Measurement device, information processing method, recording medium, and computer program product

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of measuring device, information processing device, recording medium and information processing method, compared with the case of obtaining the information about the inclination of the surface of the part of measurement object in the measurement object by rotating the measurement object, the information about the inclination of the surface of the part of measurement object in the measurement object can be obtained with higher precision.One kind of measuring device, with the light irradiation unit of the light to the measurement object and the processor of the control of this light irradiation unit, the processor executes the following processing: from the position different from each other in one direction, the light to the specific part of the measurement object is irradiated;And from the position different from each other in the direction intersecting with the one direction, the light to the specific part of the measurement object is irradiated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a measuring device, an information processing device, a recording medium, and an information processing method. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a process that sets the scanning distance of a line light source based on the characteristics of the object being measured, controls the movement of the line light source and takes pictures based on the camera, and infers the reflective characteristics of the object being measured from multiple images taken by the camera.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses that an image processing unit uses multiple photographic images generated by photographing a subject under conditions of four or more light sources with different light source positions to obtain the normal information of the surface of the subject.

[0004] Patent document 3 discloses a process that sets the scanning distance of a line light source according to the characteristics of the object being measured, controls the movement of the line light source and the imaging based on the camera, and infers the reflective characteristics of the object being measured from multiple images captured by the camera.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-240830

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-134561

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-105656 Summary of the Invention

[0008] When determining the inclination of a portion of the surface constituting the object being measured, it is sometimes necessary to illuminate that portion from multiple directions. In such cases, the object being measured is rotated to illuminate that portion from multiple directions.

[0009] However, if the object being measured is rotated, the position of the part being measured will deviate, or the shape of that part will change, which may make it impossible to obtain information about the tilt of the surface of the part being measured with high accuracy.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to obtain information about the inclination of the surface of the portion of the object being measured with higher accuracy than the method of obtaining information about the inclination of the surface of the portion of the object being measured by rotating the object being measured.

[0011] The invention described in Scheme 1 is a measuring device comprising a light irradiation unit for irradiating a measuring object with light and a processor for controlling the light irradiation unit. The processor performs the following processes: irradiating a specific part of the measuring object with light from multiple locations at different positions in one direction; and irradiating the specific part of the measuring object with light from multiple locations at different positions in a direction intersecting the first direction.

[0012] In the measuring device described in Scheme 1, the invention described in Scheme 2 includes, as the light illumination unit, a first light source and a second light source whose positions are different in one direction, and a third light source and a fourth light source whose positions are different in the intersecting directions.

[0013] In the measuring device described in Scheme 2, the processor of Scheme 3 performs the following processing: sequentially illuminating the first light source and the second light source, and illuminating the specific part with light from multiple locations at different positions in the same direction; and sequentially illuminating the third light source and the fourth light source, and illuminating the specific part with light from multiple locations at different positions in the intersecting directions.

[0014] The invention described in embodiment 4, in addition to the measuring device described in embodiment 1, further comprises: a support surface for supporting the object to be measured; and a light receiving unit for receiving reflected light from the specific portion. The processor performs the following processing: when the angle between the light from a first portion (among a plurality of portions located at different positions in the same direction) toward the specific portion and the support surface is different from the angle between the light from a second portion (among a plurality of portions located at different positions in the same direction) toward the specific portion and the support surface, the output value output from the light receiving unit is corrected; and / or when the angle between the light from a third portion (among a plurality of portions located at different positions in the intersecting directions) toward the specific portion and the support surface is different from the angle between the light from a fourth portion (among a plurality of portions located at different positions in the same direction) toward the specific portion and the support surface, the output value output from the light receiving unit is corrected.

[0015] In the measuring device described in Scheme 4, the processor of Scheme 5 performs the following processing: when light irradiates the specific part from the portion where the angle between the first part and the second part decreases, the output value output from the light receiving unit is increased; and / or when light irradiates the specific part from the portion where the angle between the first part and the second part increases, the output value output from the light receiving unit is decreased; and / or when light irradiates the specific part from the portion where the angle between the third part and the fourth part decreases, the output value output from the light receiving unit is increased; and / or when light irradiates the specific part from the portion where the angle between the third part and the fourth part increases, the output value output from the light receiving unit is decreased.

[0016] The invention described in Scheme 6, in the measuring device described in Scheme 1, further comprises: a movable body that moves in the said direction, the light irradiation unit disposed on the movable body, and a reference component disposed along the said direction, which is used to control the changes in light irradiation performed by the light irradiation unit disposed on the movable body and the light emitted from the light irradiation unit.

[0017] The invention described in embodiment 7, in the measuring device described in embodiment 1, further comprises: a support surface supporting the object to be measured; a light reflecting member provided on the side of at least one of the first and second portions, which are among the plurality of portions located at different positions in one direction, and on the side opposite to the side where the first portion is located, reflecting light from a light source located at the first portion toward the support surface and toward the first portion; and / or a light reflecting member provided on the side of at least one of the third and fourth portions, which are among the plurality of portions located at different positions in the intersecting directions, and on the side opposite to the side where the first portion is located, reflecting light from a light source located at the first portion toward the support surface and toward the first portion.

[0018] In the measuring device described in Scheme 1, at least one of the first and second portions, which are among the plurality of portions that are at different positions in one direction, is provided with a plurality of light sources that are at different positions in that direction, and / or at least one of the third and fourth portions, which are among the plurality of portions that are at different positions in the intersecting direction, is provided with a plurality of light sources that are at different positions in the intersecting direction.

[0019] In the measuring device described in Scheme 1, the invention described in Scheme 9 includes a first point light source column and a second point light source column arranged along a common direction as the light illumination unit. The processor performs the following processing: sequentially illuminating the first point light source included in the first point light source column and the second point light source included in the second point light source column, and illuminating the specific part with light from multiple parts located at different positions in the same direction; sequentially illuminating the third point light source included in the first point light source column and the fourth point light source included in the second point light source column, and illuminating the specific part with light from multiple parts located at different positions in the intersecting directions.

[0020] In the measuring device described in Scheme 9, the processor of Scheme 10 performs the following processing: sequentially illuminating the first point light source and the second point light source, which are located at different positions in the common direction, and illuminating the specific part with light from multiple locations at different positions in the same direction; sequentially illuminating the third point light source, which is located closer to the second point light source than the first point light source, and the fourth point light source, which is located closer to the first point light source than the second point light source, in the common direction, and illuminating the specific part with light from multiple locations at different positions in the intersecting directions.

[0021] In the measuring device described in Scheme 11, the invention includes a first and second array of point light sources arranged along a common direction as the light illumination unit. A plurality of specific locations are provided, each of which is arranged with different positions along the common direction. The processor performs the following processing: sequentially illuminating the plurality of point light sources included in the first array and the plurality of point light sources included in the second array; illuminating each of the plurality of specific locations with light from multiple locations with different positions along a direction; and sequentially illuminating other multiple point light sources different from the plurality of point light sources included in the first array and the plurality of point light sources different from the plurality of point light sources included in the second array; illuminating each of the plurality of specific locations with light from multiple locations with different positions along a direction intersecting the first direction.

[0022] The invention described in Scheme 12, in the measuring device described in Scheme 9, further comprises: a support surface for supporting the object to be measured; and a light receiving unit for receiving reflected light from the specific portion. The processor performs the following processing: when the angle formed by the position of the first point light source observed from a perpendicular line relative to the support surface and through the specific portion and the position of the second point light source observed from that perpendicular line is more than 180°, the output value output from the light receiving unit is corrected; and / or when the angle formed by the position of the third point light source observed from a perpendicular line relative to the support surface and through the specific portion and the position of the fourth point light source observed from that perpendicular line is more than 180°, the output value output from the light receiving unit is corrected.

[0023] The invention described in Scheme 13 is an information processing device comprising a processor that performs the following processing: acquiring height information, i.e., height information, of each part constituting the surface of the object to be measured; and acquiring, based on the height information of a part of the surface of the object to be measured and the height information of another part of the surface of the object to be measured, information about the tilt of a specific part of the surface of the object to be measured.

[0024] In the information processing apparatus of claim 13, the processor of claim 14 performs the following processing: based on information about the height of the part and information about the height of the other part, it obtains information about the tilt of at least one of the part, the other part, and the part located between the part and the other part, i.e., the intermediate part.

[0025] In the information processing apparatus of embodiment 13, the processor of embodiment 15 performs the following processing: based on the information about the tilt of each of the portions constituting the surface of the object to be measured, it acquires the information about the height of each portion.

[0026] In the information processing apparatus of claim 13, the processor of claim 16 performs the following processing: acquiring information about the height of each of the portions constituting the surface of the object to be measured and arranged in one direction; acquiring information about the height of each portion in each column arranged in the one direction according to the portions; and acquiring information about the tilt of at least one of the first portion, the second portion, and the portion located between the first portion and the second portion, i.e., the intermediate portion, based on the information about the height of a portion included in one column, i.e., the first portion, and the information about the height of a portion included in another column, i.e., the second portion.

[0027] The invention described in Scheme 17 is a recording medium that stores a program executed by a computer in a measuring device having a light irradiation unit for irradiating a measured object with light and a computer for controlling the light irradiation unit. The program is used to cause the computer to perform the following functions: irradiating a specific part of the measured object with light from multiple parts located at different positions in one direction; and irradiating the specific part of the measured object with light from multiple parts located at different positions in a direction intersecting the first direction.

[0028] The invention described in Scheme 18 is a recording medium that stores a program for causing a computer to perform the following functions: acquiring height information about each part of the surface constituting the object being measured, i.e., height information; and acquiring information about the tilt of a specific part of the surface of the object being measured, based on the height information about a part of the surface of the object being measured and the height information about another part of the surface of the object being measured.

[0029] The invention described in Scheme 19 is an information processing method, which includes the following steps: irradiating a specific part of the object to be measured with light from multiple locations that are different from each other in one direction; and irradiating the specific part of the object to be measured with light from multiple locations that are different from each other in a direction that intersects with the first direction.

[0030] The invention described in Scheme 20 is an information processing method, which includes the following steps: obtaining height information, i.e., height information, of each part of the surface constituting the object to be measured; and obtaining information about the tilt of a specific part of the surface of the object to be measured, based on the height information of a part of the surface of the object to be measured and the height information of another part of the surface of the object to be measured.

[0031] Invention Effects

[0032] According to the first aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where information about the inclination of the surface of the portion of the object being measured is obtained by rotating the object being measured, information about the inclination of the surface of the portion of the object being measured can be obtained with higher accuracy.

[0033] According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to irradiate specific parts of the object being measured from four different directions without rotating the object.

[0034] According to the third aspect of the present invention, without rotating the object being measured, light can be sequentially applied to a specific part from multiple parts located at different positions in one direction, and light can be sequentially applied to the specific part from multiple parts located at different positions in directions intersecting that direction.

[0035] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where no output value correction is performed, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the accuracy of information about the tilt of the surface of the specific part caused by the angle between the support surface supporting the object being measured and the light toward the specific part of the object being measured.

[0036] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, compared with increasing or decreasing the output value output from the light receiving unit, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the accuracy of obtaining information about the tilt of the surface of the specific part caused by the angle between the support surface supporting the object to be measured and the light toward the specific part of the object to be measured.

[0037] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where no reference component is provided for measuring the variation of light emitted from the light irradiation unit, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the accuracy of obtaining information about the tilt of a specific part of the surface caused by the variation of light emitted from the light irradiation unit provided on the moving body.

[0038] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where no light reflection component is provided, it is possible to expand the area of ​​the object being measured that is illuminated by light from the light irradiation unit.

[0039] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where multiple light sources are not provided, the angle between the support surface supporting the object to be measured and the light directed toward a specific part of the object to be measured can be increased.

[0040] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a first and a second array of point light sources arranged in a common direction can be used to illuminate a specific part of the object being measured from multiple directions that are different from each other.

[0041] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, a first point light source array and a second point light source array arranged along a common direction can be used to illuminate a specific part of the object to be measured from four different directions.

[0042] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when the point light sources included in the first and second point light source columns are illuminated, the number of specific parts of the object to be measured can be increased compared to the case of illuminating only one point light source.

