Patent Publication Number: US-2009228217-A1

Title: Defect inspection method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2008-56170, filed Mar. 6, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated by this reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a defect inspection method used for inspecting the presence and absence of a defect of a substrate such as a semi conductor wafer and a liquid crystal glass substrate. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventionally, a substrate inspection apparatus used for inspecting a substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer and a liquid crystal glass substrate, as to whether or not a defect exists on the surface is known. Such a substrate inspection apparatus commonly performs several functions, e.g., setup of wafer design information such as setting an inspection region on the basis of a recipe, setup optical conditions when an image is picked up, obtainment of image data by means of image pick up, setup of various parameters such as threshold values to be used when defects are detected from the obtained image data, and categorization of defects resulting from the detection of defects on the basis of these conditions. 
     Meanwhile, conventional techniques that are known include, as a method for shortening time to generate a recipe to be used for a substrate inspection apparatus and a method of inspection with the optimal inspection condition in constant response to temporal changes when a substrate is inspected, as follows. 
     &lt;First Conventional Technique&gt; 
     To begin with, a first conventional technique, aiming at constantly performing an optimal inspection with a variation in a substrate inspection suppressed, is a method of calculating two threshold values using a plurality of pieces of image data (for example, refer to Laid-Open Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-118870). In specific, the method is designed to register the smallest among the first threshold values as a reference image, compare the reference image with an inspection image and designate a minimum threshold value not constituting a pseudo-defect as the second threshold value. 
     Further, the method also includes a function of updating the reference image on an as required basis. It is also designed to have another apparatus called a tuning server execute the aforementioned function, thus preventing the substrate inspection apparatus from being occupied and improving a throughput. 
     &lt;Second Conventional Technique&gt; 
     Next, a second conventional technique, aiming at shortening time of generating a recipe to be used for a substrate inspection apparatus, is a method using a function capable of categorizing defects, thereby categorizing a true defect and false reports from the data of an inspection result (for example, refer to Laid-Open Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-17159). In specific, the method is designed to automatically select a condition most suitable to the detection from among a plurality of inspection conditions using the aforementioned function of categorizing defects. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A defect inspection method according to the present invention is the method used when a substrate belonging to a new product class is inspected at a defect inspection system to which both a substrate inspection apparatus used for inspecting a defect or defects by sequentially picking up respective images of a plurality of substrates and a recipe server used for setting a recipe to be utilized for the substrate inspection apparatus are connected by way of a network, the method including: an inspection region setup process for designating at least the inspection region of a substrate as the initial setting of the recipe for the substrate belonging to a new product class, the setting performed by the recipe server in the midst of inspecting another substrate belonging to another product class; an optical condition setup process for setting an optical condition for the image pickup; a tentative inspection process for the substrate inspection apparatus obtaining image data by picking up the image of the substrate using a tentative recipe including the inspection region and optical condition which are designated by the recipe server; a recipe tuning process for generating an adjusted recipe by modifying the tentative recipe using image data obtained by the substrate inspection apparatus, the process performed by the recipe server; and a main inspection process for the substrate inspection apparatus inspecting the substrate belonging to the new product class on the basis of the adjusted recipe modified by the recipe server. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description when the accompanying drawings are referred to. 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram for describing the entirety of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a flow chart showing the flow of processing, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the processing respectively executed in a substrate inspection apparatus and a recipe server; 
         FIG. 3  is a flow chart showing the flow of the tuning process in step S 307 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart showing the flow of processing, according to a second preferred embodiment, the processing respectively executed in a substrate inspection apparatus and a recipe server; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram for describing a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed in a substrate inspection system implementing the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart for describing the flow of a defect extraction process at inspection; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram for describing another GUI displayed in a substrate inspection system implementing the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing the flow of the process for updating a rule file; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram showing a search screen used for searching for an inspection image; and 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram showing a screen for setting three kinds of inspection judgment threshold values for each defect category name in a threshold value setup for each category of defect. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First Preferred Embodiment 
     The following is a description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     Here, “inspection” is defined as a series of processes starting from picking up the image of a substrate, to extracting a defect(s) from the picked-up image, to categorizing the extracted defects. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram for describing the entirety of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the embodiment of the present invention primarily comprises three units, i.e., a substrate inspection apparatus unit, a database unit (noted as “DB” hereinafter) and a server unit. 
