In three-dimensional measurement where circular polarized light or
elliptical polarized light is projected as measurement light, correct
measurement results can be obtained irrespective of the difference in
intensity between primary reflected light and secondary reflected light.
A three-dimensional position measurement method includes projecting, as
the measurement light, circular polarized light or elliptical polarized
light onto an object to be measured, photoelectrically converting
reflected light from the object to obtain a first signal, allowing the
reflected light from the object to enter a quarter wavelength plate,
allowing reflected light that has passed through the quarter wavelength
plate to enter a polarizing device attenuating secondary reflected light
that is light reflected from the object twice, photoelectrically
converting reflected light that has passed through the polarizing device
to obtain a second signal, and removing secondary reflected light
components by using a difference between the first signal and the second
signal.