[0043] According to the 12th aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where no output value correction is performed, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the accuracy of information acquisition regarding tilt caused by the angle between the orientation when observing one point light source from a vertical line passing through a specific portion and the orientation when observing another point light source from that vertical line being more than 180°.

[0044] According to the 13th aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the surface of the part of the object being measured is rotated to obtain information about the inclination of the surface of the part of the object being measured, information about the inclination of the surface of the part of the object being measured can be obtained with higher accuracy.

[0045] According to the 14th aspect of the present invention, information about the inclination of the portion of the surface constituting the object of measurement can be obtained from the height information of each portion of the surface constituting the object of measurement.

[0046] According to the 15th aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain information about the height of each part from the information about the inclination of each part of the surface constituting the object to be measured.

[0047] According to the 16th aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain information about the inclination of the portion of the surface constituting the object to be measured from information about height in one column and information about height in another column.

[0048] According to the 17th aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the surface of the part of the object being measured is rotated to obtain information about the inclination of the surface of the part of the object being measured, information about the inclination of the surface of the part of the object being measured can be obtained with higher accuracy.

[0049] According to the 18th aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the surface of the part of the object being measured is rotated to obtain information about the inclination of the surface of the part of the object being measured, information about the inclination of the surface of the part of the object being measured can be obtained with higher accuracy.

[0050] According to the 19th aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the surface of the part of the object being measured is rotated to obtain information about the inclination of the surface of the part of the object being measured, information about the inclination of the surface of the part of the object being measured can be obtained with higher accuracy.

[0051] According to the 20th aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the surface of the part of the object being measured is rotated to obtain information about the inclination of the surface of the part of the object being measured, information about the inclination of the surface of the part of the object being measured can be obtained with higher accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0052] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the image reading device;

[0054] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the control unit;

[0055] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the reading unit, etc.

[0056] Figure 4 From Figure 3 The direction indicated by arrow IV was observed in the graph when reading the cell;

[0057] Figure 5 (A) Figure 5 (B) is a diagram showing the lit state of the light source;

[0058] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of normal;

[0059] Figure 7 (A) Figure 7 (B) is from Figure 1 Arrow VII indicates the direction of the view when observing the reading unit and the object being measured;

[0060] Figure 8 (A) ~ Figure 8 (D) is a diagram showing a series of processes for lighting up the light source set in the reading unit;

[0061] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating another structural example of a reading unit;

[0062] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating another structural example of a reading unit;

[0063] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating another structural example of a scanner device;

[0064] Figure 12 (A) ~ Figure 12 (D) is a diagram showing the flow of the basic processing in the second embodiment;

[0065] Figure 13 (A) Figure 13 (B) is a diagram representing another illuminated state of the light source;

[0066] Figure 14 (C) Figure 14(D) is a diagram representing another illuminated state of the light source;

[0067] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing the state when the light source and a specific part are viewed from above;

[0068] Figure 16 (A) Figure 16 (B) is a diagram showing the lighting process of the light source in the third embodiment;

[0069] Figure 17 From Figure 1 The arrow XVI indicates the direction of the measurement object on the support surface when observed;

[0070] Figure 18 It indicates from Figure 17 The arrows X, V, and III indicate the direction of observation of the height of specific parts in the first and second columns;

[0071] Figure 19 This diagram illustrates the processing performed when acquiring the main scan direction components;

[0072] Figure 20 This is a diagram representing another structural example of a read unit.

[0073] Symbol Explanation

[0074] 1-Image reading device, 11D-Support surface, 12-Reading unit, 12A-Light irradiation unit, 16-First point light source array, 16A-First point light source, 18-Second point light source array, 18B-Second point light source, 32A-Light receiving element, 40-Specific part, 83-Third light source, 83A-First additional light source, 84-Fourth light source, 84A-Second additional light source, 98A-First point light source, 98B-Second point light source, 98C-Third point light source, 98D-Fourth point light source, 111-CPU, 300-Reference component, M1-First reflector, M2-Second reflector. Detailed Implementation

[0075] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the image reading device 1.

[0077] The image reading device 1 includes a scanner device 10 that acquires an image of the original by scanning it, and a document delivery device 20A that delivers the original to the scanner device 10.

[0078] The document feeding device 20A includes a document loading section 21 for loading a bundle of documents consisting of multiple originals. Furthermore, the document feeding device 20A includes a paper unloading section 22 located below the document loading section 21 for loading originals that have finished reading.

[0079] Furthermore, the manuscript feeding device 20A is equipped with a manuscript feeding roller 23 for feeding the manuscript loading section 21 and a sorting mechanism 24 for sorting the manuscripts by sheet.

[0080] Furthermore, the transport path 25 on which the original is transported is provided with a transport roller 26 that transports the sorted originals toward the downstream side and a registration roller 27 that supplies the originals while performing registration adjustment on the scanner device 10.

[0081] Furthermore, a chute 28 is provided to facilitate the transport of the original being read by the scanner device 10, and a pull-out roller 29 is provided to further transport the read original downstream. In addition, an discharge roller 30 is provided to discharge the original to the paper loading section 22.

[0082] The scanner device 10 is provided with a housing 13 and a device frame 14.

[0083] The device frame 14 is equipped with a first platen glass 11A for placing the original in a stationary state and a second platen glass 11B for transmitting light for reading the original conveyed by the document feeding device 20A.

[0084] Furthermore, a guide component 68 is provided between the first glass plate 11A and the second glass plate 11B to guide the original document conveyed by the document feeding device 20A.

[0085] Furthermore, a white reference plate 71 is provided at the lower part of the guide component 68. Also, inside the receiving frame 13, there is a manuscript placed on the first platen glass 11A and a reading unit 12 for reading the manuscript conveyed by the manuscript feeding device 20A.

[0086] Furthermore, a moving mechanism (not shown) is provided to move the reading unit 12 in the left-right direction as shown in the figure. There are no particular limitations on the moving mechanism, and it can be made of a known mechanism.

[0087] As an example of a moving body, the reading unit 12 moves to the right and below the first glass plate 11A when reading the original placed on the first glass plate 11A.

[0088] Furthermore, when reading the original document delivered by the document feeding device 20A, the reading unit 12 is positioned in a stationary state below the second plate glass 11B.

[0089] Inside the reading unit 12 are a light source composed of LEDs, 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.

[0090] A hinge (not shown) for opening and closing the document feeder 20A is provided on the rear side of the image reading device 1. In this embodiment, the document feeder 20A can be rotated to the rear side of the image reading device 1.

[0091] When the original document is placed on the first platen glass 11A, the user rotates the document feeding device 20A toward the rear of the image reading device 1.

[0092] Furthermore, if the original document is placed on the first plate glass 11A by the user, the document feeding device 20A rotates in front of the image reading device 1 and returns to its original position.

[0093] Then, in this embodiment, press the start button (not shown) to begin reading the original document.

[0094] Furthermore, in the image reading device 1 of this embodiment, a control unit 60 is provided to control each part of the image reading device 1.

[0095] 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.

[0096] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the control unit 60.

[0097] The control unit 60 includes a control unit 101 for controlling the operation of the entire control device, a storage unit 102 for storing data, and a network interface 103 for communication via a LAN (Local Area Network) cable.

[0098] Here, part of the control unit 101 can be understood as an information processing device that processes information about the object to be measured, which will be described later.

[0099] 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.

[0100] The control unit 101 is a so-called computer.

[0101] The storage unit 102 is composed of a hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory, etc.

[0102] The control unit 101, storage unit 102 and network interface 103 are connected via bus 104 or signal lines not shown.

[0103] Here, the program executed by CPU111 can be provided to image reading device 1 in the form of a computer-readable recording medium such as magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), optical recording medium (optical disc, etc.), optical-magnetic recording medium, and semiconductor memory.

[0104] Furthermore, the program executed by CPU111 can also be provided to image reading device 1 via communication units such as the Internet.

[0105] 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.).

[0106] Furthermore, the actions of the processor can be executed not only by a single processor, but also collaboratively by multiple processors located in physically separate locations. Moreover, the order of the processor's actions is not limited to the order described in this embodiment and can be varied.

[0107] [Structure of reading unit 12, etc.]

[0108] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the reading unit 12, etc.

[0109] In the reading unit 12, which is an example of a moving body, there is a light irradiation section 12A that functions as part of a light irradiation unit that irradiates the object to be measured with light.

[0110] A light source is provided in the light irradiation section 12A. Specifically, in this embodiment, two point light source columns, a first point light source column 16 and a second point light source column 18, are provided as the light source.

[0111] The first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the paper in the figure. In other words, the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 are arranged in a common direction (the same direction).

[0112] Furthermore, a control unit (not shown) for controlling the illumination of the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 is provided in the light illumination section 12A. In addition, there are no particular restrictions on the position of the control unit, and it can also be provided on the main body side of the scanner device 10.

[0113] In this embodiment, a signal from the CPU 111 is input to the control unit, and light is emitted from the light irradiation unit 12A to irradiate the original document.

[0114] Furthermore, the reading unit 12 is equipped 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.

[0115] The reading unit 12 is a moving body and moves in the direction indicated by arrow 3A in the figure.

[0116] The first glass panel 11A is made of a transparent glass plate formed in a plate shape. Furthermore, the first glass panel 11A is arranged horizontally. The first glass panel 11A supports the original artwork from below.

[0117] More specifically, the first glass plate 11A has an upward-facing, flat support surface 11D, and the original artwork is supported from below using this support surface 11D. Furthermore, the first glass plate 11A is not limited to glass; it could also be, for example, an aluminum plate.

[0118] When the original is read by the scanner device 10, the original is arranged along the plane supported by the support surface 11D.

[0119] In the image reading device 1, not only is the conventional reading of the original document performed (not just the acquisition of color information), but information about the tilt of the surface of each part of the object being read is also acquired.

[0120] In other words, the image reading device 1 of this embodiment can be understood as a measuring device, and the tilt of each part constituting the surface of the object being read is also measured in the image reading device 1.

[0121] The following describes the process of obtaining information about the tilt of this surface.

[0122] Furthermore, the object whose surface information about tilt is obtained will be referred to as the "measurement object" below.

[0123] There are no particular limitations on the object being measured; examples include paper, cloth, metal, resin, and rubber. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the shape of the object being measured. In the case of paper or cloth, it can be designed to be circular.

[0124] In this embodiment, when the measuring object can be circular, it is placed on the first plate glass 11A, and the measuring object is arranged in a planar shape along the support surface 11D.

[0125] The first point light source array 16 and the second point light source array 18 are respectively arranged in different parts of each other. In this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 12A irradiates a specific part 40 of the object to be measured with light from multiple directions.

[0126] In other words, in this embodiment, when the part of the object to be measured for determining the surface tilt is understood as a specific part 40, light is irradiated onto the specific part 40 from multiple directions.

[0127] The first point light source array 16 and the second point light source array 18 are respectively along with... Figure 3 The light source extends vertically to the paper surface. Furthermore, the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 extend in directions that intersect (orthogonal) with the moving direction of the reading unit 12.

[0128] Furthermore, in each of the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18, there are multiple white point light sources 98 composed of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged along the extending direction of the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18.

[0129] In addition, the first point light source row 16 and the second point light source row 18 can also be composed of fluorescent lamps or rare gas fluorescent lamps, etc.

[0130] Furthermore, as shown above, the reading unit 12 is equipped with an imaging optical system 31 and a sensor 32.

[0131] Sensor 32 is a linear sensor in which light receiving elements 32A are arranged in a row, serving as an example of a light receiving unit. The light receiving elements 32A receive reflected light from a specific part 40 of the object being measured.

[0132] Sensor 32 along with Figure 3 The sensor 32 is positioned perpendicular to the plane of the paper. In other words, the sensor 32 extends in a direction that intersects (or is orthogonal to) the direction of movement of the reading unit 12.

[0133] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of light receiving elements 32A are arranged along the extending direction of the sensor 32.