     The substrate inspection apparatus unit comprises substrate inspection apparatuses  1 , each of which picks up the image of one or two (or more) wafers in accordance with the purpose and performs an inspection, are arranged on a production line. The database unit comprises an apparatus DB 2 , an inspection DB 3 , and a recipe DB 4 . The server unit comprises an apparatus server  5 , an image server  6  and a recipe server  7 . 
     The substrate inspection apparatus  1  is an inspection apparatus comprising: a transport apparatus used for extracting a wafer from a transport carrier and transporting it to an inspection-use stage; an illumination apparatus used for illuminating with a line-like illumination light; an image pickup apparatus consisting of a line sensor; a control unit used for having image picked up which moving the stage and controlling each apparatus; an image processing apparatus used for processing the pickup image, extracting a defect(s) and categorizing them; an operation unit used for operating the inspection apparatus and inputting various information; and a display unit used for displaying various images. The inspection apparatus is not limited to the image pickup method in the aforementioned form, and rather may use a method employing a two-dimensional imaging element. 
     The substrate inspection apparatus is also configured in such a manner to change illumination angles and image pickup angles, both of which are angles relative to the perpendicular of a substrate surface of the illumination apparatus and image pickup apparatus, respectively, at picking up image, so that the items of image pickup such as bright field, dark field and diffraction light observations, that is, the image pickup modes can be changed. 
     Note that a wafer inspected at the substrate inspection apparatus  1  is transported by the transport carrier The transport carrier is capable of accommodating commonly 25 pieces of wafers. There are various cases in which all 25 wafers belong to the same product class and same lot, or in which all 25 wafers belong to the same product class that includes plural lots, or in which 25 wafers belong to plural product categories. 
     The apparatus DB 2  manages apparatus information that is a collection of various kinds of information obtained as a result of operating the apparatuses, such as the operating rates of the apparatuses of the substrate inspection apparatus  1 , the number of inspected substrates, the number of defective substrates, a throughput, and the like. The apparatus information of the substrate inspection apparatus  1  while it is engaged in the inspection is stored in the apparatus DB 2 . 
     The inspection DB 3 , in which the raw image that has been imaged and picked up at the substrate inspection apparatus  1  and the inspection result that has been subjected to a defect extraction process and defect-categorized are registered, manages these pieces of inspection result data of the substrates. 
     The recipe DB 4  manages the latest recipe that is generated, and updated, in the recipe server  7  (which is described later). 
     Note that a plurality of these apparatuses, i.e., the apparatus DB 2 , inspection DB 3  and recipe DB 4 , may be provided. 
     Further, the substrate inspection apparatus  1 , being connected to the apparatus DB 2 , inspection DB 3  and recipe DB 4  by way of a network, constantly downloads the latest recipe from the recipe DB 4  and carries out inspection on the basis of the recipe. 
     The apparatus server  5 , in which an application program is installed, is capable of browsing the information related to the apparatuses, the information registered in the apparatus DB 2  that is connected by way of the network. 
     The image server  6 , in which an application program is also installed, is capable of browsing the information related to inspection, such as inspection result images or defect data, which are registered in the inspection DB 3  that is connected by way of the network. 
     Likewise, the recipe server  7 , in which an application program is also installed, is capable of browsing information related to the recipe that is registered in the recipe DB 4  connected by way of the network and of registering updated recipe. Furthermore, the recipe server  7  is also connected to the inspection DB 3  by way of the network and is capable of downloading inspection result data. 
     Note that a plurality of apparatus servers  5 , image servers  6  and recipe servers  7 , respectively, may be equipped. 
     Here, the apparatus server  5 , image server  6  or recipe server  7  is capable of freely extracting data registered in the apparatus DB 2 , inspection DB 3  or recipe DB 4 . 
     Further, the apparatus server  5 , image server  6  or recipe server  7  may be substituted by a personal computer (PC) or the like, provided that a software program enabled to access the apparatus DB 2 , inspection DB 3  or recipe DB 4  is installed in the PC or the like. 
