Patent · US Expired

Defect inspection method

US7181060B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
3References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 20, 2002
Grant dateFeb 20, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 31, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01N23/225
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An image picked up by a detection system capable of actualizing a three-dimensional inclination is usually poor in the signal-to-noise ratio, and it is difficult to stably detect minute defects. Images that actualize a three-dimensional inclination are picked up from opposed directions. The images are subject to subtraction and addition. The images improved in signal-to-noise ratio as compared with original images are calculated. The images calculated and improved in signal-to-noise ratio respectively of a defect portion and a reference portion are compared with each other. Regions differing in comparison results are detected as defects. As a result, minute defects can be inspected stably.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.