Patent ID: 7062415
Filing Date: 2006-06-13
Classification: G05B,G06T

Abstract:
1. A method for determining outlier data points in an ordered dataset of values measured from a substrate, where the outlier data points represent potential process anomalies on the substrate the method comprising the steps of: a) selecting a subset of dataset patterns from a set of mathematical dataset patterns, b) combining the subset of dataset patterns into a composite dataset, c) comparing the composite dataset to the ordered dataset of values, d) determining a degree of correlation between the composite dataset and the ordered dataset of values, e) selectively weighting data points within the composite dataset to improve the degree of correlation, f) selectively iteratively repeating steps a through e until the degree of correlation is at least a desired value, g) selectively determining residuals for the data points within the composite dataset, h) selectively outputting as outlier data points at least one of (1) the weighted data points within the composite dataset that are weighted within a first specified range, and (2) data points within the composite dataset that have a residual within a second specified range, and i) analyzing the outlier data points for process anomalies.