     There is a plurality of image PCs  8 , which respectively perform image processing for extracting a defect(s) if there is an instruction for a tuning (which is described later) of the recipe instructed by an inspector operating the recipe server  7 . 
     Further, a client PC 9  is connected to the apparatus server  5 , image server  6  and recipe server  7  by way of the network and accesses the apparatus DB 2 , inspection DB 3  or recipe DB 4  using the application program installed in the apparatus server  5 , image server  6  or recipe server  7 , thereby utilizing the respective piece of data information. 
     Further, a host computer (which is not shown in a drawing here) is equipped for grasping the operating situation of the substrate production equipment, the transporting situation of the substrates and the like information and transmitting information as to which category of the substrate is next transported to each substrate inspection apparatus  1  to be inspected. 
     Next is a description of the flow of processing respectively executed in the substrate inspection apparatus  1  and recipe server  7  according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a flow chart showing the flow of processing, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the processing respectively executed in a substrate inspection apparatus and a recipe server. 
     The premise here is that the present flow chart is started when the substrate inspection apparatus  1  receives a notice from the host computer that a wafer in a new product class, for which a recipe is not yet generated, will be next transported to the substrate inspection apparatus  1  while a wafer in a certain product class is presently inspected in the substrate inspection apparatus  1 . Here, let it present a flow starting with: generating a tentative recipe in which the wafer design information and optical condition are specified at the recipe server  7 ; obtaining the image of the wafer at the substrate inspection apparatus  1  on the basis of the tentative recipe; carrying out a tuning in which the tentative recipe is modified on the basis of the obtained image of the wafer in the new product class; and ends with inspecting the wafer using the modified recipe generated by updating the tentative recipe. 
     First in step S 301  (i.e., an inspection region setup process) (also simply noted as “S 301 ” hereinafter), the recipe server  7  obtains the information of a region, in which the pattern of the wafer pre-stored in the recipe DB 4  is formed, as the design information of the wafer that is the target of the next inspection, and designates an inspection region. Further, if the design information is not pre-stored in the recipe DB 4 , the inspector is enabled to manually input it on the recipe server  7 . 
     Then, in S 302  (i.e., an optical condition setup process), the recipe server  7  sets the optical condition on the basis of the instruction of the inspector. In specific, the recipe server  7  selects an image pickup mode that is an optical condition determined by the angle with which the image of a wafer is picked up, such as bright field imaging, dark field imaging and diffraction light imaging, and also inputs, and sets, numerical values (i.e., imaging numerical values) such as an illumination angle, an imaging angle, the volume of light (noted as “light volume” hereinafter) of the illumination apparatus, the numerical values which are used when the image is picked up in each respective image pickup mode. Note that the assumption here is a plurality of setup values is set for each image pickup mode because the best value is not yet known until an image is picked up. Further, an alternative configuration may be such that, if a pre-set setup value to be used, as default value, related to the image pickup mode and imaging numerical values is stored in the recipe DB 4 , the recipe server  7  automatically reads the value and sets it in S 302 . 
     In S 303 , the recipe server  7  reads, from the recipe DB 4 , a pre-set default setup value for setting up a defect judgment threshold value (i.e., a defect detection condition) to be used when a defect(s) is detected from a picked-up image, a categorization rule to be used when the detected defects are categorized, and the like, which are stored in the recipe DB 4 , and automatically set them. Likewise the step S 301 , the inspector is also enabled to input them by operating the recipe server  7 . 
     As such, a recipe is tentatively generated, that is, a tentative recipe is generated, as the initial setup of a recipe in steps S 301 , S 302  and S 303 . The tentative recipe is transferred to the recipe DB 4  and is stored therein. Note that the sequence of S 301 , S 302  and S 303  can be set discretionarily. Here, the image pickup mode, imaging numerical value, defect judgment threshold value, and categorization rule to be used when defects are categorized are collectively called “inspection condition”. It is also possible to generate a plurality of tentative recipes of inspection conditions, and store them with the respective version numbers assigned to them, on an as required basis. 
     Then in S 304 , the substrate inspection apparatus  1  reads the tentative recipe from the recipe server  7  simultaneously with the carry-in of a wafer belonging to the new production category as the object of inspection. 
