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Abstract

With three-dimensional detecting method and a three-dimensional detecting apparatus, it is possible to accurately detect a surface shape of a sample. While moving a sample, confocal images Fj (where j=1, 2, . . . , n) are taken at a plurality of heights which are different from each other in the direction of height. Based on the confocal images Fj, surface height data H(x, y) with which the quantity of light becomes maximum in the height direction are calculated on each pixel (x, y), and further, a maximum light quantity I(x, y) with the surface height data H(x, y) are calculated. For each pixel, the surface height data H(x, y) of a pixel under noise processing (x, y) are corrected based on surface height data H(a, b) and a maximum light quantity I(a, b) at peripheral pixels which surround the pixel under noise processing (x, y).

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First Claim