Patent ID: 7440119

Claim:
A three-dimensional shape detecting device comprising: a pattern beam projection unit which outputs an optical beam, condenses the optical beam, and transforms the optical beam so as to project a plurality of pattern beams including two pattern slit beams having different angular widths, the pattern beam projection unit including a light output unit which outputs light, the pattern beam projection unit transforming the light outputted by the light output unit into a beam emitted substantially in a planar share within a prescribed angular width, deflecting part of the beam corresponding to a portion of the prescribed angular width, and thereby forming and outputting a first pattern beam lacking the part of the beam corresponding to the portion of the prescribed angular width due to the deflection and a second pattern beam being deflected with respect to the first pattern beam; an image capturing unit which captures an image of a subject onto which the pattern beams are projected, from a position a prescribed distance apart from the pattern beam projection unit; and a three-dimensional shape calculation unit which calculates positions of the pattern beams projected on the subject based on the image captured by the image capturing unit and thereby determines a three-dimensional shape of the subject.