     In S 305  (i.e., a tentative inspection process), the substrate inspection apparatus  1  sets the image pickup mode and imaging numerical values, that is, the angle at the image pickup, the light volume of the illumination apparatus, and the like, using the tentative recipe and picks up the image of the wafer. Then it extracts a defect(s) from the picked-up image data. That is, the defect is extracted by means of a known proximity comparison method that is used for extracting a defect by comparing each pair of adjacent patterns of an image in which a plurality of the same feature patterns is formed. In this event, a defect or defects are detected using the defect judgment threshold value designated by the tentative recipe. Then, the defects are categorized in accordance with the categorization rule of the tentative recipe. The inspection result data including the information of the obtained image data and that of the result of defect categorization is transferred to the recipe DB 4  and inspection DB 3  every time the inspection processes starting from obtaining the image of one wafer to completing the categorization of defects. Upon completion of a series of inspection processes, the inspection for the next wafer continues. Here, even if the image data and inspection data taken in the tentative inspection process uses the tentative recipe, they are treated as a normal inspection result. 
     Note that an alternative configuration may be such that the substrate inspection apparatus  1  only picks up the image of a wafer to send the image data to the recipe server  7  at every time the image is picked up and such that the recipe server extracts defects and categorizes them. 
     Next in S 306  (i.e., a recipe tuning process), the recipe server  7  receives the inspection result data including the image data obtained by the substrate inspection apparatus  1  in S 305  and generates an adjusted recipe by tuning the tentative recipe using the image data. Here, the “tuning” points to the inspector&#39;s actions including: eliminating an unnecessary image pickup mode by judging the necessity of the image pickup mode on the basis of the obtained image data; selecting a defect judgment threshold value so as to prevent the occurrence of erroneous detection of a defect by changing the defect judgment threshold values of the image data and carrying out a defect extraction process; selecting a categorization rule by changing the categorization rules so as to prevent an erroneous categorization if there is an erroneous categorization in the display of the result of the defect categorization; carrying out a defect extraction process and a defect categorization process by actually changing parameters to judge whether or not the parameters, such as the image pickup mode, defect judgment threshold value and categorization rule, are appropriate; and determining the appropriate parameters by judging while looking at the image. 
     In the meantime, the substrate inspection apparatus  1 , while continuing the inspection on the basis of the tentative recipe that is read in S 304 , updates the tentative recipe, in S 307 , to the adjusted recipe, which has been tuned in S 306 , at the timing of changing lots belonging to the same product class of the wafer. 
     Then in S 308  (i.e., a main inspection process), the substrate inspection apparatus  1  inspects the wafer on the basis of the updated adjusted recipe. 
     Incidentally, if the inspection conditions such as image pickup modes and imaging numerical values are assigned with the numbers as several versions and have been used for the tentative inspection process of S 306 , one piece of the image data corresponding to any one of the recipe versions can be selected to carry out a tuning using the selected image data. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart showing the flow of the tuning process in step S 307 . 
     The premise here Is that a plurality of optical conditions is registered in the present recipe. That is, the optical condition includes the image pickup modes such as a bright field imaging, a dark field imaging and a diffraction light imaging, the imaging numerical values such as the illumination image, imaging angle and light volume of each image pickup mode. A plurality of conditions is set for each mode. Further premise is that the optical condition is set in the tentative recipe so that the image of the wafer is picked up at the substrate inspection apparatus  1  in accordance with the tentative recipe and so that the picked-up image data is stored in the inspection DB 3 . 
     First in S 201 , the recipe server  7  downloads the tentative recipe, which is used at the substrate inspection apparatus  1 , from the recipe DB 4  to the recipe server  7  on the basis of the instruction of the inspector. 
     In S 202 , the recipe server  7  designates the image data of the wafer, the data which is the object of tuning and which is stored in the inspection DB 3 , on the basis of the instruction of the inspector. 
     Then in S 203 , the recipe server  7  designates as to which of the image pickup modes of the optical conditions of the image data of the object wafer and an image picked up with which numerical value of the image pickup mode, on the basis of the instruction of the inspector. 
     In S 204 , the recipe server  7  changes, and sets, respective parameters of the inspection condition such as the defect judgment threshold value for extracting a defect(s) on the basis of the instruction of the inspector. 
