Patent ID: 6111981
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: G06K,G06T

Abstract:
A method for processing an image in order to recognize a pattern of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) including a repetitive pattern, comprising:a step of inputting multi-value image data such as contact holes which are made through a semiconductor substrate into an image processing apparatus;a step of performing a spatial filtering with respect to said multi-valued image data of the contact holes to output a spatial filtering image for each of said contact holes;a step of performing a histogram processing with respect to said spatial filtered image to output histogram data;a step of automatically setting a slice level with respect to said histogram data;a step of performing a three-valued processing with respect to said spatial filtered image on the basis of said slice level to output a three-valued processed image;a step of alternatively performing a contraction and expansion with respect to said three-valued processed image;a step of performing a labeling with respect to said image data; anda step of detecting an entire area of a pattern of contact holes having an area which most closely approximates an area of a reference image which has been previously stored, after obtaining said area of said repetitive pattern.