Patent ID: 8578619
Filing Date: 2013-11-12
Classification: G01B,G01M

Abstract:
1. A shape measuring apparatus for measuring a shape of a measured object by scanning a contact type probe along the surface of the measured object while keeping the contact type probe in contact with the measured object and measuring a position of the contact type probe, the shape measuring apparatus comprising: a probe supporting unit configured to be movable in a three-dimensional direction; a contact type probe configured to be supported elastically with respect to the probe supporting unit; a measuring unit configured to measure the position and orientation of the contact type probe; and a calculation unit configured to calculate a contact force received by the contact type probe from the measured object based on a measured position and orientation of the contact type probe, wherein the probe supporting unit is configured, when a component force containing a component in a moving direction of the probe supporting unit of the contact force exceeds a predetermined threshold, to be driven in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the probe supporting unit to move the contact type probe.