[0134] In this embodiment, the direction in which the first point light source column 16, the second point light source column 18, and the sensor 32 extend is referred to as the main scanning direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the direction that intersects (or is orthogonal to) the main scanning direction (the direction in which the reading unit 12 moves) is referred to as the secondary scanning direction.

[0135] When reading the object being measured, the reading unit 12 moves along the sub-scanning direction at a preset speed. More specifically, it moves in the direction indicated by arrow 3A in the figure.

[0136] The imaging optical system 31 is composed of a mirror or an imaging lens, and the reflected light from a specific part 40 (the part being read) of the object being measured is imaged onto the light receiving element 32A of the sensor 32.

[0137] Each light receiving element 32A receives the reflected light imaged by the imaging optical system 31, generates and outputs information corresponding to the intensity of the received reflected light (information about the intensity of the reflected light).

[0138] The sensor 32 is composed of a CCD linear image sensor or a CMOS image sensor, and outputs information about the intensity of the received light. Multiple light-receiving elements 32A are provided in the sensor 32. Furthermore, these light-receiving elements 32A are arranged along the main scanning direction in the sensor 32.

[0139] Furthermore, the sensor 32 is equipped with a color filter and generates an image signal representing the color of the original document or the object being measured. Moreover, 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 this image signal, and the RGB value is output from the image reading device 1.

[0140] In other words, in this embodiment, information about the color of the original or the object being measured, i.e., color information, is acquired by the image reading device 1, and the color information is output from the image reading device 1 in a data format (a preset data format) with three values ​​arranged in a 3-value arrangement.

[0141] The first point light source array 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.

[0142] The second point light source column 18 is located downstream of the specific part 40 in the moving direction of the reading unit 12, and illuminates light toward the specific part 40 located upstream.

[0143] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the angle (light incident angle) θ1 formed by the perpendicular line 70 relative to the support surface 11D and passing through the specific portion 40 and the light path R11 of the light from the first point light source array 16 toward the specific portion 40 is 45°.

[0144] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the angle (light incident angle) θ2 between the vertical line 70 and the light path R12 of the light from the second point light source array 18 toward the specific part 40 is 45°.

[0145] As a result, in this embodiment, the angle θ1 formed by the light path R11 of the light from the first point light source array 16 toward the specific part 40 and the perpendicular line 70 is equal to the angle θ2 formed by the light path R12 of the light from the second point light source array 18 toward the specific part 40 and the perpendicular line 70.

[0146] Figure 4 From Figure 3 Arrow IV indicates the direction of observation when viewing the image at reading unit 12. Additionally, in Figure 4 The imaging optical system 31 and sensor 32 are omitted from the illustration.

[0147] In addition to the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 described above, the reading unit 12 in this embodiment is also provided with a third light source 83 and a fourth light source 84.

[0148] The third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 are, for example, composed of LEDs. In addition, they are not limited to LEDs, and other types of light sources besides LEDs can also be used.

[0149] The third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 are arranged in a manner that their positions are different from each other in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the third light source 83 is disposed at one end 12E in the long side direction of the reading unit 12, and the fourth light source 84 is disposed at the other end 12F in the long side direction of the reading unit 12.

[0150] Furthermore, in the sub-scanning direction, the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 are located between the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18.

[0151] (Processing for obtaining the normal angle)

[0152] In this embodiment, the angle of the normal to the surface of each specific part 40 of the object being measured (hereinafter referred to as "normal angle") is obtained. In other words, in this embodiment, the normal angle of each part constituting the surface of the object being measured is obtained.

[0153] When acquiring the normal angle, firstly, the component in the sub-scanning direction of the normal angle (hereinafter referred to as the "sub-scanning direction component") is acquired. Then, the component in the main scanning direction of the normal angle (hereinafter referred to as the "main scanning direction component") is acquired.

[0154] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the normal angle is obtained based on the sub-scanning direction component and the main scanning direction component.

[0155] The following sections will first explain the acquisition and processing of components in the sub-scanning direction, and then explain the acquisition and processing of components in the main scanning direction.

[0156] (Acquisition and processing of components in the sub-scanning direction)

[0157] When acquiring the sub-scanning direction components, firstly, the CPU 111 outputs a control signal to the control unit that controls the light irradiation unit 12A, and then sequentially irradiates a specific part 40 with light from each of multiple directions.

[0158] Specifically, the CPU111 sequentially illuminates a specific part 40 with light from multiple parts located at different positions in one direction, namely the sub-scanning direction.

[0159] More specifically, such as Figure 5 (A) of the diagram showing the lit state of the light source. Figure 5 As shown in (B), the CPU111 sequentially illuminates a specific part 40 with light from the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18.

[0160] Furthermore, the CPU111 obtains information about the tilt of the surface of the specific part 40 (sub-scanning direction component) based on the information of the light received by the light receiving element 32A when the light is irradiated by the first point light source column 16 and the information of the light received by the light receiving element 32A when the light is irradiated by the second point light source column 18.

[0161] In other words, the CPU 111 obtains information about the tilt of the surface of the specific part 40 (sub-scanning direction component) based on the information output from the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated on the specific part 40 from one direction and the information output from the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated on the specific part 40 from the opposite direction.

[0162] The irradiation of a specific area 40 by light is described in detail.

[0163] When CPU111 illuminates a specific part 40 with light from the first point light source array 16, such as Figure 5As shown in (A), with only the first point light source column 16 lit, the reading unit 12 is moved to the right in the figure.

[0164] In this case, light is shone on a specific area 40 from the lower left direction in the diagram.

[0165] In addition, in this embodiment, specific parts 40 are moved sequentially according to the movement of the reading unit 12.

[0166] In this embodiment, "specific portion 40" refers to a part of the surface of the object being measured. More specifically, "specific portion 40" refers to a part of the surface of the object being measured that is read by one of the multiple light receiving elements 32A disposed on the sensor 32.

[0167] In this embodiment, the light receiving element 32A moves according to the movement of the reading unit 12, and the portion read by the light receiving element 32A, i.e., the specific part 40, also moves sequentially.

[0168] Next, in this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown in (B), with only the second point light source column 18 illuminated, the CPU 111 moves the reading unit 12 to the right in the figure. In this case, light is shone on a specific part 40 from the lower right direction in the figure.

[0169] Thus, when the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 are lit in sequence, light from multiple parts is sequentially applied to the specific part 40.

[0170] Specifically, light from the lower left side is first used to illuminate the specific part 40, and then light from the lower right side is used to illuminate the specific part 40.

[0171] In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 are lit sequentially when the reading unit 12 moves to the right in the figure is described.

[0172] However, it is not limited to this. For example, when the reading unit 12 moves to the right in the figure, the first light source column 16 can be lit up, and when the reading unit 12 moves to the left in the figure, the second light source column 18 can be lit up.

[0173] Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the order in which the light sources are lit. You can light up the second light source column 18 first, and then light up the first light source column 16.

[0174] When light is shone on a specific area 40 from the first point light source array 16, the CPU 111 obtains information about the light received by the light receiving element 32A that reads from the specific area 40. Furthermore, when light is shone on the specific area 40 from the second point light source array 18, the CPU 111 obtains information about the light received by the light receiving element 32A.

[0175] In other words, the CPU 111 obtains the output value from the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated onto a specific part 40 from the first point light source column 16. Furthermore, the CPU 111 obtains the output value from the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated onto the specific part 40 from the second point light source column 18.

[0176] Furthermore, the CPU111 obtains the sub-scanning direction component based on the output value of the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated on the specific part 40 from the first point light source column 16 and the output value of the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated on the specific part 40 from the second point light source column 18.

[0177] More specifically, for example, when the output value output from the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated on a specific part 40 from the first point light source column 16 is equal to the output value output from the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated on the specific part 40 from the second point light source column 18, the CPU 111 determines that the sub-scanning direction component is 0°.

[0178] More specifically, a perpendicular line 70 (refer to) is envisioned relative to the support surface 11D and passing through a specific portion 40. Figure 5 In the case of (A), when the above two output values ​​are equal, the CPU111 outputs information indicating the inclination of the normal 40X of the surface 40A of the specific part 40 and the inclination relative to the vertical 70 is 0°.

[0179] Furthermore, when the two output values ​​are different, the CPU111 outputs the inclination of the normal 40X relative to the vertical 70 as a value other than 0°.

[0180] In this embodiment, for example, when the output value obtained when light is irradiated onto a specific portion 40 from the first point light source array 16 is greater than the output value obtained when light is irradiated onto the specific portion 40 from the second point light source array 18, the normal 40X is directed towards the portion 40. Figure 5 The direction indicated by arrow 4E in (A) is as follows.

[0181] Furthermore, in this case, in this embodiment, the CPU 111 obtains the specific angle (hereinafter referred to as "normal angle") of the normal 40X relative to the vertical line 70 based on the two output values, and obtains the normal angle as a sub-scanning direction component.

[0182] Furthermore, for example, when the output value obtained when light is irradiated onto a specific portion 40 from the first point light source array 16 is less than the output value obtained when light is irradiated onto the specific portion 40 from the second point light source array 18, the normal 40X is directed towards the portion 40. Figure 5 The direction indicated by arrow 4F in (A) is as follows.

[0183] Furthermore, in this case, in this embodiment, the CPU 111 obtains the specific angle (normal angle) of the normal 40X relative to the vertical 70 based on the two output values, and obtains the normal angle as a sub-scanning direction component.

[0184] (Acquisition and processing of normal angle (sub-scanning direction component))

[0185] The acquisition and processing of the normal angle (sub-scanning direction component) are explained in detail.

[0186] In this embodiment, as shown above, the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 are individually lit to obtain two scan images.

[0187] More specifically, firstly, as shown above, a first scan image is obtained by moving the reading unit 12 while the first point light source column 16 is lit and illuminating each specific part 40 with light from the lower left direction.

[0188] Next, a second scan image is obtained by moving the reading unit 12 with the second point light source column 18 lit and illuminating each specific part 40 with light from the lower right direction.

[0189] Next, in this embodiment, the two scanned images are converted to grayscale.

[0190] Then, the two output values ​​are obtained from the same pixels in the two scanned images.

[0191] Specifically, for the same specific part 40, both the output value output from the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated from the first point light source column 16 and the output value output from the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated from the second point light source column 18 are obtained.

[0192] More specifically, in this embodiment, a specific region 40 is read by a single optical receiving element 32A.

[0193] In this embodiment, two output values ​​are obtained: the output value output from the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated on the specific part 40 from the first point light source column 16, and the output value output from the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated on the specific part 40 from the second point light source column 18.

[0194] More specifically, in this embodiment, in each scanned image, two output values ​​are obtained for the same pixel position (x, y).

[0195] In this embodiment, the output value obtained from one of the scanned images is set as D_-45(x, y), and the output value obtained from the other scanned image is set as D_45(x, y).

[0196] Here, the value "-45" represents the incident angle of light from the first point light source column 16. And the value "45" represents the incident angle of light from the second point light source column 18.

[0197] Next, in this embodiment, the output value (D_-45) obtained when light is irradiated from the first point light source column 16 is associated with the incident angle "-45°", and the output value (D_45) obtained when light is irradiated from the second point light source column 18 is associated with the incident angle "+45°".

[0198] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the incident angle is ±180° relative to the vertical line 70, the output value from the sensor 32 becomes zero. Therefore, the output value "0" is associated with the incident angle "-180°", and the output value "0" is associated with the incident angle "+180°".

[0199] Next, the CPU111 performs fitting based on setting the incident angle as an independent variable (e.g., -180° to +180°) and the output value as a dependent variable (e.g., 0 to 255).

[0200] More specifically, the CPU111 uses the four incident angles of -180°, -45°, +45°, and +180° as a basis and establishes a corresponding relationship between each of the four incident angles and four output values, and then uses the BRDF model (Cook-Torrance, etc.) or spline interpolation for fitting.

[0201] More specifically, CPU111 performs, for example, the process of fitting the spline curve to the four output values ​​mentioned above.

[0202] Next, the peak value is extracted from the fitted spline curve, and the independent variable (incident angle) corresponding to the peak value is determined as the incident angle of the surface 40A of the specific part 40 of the object.

