Patent ID: 7702157

Claim:
A computer-implemented pattern evaluation method comprising: executing instructions, by the computer, for performing the steps of: generating first array data from edge data on a pattern to be evaluated, the edge data on the pattern to be evaluated being shape data including edge points of the pattern to be evaluated, the edge data being detected from an image acquired by an imaging device; generating second array data from edge data on a reference pattern, the edge data on the reference pattern including edge points of the reference pattern which serves as an inspection standard of the pattern to be evaluated; subjecting each component of the second array data to array conversion processing, the array conversion processing being designed to convert a value of the component of the second array data into a function value of a value of a distance from that component to the edge point closest thereto, thereby generating third array data; executing arithmetic processing between the first array data and the third array data to generate fourth array data; and using a component of the fourth array data to calculate a numerical value representative of a relation between the pattern to be evaluated and the reference pattern; wherein the function value obtained by the array conversion processing has a positive or negative sign depending on whether it is a value corresponding to the inside of an edge of the reference pattern or a value corresponding to the outside thereof.