By Alignment In Lateral Direction Patents (Class 356/399)
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Patent number: 12259661Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an overlay mark, an overlay marking method and an overlay measuring method. The overlay marking method includes at least: preparing a first material layer; preparing a first mark group on the first material layer, and the first mark group is a centrally symmetrical pattern; preparing a second material layer on the first material layer; preparing a second mark group corresponding to the first mark group on the second material layer, and the second mark group is a centrally symmetrical pattern; centers of symmetry of the second mark group and the first mark group are located on the same vertical line; preparing a third material layer on the second material layer; preparing a third mark group corresponding to the first mark group and the second mark group on the third material layer, and the third mark group is a centrally symmetrical pattern.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2021Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: NEXCHIP SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Kuotung Yang, Hui Liu, Ke Yuan
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Patent number: 12235187Abstract: A transportable vehicle enclosure for inspecting vehicles is formed as a mono-block suitable for loading onto a transporter and unloading from a transporter. The enclosure includes side, front, rear, ceiling and floor portions, at least one of the portions being configured to allow vehicular assess whereby, in use, a vehicle maybe placed within the enclosure. The enclosure further includes a plurality of cameras integrated into or on a plurality of proportions for imaging each side of the vehicle when a vehicle is located in the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Inventor: David John Utting
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Patent number: 12208578Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to recoater systems for use with additive manufacturing systems. A recoater assembly may be adjustable along multiple degrees of freedom relative to a build surface, which may allow for adjustment of a spacing between the recoater assembly and the build surface and/or an orientation of the recoater assembly relative to an orientation of the build surface. In some embodiments, the recoater assembly may be supported by four support columns extending above the build surface, and attachments between the recoater assembly and the support columns may be independently adjustable to adjust the recoater relative to the build surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2023Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: VulcanForms Inc.Inventor: Matthew Sweetland
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Patent number: 12206964Abstract: The present invention provides a TOF camera module and a projection module thereof, and an electronic device, wherein the TOF camera module comprises a projection module and a receiving module, wherein the projection unit of the projection module is controlled by the driver chip to project detection light, and wherein the receiving module is disposed adjacent to the projection module, the receiving module receives reflected light of the detection light, and obtains depth information of an illuminated object based on the reflected light. The projection module comprises a transmitting circuit board, a support, an optical element, at least one projection unit and at least one driver chip, wherein the driver chip is conductively connected to the transmitting circuit board, and the driver chip controls the projection unit through the transmitting circuit board, and wherein the driver chip and the projection unit are located on the same side of the transmitting circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2020Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: NINGBO SUNNY OPOTECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Hangang Wei, Feifan Chen
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Patent number: 12189302Abstract: A method, involving determining a first distribution of a first parameter associated with an error or residual in performing a device manufacturing process; determining a second distribution of a second parameter associated with an error or residual in performing the device manufacturing process; and determining a distribution of a parameter of interest associated with the device manufacturing process using a function operating on the first and second distributions. The function may include a correlation.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2022Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Wim Tjibbo Tel, Bart Peter Bert Segers, Everhardus Cornelis Mos, Emil Peter Schmitt-Weaver, Yichen Zhang, Petrus Gerardus Van Rhee, Xing Lan Liu, Maria Kilitziraki, Reiner Maria Jungblut, Hyunwoo Yu
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Patent number: 12181802Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate including a cell region and a scribe lane surrounding the cell region, a first overlay pattern structure, which is on the scribe lane and includes first sub-patterns extending in a first direction parallel to an upper surface of the substrate, second sub-patterns extending in a second direction parallel to the upper surface of the substrate, a first outer fence surrounding the first sub-patterns and the second sub-patterns in a plan view and defining a first overlay pattern region, and a first inner fence in the first overlay pattern region and between the first sub-patterns and the second sub-patterns, and a lower structure in the cell region and on the scribe lane and between the first sub-patterns, the second sub-patterns, the first outer fence, and the first inner fence.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2022Date of Patent: December 31, 2024Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Minchul Han