[0203] Furthermore, based on the incident angle it has acquired, the CPU111 obtains the normal angle (sub-scanning direction component) of the surface 40A of a specific location 40.

[0204] CPU111 performs the above processing on each of all specific parts 40 to obtain the normal angle (sub-scanning direction component) for each specific part 40.

[0205] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of normal.

[0206] exist Figure 6 In this example, the angle represented by the symbol α indicates an example of the incident angle obtained based on the peak value of the fitted spline curve. Specifically, in this example, an incident angle of 30° is exemplified.

[0207] If the incident angle is known, i.e., 30°, then CPU111 obtains half of the incident angle, i.e., 15°, as the normal angle β of the surface 40A of the specific part 40. In this example, CPU111 obtains this normal angle β (15°) as the sub-scanning direction component.

[0208] Here, when obtaining information about the tilt of the surface 40A of a specific part 40, for example, one may consider irradiating the specific part 40 with light from only one part.

[0209] In this case, by receiving the reflected light from the specific part 40 and grasping the intensity of the received reflected light, the tilt of the surface 40A of the specific part 40 can be temporarily grasped.

[0210] However, the intensity of reflected light is affected by the color of a specific part 40, and the intensity of reflected light changes according to 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.

[0211] In contrast, as in this embodiment, if light from two different locations is used to irradiate a specific location 40, the influence of color is reduced, thereby enabling the tilt of the surface 40A of the specific location 40 to be obtained with higher precision.

[0212] (Acquisition and processing of components in the main scanning direction)

[0213] Next, the acquisition and processing of the main scanning direction components (components in the main scanning direction of the normal angle) will be explained.

[0214] In this case, during the acquisition process of the main scanning direction component, the CPU 111 first outputs a control signal to the control unit that controls the light irradiation unit 12A, and then sequentially irradiates the specific part 40 with light from each of the multiple directions.

[0215] Figure 7 (A) Figure 7 (B) is from Figure 1 The direction indicated by arrow VII is observed when reading unit 12 and measuring the object.

[0216] In the acquisition and processing of components in the main scanning direction, such as Figure 7 (A) Figure 7 As shown in (B), CPU111 sequentially illuminates the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84, and acquires the main scanning direction components.

[0217] Specifically, the CPU 111 obtains information about the light received by the light receiving element 32A when the third light source 83 illuminates the specific part 40, and information about the light received by the light receiving element 32A when the fourth light source 84 illuminates the specific part 40, and obtains the main scanning direction component based on this information.

[0218] In other words, in this case, the CPU 111 also obtains the main scanning direction component based on the output value of the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated on the specific part 40 from one part and the output value of the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated on the specific part 40 from another part.

[0219] More specifically, CPU111 operates with only the third light source 83 illuminated (see reference). Figure 7 (A)), causing the reading unit 12 to move along the sub-scanning direction. In this case, for Figure 7 The specific part 40 shown in (A) is illuminated from the lower right direction in the figure.

[0220] Next, as Figure 7 As shown in (B), the CPU 111 moves the reading unit 12 along the sub-scanning direction with only the fourth light source 84 illuminated. In this case, light is shone on a specific area 40 from the lower left direction in the figure.

[0221] Thus, when acquiring the main scanning direction components, light is also applied to a specific region 40 from multiple locations.

[0222] In addition, Figure 7 (A) Figure 7 In (B), only one specific location 40 is shown.

[0223] In this embodiment, similarly, multiple other specific parts 40 (not shown) located further to the right of the one specific part 40 in the figure and multiple other specific parts 40 (not shown) located further to the left of the one specific part 40 in the figure are respectively irradiated with light from the lower right direction and light from the lower left direction.

[0224] Similarly, the illumination of the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 can also be achieved by the reading unit 12. Figure 1 The reading unit 12 moves to the right. Furthermore, it is not limited to this; for example, when the reading unit 12 moves to the right, one of the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 can be illuminated, and when the reading unit 12 moves to the left, the other light source can be illuminated.

[0225] Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the order in which the light sources are lit; you can light up the fourth light source 84 first, and then light up the third light source 83.

[0226] CPU 111 obtains the output value from light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated onto a specific part 40 by the third light source 83. Furthermore, CPU 111 obtains the output value from light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated onto the specific part 40 by the fourth light source 84.

[0227] Furthermore, similar to the above processing when obtaining the sub-scanning direction component, the CPU 111 obtains information about the tilt of the surface 40A of the specific part 40 (main scan direction component) based on the output value output from the light receiving element 32A when the specific part 40 is illuminated by the third light source 83 and the output value received from the light receiving element 32A when the specific part 40 is illuminated by the fourth light source 84.

[0228] More specifically, similarly to the above, for example, when the output value output from the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated on the specific part 40 from the third light source 83 is equal to the output value output from the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated on the specific part 40 from the fourth light source 84, the CPU 111 outputs information indicating the inclination of the normal 40X of the surface 40A of the specific part 40 and the inclination relative to the vertical 70 is 0°.

[0229] Furthermore, when the two output values ​​are different, the CPU111 outputs the inclination of the normal 40X relative to the vertical 70 as a value other than 0°.

[0230] For example, when light is irradiated onto a specific part 40 from the third light source 83, the output value output from the light receiving element 32A is greater than the output value output from the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated onto the specific part 40 from the fourth light source 84. This results in the normal 40X pointing towards... Figure 7 The direction indicated by arrow 7G in (A) is as follows.

[0231] Based on these two output values, CPU111 obtains the specific angle (hereinafter referred to as "normal angle") between the normal 40X and the perpendicular 70.

[0232] Furthermore, for example, when light is irradiated onto a specific portion 40 from the third light source 83, the output value output from the light receiving element 32A is less than the output value output from the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated onto the specific portion 40 from the fourth light source 84, the normal 40X is directed towards the direction from... Figure 7 The direction indicated by arrow 7H in (A) is as follows.

[0233] In this case, the CPU111 also obtains the specific angle (normal angle) of the normal 40X relative to the perpendicular 70 based on the two output values.

[0234] (Details of the process)

[0235] This section provides a detailed explanation of the processing involved in acquiring the normal angle (the main scanning direction component).

[0236] In this embodiment, the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 are individually lit to obtain two scan images.

[0237] More specifically, a first scan image is obtained by moving the reading unit 12 while the third light source 83 is lit and illuminating each specific part 40 with light from the lower right direction.

[0238] Next, a second scan image is obtained by moving the reading unit 12 while the fourth light source 84 is lit and illuminating each specific part 40 with light from the lower left direction.

[0239] Next, in this embodiment, the two scanned images are converted to grayscale.

[0240] Then, two output values ​​for the same pixel are obtained from the two scanned images. In other words, two output values ​​for the same specific region 40 are obtained.

[0241] More specifically, for the same specific part 40, both the output value output from the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated by the third light source 83 and the output value output from the light receiving element 32A when light is irradiated by the fourth light source 84 are obtained.

[0242] In other words, in each scanned image, two output values ​​are obtained for the same pixel position (x, y).

[0243] In this embodiment, the output value obtained from one of the scanned images is set as D_75(x, y), and the output value obtained from the other scanned image is set as D_-75(x, y).

[0244] Here, the value "75" represents the value from the third light source 83 (reference). Figure 7 (A) Orientation Figure 7The angle of incidence of light at the specific location 40 (the specific location 40 in the central part) shown in (A). And the value "-75" indicates the angle of incidence of light from the fourth light source 84 toward the specific location 40.

[0245] Here, Figure 7 The specific part 40 shown in (A) (the specific part 40 located in the central part) is located in the middle position between the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84.

[0246] Next, in this embodiment, the output value (D_75) obtained when the third light source 83 illuminates the light is associated with the incident angle "+75°", and the output value (D_-75) obtained when the fourth light source 84 illuminates the light is associated with the incident angle "-75°".

[0247] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the incident angle is ±180° relative to the vertical 70, the output value from the light receiving element 32A becomes zero. Therefore, the output value "0" is associated with the incident angle "-180°", and the output value "0" is associated with the incident angle "+180°".

[0248] Next, similarly to the above, the CPU111 performs fitting based on setting the incident angle as an independent variable (e.g., -180° to +180°) and the output value as a dependent variable (e.g., 0 to 255).

[0249] More specifically, the CPU111 uses four output values ​​corresponding to the four incident angles of -180°, -75°, +75°, and +180° as a basis, and fits them using a BRDF model (Cook-Torrance, etc.) or spline interpolation.

[0250] More specifically, CPU111 performs, for example, the process of fitting the spline curve to the four output values ​​mentioned above.

[0251] Next, the peak value is extracted from the fitted spline curve, and the independent variable (incident angle) corresponding to the peak value is determined as the incident angle of the surface 40A of the specific part 40 of the object.

[0252] Furthermore, based on the incident angle it has acquired, the CPU 111 obtains the normal angle (main scan direction component) of the surface 40A of the specific location 40. Specifically, similarly to the above, the CPU 111 obtains half the incident angle as the normal angle (main scan direction component).

[0253] CPU111 performs this processing on each of all specific regions 40 to obtain the normal angle (main scan direction component) for each specific region 40.

[0254] exist Figure 7 The image shows a specific part 40 located at the midpoint between the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84.

[0255] Here, for other specific locations 40 that are located at locations deviating from the intermediate position, for example, it is preferable to correct the two output values ​​obtained above and use the corrected two output values ​​to obtain the normal angle (main scan direction component).

[0256] Specifically, for example, when knowledge is available about the location of... Figure 7 When the symbol 7K of (A) represents the normal angle (main scanning direction component) of a specific part 40 at a position, it is preferable to determine the normal angle based on the corrected two output values ​​obtained from the two output values ​​obtained from the specific part 40 after correcting one or both of them.

[0257] Regarding a specific portion 40 located off from the middle position, the angle between the light path of the light from the third portion (i.e., the third light source 83) toward the specific portion 40 and the support surface 11D is different from the angle between the light path of the light from the fourth portion (i.e., the fourth light source 84) toward the specific portion 40 and the support surface 11D.

[0258] In this case, if the surface 40A of the specific part 40 is horizontal, the normal angle should be output as 0°. Even in this case, the normal angle may be output as a value other than 0° due to the different angles formed.

[0259] Therefore, as shown above, for example, it is preferable to correct the two output values ​​output from the light receiving element 32A, and determine the normal angle based on the corrected two output values.

[0260] More specifically, during calibration, the CPU 111 performs the following calibrations: it increases the output value of the light receiving element 32A when light irradiates the specific part 40 from the setting part where the angle between the two setting parts decreases, and / or decreases the output value of the light receiving element 32A when light irradiates the specific part 40 from the setting part where the angle between the two setting parts increases.

[0261] Furthermore, based on the two output values ​​after this correction, the CPU111 determines the normal angle using the method described above (which uses spline interpolation and the like).

[0262] In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 and the specific part 40 changes depending on the position of the specific part 40 in the main scanning direction.

[0263] In this case, even if the normal angle of a specific part 40 is originally 0°, if the specific part 40 is biased towards either the third light source 83 or the fourth light source 84, the normal angle may become other than 0°.

[0264] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown above, one or both of the two output values ​​are corrected to reduce the influence of the angle, and the normal angle is determined based on the corrected two output values.

[0265] (Correction of output values)

[0266] The correction of the output value is further explained in detail.

[0267] In this embodiment, before correcting the two output values ​​mentioned above, the reading unit 12 is moved to a position relative to the white reference plate 71 (reference). Figure 1 The opposite position.

[0268] Next, a first scan image (a scan image of one work line) is obtained by illuminating each of the multiple pixels constituting the reference plate 71 with light from the lower right direction by lighting the third light source 83.

[0269] Next, a second scan image (a scan image of one work line) is obtained by illuminating each of the multiple pixels constituting the reference plate 71 with light from the lower left direction by lighting the fourth light source 84.

[0270] Next, in this embodiment, the two scanned images are converted to grayscale.

[0271] Then, two output values ​​for the same pixel are obtained from the two scanned images. In other words, two output values ​​are obtained for each of the same pixel.

