Patent ID: 8477319

Claim:
A measuring apparatus for measuring a three-dimensional shape, comprising: a light source emitting light along an optical path; a contact tip that is brought into contact with an object to be measured and scans the object to be measured; a holding portion that is movable along the object to be measured; a coupling portion for coupling the contact tip to the holding portion via a flexible support member, the coupling portion having a flexible member through which passes light emitted from the light source, and a fixed member for supporting the flexible support member, with the fixed member having a light permeable region that overlaps with the optical path of the emitted light and through which the light passes; an objective lens supported by the holding portion; an optical system for condensing light provided by the light source on the contact tip via the objective lens; a photodetector for receiving backscattered light from the contact tip and detecting a position of the contact tip that is brought into contact with the object to be measured; a moving unit for moving the holding portion; and a position measuring instrument for measuring a position of the holding portion, the measuring apparatus measuring the three-dimensional shape by measuring the position of the holding portion while scanning the object to be measured with the contact tip that is brought into contact with the object to be measured, wherein the contact tip is provided with a film for reflecting the light condensed thereon.