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Patent number: 12174009Abstract: A method for extending scatterometry measurements of periodic structures created on a substrate into the deep UV and soft X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum is presented. The method comprises measuring the scattering of a high harmonic generated (HHG) beam, which is created by a driving laser, that is scattered from the structures on the substrate. The scattered HHG beam is measured by a spectrometer or a detector sensitive to HHG radiation. Also presented is a system for carrying out the method.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2019Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: B.G. NEGEV TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS LTD., AT BEN-GURION UNIVERSITYInventor: Evgeny Frumker
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Patent number: 12140411Abstract: A standard for calibrating a coordinate measuring machine includes a main body with a permanent calibration structure. The calibration structure includes a first arrangement. The first arrangement is configured in such a way that three axes of a projection of the first arrangement on a plane, the axes intersecting at a common point, each run over an identically configured first portion. The first portions are each delimited by the common point on one side. The identically configured first portions each have n zones. Directly adjacent zones differ in one optical property. In various implementations, n is greater than or equal to 3.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2019Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbHInventors: Volker Greifzu, Uwe Holz, Nils Haverkamp, Ulrike Zeiser
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Patent number: 12140876Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a first structure supported by a vibration reduction mechanism, a drive mechanism supported by the first structure and configured to drive an object to be processed, a second structure supported by the first structure and facing the object, an actuator configured to apply a force to the first structure, a sensor configured to detect a vibration of the second structure, and a controller configured to feedforward-control the actuator based on feedforward control information so as to reduce vibrations of the first structure and the second structure. The feedforward control information includes first control information determined in advance based on an output from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2022Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Tsutomu Terao
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Patent number: 12107068Abstract: A manufacturing method is provided, which includes processing at least one of a plurality of substrates; stacking the plurality of substrates to manufacture a stacked substrate; and correcting, in the processing, a part of an amount of positional misalignment that is generated among a plurality of substrates in the stacking and correcting, in the stacking, at least a part of the remainder of the amount of positional misalignment.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2020Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Hajime Mitsuishi, Isao Sugaya
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Patent number: 12094183Abstract: A geometric pattern matching method and a device for performing the method includes determining, by a geometric pattern matching device, information on reference geometric pattern contour points for a learning object on a learning image. The method can further include determining, by the geometric pattern matching device, information on detection object contour points for a detection object on a detection image, and performing, by the geometric pattern matching device, geometric pattern matching between the learning object and the detection object on the basis of the information on the reference geometric pattern contour points and the information on the detection object contour points.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2022Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: FOURTH LOGIC INCORPORATEDInventors: Jong Hyun Song, Kang Cho
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Patent number: 12078504Abstract: A system for guiding a driver of a tractor trailer truck entering a loading bay includes a display screen disposed on the driver side of the loading bay and angled to remain in continuous uninterrupted view of the driver as the truck is entering the loading bay. A front sensor is disposed to a first side of the loading bay, and a rear sensor spaced apart from the front sensor is disposed along the same side of the loading bay. A controller is connected electrically to the front sensor, the rear sensor, and the display screen. A camera has a field of view aimed between the front sensor and the rear sensor where the loading hatch of the transport tank will be disposed when the transport tank is aligned in the loading bay for taking on cargo.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2021Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: Sam Carbis Asset Management, LLCInventors: Ellie H. MacDonald, Michael Urban, III, Shawn C. Mizell
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Patent number: 12064842Abstract: A light module projects multiple light beams onto an installation surface to form multiple light indicia spaced apart in a pattern on the installation surface, with the light indicia identifying installation locations on the installation surface where construction mounts are then installed. Embodiments include systems in which the light module includes a light emitter that projects a source light beam and a diffractor that diffuses the source light beam into the multiple light beams, systems in which the light module is adjustably mounted to and movable with a handheld tool used to install the construction mounts, systems in which the light module is adjustably mounted to a static-use support, and methods of using these systems to install the construction mounts.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2022Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: Brand Shared Services LLCInventors: Eduardo Fernando D'Oracio De Almeida, James Egger, Amrith Singh Thakur, Lance Edward Zier, Diego Arturo Edwards Sordo