[0272] More specifically, for the same pixel, both the output value output from the light receiving element 32A when light is shone from the third light source 83 and the output value output from the light receiving element 32A when light is shone from the fourth light source 84 are obtained.

[0273] Furthermore, the CPU111 generates calibration parameters based on these two output values.

[0274] Specifically, CPU111 generates correction parameters that bring the two output values ​​closer to each other.

[0275] More specifically, the CPU 111 generates the calibration parameter corresponding to each of the plurality of optical receiving elements 32A and establishes a corresponding association between the calibration parameter and the corresponding optical receiving element 32A, and then registers the calibration parameter in a memory (not shown).

[0276] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown above, when two output values ​​are obtained in each of the plurality of optical receiving elements 32A, a correction parameter registered in a corresponding association with the optical receiving element 32A is read and acquired. Moreover, the correction parameter is used to correct the two output values ​​obtained through the optical receiving element 32A.

[0277] Thus, two output values ​​can be obtained that are not affected by the angles mentioned above.

[0278] Then, CPU111 uses the method described above (using spline interpolation, etc.) to determine the normal angle (main scan direction component) based on the two corrected output values.

[0279] In addition, the normal angle was determined here by using spline interpolation and other methods based on the two corrected output values, but it is not limited to this. The normal angle can also be determined based on the ratio of the two corrected output values.

[0280] For example, when the ratio of the two corrected output values ​​is 50:50, the CPU111 determines the normal angle as 0°. Furthermore, when the ratio of the two corrected output values ​​is not 50:50, the CPU111 determines the value other than 0° as the normal angle.

[0281] (Output of tilt information)

[0282] As shown above, CPU111 acquires the components of the normal angle in the sub-scanning direction (sub-scanning direction components) and the components of the normal angle in the main scanning direction (main scanning direction components).

[0283] Next, CPU111 obtains the tangent vector Nx = (1, 0, X') of the sub-scanning direction based on the sub-scanning direction component. Furthermore, CPU111 obtains the tangent vector Ny = (0, 1, Y') of the main scanning direction based on the main scanning direction component.

[0284] Next, CPU111 calculates the cross product of the two tangent vectors, thereby obtaining the three-dimensional normal vector N.

[0285] In addition, in this embodiment, the CPU 111 also calculates the norm of the three-dimensional normal vector N and normalizes the three-dimensional normal vector N (n=N / |N|). Then, the CPU 111 adds 1 to each component of n, divides by 2, and multiplies by 255 to obtain the values ​​corresponding to each component of XYZ.

[0286] Furthermore, the CPU111 outputs the corresponding values ​​(3 values) of each XYZ component in a data format arranged in 3-values.

[0287] Therefore, in this embodiment, the tilt information is output in a data format arranged in three values. More specifically, in this embodiment, the tilt information is output in the data format used when outputting color information.

[0288] In this embodiment, as shown above, information about the color of the object being measured, namely color information, is obtained by the image reading device 1, and the color information is output from the image reading device 1 in a preset data format.

[0289] In this embodiment, the tilt information is output in the preset data format used when outputting color information.

[0290] More specifically, in this embodiment, color information is output in a data format where each RGB value is consecutively arranged into three values. In this embodiment, tilt information is also output in a format where three values ​​are arranged.

[0291] More specifically, when outputting tilt information, the tilt information is output in a format that includes three values: 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 orthogonal to both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction).

[0292] Thus, if the tilt information is output in the same data format used when outputting color information, then other computers that acquire this tilt information can display the degree of tilt of each specific part 40 in different colors without using special software.

[0293] In other words, if the tilt information is output in the same data format used when outputting color information, then the normal map can be displayed on other computers that acquire this tilt information without using special software.

[0294] More specifically, in other computers that acquire tilt information, software that visually displays the color of each pixel based on RBG values ​​can use color to display the degree of tilt of each specific part 40.

[0295] (A series of processes for lighting up)

[0296] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a series of processes for lighting up the light source set in the reading unit 12.

[0297] In the processing of this embodiment, firstly, as Figure 8 As shown in (A), with the first point light source column 16 illuminated, the reading unit 12 is moved in the sub-scanning direction. This illuminates a specific area 40 from the left side of the figure.

[0298] Next, in this embodiment, as Figure 8 As shown in (B), with the second point light source column 18 illuminated, the reading unit 12 is moved in the sub-scanning direction. This illuminates a specific area 40 from the right side of the diagram.

[0299] Thus, in this embodiment, from arrow 8X (reference) Figure 8 (A) Figure 8 (B) indicates that light is applied to a specific part 40 from multiple parts that are different from each other in one direction.

[0300] More specifically, in this embodiment, a first point light source 16A and a second point light source 18B with different positions in one direction are substantially provided. By sequentially illuminating the first point light source 16A and the second point light source 18B, light is sequentially applied to a specific part 40 from multiple parts with different positions in one direction.

[0301] Next, in this embodiment, as Figure 8 As shown in (C), with the third light source 83 illuminated, the reading unit 12 is moved in the sub-scanning direction. Thus, for example, light is irradiated from the upper side of a specific area 40 in the figure.

[0302] Next, in this embodiment, as Figure 8 As shown in (D), with the fourth light source 84 illuminated, the reading unit 12 is moved in the sub-scanning direction. Thus, for example, light is irradiated from the lower side of a specific area 40 in the figure.

[0303] If the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 are lit in sequence, light will be applied to the specific part 40 in sequence from multiple parts that are at different positions in a direction that intersects (orthogonal to) the aforementioned direction (indicated by arrow 8X) (indicated by arrow 8Y).

[0304] In this embodiment, a third light source 83 and a fourth light source 84 are provided in directions that intersect the aforementioned direction and are positioned differently from each other.

[0305] In this embodiment, the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 are lit sequentially. As a result, light is sequentially applied to a specific part 40 from multiple parts located at different positions in the intersecting direction.

[0306] Through the above lighting process, in this embodiment, a specific part 40 is illuminated by light from four different directions.

[0307] Then, in this embodiment, as explained above, the sub-scanning direction component and the main scanning direction component are obtained for each specific portion 40. Furthermore, as shown above, the three-dimensional normal vector N is obtained based on the sub-scanning direction component and the main scanning direction component.

[0308] In addition, in this embodiment, the case in which the light sources are lit in the order of the first point light source column 16, the second point light source column 18, the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 is described as an example, but the lighting of the light sources is not limited to this, and they can be lit in other orders.

[0309] For example, you can first light up the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 in sequence, and then light up the first light source column 16 and the second light source column 18 in sequence.

[0310] Furthermore, after lighting one of the first point light source columns 16 and the second point light source column 18, one of the third light source column 83 and the fourth light source column 84 can be lit, then the other point light source column in the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 can be lit, and then the other light source in the third light source column 83 and the fourth light source column 84 can be lit.

[0311] Furthermore, after lighting one of the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84, one of the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 can be lit, and then the other light source in the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 can be lit, and then the other point light source in the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 can be lit.

[0312] (Another structural example)

[0313] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing another structural example of the reading unit 12.

[0314] In this structural example, a first reflector M1, as an example of a light reflecting component, is provided on the side 206 of the location where the third light source 83 is installed (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "the third location 203") and on the side opposite to the location of the fourth light source 84, across the third location 203.

[0315] The first reflector M1 reflects the light from the third light source 83 toward the support surface 11D and toward the third light source 83.

[0316] Furthermore, in this structural example, a second reflector M2, as an example of a light reflecting component, is provided on the side 207 of the location where the fourth light source 84 is installed (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "the fourth location 204") and on the side 207 opposite to the location of the third light source 83, across the fourth location 204.

[0317] The second reflector M2 reflects the light from the fourth light source 84 toward the support surface 11D and toward the fourth light source 84.

[0318] Thus, if a reflector (first reflector M1, second reflector M2) is placed to the side of the light source location, a specific area 40 that can acquire the main scanning direction component can be increased.

[0319] In this embodiment, light needs to be irradiated onto a specific portion 40 from a slightly downward angle. When the first reflector M1 and the second reflector M2 are not provided, for example, regarding the specific portion 40 located in the area indicated by symbol 9A, the main scanning direction component can be obtained.

[0320] In contrast, as in this embodiment, if a first reflector M1 and a second reflector M2 are provided, light can be irradiated from below the area indicated by the symbol 9B, and the main scanning direction component can be acquired for a specific area 40 located at the area indicated by the symbol 9B.

[0321] In addition, Figure 9 The example described is that a reflector is provided on both the side of the third light source 83 and the side of the fourth light source 84. However, it is also possible to provide a reflector on only one side of the third light source 83 and the side of the fourth light source 84.

[0322] (Another structural example)

[0323] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing another structural example of the reading unit 12.

[0324] In this structural example, multiple light sources with different positions along the main scanning direction are respectively provided in the third part 203 and the fourth part 204. In other words, in this structural example, in Figure 4 Light sources are added to the inside of the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 shown.

[0325] More specifically, in this embodiment, a first additional light source 83A is provided inside the third light source 83, and a second additional light source 84A is provided inside the fourth light source 84.

[0326] In this structural example, when light is irradiated onto a specific part 40 located on the side of the third part 203 and within the area indicated by the symbol 10A, the third light source 83 and the second additional light source 84A are lit sequentially.

[0327] Furthermore, in this structural example, when light is irradiated onto a specific portion 40 located on the side of the fourth portion 204 and within the area indicated by the symbol 10B, the fourth light source 84 and the first additional light source 83A are sequentially illuminated.

[0328] In addition, when light is shone on a specific part 40 located between the third part 203 and the fourth part 204, the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 are lit.

[0329] In this embodiment, for a specific portion 40 that is biased towards one of the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84, the angle between the light path from the other light source toward that specific portion 40 and the support surface 11D becomes smaller. If this angle is too small, the accuracy of acquiring the main scanning direction component may be reduced.

[0330] In contrast, as in this embodiment, if an additional light source located on the side opposite to the side offset from the specific part 40 is illuminated, the aforementioned reduction in angle is suppressed, thereby suppressing the reduction in the accuracy of component acquisition in the main scanning direction.

[0331] In addition, in this embodiment, the case in which additional light sources are provided at the locations of the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 is described, but it is also possible to provide an additional light source at only one of the locations of the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84.

[0332] (Another structural example)

[0333] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing another structural example of the scanner device 10. Additionally, Figure 11 It shows the origin from Figure 1 The arrow XI indicates the state of the upper surface of the scanner device 10 when observed.

[0334] In this structural example, a reading unit 12 is provided along the moving body. Figure 11 Reference component 300 (not shown in the figure) is configured in the direction of movement.

[0335] The reference component 300 is mounted on the inner surface of the device frame 14. Furthermore, in this structural example, the reference component 300 is located along the sensor 32 (reference). Figure 3 The reference component 300 is read within the reading area 32X of the main scanning direction and is read by the sensor 32.

[0336] The portion read by the sensor 32 in the reference component 300 is white.

[0337] Furthermore, when the reference component 300 is read by the sensor 32, the reference component 300 is illuminated by light from the light source array and light source provided in the reading unit 12.

[0338] More specifically, in this embodiment, as shown above, when light is applied to a specific area 40, the first point light source array 16, the second point light source array 18, the third light source 83, and the fourth light source 84 are sequentially illuminated. However, during this illumination, light is applied to the reference component 300 from the light source arrays and the light sources, respectively. Furthermore, at this time, the reflected light from the reference component 300 is directed towards the sensor 32.

[0339] The reference component 300 is used to monitor the changes in light emitted from the light source array and the light source.

[0340] In this embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, the reading unit 12 is moved multiple times, but each time it is moved, in addition to measuring the object, the reference component 300 is also read.

[0341] Furthermore, in this structural example, the output values ​​(output values ​​used to determine the normal angle) output from each optical receiving element 32A are corrected based on the reading results of the reference component 300.

[0342] Specifically, in this embodiment, based on the reading results of the reference component 300, the changes in the color or amount of light emitted from the light source array and the light source are determined, and the output values ​​output from each light receiving element 32A are corrected in a way that minimizes the impact of such changes on the reading of the specific part 40.