     Then in S 205 , the recipe server  7  executes processes, such as the defect extraction process and defect categorization process, using the threshold value set in S 204  in accordance with the parameter of the inspection condition set in S 203  on the basis of the instruction of the inspector. 
     Then in S 206 , the inspector looks at the process result displayed on the display unit of the recipe server  7  to judge the appropriateness of the result of the process carried out in S 205  and, if a good result is not obtained (i.e., “no” for S 206 ), instructs the recipe server  7  so as to repeat the processes of S 204  and thereafter. In contrast, if the result of the process carried out in S 205  is good (i.e., “yes” for S 206 ), then the process proceeds to S 207 . 
     In S 207 , in order to carry out an inspection under the inspection condition of an image pickup mode that is different from the optical condition set in S 203 , the inspector judges whether or not another different inspection condition exists. If a different inspection condition exists (i.e., “yes” for S 207 ), the inspector instructs the recipe server  7  so as to repeat the steps S 203  and thereafter under the next inspection condition and, when the inspection is completed with all the inspection conditions (i.e., “no” for S 207 ), the recipe is updated in S 208 , and the process ends. 
     Then, the adjusted recipe is replaced at the timing of changing over the product lots, and the substrate inspection apparatus  1  continues the inspection. 
     The present first embodiment is configured to carry out the inspection method as described above, making it possible to execute an inspection using a tentative recipe even while the tentative recipe is being modified and picks up no particular image for the substrate inspection apparatus  1  setting the recipe and therefore a throughput of the entire system is improved and also a shift to an inspection under the optimal condition is quick. 
     Second Preferred Embodiment 
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart showing the flow of processing, according to a second preferred embodiment, the processing respectively executed in a substrate inspection apparatus and a recipe server. 
     Let it describe the flow of a process according to the second embodiment with reference to  FIG. 4 . The major difference from the process of the first embodiment is where the present embodiment is configured such that the inspector determines the imaging numerical value of an optical condition using the substrate inspection apparatus  1 . 
     The following description is mainly focused on the difference from the first embodiment. The process flow is started when the information of performing an inspection of a wafer which is a new product class and which has no set recipe is received, as in the case of the first embodiment. 
     The comprisal of the inspection system is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The processes for setting a tentative recipe in the steps S 401  through S 403  are similar to those of the first embodiment, other than that only an image pickup mode is set in the optical condition setup of S 402 . 
     Then in S 404 , when a wafer in a new product class is carried onto the substrate inspection apparatus  1 , a tentative recipe is read from the recipe server  7 . Here, the tentative recipe includes the inspection region set by the recipe server  7 , a categorization rule and the like. 
     When the inspector inputs, from the operation unit of the substrate inspection apparatus  1  by way of the recipe server  7 , imaging numerical values such as the illumination angle, the imaging angle and the light volume of illumination light, which are not set by the previous optical condition setup, in the optical condition setup of S 405 , the imaging angles, and the like, of the image pickup apparatus are changed on the basis of the set value and the image of the wafer is actually picked up. Then, a defect(s) is extracted from the picked-up image and the defects are categorized. The inspection result is displayed on the display unit of the substrate inspection apparatus  1 . The inspector judges as to which angle whose diffraction light of the order of diffraction is to be observed and, if a favorable result is riot obtained, changes the imaging numerical value and causes the substrate inspection apparatus  1  to carry out an inspection starting from picking up an image to categorizing the defects once again. The optimal imaging numerical value is determined by repeating such changes for a number of times. Likewise, the imaging numerical value is set in each image pickup mode to change the tentative recipe. Further, an image pickup mode maybe eliminated if a good inspection result cannot be obtained by picking up an image using the mode. The post-change tentative recipe is transferred to the recipe server  7 . 
     In S 406 , a tentative inspection is started using the post-change tentative recipe. 
     Although the recipe tuning process of S 407  is basically similar to that of the first embodiment, the optical condition is already tuned and therefore it is not required here. The processes that follow are similar to those of the first embodiment. 