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Patent number: 12055391Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multi-frequency hybrid heterodyne laser tracker system based on a single light source. According to the laser tracking system proposed in the present disclosure, multi-frequency laser is obtained by conducting multi-acousto-optic frequency shift on a dual-longitudinal-mode laser unit, and an absolute ranging precision gauge is constructed by using a dual-longitudinal-mode interval of a light source. With the frequency shift difference of a multi-acousto-optic frequency shifter, an absolute ranging roughness gauge is constructed, and the relative displacement measurement of dual-frequency light interference is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2022Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: Harbin Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hongxing Yang, Ziqi Yin, Pengcheng Hu, Jiubin Tan
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Patent number: 12051188Abstract: A board work system includes a moving device configured to move over an XY-plane, a lighting device attached to the moving device, a monochromatic camera attached to the moving device, and an image processing device. The image processing device selects one or multiple monochromatic lights based on a target object and, when the image processing device selects one monochromatic light, the image processing device causes the lighting device and the monochromatic camera to capture a monochromatic image of the target object which is illuminated with the one monochromatic light and sets the monochromatic image of the target object as a target object inspection image. When the image processing device selects multiple monochromatic lights, the image processing device captures monochromatic images of the target object illuminated with the monochromatic lights and sets a composite image where the monochromatic images are combined as a target object inspection image.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2019Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: FUJI CORPORATIONInventors: Mitsutaka Inagaki, Hidetoshi Kawai
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Patent number: 12025924Abstract: Provided is a method of determining, out of a plurality of shot regions of a substrate, a set of sample shot regions in each of which a position of a mark is to be actually measured. The method includes setting an initial arrangement of the set of sample shot regions, and adding, to the set of sample shot regions, a shot region, among the shot regions other than the sample shot regions in the initial arrangement, in which a value indicating uncertainty of an estimate of a measurement value of a position of a mark obtained using an estimation model exceeds a predetermined threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2021Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shinichi Egashira
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Patent number: 12013634Abstract: Metrology methods and targets are provided for reducing or eliminating a difference between a device pattern position and a target pattern position while maintaining target printability, process compatibility and optical contrast—in both imaging and scatterometry metrology. Pattern placement discrepancies may be reduced by using sub-resolved assist features in the mask design which have a same periodicity (fine pitch) as the periodic structure and/or by calibrating the measurement results using PPE (pattern placement error) correction factors derived by applying learning procedures to specific calibration terms, in measurements and/or simulations. Metrology targets are disclosed with multiple periodic structures at the same layer (in addition to regular target structures), e.g., in one or two layers, which are used to calibrate and remove PPE, especially when related to asymmetric effects such as scanner aberrations, off-axis illumination and other error sources.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2022Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignee: KLA-TENCOR CORPORATIONInventors: Yoel Feler, Vladimir Levinski, Roel Gronheid, Sharon Aharon, Evgeni Gurevich, Anna Golotsvan, Mark Ghinovker
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Patent number: 12008426Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for a double-sided credit card and a method of manufacturing the same. In some embodiments, the double-sided credit card comprises a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The first side comprises a first antenna configured to transmit electronic signals to execute transactions linked to a first financial account, while the second side comprises a second antenna configured to transmit electronic signals to execute transactions linked to a second financial account. An electronic blocker layer is positioned between the first side and the second side such that the electronic signals executing transactions linked to the first financial account is blocked from interfering with the electronic signals executing transactions linked to the second financial account.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2022Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES, COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Anil B. Kelwalkar, Siva Kumar Edupuganti, James Bruce Coleman, Aditya Yallaturu
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Patent number: 11987172Abstract: Methods, systems, and non-transitory computer readable media are configured to perform operations comprising determining a plurality of predetermined situations in which lighting operation of an ego vehicle should automatically transition; determining occurrence of a predetermined situation of the plurality of predetermined situations; and causing an automatic transition in lighting operation of the ego vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2023Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: PlusAI, Inc.Inventors: Robert Joseph Dingli, Chaozhe He