[0343] Therefore, the variation of the output value based on the position of the reading unit 12 in the sub-scanning direction is suppressed, thereby suppressing the reduction in the acquisition accuracy of the sub-scanning direction component or the main scanning direction component caused by the variation.

[0344] [Second Implementation]

[0345] Figure 12 (A) ~ Figure 12 (D) is a diagram showing the flow of the basic processing in the second embodiment.

[0346] In this embodiment, the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 are not provided.

[0347] In this embodiment, such as Figure 12As shown in (A), with one point light source 98 included in the first point light source column 16 lit, the reading unit 12 is moved in the sub-scanning direction in the same manner as described above.

[0348] Therefore, as Figure 12 As shown in (A), light is irradiated onto the specific part 40 from the upper left direction.

[0349] then, Figure 12 As shown in (B), with another light source 98 included in the first point light source column 16 illuminated, the reading unit 12 is moved in the sub-scanning direction. This causes light to illuminate the specific part 40 from the lower left direction.

[0350] Next, as Figure 12 As shown in (C), with one point light source 98 included in the second point light source column 18 illuminated, the reading unit 12 is moved in the sub-scanning direction. This causes light to illuminate the specific part 40 from the upper right direction.

[0351] Here, when comparing the positions in the main scanning direction, the aforementioned one point light source 98 included in the first point light source column 16 (by...) Figure 12 The position of the point light source 98 represented by the symbol 12A of (A) is consistent with the position of the one point light source 98 contained in the second point light source column 18.

[0352] Next, as Figure 12 As shown in (D), with another light source 98 included in the second point light source column 18 illuminated, the reading unit 12 is moved in the sub-scanning direction. This causes light to illuminate the specific part 40 from the lower right direction.

[0353] Here, when comparing the positions in the main scanning direction, the other light source 98 included in the first point light source column 16 ((by...) Figure 12 The position of the point light source 98 represented by the symbol 12B of (B) is consistent with the position of the other light source 98 contained in the second point light source column 18.

[0354] Furthermore, when light is irradiated onto a specific part 40 from the point light source 98 included in the first point light source row 16 and the second point light source row 18, if total internal reflection is likely to occur within each of the first point light source row 16 and the second point light source row 18, it is not easy to irradiate the specific part 40 with light from the oblique direction as described above.

[0355] Specifically, if total internal reflection is likely to occur within the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 respectively, then the light is mainly emitted from the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 along the sub-scanning direction, thus making it difficult for light to be emitted from the oblique direction to the specific part 40.

[0356] More specifically, in each of the first point light source row 16 and the second point light source row 18, a transparent guiding member (not shown) is sometimes provided in the light path of the light from the point light source 98 toward the specific part 40 at a position opposite to the point light source 98.

[0357] If such a guiding component is provided, total internal reflection will occur on the surface of the guiding component facing the point light source 98, thus making it difficult for light to be emitted from the oblique direction towards the specific part 40.

[0358] Thus, when total internal reflection is likely to occur, for example, by removing the guiding component, adding a moth-eye membrane, or setting an LCF (light control film), it is preferable to make it less likely to cause total internal reflection.

[0359] In this embodiment, such as Figure 12 (A) Figure 12 As shown in (D), the CPU111 also sequentially illuminates one point light source 98 (hereinafter referred to as "first point light source 98A") included in the first point light source column 16 and the other light source 98 (hereinafter referred to as "second point light source 98B") included in the second point light source column 18.

[0360] Therefore, from Figure 12 (A) Figure 12 The symbol 12X of (D) indicates that multiple parts with different positions in one direction are irradiated with light on a specific part 40 in sequence.

[0361] In this embodiment, "one direction" refers to the direction that intersects the sub-scanning direction and the main scanning direction.

[0362] Furthermore, the CPU111 sequentially illuminates the other light source 98 (hereinafter referred to as "the third light source 98C") included in the first light source column 16 and the one light source 98 (hereinafter referred to as "the fourth light source 98D") included in the second light source column 18.

[0363] Therefore, light is sequentially applied to a specific part 40 from multiple parts located at different positions in directions intersecting with the aforementioned direction.

[0364] The positions of the first point light source 98A included in the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source 98B included in the second point light source column 18 are different in the main scanning direction.

[0365] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the main scanning direction, the third point light source 98C is located closer to the second point light source 98B than the first point light source 98A. Also, in the main scanning direction, the fourth point light source 98D is located closer to the first point light source 98A than the second point light source 98B.

[0366] In this embodiment, the CPU 111 sequentially illuminates the first point light source 98A and the second point light source 98B, and sequentially illuminates the specific part 40 from multiple parts that are at different positions in one direction.

[0367] Furthermore, the CPU111 sequentially illuminates the third point light source 98C, which is located closer to the second point light source 98B than the first point light source 98A, and the fourth point light source 98D, which is located closer to the first point light source 98A than the second point light source 98B, and sequentially illuminates the specific part 40 with light from multiple parts located at different positions in a direction intersecting with a direction.

[0368] Therefore, in this case, light from four directions is also applied to a specific part 40, and similarly as described above, two sets of two output values ​​are obtained.

[0369] Furthermore, in this case, similarly as described above, components equivalent to the sub-scanning direction components are acquired based on the two output values ​​of the first group, and components equivalent to the main scanning direction components are acquired based on the two output values ​​of the second group.

[0370] exist Figure 12 In the basic processing shown, the case where only one point light source 98 is lit when the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 are lit once is explained.

[0371] From an efficiency point of view, for example, it is more preferable to illuminate multiple point light sources 98 in each of the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18.

[0372] Specifically, for example, such as Figure 13 (A) of the diagram representing the illuminated state of another point of the light source. Figure 13 (B) and Figure 14 (Diagram showing the lighting state of another point of the light source) of (C), Figure 14 As shown in (D), when the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 are lit respectively, it is preferable to light up multiple point light sources 98.

[0373] exist Figure 13 , Figure 14 In the example shown, multiple specific locations 40 are defined.

[0374] like Figure 13As shown in (A), the plurality of specific parts 40 are set in such a way that their positions are different from each other in the main scanning direction.

[0375] In this case, during the first lighting up, such as Figure 13 As shown in (A), the CPU 111 illuminates every other point light source 98 included in the first point light source column 16. Thus, in this case, light is irradiated onto each specific part 40 from the upper left or lower left direction.

[0376] Then, during the second lighting up, as... Figure 13 As shown in (B), the CPU111 illuminates a point light source 98 that is different from the point light source 98 illuminated during the first illumination in every other point light source column 16.

[0377] More specifically, in this case, CPU111 illuminates the point light source 98 located between the point light sources 98 illuminated during the first illumination.

[0378] Therefore, in this case, light is irradiated onto each specific part 40 from the upper left or lower left direction. More specifically, in this case, light is irradiated onto the specific part 40 from the upper left or lower left direction, and from a direction different from the irradiation direction during the first illumination.

[0379] Next, CPU111 powers on for the third time. During this third power-on, as... Figure 14 As shown in (C), every other point light source 98 contained in the second point light source column 18 is illuminated. Thus, in this case, light is irradiated onto each specific part 40 from the upper right or lower right direction.

[0380] Next, CPU111 powers on for the fourth time. During this fourth power-on, as... Figure 14 As shown in (D), every other point light source 98 is different from the point light source 98 lit during the third lighting. More specifically, in this case, the CPU 111 lights up the point light source 98 located between the point light sources 98 lit during the third lighting.

[0381] Therefore, in this case, light is irradiated onto each specific part 40 from the upper right or lower right direction. More specifically, in this case, light is irradiated onto the specific part 40 from the upper right or lower right direction, and from a direction different from the direction of illumination during the third lighting.

[0382] Therefore, in this irradiation example, each specific part 40 is also irradiated with light from four directions.

[0383] exist Figure 13 , Figure 14 In the example shown, such as Figure 13 (A) Figure 14 As shown in (D), the multiple point light sources 98 included in the first point light source column 16 and the multiple point light sources 98 included in the second point light source column 18 are also lit in sequence, and each of the multiple specific parts 40 is illuminated by light from multiple parts located at different positions in one direction (indicated by arrow 13X).

[0384] Here, "one direction" refers to the direction that intersects with the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

[0385] Furthermore, in Figure 13 , Figure 14 In the example shown, such as Figure 13 (B) Figure 14 As shown in (C), the lighting of multiple other point light sources 98 that are different from the multiple point light sources 98 included in the first point light source column 16 and multiple other point light sources 98 that are different from the multiple point light sources 98 included in the second point light source column 18 are performed sequentially.

[0386] Thus, light is irradiated onto each of the plurality of specific parts 40 from the plurality of parts located at different positions in a direction intersecting the aforementioned direction.

[0387] Therefore, in this case, light is also irradiated from four directions onto each of the multiple specific parts 40.

[0388] In addition, after the above four lighting of the light source, when there are still specific parts 40 that have not been illuminated by light from the four directions, the unlit point light source 98 is further lit, and each of the unlit specific parts 40 is illuminated by light from the four directions.

[0389] However, due to the positional relationship between the specific part 40 and the two point light sources 98 that illuminate the specific part 40, for example, because the specific part 40 is not located on the line connecting the two point light sources 98, the situation that the two output values ​​are different from each other may occur in the same way as described above.

[0390] In other words, even if the surface 40A of a specific part 40 is in the horizontal direction, due to the positional relationship between the specific part 40 and the two point light sources 98, there may be a situation where the two output values ​​are different from each other.

[0391] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing the state when the light source and a specific part are viewed from above.

[0392] In the structure of this embodiment, as Figure 15 As shown, a specific part 40 may not be located on the line connecting the two point light sources 98.

[0393] In this case, the angle θ formed by the first orientation 17A when the first point light source 98A is observed from the vertical line 17E and the second orientation 17B when the second point light source 98B is observed from the vertical line 17E is more than 180°.

[0394] More specifically, when considering a support surface 11D (reference) Figure 3 When the perpendicular line 17E passes through the perpendicular line 17E of the specific part 40, the angle θ formed by the orientation 17A when the first point light source 98A is observed from the perpendicular line 17E and the orientation 17B when the second point light source 98B is observed from the perpendicular line 17E is other than 180°.

[0395] Furthermore, in this case, similarly, the angle formed by the orientation of the third point light source 98C observed from the vertical line 17E and the orientation of the fourth point light source 98D observed from the vertical line 17E also becomes more than 180°.

[0396] In this situation, it is possible for two output values ​​to be different from each other.

[0397] Therefore, in this case, for example, as described above, it is preferable to correct two output values.

[0398] That is, when the angle θ between the orientation of the first point light source 98A observed from the vertical line 17E and the orientation of the second point light source 98B observed from the vertical line 17E is more than 180°, it is preferable to correct the two output values ​​output from the light receiving element 32A.

[0399] Similarly, when the angle between the orientation of the third point light source 98C observed from the vertical line 17E and the orientation of the fourth point light source 98D observed from the vertical line 17E is more than 180°, it is preferable to correct the two output values ​​output from the light receiving element 32A.

[0400] More specifically, in this case, for example, it is preferable to establish a corresponding association between the correction parameter and each of the optical receiving elements 32A, and to use the correction parameter to correct the two output values ​​obtained through the optical receiving elements 32A.

[0401] When generating calibration parameters, similarly as described above, the output value of the light receiving element 32A is obtained when the reference plate 71 is read with the first point light source 98 illuminated. Furthermore, the output value of the light receiving element 32A is obtained when the reference plate 71 is read with the second point light source 98, located on the opposite side of the first point light source 98 across a specific portion 40, illuminated.

[0402] Furthermore, based on the two obtained output values, a correction parameter is generated to make the two output values ​​closer to each other. This correction parameter is then registered in a state that establishes a corresponding association with the optical receiving element 32A.

[0403] More specifically, in this embodiment, two sets of two output values ​​are also obtained from one light receiving element 32A. In this embodiment, a correction parameter is generated based on the two output values ​​of the first set when the reference plate 71 is read, and the correction parameter is associated with the two point light sources 98 that are lit when the light receiving element 32A and the two output values ​​are obtained.