     Related to the optical condition, the present second embodiment is configured such that the substrate inspection apparatus  1  performs an actual image pickup to determine the image pickup mode and imaging numerical value and then carry out a tentative inspection. Therefore, there is no need to carry out inspections in plural optical condition during the tentative inspection, making it possible to start a tuning early. 
     Next are descriptions of graphical user interface (GUI) and other functions, which are common to the first and second embodiments. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram for describing a GUI displayed in a substrate inspection system implementing the present invention. 
     A substrate inspection system implementing the present invention has a configuration to search for an image stored in the inspection DB 3  using the recipe server  7  and select a necessary inspection image, thereby making it possible to carry out a defect extracting inspection. 
     A select field  101  selects an inspection number for determining as to under which inspection condition an inspection is to be carried out. Information necessary for the inspection, such information as the inspection method, optical condition and defect categorization method are determined by the selected inspection number. 
     An input field  102  is a field used for an input when a large defect area size is desired to be taken by a threshold value on the low side of a defect judgment threshold value and the size is adjusted by a threshold value inputted here. Further, an input field  103  is a field for inputting a threshold value on the high side of a defect judgment threshold value so that the number of defects is varied by the inputted threshold value. 
     A select field  104  is a field used for determining whether or not the Extra region (i.e., the region other than the chip, scribe line and edges) is to be inspected, while an input field  105  is a field used for setting the defect judgment threshold value for the Extra region. 
     A select field  106  is a field used for determining whether or not the Scribe region is to be inspected, while an input field  107  is a field used for setting the defect judgment threshold value for the Scribe region. 
     A select field  108  is a field used for determining whether or not the Edge region is to be inspected, while an input field  109  is a field used for setting the defect judgment threshold value for the Edge region. 
     Further, the button of a select field  110  is used for storing the setup value inputted or selected by the input field  102 , input field  103 , select field  104 , input field  105 , select field  106 , input field  107 , select field  108  and input field  109 . The operator (i.e., the inspector) carries out the inspection while adjusting the respective parameters with these setup values, and judges the appropriateness of the result. 
     An inspection result image  111  is an inspection result image output after inspecting by pressing a select button  120  for starting the inspection, and a region  112  is a view used for determining a part, of the inspection result image  111 , to be desirably enlarged. Further, an enlargement image  113  shows the enlarged image of a part designated by the region  112 . The designating parts of the region  112  can be changed by, for example, clicking the inspection result image  111  with a mouse. 
     A table list  114  is a list of inspection images allowing a random selection of an image to be desirably inspected. 
     A test result  115  shows the respective items indicating inspection result. “Chip Count” represents the total number of chips, “Result” represents the inspection result, “Area” represents the total area size of defects, and “Defect Count” represents the total number of defects. 
     A list  116  is a list of the information of the detected defect (s), and designating the “Label” column in the list moves the region  112  to the selected defect position and the enlarged image of the defect is displayed in the enlargement image  113 . 
     A select button  117  is a button used for selecting the images displayed in the table list  114  in a lump so that the selecting of the select button  117  and the selection of the select button  120  prompt inspection of all images to be carried out. 
     In contrast, a select button  118  is a button used for unselecting the images displayed by way of the table list  114  in a lump. 
     Further, a select button  119  is a button used for bringing up a search screen for searching for an inspection image; the select button  120  is used for starting an inspection; a select button  121  is used for cancelling the inspection in its midst; and a select button  122  is used for displaying a dialog expressing an inspection condition. 
     First, designating the select button by means of a mouse click or the like in the substrate inspection system comprising such a GUI, a screen enabling the selection of an inspection image is brought up. Searching for an image to be desirably inspected and selecting it in the screen, the inspection image information is brought up as a list in the table list  114 . The information of the date, Lot ID, Wafer ID and Level (i.e., the minimum threshold value to be not detected as a defect) is displayed in the table list  114 . Further, the inspection number of the inspection condition of an image to be inspected is designated in the select field  101 . 
     Then, the threshold values used for determining a defect judgment are set by way of the input fields  102  and  103 , select field  104 , input field  105 , select field  106 , input field  107 , select field  108 , input field  109  and select button  110 . Note that the designation of un-testing respective regions can be set by way of the select fields  104 ,  160  arid  108  in an inspection related to the Extra region, Scribe region and Edge region. 
