Patent ID: 6097483
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An image detection apparatus comprising:a) a tilt stage capable of holding an object and inclining a surface of the object;b) an illumination system designed so as to illuminate the surface with light;c) a detection optical system to form an image of the surface;d) a photoelectric detector, that photoelectrically detects said image;e) an inclination detection apparatus in communication with said tilt stage, designed to detect said inclination and to provide an output signal corresponding to said inclination;f) an image distortion correction unit, electrically connected to said photoelectric detector and said inclination detection apparatus, designed so as to substantially eliminate said amount of distortion in said image and form a substantially distortion-free image; andg) an image processing unit, electrically connected to said image distortion correction unit, that inspects surface in said substantially distortion-free image.