angle greater than 90°.

4. The measuring device according to claim 2, wherein, The light irradiation unit is configured to irradiate the specific portion from one of the plurality of locations and another of the plurality of locations, wherein the one location and the other location are related by an angle of 180° formed by their positions when viewed from the vertical line. The processor causes the light irradiation unit to sequentially irradiate the specific portion from at least one location and the other location at an angle of 180°.

5. The measuring device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The angle formed by the light path of light from one part toward the specific portion and the perpendicular line is equal to the angle formed by the light path of light from the other part toward the specific portion and the perpendicular line.

6. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The light illumination unit has multiple light sources arranged in different positions. The processor causes the light irradiation unit to sequentially illuminate each of the plurality of light sources configured at different positions, and sequentially irradiate the specific part from each of the plurality of directions.

7. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor causes the light irradiation unit to illuminate one end of the light source along its length direction, and then illuminate the other end, sequentially irradiating the specific portion from each of the plurality of directions.

8. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The measuring device also has a support surface for supporting the object being measured. The light irradiation unit is capable of irradiating the specific portion from various directions that are different from each other with respect to a vertical line, the vertical line being a vertical line relative to the support surface and passing through the specific portion.

9. The measuring device according to claim 8, wherein, The light irradiation unit irradiates the specific portion from at least two locations, namely a first location and a second location, thereby irradiating the specific portion from various directions among a plurality of directions with different angles relative to the vertical. The processor causes the light irradiation unit to sequentially irradiate the specific portion from each of at least two locations. The angle formed by the orientation of the first part when viewed from the vertical line and the orientation of the second part when viewed from the same vertical line is less than 90°.

10. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The measuring device also includes a support surface for supporting the object being measured. The processor instructs the user to rotate the object being measured, such that the object rotates about a vertical line relative to the support surface as its center of rotation.

11. The measuring device according to claim 10, wherein, The processor instructs the user to rotate the object being measured, causing the object to rotate 90° around the vertical line as the center of rotation.

12. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The light illumination unit includes: a first light source used for illuminating the specific portion with light from the one direction; and a second light source used for illuminating the specific portion with light from the other direction. The processor generates correction information for correcting the information of the light received by the light-receiving part when the light is irradiated by the first light source onto the common irradiated object, and generates correction information for correcting the information of the light received by the light-receiving part when the light is irradiated by the second light source onto the common irradiated object, based on information of the light received by the light-receiving part when the light is irradiated by the first light source onto the specific part.

13. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The measuring device outputs color information, measured by the measuring device, in a predetermined form. The processor outputs the information about the tilt of the surface of the specific portion, i.e., the tilt information, in the predetermined form used when outputting the color information.

14. A computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform processing, the computer being included in an apparatus comprising: a light irradiation unit capable of irradiating a specific portion of a measurement object from multiple directions; a light-receiving unit receiving reflected light from the specific portion; and a light irradiation unit capable of irradiating a specific portion of the measurement object from multiple directions. The process includes the following steps: irradiating the specific portion with light sequentially from each of the plurality of directions; and obtaining information about the surface inclination of the specific portion based on information about the light received by the light-receiving part when the specific portion is irradiated from one direction and information about the light received by the light-receiving part when the specific portion is irradiated from another direction. The light illumination unit has a light source arranged along one direction. In the step of sequentially illuminating the light, the light illuminating unit illuminates a portion of the light source arranged in one direction, and then illuminates another portion, sequentially illuminating the specific portion from each of the plurality of directions.

15. A computer program product comprising a program that causes a computer to perform processing, the computer being included in an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a light irradiation unit capable of irradiating a specific portion of a measurement object with light from multiple directions; a light receiving unit capable of receiving reflected light from the specific portion; and a light irradiation unit capable of irradiating a specific portion of the measurement object with light from multiple directions. The process includes the following steps: irradiating the specific portion with light sequentially from each of the plurality of directions; and obtaining information about the surface inclination of the specific portion based on information about the light received by the light-receiving part when the specific portion is irradiated from one direction and information about the light received by the light-receiving part when the specific portion is irradiated from another direction. The light illumination unit has a light source arranged along one direction. In the step of sequentially illuminating the light, the light illuminating unit illuminates a portion of the light source arranged in one direction, and then illuminates another portion, sequentially illuminating the specific portion from each of the plurality of directions.

16. An information processing apparatus comprising a processor for processing information from a light-receiving section, the light-receiving section receiving reflected light from a specific portion of a measurement object. The processor acquires first information and second information, and obtains information about the tilt of the surface of the specific portion based on the first information and the second information. The first information is information about the light received by the light-receiving part when light is irradiated on the specific portion of the object being measured from one direction by illuminating a portion of a light source configured along one direction. The second information is information about the light received by the light-receiving part when light is irradiated on the specific portion of the object being measured from another direction by illuminating another portion of the light source after illuminating the first portion of the light source.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, The processor obtains information about the intensity of light received by the light-receiving part as the first information and the second information, and obtains information about the tilt of the surface of the specific part based on the information about the light intensity obtained as the first information and the information about the light intensity obtained as the second information.

18. A computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a computer to perform processing, the computer processing information from a light-receiving section, the light-receiving section receiving reflected light from a specific part of a measurement object. The process includes the following steps: obtaining first information, which is information about the light received by the light-receiving part when light is irradiated on the specific part of the object to be measured from one direction by illuminating a portion of a light source configured along one direction; obtaining second information, which is information about the light received by the light-receiving part when light is irradiated on the specific part of the object to be measured from another direction by illuminating another portion of the light source after illuminating the portion of the light source; and obtaining information about the inclination of the surface of the specific part based on the first information and the second information.

19. A computer program product comprising a program that causes a computer to perform processing, the computer processing information from a light-receiving unit that receives reflected light from a specific portion of a measurement object. The process includes the following steps: obtaining first information, which is information about the light received by the light-receiving part when light is irradiated on the specific part of the object to be measured from one direction by illuminating a portion of a light source configured along one direction; obtaining second information, which is information about the light received by the light-receiving part when light is irradiated on the specific part of the object to be measured from another direction by illuminating another portion of the light source after illuminating the portion of the light source; and obtaining information about the inclination of the surface of the specific part based on the first information and the second information.

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