     Then, the inspection is started when the select button  120  is clicked with a mouse, or the like operation, after an inspection image is selected from the list of the table list  114 . 
     Designating the Wafer ID of each image listed in the table list  114  after the completion of the inspection brings up the inspection result image in an inspection result screen  111  and brings up an enlarged image of the region  112  in the enlargement image  113 . Note that the areas of the region  112  can also be changed by designating it on the inspection result screen  111  by clicking with a mouse or the like. Further, the Chip Count (i.e., the total number of chips), Result (i.e., the result of inspection), Area (i.e., the total area size of defect) and Defect Count (i.e., the number of defects) of the designated Wafer ID are brought up in an inspection result  115 . 
     If the inspection needs to be cancelled in the midst thereof, the designation of the select button  121  will end the inspection. 
     An appropriate defect judgment threshold value can be set by performing a pre-inspection by variously changing the defect judgment threshold value. 
     Next is a description of the outline of an actual representative defect extraction process. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow chart for describing the flow of a defect extraction process at inspection. 
     First, an image as the object of inspection (noted as “inspection object image” hereinafter) is loaded in S 601  and the process for matching between the inspection object image and a model image (i.e., a base image) is carried out in S 602 . 
     Then in S 603 , whether or not the mode to ignore an already detected defect is turned ON is judged and, if the judgment is that it is turned ON (i.e., “yes” for S 603 ), a mask image for cancelling the defect part is reconfigured in S 604 . The specific method is to obtain the inspection result of the same wafer ID by the name of the process noted in the recipe file (or in the lot ID and slot No.) from the image server  6  and eliminate the chip region, which is identified to be a defect as the inspection result, from the region of the inspection object. 
     After the master image is reconfigured in S 604 , or if the judgment of S 603  is that the mode to ignore the defect part already detected is not turned ON (i.e., “no” for S 603 ), the detection of a defect is carried out in S 605 . 
     The embodiment is configured to use the recipe server  7  to tune an inspection and update the recipe that sets the optimal inspection condition as described above, making it possible to always perform an accurate inspection and also prevent the substrate inspection apparatus  1  from being occupied, thereby enabling an improvement in the throughput. 
     Note that the present invention is not limited by the above described embodiment and rather may use a method as follows. 
     For instance, there is a case in which what kind of image is used for an inspection is not known when the inspection is carried out. In such a case, only images are obtained in a plurality of optical conditions in advance the inspection using a tentative recipe generated in a non-test mode (i.e., an Acquire mode) by using the substrate inspection apparatus  1 . Thereafter, an image picked up with an appropriate optical condition can be selected by carrying out inspections by changing threshold value using these images. 
     Next is a description of another preferred embodiment to which the present invention is applied. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram for describing another GUI displayed in a substrate inspection system implementing the present invention. 
     The substrate inspection system implementing the present invention is capable of not only updating a recipe but also updating a defect category file. As an actual usage of the substrate inspection system, there is a case of not only for extracting a defect(s), but also for categorizing the extracted defects in order to help improve the production yield. 
     A select field  401  is provided for selecting an inspection number in order to determine as to under which inspection condition an inspection is to be carried out. A select image  402  displays the image of wafer design information, and an enlargement image  403  displays the enlarged image of a wafer attached with a label identifying a deflect (noted as “defect label” hereinafter). 
     A wafer list  404  is a list of wafer images so that the designating of a Lot ID in the list by clicking it with a mouse, et cetera, causes the designated wafer image to be displayed in the enlargement image  403 . 
     A display field  405  displays a defect label and also a defect category name that is the first candidate of the defect label. Further, an input field  407  is a column enabled to define a new classification (shown as “class” in the figure) so that the input of a class name here and the designation of the button of a select button make it possible to register a new class name. 
     A select field  409  is a field used for selecting an amount of characteristic that determines the definition of a class. A select button  410  is a search button used for searching for a wafer image and displaying it in the wafer list  404 , and a defect class list  411  displays a list of defect classes is a catalog. Further, the designating of a select button  412  by clicking it with a mouse or the like operation updates a rule file. 
     Next is a description of the updating process for the rule file performed at the recipe server  7 . 