[0404] Furthermore, a correction parameter is generated based on the two output values ​​of the second group when the reference plate 71 is read, and the correction parameter is associated with the two point light sources 98 that are lit when the light receiving element 32A and the two output values ​​are obtained.

[0405] [Third Implementation]

[0406] Figure 16 (A) Figure 16 (B) is a diagram showing the lighting process of the light source in the third embodiment. Furthermore, in this third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 are not provided.

[0407] Furthermore, in Figure 16 (A) Figure 16 (B) shows the state where one point light source 98 is lit, but in this embodiment, when the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 are lit, all the point light sources 98 contained in the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 are lit.

[0408] Therefore, in this case, each of the plurality of specific portions 40 arranged along the main scanning direction is illuminated with light along the sub-scanning direction. In other words, in Figure 16 In the image, only one specific region 40 is shown, but in reality, light is irradiated along the sub-scanning direction for each of the multiple specific regions 40.

[0409] In this embodiment, such as Figure 16 As shown in (A), with the first point light source column 16 illuminated, the CPU 111 moves the reading unit 12. Then, as... Figure 16 As shown in (B), when the second point light source column 18 is lit, the CPU 111 moves the reading unit 12.

[0410] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the CPU111 acquires the sub-scanning direction component for each of the specific portions 40 using the method described above.

[0411] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 16 (A) Figure 16 As shown in (B), a light guiding component 500 is provided between the first point light source column 16 and the specific part 40 and between the second point light source column 18 and the specific part 40.

[0412] The light guiding component 500 guides light in such a way that only the component of light emitted from the first point light source column 16 or the second point light source column 18 along the sub-scanning direction is directed toward a specific part 40.

[0413] Thus, if a light guiding component 500 is provided, light with components along the main scanning direction becomes less likely to be directed toward a specific part 40, thereby improving the acquisition accuracy of components in the sub-scanning direction.

[0414] The light guiding component 500 may be composed of, for example, an LCF (Light Control Film) or a Fresnel lens with curvature on both sides. Alternatively, the light guiding component 500 is not essential and may be omitted.

[0415] Figure 17 From Figure 1 The diagram shows the object being measured on support surface 11D when the direction indicated by arrow XVII is observed.

[0416] If a sub-scanning direction component is acquired for each of the specific parts 40, the CPU 111 acquires height information about each specific part 40 based on the acquired sub-scanning direction component.

[0417] More specifically, such as Figure 17 As shown, the CPU111 obtains height information about each of the specific parts 40 contained in each column R arranged along the sub-scanning direction according to a plurality of specific parts 40.

[0418] More specifically, the CPU111 obtains height information about each specific part 40 contained in each column R according to the sub-scan direction component obtained for each specific part 40.

[0419] More specifically, in Figure 17 The display shows columns R1, R2, and R3, but for each column R, information about the height of each specific part 40 contained in each column is obtained.

[0420] Figure 18 It indicates from Figure 17 The arrow XVIII indicates the direction of observation of the height of each specific part 40 when looking at column 1 R1 and column 2 R2.

[0421] In this embodiment, as shown by symbol 18A in the figure, information about the tilt of each specific part 40 is obtained. More specifically, in this embodiment, as information about the tilt of each specific part 40, the sub-scanning direction component is obtained.

[0422] In this embodiment, the CPU 111 uses the sub-scanning direction component to determine the height of each part (each specific part 40) of the surface constituting the object to be measured.

[0423] Specifically, as indicated by symbol 18B, when the direction determined by the sub-scanning direction component with respect to a certain specific region 40 is oriented towards the upper left direction, the CPU 111 grasps that the specific region 40 adjacent to that specific region 40 (hereinafter referred to as "left adjacent region 40E") becomes higher than the left adjacent region 40E.

[0424] Furthermore, in this case, the CPU111 determines the tilt angle of the left adjacent part 40E based on the sub-scanning direction component, and determines the specific height of the right adjacent part 40F based on the tilt angle.

[0425] More specifically, the CPU 111 determines the tilt angle of the left adjacent region 40E based on the sub-scanning direction component, and determines the height difference between the left adjacent region 40E and the right adjacent region 40F based on this tilt angle. Furthermore, the CPU 111 adds this height difference to the height of the left adjacent region 40E, and determines the specific height of the right adjacent region 40F.

[0426] CPU111, according to each column R of R, from in Figure 17 The process is performed sequentially on the leftmost specific part 40 (specific part 40 located in "position 1") facing right, and the height information of each specific part 40 is obtained.

[0427] In other words, the CPU111 grasps the height of each specific part 40 from the left end of each column R towards the right along each column R in the sub-scanning direction.

[0428] More specifically, the CPU111 performs integration processing on each column R arranged along the sub-scanning direction according to the tilt information of the specific part 40, and sequentially obtains the height information of each specific part 40 contained in each column.

[0429] More specifically, CPU 111, for example, measures the side edge 600 of the object (reference). Figure 17 The part is set as the reference for the height, and the height of the reference is set to 0 for example.

[0430] Furthermore, using this 0 as a reference, the CPU111 acquires information about height for each specific part 40 arranged in a direction away from the reference, based on the sub-scanning direction component.

[0431] Furthermore, the height reference is not limited to the side edge 600, but can also be the white reference plate 71 provided at the lower part of the guide member 68 (see reference). Figure 1 Using the height as a reference, information about the height is obtained for each specific part 40 arranged in a direction away from the reference, based on the sub-scanning direction component.

[0432] When the reference plate 71 is set as the height reference, the height of the part where the reference plate 71 is set is set to 0, for example. Moreover, by sequentially adding the height difference (the height difference obtained based on the sub-scanning direction component) of each specific part 40 arranged in a direction away from the reference to this 0, information about the height of each specific part 40 is obtained.

[0433] exist Figure 18 The example shown illustrates the case of column 1, R1 (also refer to...). Figure 17 The situation is understood by measuring the height of each of the three specific parts 40, which are included in the specific part 40 located at the leftmost end and arranged to the right.

[0434] Furthermore, in Figure 18 In the example shown, the second column R2, which is located next to the first column R1 in the main scan direction (see also [reference]), is illustrated. Figure 17 The height of each of the three specific parts 40 contained in the document is determined.

[0435] Then, in this embodiment, as Figure 19 As shown in symbol 19A (a diagram illustrating the processing performed when acquiring components in the main scanning direction), the CPU 111 acquires the portion located between two specific portions 40 that are adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction (hereinafter referred to as "the portion between portions 450") based on the height of each of the two specific portions 40 that are adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction (see reference). Figure 17 Information about the slope of the surface.

[0436] In other words, the CPU 111 obtains information equivalent to the main scanning direction component for the portion 450 located between the two specific portions 40 based on the height of each of the two specific portions 40 that are adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction.

[0437] More specifically, when acquiring this information, which is equivalent to the main scanning direction component, the CPU 111 first obtains the difference in height of the two specific parts 40 that are adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction and the distance between the two specific parts 40 (the distance between them in a direction orthogonal to the height direction).

[0438] Furthermore, the CPU 111 obtains the value of the height difference divided by the distance between the parts as information about the main scan direction component of the part 450 between the parts.

[0439] Similarly, the CPU 111 also acquires information equivalent to the main scan direction component (hereinafter referred to as "main scan direction component") regarding the portion 450 between the portions located in other parts.

[0440] Moreover, for example, when it is to be by Figure 17 When the part represented by symbol 17G (an example of a specific part) is conceived as a specific part 40 for which the main scan direction component is to be acquired, the CPU 111 grasps the main scan direction component of the part 450 between the two parts located on both sides of the specific part 40 (the part 450 between the two parts represented by symbols 17E and 17F).

[0441] Furthermore, the CPU111 calculates the average value of the mastered main scan direction components (two main scan direction components) and obtains the average value as the main scan direction component of the specific part 40 represented by the symbol 17G.

[0442] In addition, here, the average value of the main scanning direction component obtained for each of the two portions 450 is set as the main scanning direction component of a specific part 40 located between the two portions 450, but the main scanning direction component of the specific part 40 is not limited to this average value.

[0443] In addition, for example, one of the main scanning direction components of each of the two parts 450 can be associated with a specific part 40, and only that one main scanning direction component can be known as the main scanning direction component of the specific part 40.

[0444] Thus, in this embodiment, the CPU 111 acquires information about the height of each part of the surface constituting the object to be measured, which is arranged in one direction, and acquires information about the height of each part in each column of the columns arranged in one direction.

[0445] Furthermore, in this embodiment, based on the height information about a portion contained in one column and the height information about another portion contained in another column, the main scanning direction component, such as the specific part 40 represented by the above symbol 17G, is obtained.

[0446] Alternatively, the height of each specific region 40 can be corrected using methods such as least squares to set the height of each specific region 40 to a height with less error. Moreover, new sub-scanning direction components and new main scanning direction components can be obtained based on the corrected height of each specific region 40.

[0447] In this embodiment, as shown above, a main scan direction component is obtained for each specific part 40. In this case, the height of each specific part 40 can be obtained for each column along the main scan direction using the main scan direction component.

[0448] As a result, in this embodiment, two heights can be obtained for the same specific region 40. Specifically, a height based on the sub-scanning direction component and a height based on the main scanning direction component can be obtained.

[0449] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the least squares method or similar calculation process is used to minimize the difference between the two heights, and the height of the specific part 40 when the difference is minimized is calculated for each specific part 40.

[0450] Furthermore, it is configured to obtain new sub-scanning direction components and new main scanning direction components based on the height obtained for each specific part 40 (the height of the specific part 40 when the difference becomes the smallest).

[0451] Therefore, the normal angle obtained at 40° for each specific location becomes a better normal angle with higher precision.

[0452] Additionally, for example, information about the tilt of a specific part 40 located at the midpoint between the two specific parts 40 can be obtained based on the height information of each of the two specific parts 40 that are separated from each other in the main scanning direction.

[0453] More specifically, in this case, for example, such as Figure 17 As shown by symbols 17C and 17D, imagine two specific parts 40 that are separated from each other in the main scanning direction.

[0454] Furthermore, in this case, the difference in height between the two specific parts 40 can be divided by the distance between them to obtain the value obtained by the division as information about the inclination of the specific part 40 (an example of the middle part) located between the two specific parts 40, such as the specific part 40 represented by the above symbol 17G.

[0455] In addition, “the specific part 40 located in the middle position” does not mean that the specific part 40 is located at the midpoint of the line segment connecting the two specific parts 40, but rather that the specific part 40 is located between the two specific parts 40. Even if the specific part 40 does not exist at the midpoint, it is equivalent to “the specific part 40 located in the middle position”.

[0456] 〔other〕

[0457] The above mainly describes the processing for obtaining tilt information. In this case, as shown above, the tilt information is obtained after removing color information through grayscale conversion, etc.

[0458] In contrast, when acquiring the color information of the object being measured, for example, when both the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 are lit, the reading unit 12 is moved to read the object being measured.

[0459] That is, when acquiring the color information of the measured object, unlike the scan used to acquire tilt information, the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 are lit to perform the scan used to acquire color information.

[0460] More specifically, in the structure shown in the first embodiment, the third light source 83 and the fourth light source 84 are not lit, but the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 are lit, and the reading unit 12 is moved to acquire color information.

[0461] Furthermore, in the structure shown in the second embodiment, instead of only lighting up a portion of the point light sources 98, the reading unit 12 is moved to acquire color information while all the point light sources 98 included in the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 are lit up.

[0462] Furthermore, in the structure shown in the third embodiment, the reading unit 12 is moved to acquire color information while all the point light sources 98 included in the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 are lit.

[0463] If readings are performed with both the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 illuminated, the shadows cast on the object being measured can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the reduction in reading accuracy caused by the shadows.

[0464] In addition, there are no particular restrictions on the timing of reading for acquiring color information; it can be performed before or after reading for acquiring normal information.

[0465] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, four light sources are provided. In the second embodiment, control is performed to illuminate only a portion of the light sources, and light from four directions is used to irradiate a specific part 40.

[0466] However, it is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to make the light irradiation unit capable of irradiating light from two directions positioned relative to the support surface 11D (reference). Figure 3 The rotation axis is orthogonal and rotates around the center, so that light from 4 directions can irradiate a specific part 40.