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Patent number: 11980965Abstract: An additive manufacturing system includes a build platform and at least two laser heads. Each laser head includes at least one laser device, an optical sensor, and a computing device. The build platform includes a plurality of calibration marks. The laser device is configured to generate a laser beam. The laser beam is directed toward the plurality of calibration marks and the build platform. The optical sensor is configured to detect a scattering signal of the laser beam generated by reflecting off of the plurality of calibration marks and the build platform. The computing device is configured to receive the scattering signal from the optical sensor. The computing device is configured to align the laser heads such that the scattering signal aligns with the plurality of calibration marks and such that the laser heads align with each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2019Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Xiaolei Shi
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Patent number: 11960216Abstract: A pre-alignment system includes a common object lens group configured to collect diffracted beams from a patterning device, wherein the common object lens group is further configured to produce telecentricity in an object space of the pre-alignment system. The pre-alignment system also includes a multipath sensory array having at least one image lens system, wherein the at least one image lens system includes a telecentric converter lens configured to produce telecentricity in an image space of the pre-alignment system.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: ASML Holding N.V.Inventors: Lev Ryzhikov, Yuli Vladimirsky
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Patent number: 11946782Abstract: An optical position-measuring device for determining a relative position of scales includes a light source, the scales and a detector. The scales are movable relative to each other along measurement directions and disposed in different planes in crossed relation to each other, and each have a graduation having grating regions which are arranged periodically and have different optical properties. At the first scale, the illumination beam is split into sub-beams, the sub-beams subsequently impinge on the second scale and are reflected back toward the first scale, and the reflected-back sub-beams strike the first scale again, where they are recombined, so that a resulting signal beam subsequently propagates toward the detector. The measuring graduation of one or more of the scales is configured as a two-dimensional cross grating which has a filtering effect that suppresses disturbing higher diffraction orders.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBHInventor: Thomas Kaelberer
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Patent number: 11946779Abstract: This invention provides a position detection apparatus that improves the position detection accuracy. A position detection apparatus includes an absolute track in which when N is an integer of not less than 2, a recording binary sequence created based on a position detection binary sequence in which identical sequences do not exist no matter which N continuous terms are extracted is recorded, and an absolute sensor unit that reads the recording binary sequence from the absolute track, wherein a plurality of terms included in the recording binary sequence consist of two binary values, and when the two binary values are assumed to be 1 and 0, the recording binary sequence is a sequence obtained by replacing one of two values included in the position detection binary sequence with 10 and the other value in the position detection binary sequence with 01.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: DMG MORI CO., LTD.Inventor: Chihiro Murayama
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Patent number: 11914307Abstract: The invention provides an inspection apparatus for inspecting an object, the apparatus comprising: a measurement system configured to measure: —a first parameter of the object across an area of interest of the object, and —a second parameter, different from the first parameter, of the object at a plurality of locations on the object; a stage apparatus configured to position the object relative to the measurement system during a measurement of the first parameter, wherein the measurement system is configured to measure the second parameter at the plurality of different locations during the measurement of the first parameter and wherein the stage apparatus is configured to position the object relative to the measurement system based on a compliance characteristic of the stage apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Bas Johannes Petrus Roset, Johannes Hendrik Everhardus Aldegonda Muijderman, Benjamin Cunnegonda Henricus Smeets
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Patent number: 11852980Abstract: Some implementations described herein provide an exposure tool. The exposure tool includes a reticle deformation detector and one or more processors configured to obtain, via the reticle deformation detector, reticle deformation information associated with a reticle during a scanning process for scanning multiple fields of a wafer. The one or more processors determine, based on the reticle deformation information, a deformation of the reticle at multiple times during the scanning process, and perform, based on the deformation of the reticle at the multiple times, one or more adjustments of one or more components of the exposure tool during the scanning process.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Min-Cheng Wu, Ching-Ju Huang
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Patent number: 11809087Abstract: Some implementations described herein provide an exposure tool and associated methods of operation in which a scanner control system generates a scanner route for an exposure recipe such that the distance traveled by a substrate stage of the exposure tool along the scanner route is reduced and/or optimized for non-exposure fields on a semiconductor substrate. In this way, the scanner control system increases the productivity of the exposure tool, reduces processing times of the exposure tool, and increases yield in a semiconductor fabrication facility in which the exposure tool is included.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kai-Chieh Chang, Kai-Fa Ho, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu
