Shape detection apparatus

A shape detection apparatus for detecting the shape of an object (Ob) comprising:

• a digital image signal producing means (1) for producing a digital image signal (Sv) indicative of an object image (Sc1) of the object (Ob);
• an approximate position detecting means (33 and 11) for producing a designated scanning window (Sc2) configured in a shape having an outline conforming to the outline of object (Ob);
• an edge point detecting means (12) for defining a plurality of sampling line windows (4 and 14) having a predetermined length (L), each sampling line window being provided to intersect the outline of the designated scanning window (Sc2) at a center point (15a-15h) of the sampling line window for detecting the image density and determining edge points (17, 18, 19, 25) of the object (Ob);
• and
• an object detection means (11, 13) for detecting the shape of the object (Ob) by scanning the digital image signal (Sv) to compare the object image (Sc1) with the designated scanning window (Sc2) and to produce a first position signal (Sc3), indicative of the position of the object (Ob) and a second position signal (Sc4) indicative of said determined edge points (17, 18, 19, 25), when a predetermined number of the center points (15a-15h) coincide with the edge points (17, 18, 19, 25).