Patent ID: 6865288
Filing Date: 2005-03-08
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A pattern inspection method comprising: converting an analog image signal continuously detected from a desired band-shaped inspection area on an object to be inspected, into a detection digital image signal by A/D conversion means; generating a reference digital image signal to be compared with the detection digital image signal; cutting out each of the detection digital image signal and the reference digital image signal sequentially for each of a plurality of block unit areas into which the band-shaped inspection area is segmented, based on each of the reference digital image signal and the detection digital image signal; determining candidate matching positions between the detection digital image signal and the reference digital image signal for each block unit area sequentially cut out during the cut-out process and calculating plural matching positions over the whole of the band-shaped inspection area; determining an accurate matching position between the detection digital image signal and the reference digital image signal for each block unit area based on a continuity of the block unit areas from the calculated plural matching positions over a whole of the band-shaped inspection area; and determining a defect based on image comparison by position matching between the detection digital image signal and the reference digital image signal at least for each block unit area, based on the determined accurate matching position for each block unit area.