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Patent number: 11796821Abstract: A method for providing a virtual distance of a device under test using a system including a light source, a wedge shear plate, a first detector and a second detector, wherein the wedge shear plate is disposed between the device under test and the light source, the first detector configured for receiving a first interference pattern formed as a result of the light source being disposed through and reflected by the wedge shear plate, and the second detector configured for receiving a second interference pattern formed as a result of the light source being disposed through and reflected by the wedge shear plate, the method including obtaining the first interference pattern using the first detector, obtaining the second interference pattern using the second detector and determining the virtual distance based on the first interference pattern, the second interference pattern, the light source and the wedge shear plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2023Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: MLOptic Corp.Inventors: Pengfei Wu, Wei Zhou
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Patent number: 11796317Abstract: Surface elements for the face of laser beam targets which more efficiently use the properties of light reflectance and absorption to aid a laser tool operator in accurately directing a laser's beam. The surface elements include beam alignment crosshairs and a background. A light-reflective material makes up or covers the background areas of the face not occupied by the beam alignment crosshairs, and allows the operator to better determine the direction and amount of lateral or vertical movement required for final alignment. The beam alignment crosshairs on the face of the target are formed from non-reflective, light-absorbing material that gives the beam an appearance of vanishing when precisely centered. Coupled with the light-reflective background, the light-absorbent crosshairs remedy multiple detriments from beam spread at greater distances, a weak beam, and a poorly discerned beam from bright or sunlit environments.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Inventor: Tony J. Ballew
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Patent number: 11788833Abstract: Method and system for defining basis functions for fitting distortions of profiles of objects in a batch, that has undergone a fabrication process, in a manner adaptable to the fabrication process to reduce the errors between profiles approximated with the use of such basis functions and actual object profiles. Process-specific individual basis functions are defined based on spatially-dense measurement of objects from training sub-set of the batch and applying learning algorithm to results of such measurement. Advantages of process-adaptable basis functions over generic basis functions for fitting distortion shapes of objects include higher accuracy of fitting either at larger or a fewer locations across the object.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Travis D. Bow, Henry Pang, Fardad A. Hashemi
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Patent number: 11758706Abstract: A method, a system and an archive server for determining an illumination setting for capturing an image of a component, belonging to a specific package type, in a pick-and-place machine are provided. The method comprises capturing a first image of a first component of the specific package type while the first component is illuminated by a first illumination component, and capturing a second image of the first component while the first component is illuminated by a second illumination component, the second illumination component being different from the first illumination component. An illumination setting may then be determined by creating a plurality of generated images based on the first and second image of the first component, and selecting the generated image that fulfils a predetermined quality measure.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Mycronic ABInventor: Roger Jonasson
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Patent number: 11710309Abstract: Camera or object pose calculation is described, for example, to relocalize a mobile camera (such as on a smart phone) in a known environment or to compute the pose of an object moving relative to a fixed camera. The pose information is useful for robotics, augmented reality, navigation and other applications. In various embodiments where camera pose is calculated, a trained machine learning system associates image elements from an image of a scene, with points in the scene's 3D world coordinate frame. In examples where the camera is fixed and the pose of an object is to be calculated, the trained machine learning system associates image elements from an image of the object with points in an object coordinate frame. In examples, the image elements may be noisy and incomplete and a pose inference engine calculates an accurate estimate of the pose.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Jamie Daniel Joseph Shotton, Benjamin Michael Glocker, Christopher Zach, Shahram Izadi, Antonio Criminisi, Andrew William Fitzgibbon
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Patent number: 11686688Abstract: An inspection apparatus inspecting a wafer on which a plurality of patterns are formed by a plurality of exposure shots, the inspection apparatus comprising: acquisition unit configured to acquire first information representing a positional relation between an inspection mark included in a pattern formed by a first exposure shot and an inspection mark included in a pattern formed by a second exposure shot, and second information representing a positional relation between the inspection mark included in the pattern formed by the second exposure shot and an inspection mark included in a pattern formed by a third exposure shot; and derivation unit configured to derive a linear component of an error caused by a reticle, and a linear component of an error caused by a position of a wafer, on the basis of the first information and the second information.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2020Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kosuke Asano, Hideki Ina