[0467] Furthermore, for example, a specific part 40 can be illuminated by light from four directions by moving a light source around the rotation axis.

[0468] Furthermore, in Figure 7 In the structural example shown, the two output values ​​obtained when light is irradiated onto a specific part 40 by the third part 203 and the fourth part 204, which are located at different positions in the main scanning direction, are corrected, but the correction of the two output values ​​is not limited to this.

[0469] For example, when light is irradiated onto a specific part 40 from each of multiple parts located at different positions in the sub-scanning direction, the two obtained output values ​​can be corrected using the same method as described above.

[0470] More specifically, depending on the situation, it is also conceivable that the specific part 40 and the light receiving element 32A are arranged along the sub-scanning direction. In this case, as described above, the angle formed by the positional relationship between the specific part 40 and the light source becomes different, and thus the two output values ​​obtained may vary.

[0471] When light is applied to a specific part 40 from each of multiple parts located at different positions in the sub-scanning direction, the accuracy of acquiring the sub-scanning direction component is improved by correcting the two obtained output values.

[0472] Furthermore, when the specific portion 40 and the light receiving element 32A are arranged along the sub-scanning direction, and... Figure 9 Similarly, in the structural example shown, mirrors can also be placed on one or both sides of two light sources configured in such a way that their positions in the sub-scanning direction are different from each other.

[0473] Therefore, in this case, in the sub-scanning direction, a wider range of light from the oblique downward can be used to irradiate a specific part 40.

[0474] Furthermore, when the specific portion 40 and the light receiving element 32A are arranged along the sub-scanning direction, and... Figure 10Similarly, in the structural example shown, multiple light sources with different positions in the sub-scanning direction can be set at one or two of the setting locations of the two light sources that are staggered from each other in the sub-scanning direction.

[0475] Furthermore, such as Figure 20 (A diagram showing another structural example of the reading unit 12) As shown, in addition to the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18, a third point light source column 20 can also be provided in the reading unit 12.

[0476] The third point light source array 20 is located downstream of the specific part 40 in the moving direction of the reading unit 12, and illuminates light toward the specific part 40 located upstream.

[0477] Furthermore, the angle θ3 formed by the perpendicular line 70 and the light path R13 of the light from the third point light source array 20 toward the specific part 40 is 5°. In addition, this angle is not limited to this, and can also be about 5° to 10°.

[0478] In the image reading device 1 equipped with the reading unit 12, in addition to the movement of the reading unit 12 in the state of lighting the first point light source column 16 and the movement of the reading unit 12 in the state of lighting the second point light source column 18, the movement of the reading unit 12 in the state of lighting the third point light source column 20 is also performed.

[0479] Therefore, in this case, the above fitting is performed based on each of the five output values ​​corresponding to the five incident angles that are also added "+5°", thereby improving the accuracy of the normal angle.

[0480] In the above, the fitting was performed based on each of the four output values ​​corresponding to the four incident angles of -180°, -45°, +45°, and +180°. However, if the third point light source column 20 is also lit, the above fitting is performed based on each of the five output values, thereby improving the accuracy of the normal angle.

[0481] Furthermore, if a light source is set in the third point light source column 20 such that the angle between it and the vertical line 70 decreases, then not only can the normal map be obtained, but also the specular map can be obtained.

[0482] Furthermore, with both the first point light source column 16 and the second point light source column 18 illuminated, moving the reading unit 12 allows for the acquisition of an albedo map. Thus, all translucent components can be acquired, making it a complete apparatus for generating texture maps.

[0483] The embodiments of the present invention described above are provided for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, these embodiments do not encompass the entirety of the invention, nor do they limit the invention to the disclosed methods. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations will be readily understood. These embodiments were chosen and described to most readily explain the principles and applications of the invention. Thus, those skilled in the art can understand the invention through various modifications conceived as optimizations for specific uses of various embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the foregoing claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A measuring device comprising a light irradiation unit for irradiating a measuring object with light, a support surface for supporting the measuring object, a light receiving unit for receiving reflected light from a specific part of the measuring object, and a processor for controlling the light irradiation unit, wherein, The perpendicular line relative to the supporting surface is parallel to the optical axis of the light receiving part. The processor performs the following processing: Irradiate a specific part of the object being measured with light from multiple locations at different points along one direction; and Light is applied to the specific part of the object being measured from multiple locations that are different from each other in directions intersecting the first direction. The processor also performs the following processing: When the angle between the light from the first part, which is located at different positions in the plurality of parts, toward the specific part and the support surface is different from the angle between the light from the second part, which is located at different positions in the plurality of parts, toward the specific part and the support surface, the output value output from the light receiving unit is corrected; and / or When the angle between the light from the third portion, which is located at different positions in the intersecting directions, toward the specific portion and the support surface is different from the angle between the light from the fourth portion, which is located at different positions in the intersecting directions, and the support surface, the output value output from the light receiving unit is corrected.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, As the light illumination unit, it is provided with a first light source and a second light source whose positions are different in one direction, and a third light source and a fourth light source whose positions are different in the intersecting directions.

3. The measuring device according to claim 2, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: The first light source and the second light source are lit sequentially, and light is applied to the specific area from multiple locations at different positions along the same direction; and The third and fourth light sources are lit sequentially, and light is applied to the specific part from multiple locations at different positions along the intersecting directions.

4. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: When light is irradiated on the specific part from the portion where the angle between the first part and the second part decreases, the output value output from the light receiving unit is increased, and / or when light is irradiated on the specific part from the portion where the angle between the first part and the second part increases, the output value output from the light receiving unit is decreased. and / or When light is irradiated on the specific part from the portion where the angle between the third and fourth portions decreases, the output value output from the light receiving unit is increased, and / or when light is irradiated on the specific part from the portion where the angle between the third and fourth portions increases, the output value output from the light receiving unit is decreased.

5. The measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising: The moving body moves in the stated direction. The light irradiation unit is disposed on the moving body. A reference component is also provided, which is arranged along the direction and is used to monitor the changes in light irradiated by the light irradiation unit provided on the moving body and emitted from the light irradiation unit.

6. The measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising: A light-reflecting component is provided on the side of at least one of the first and second portions included in the plurality of portions located at different positions in the same direction, and on the side opposite to the position of the other portion, to reflect light from a light source located at that portion toward the support surface and toward the portion side, and / or A light-reflecting component is provided on the side of at least one of the third and fourth portions included in the plurality of portions located at different positions in the intersecting directions, and on the side opposite to the position of the other portion, which reflects light from a light source located at that portion toward the support surface side and toward the portion side.

7. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first and second portions, which are among the plurality of portions located at different positions in the same direction, is provided with a plurality of light sources located at different positions in the same direction, and / or At least one of the third and fourth portions, which are among the plurality of portions located at different positions in the intersecting direction, is provided with a plurality of light sources located at different positions in the intersecting direction.

8. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, As the light illumination unit, it is provided with a first point light source column and a second point light source column arranged along a common direction. The processor performs the following processing: The first point light source in the first point light source column and the second point light source in the second point light source column are lit sequentially, and light is applied to the specific part from multiple locations at different positions in the same direction. The third point light source included in the first point light source column and the fourth point light source included in the second point light source column are lit in sequence, and light is applied to the specific part from multiple parts that are located at different positions in the intersecting direction.

9. The measuring device according to claim 8, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: The first and second point light sources, which are located at different positions along the common direction, are sequentially illuminated, and light is applied to the specific area from multiple locations at different positions along the same direction. The third point light source, which is located closer to the second point light source than the first point light source, and the fourth point light source, which is located closer to the first point light source than the second point light source, are sequentially lit in the common direction, and light is applied to the specific part from multiple parts located at different points in the intersecting directions.

10. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, As the light illumination unit, it is provided with a first point light source column and a second point light source column arranged along a common direction. Multiple specific parts are defined, and these multiple specific parts are configured in a manner that differs from each other in position along the common direction. The processor performs the following processing: The multiple point light sources included in the first point light source column and the multiple point light sources included in the second point light source column are lit in sequence, and light from multiple locations with different positions in one direction is applied to each of the multiple specific parts. and The system sequentially illuminates multiple point light sources that are different from the multiple point light sources included in the first point light source column and multiple point light sources that are different from the multiple point light sources included in the second point light source column. For each of the multiple specific parts, the system illuminates multiple parts located at different positions from each other in a direction that intersects with the first direction.

11. The measuring device according to claim 8, further comprising: The processor performs the following processing: When the angle between the orientation of the first point light source observed from a perpendicular line relative to the support surface and through the specific location and the orientation of the second point light source observed from that perpendicular line is more than 180°, the output value output from the light receiving unit is corrected; and / or When the angle between the position of the third point light source observed from a perpendicular line relative to the support surface and through the specific location and the position of the fourth point light source observed from that perpendicular line is more than 180°, the output value output from the light receiving unit is corrected.

12. A recording medium storing a program executed by a computer disposed in a measuring apparatus having a light irradiation unit for irradiating a measurement object with light, a support surface supporting the measurement object, a light receiving unit for receiving reflected light from a specific part of the measurement object, and a computer for controlling the light irradiation unit, and wherein the computer is parallel to the optical axis of the light receiving unit relative to the perpendicular line of the support surface, and the program is configured to cause the computer to perform the following functions: The function of illuminating a specific part of the object being measured with light from multiple locations at different positions in one direction; and The function of illuminating a specific part of the object being measured with light from multiple locations at different positions in directions intersecting the first direction. The program is also used to cause the computer to perform the following functions: When the angle between the light from a first portion (one of the plurality of portions located at different positions in the same direction) toward the specific portion and the supporting surface is different from the angle between the light from a second portion (one of the plurality of portions) toward the specific portion and the supporting surface, the output value output from the light receiving unit is corrected; and / or When the angle between the light from the third portion, which is located at different positions in the intersecting directions, toward the specific portion and the support surface is different from the angle between the light from the fourth portion, which is located at different positions in the intersecting directions, and the support surface, the output value output from the light receiving unit is corrected.

13. An information processing method, comprising the following steps: The step of irradiating a specific part of a measurement object supported by a support surface with light from multiple parts that are different from each other in one direction; The step of irradiating a specific part of the object being measured with light from multiple locations that are different from each other in directions intersecting the first direction; as well as The step of receiving reflected light at the specific location by means of a light-receiving part provided in a direction perpendicular to the supporting surface. The information processing method further includes the following steps: When the angle between the light from the first part, which is located at different positions in the plurality of parts, toward the specific part and the support surface is different from the angle between the light from the second part, which is located at different positions in the plurality of parts, toward the specific part and the support surface, the output value output from the light receiving unit is corrected; and / or When the angle between the light from the third portion, which is located at different positions in the intersecting directions, toward the specific portion and the support surface is different from the angle between the light from the fourth portion, which is located at different positions in the intersecting directions, and the support surface, the output value output from the light receiving unit is corrected.

14. A computer program product executed by a measuring device comprising a light irradiation unit for irradiating a measurement object with light, a support surface supporting the measurement object, a light receiving unit for receiving reflected light from a specific portion of the measurement object, and a computer for controlling the light irradiation unit, wherein the computer is parallel to the optical axis of the light receiving unit relative to the perpendicular line of the support surface, and the computer is configured to perform the following functions: The function of illuminating a specific part of the object being measured with light from multiple locations at different positions in one direction; and The function of illuminating a specific part of the object being measured with light from multiple locations at different positions in directions intersecting the first direction. The computer program product is also used to cause the computer to perform the following functions: When the angle between the light from a first portion (one of the plurality of portions located at different positions in the same direction) toward the specific portion and the supporting surface is different from the angle between the light from a second portion (one of the plurality of portions) toward the specific portion and the supporting surface, the output value output from the light receiving unit is corrected; and / or When the angle between the light from the third portion, which is located at different positions in the intersecting directions, toward the specific portion and the support surface is different from the angle between the light from the fourth portion, which is located at different positions in the intersecting directions, and the support surface, the output value output from the light receiving unit is corrected.

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