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing the flow of the process for updating a rule file. 
     First in S 801 , a recipe is downloaded onto the recipe server  7  in S 801 , and the image(s) inspected in accordance with the recipe downloaded in S 801  and the downloaded images are listed in S 802 . 
     Then in S 803 , one image as the object of inspection is selected from among a plurality of inspection image list that has been listed up in S 802  on the basis of the instruction of the operator and a defect label is selected from among the inspection result images. 
     Then in S 804 , defect category names are changed by way of the select field  406  shown in  FIG. 7 . Then in S 805 , the defect categorization rule file is updated, and in S 806 , the inspection is carried out. 
     Lastly in S 807 , while judging the result of the inspection carried out in S 806 , the tuning is repeated until the categorization that matches the purpose, and upon discovering a good condition the present process ends. 
     This operation creates a rule file capable of categorizing defects always appropriately, making it possible to generate an important material in terms of finding out the cause of a defect. 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram showing a search screen used for searching for an inspection image. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , select fields  201 ,  202 ,  203  and  204  respectively represent the product name, process name, attribute name and version number, which together constitute a recipe name. A select field  205  represents the date of inspection, while a radio button  206  is a radio button indicating either before or after the date designated by the select field  205 . A check box  207  is the check box allowing designation that the inspection result is either Pass, Fail, or it is not inspected, when an inspection image is searched for. An edit box  208  is the edit box used for entering a level (i.e., a minimum value which is not detected as a defect). A radio button  209  is the radio button used for designating whether to list up the images inspected with the recipe specified by way of the select fields  201  through  204  or to list up also the images inspected with the recipe differently specified by way of the select field  204  while likewise specified by way of the select fields  201  through  203 . A combo box  210  is the combo box used for specifying a version of the recipe. 
     A select button  211  is a button used for selecting all of check boxes  213  (described later), while a select button  212  is a button used for deselecting the selected all of the check boxes  213 . The check box  213  is a check box used for designating a Slot Number. A select button  214  is a button used for starting a search under the condition specified through select field  201  through select button  211 , while a select button  216  is a button used for cancelling the inspection. The result of carrying out a search initiated by the select button  214  is listed in a table list  217 . 
     A select button  218  is a button used for selecting all inspection images listed in the table list  217 , while a select button  219  is a button used for deselecting all of the selected. A select button  215  is a button used for loading the image for which the check box is checked (“v”), among the inspection images listed in the table list  217 . The inspection date is selected in the select field  205  and radio button  206 . An inspection result is selected in the check box  207 . A Level is specified in the edit box  208  (if nothing is entered, all levels are made to be objects), a condition is selected in the radio button  209 , and a version is selected in the combo box  210 . Then an image is loaded by the following actions, i.e., selecting a slot number from the check box  213 , clicking the search button of the select button  214 , selecting the necessary number of the inspection images displayed in the table list  217 , and clicking the button of the select button  215 . 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram showing a screen for setting three kinds of inspection judgment threshold values for each defect category name in a threshold value setup for each category of defect. 
     An area  301  represents defect category names; an area  302  the number of defects; an area  303  the area size of defects; and an area  304  the number of defective chips. Threshold values for the areas  302  and  303  are set for each defect category name of the area  301 . 
     While each preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described thus far with reference to the accompanying drawings, it shall be clear that the substrate inspection apparatus and the recipe server, to both of which the present invention is applied, are not limited to the above described individual embodiments, and may rather alternatively be configured as the respective singular apparatuses, or individual systems or integrated apparatuses constituted by a plurality of apparatuses, or individual systems in which the processing is carried out by way of a network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), et cetera, provided that the respective functions of the substrate inspection apparatus and recipe server are attained. 
     That is, the present invention may be embodied in various configurations and forms, which are possible within the scope and spirit of the present invention, in lieu of being limited to the individual preferred embodiments described above. 
     The present invention is contrived to perform the update of a recipe, the update carried out by a recipe server that is connected to a substrate inspection apparatus in the midst of the process of inspecting a substrate, the process performed by the substrate inspection apparatus, and thereby it is possible to increase the throughput of the entirety of an inspection process produced by the substrate inspection apparatus and also carry out appropriate inspection continuously.