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Patent number: 11619886Abstract: A position measurement system including a first interferometer and a second interferometer arranged to determine a distance of the object in a first direction when the object is in a first measurement area by emitting beams onto a target surface of the object. The position measurement system further has a third interferometer and a fourth interferometer arranged to determine a distance of the object in the first direction when the object is in a second measurement area by emitting beams onto the target surface of the object. An arrangement of relative positions in a second direction of beams spots impinging on the target surface from the beams emitted by the first and second interferometers is different from an arrangement of relative positions in the second direction of beams spots impinging on the target surface from the beams emitted by the third and fourth interferometers.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2019Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Johannes Mathias Theodorus Antonius Adriaens, Carolus Johannes Catharina Schoormans, Thomas Voβ
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Patent number: 11604418Abstract: A multi-channel device and method for measuring the distortion and magnification of objective lens. The multi-channel device for measuring the distortion and magnification of objective lens comprises an illumination system, a reticle stage, a test reticle, a projection objective lens, a wafer stage and a multi-channel image plane sensor, wherein the multi-channel image plane sensor simultaneously measures the image placement shifts between actual image points and nominal image points after a plurality of object plane test marks are imaged by the projection objective lens, and calculates the distortion and magnification errors of the objective lens by fitting, which shortens the measurement time, eliminates the influence of wafer stage errors on the measurement accuracy and improves the measurement accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2021Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: Shanghai Institute of Optics And Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of SciencesInventors: Yisha Cao, Feng Tang, Xiangzhao Wang, Yang Liu, Yunjun Lu
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Patent number: 11597356Abstract: A method of controlling wash equipment in an automated vehicle wash system having a conveyor includes, measuring one or more contours of a vehicle as the vehicle moves thorough an entry area of the automated vehicle wash system on the conveyor; tracking the distance a fixed point relative to the conveyor moves; associating the one or more contours of the vehicle with the position of the fixed point; determining, based on the one or more contours of the vehicle and the position of the fixed point, commands for operating the wash equipment; delivering the commands to the wash equipment; and operating the wash equipment in accordance with the commands.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Inventor: Kevin Detrick
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Patent number: 11598789Abstract: Probe systems configured to test a device under test and methods of operating the probe systems are disclosed herein. The probe systems include an electromagnetically shielded enclosure, which defines an enclosed volume, and a temperature-controlled chuck, which defines a support surface configured to support a substrate that includes the DUT. The probe systems also include a probe assembly and an optical microscope. The probe systems further include an electromagnet and an electronically controlled positioning assembly. The electronically controlled positioning assembly includes a two-dimensional positioning stage, which is configured to selectively position a positioned assembly along a first two-dimensional positioning axis and also along a second two-dimensional positioning axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.Inventors: Martin Schindler, Stefan Kreissig, Torsten Kiel
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Patent number: 11556065Abstract: A method includes moving a wafer stage to a first station on a table body of a lithography chamber; placing a wafer on a top surface of the wafer stage; emitting a first laser beam from a first laser emitter toward a first beam splitter on a first sidewall of the wafer stage, wherein a first portion of the first laser beam is reflected by the first beam splitter to form a first reflected laser beam, and a second portion of the first laser beam transmits through the first beam splitter to form a first transmitted laser beam; calculating a position of the wafer stage on a first axis based on the first reflected laser beam; after calculating the position of the wafer, moving the wafer stage to a second station on the table body; and performing a lithography process to the wafer.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Yu-Huan Chen, Yu-Chih Huang, Ya-An Peng, Shang-Chieh Chien, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu
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Patent number: 11545442Abstract: Embodiments of a marking pattern in forming the staircase structure of a three-dimensional (3D) memory device are provided. In an example, a marking pattern for controlling a trimming rate of a photoresist trimming process includes a plurality of interleaved layers, the plurality of interleaved layers including at least two layers of different materials stacking along a vertical direction over a substrate. In some embodiments, the marking pattern also includes a central marking structure that divides the marking area into a first marking sub-area farther from a device area and a second marking sub-area closer to the device area, a first pattern density of the first marking sub-area being higher than or equal to a second pattern density of the second marking sub-area.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Lin Chen, Yunfei Liu, Meng Wang
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Patent number: 11526086Abstract: A metrology tool may include an illumination sub-system to illuminate sample within two or more acquisition fields with two or more illumination beams, where the two or more acquisition fields are distributed along a scan direction in a non-overlapping configuration, and where a translation stage translates a metrology target on the sample along the scan direction sequentially through the two or more acquisition fields. The metrology tool may further include an imaging sub-system to image the two or more acquisition fields while the sample is scanned along the scan direction. The imaging sub-system may include a field-repositioning optical relay to relay images of the two or more acquisition fields to a scanning detector including one or more pixel columns distributed along a column direction, where the field-repositioning optical relay positions the images of the two or more acquisition fields on the scanning detector along the column direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2021Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: KLA CorporationInventors: Andrew V. Hill, Amnon Manassen
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Patent number: 11511438Abstract: A carrier system and method carries an object to an object mounting member provided with an object mounting section. The system includes: a measurement device which obtains information related to a flatness of the object; a carrier member that carries the object; and a controller which controls a driving speed of the carrier member using the information related to the flatness of the object obtained by the measurement device.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2021Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventor: Hideaki Hara
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Patent number: 11506613Abstract: Provided is a fluid analysis apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The fluid analysis apparatus include an actuator provided on a part of the fluid analysis apparatus, a mounting portion on which a fluid accommodating cartridge is mounted thereon, the fluid accommodating cartridge provided with a well in which a fluid sample is accommodated, a measurement portion configured to transmit light to the fluid accommodating cartridge and detect an optical signal from the light passed through the fluid accommodating cartridge, and a controller configured to control an operation of the actuator based on the optical signal detected by the measurement portion such that the light transmitted from the measurement portion passes through a central portion of the well to perform an accurate inspection on the fluid sample.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: PRECISION BIOSENSOR INC.Inventors: Hong-Geun Kim, Hyun-Suk Kang, Jong Gun Lee, Jong Cheol Kim, Seung Woo Han
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Patent number: 11458881Abstract: An anchoring system designed to anchor a position detector on a support plane in a predetermined lateral position relative to a vehicle. The anchoring system comprises a positioning plate, which is firmly fixed on the support plane in the predetermined lateral position, a flat base, which is firmly fixed to the position detector and is designed, in use, to be laid on the positioning plate, magnetic devices, which are arranged on the flat base and on the positioning plate and are structured so as to magnetically attract one another so as to firmly anchor, though in a removable manner, the base of the position detector on the positioning plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2021Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: TEXA S.P.A.Inventor: Bruno Vianello
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Patent number: 11392044Abstract: A method, system and program for determining a position of a feature referenced to a substrate. The method includes measuring a position of the feature, receiving an intended placement of the feature and determining an estimate of a placement error based on knowledge of a relative position of a first reference feature referenced to a first layer on a substrate with respect to a second reference feature referenced to a second layer on a substrate. The updated position may be used to position the layer of the substrate having the feature, or another layer of the substrate, or another layer of another substrate.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Ralph Timotheus Huijgen, Marc Jurian Kea, Marcel Theodorus Maria Van Kessel, Masashi Ishibashi, Chi-Hsiang Fan, Hakki Ergün Cekli, Youping Zhang, Maurits Van Der Schaar, Liping Ren
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Patent number: 11385052Abstract: There is provided a surveying instrument including a tripod which is installed on an installation surface and a surveying instrument main body which is provided on the tripod and laterally rotatable around a longitudinal axis, wherein the tripod includes a reference leg has a known relationship between a lower end of the reference leg and a machine reference point which is a machine center of the surveying instrument main body, and two auxiliary legs, the reference leg is installed in such a manner that a lower end of the reference leg coincides with a reference point, wherein the surveying instrument main body calculates a position of the machine reference point with respect to the reference point based on the positional relationship between the lower end of the reference leg and the machine reference point.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: TOPCON CorporationInventors: Nobuyuki Nishita, Fumio Ohtomo
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Patent number: 11385552Abstract: An overlay metrology target (T) is formed by a lithographic process. A first image (740(0)) of the target structure is obtained using with illuminating radiation having a first angular distribution, the first image being formed using radiation diffracted in a first direction (X) and radiation diffracted in a second direction (Y). A second image (740(R)) of the target structure using illuminating radiation having a second angular illumination distribution which the same as the first angular distribution, but rotated 90 degrees. The first image and the second image can be used together so as to discriminate between radiation diffracted in the first direction and radiation diffracted in the second direction by the same part of the target structure. This discrimination allows overlay and other asymmetry-related properties to be measured independently in X and Y, even in the presence of two-dimensional structures within the same part of the target structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Martin Jacobus Johan Jak, Kaustuve Bhattacharyya
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Patent number: 11280593Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for indicating whether a target has been impacted by a projectile are disclosed. Embodiments may include a microcontroller, an impact sensor, and an impact indicator. Apparatus may include an acoustic sensor and a miss indicator. Acoustic information or impact information may be received by the sensors and sent to the microcontroller unit. A determination may be made regarding whether the target has been impacted. An indication of a hit or a miss may be made by the impact indicator based on the determination. A light redirection element, which may include a light pipe, may direct light from the impact indicator around the edge of a target to a viewer.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2020Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Nielsen-Kellerman Co.Inventors: Alex J. Sitzman, Weston D. Petersen, Garet L. Itz, Ivan Dorflinger
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Patent number: 11249030Abstract: The invention relates to a product inspection and characterization device, including conveyance means, a two-dimensional inspection region, a radiation source generating a spot light beam for partially illuminating the surface of the product, optical means for directing the light beam provided with at least one mirror to aim the spot light beam in the inspection region, optical means for directing the reflected and/or scattered light to detection means, detection means for analyzing the light scattered and/or reflected by the product and a processing unit for characterizing the product. The radiation source emitting the light beam is therefore pointed at the product by optical means directing the light beam to the two-dimensional inspection region. Another object of the present invention relates to the method for product inspection and characterization.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2017Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Multiscan Technologies, S.L.Inventors: Simon Hendrik E. Van Olmen, Álvaro Soler Esteban
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Patent number: 11182892Abstract: A misregistration metrology system and method useful in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, the multilayered semiconductor devices including a first periodic structure having a first pitch along a first axis, the first periodic structure being formed together with a first layer of the multilayered semiconductor device, a second periodic structure having a second pitch along a second axis, the second axis not being parallel to the first axis, the second periodic structure being formed together with the first layer of the multilayered semiconductor device and a third periodic structure having a third pitch along a third axis, the third axis not being parallel to the first axis and the third axis not being parallel to the second axis, the third periodic structure being formed together with a second layer of the multilayered semiconductor device, the third periodic structure and the first and second periodic structures overlying one another, the misregistration metrology system and method including generatiType: GrantFiled: September 16, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: KLA CorporationInventors: Detlef Michelsson, Yoel Feler
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Patent number: 11137232Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for indicating whether a target has been impacted by a projectile are disclosed. Embodiments may include a microcontroller, an impact sensor, and an impact indicator. Apparatus may include an acoustic sensor and a miss indicator. Acoustic information or impact information may be received by the sensors and sent to the microcontroller unit. A determination may be made regarding whether the target has been impacted. An indication of a hit or a miss may be made by the impact indicator based on the determination. A light redirection element, which may include a light pipe, may direct light from the impact indicator around the edge of a target to a viewer.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2018Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: Nielsen-Kellerman Co.Inventors: Alex J. Sitzman, Weston D. Petersen, Garet L. Itz, Ivan Dorflinger
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Patent number: 11131924Abstract: A method for forming a pattern of an imprint material on a shot region of a substrate by using a mold, includes determining a plurality of marks for alignment of the shot region and the mold, performing measurement for the alignment using the plurality of marks determined in the determining, setting an origin position of a coordinate system for acquisition of an alignment error between the shot region and the mold based on an arrangement of the plurality of marks determined in the determining, and acquiring the alignment error based on a measurement result in the measurement and the origin position determined in the setting.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2019Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroshi Sato, Hiroshi Morohoshi