Bevel-Etched Substrate Center Detection Using Multi-Point Circle Fitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing method for determining the center coordinate of a bevel-etched substrate is inaccurate and time-consuming, especially when one of the eight points selected is significantly out of range, requiring individual input of values.

Innovation Solution

A substrate processing apparatus and method that sets at least three coordinates in the bevel-etched region to calculate the center coordinates of a circle passing through these points, using multiple groups of coordinates at predetermined angles to improve accuracy and reduce calculation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If 8 points are selected to calculate the center coordinate of the bevel-etched region, then the center coordinate can be obtained, but the accuracy is degraded when any point is significantly out of range and it is time-consuming to find and input the values individually

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecenter coordinate accuracyVSAvoidtime to obtain center coordinate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects and calculates center coordinates using vision recognition technology. The inspection unit autonomously identifies the bevel-etched region, determines the inner line and outer circumferential line, and computes the center coordinate without requiring manual point selection or input, thereby eliminating time loss while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of selecting and inputting 8 points is replaced by an automated vision-based detection system. The inspection unit uses image processing to automatically identify the bevel-etched region boundaries and calculate the center coordinate, substituting human operation with automated optical-mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If 8 points are selected manually to calculate the center coordinate, then the center coordinate value can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecenter coordinate valueVSAvoidinspection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection unit autonomously performs the entire center coordinate calculation process without human intervention. It automatically detects the bevel-etched region, identifies the inner line, determines inspection coordinates, and calculates the center coordinate, thereby significantly improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous automated inspection where the vision system continuously captures images and the inspection unit continuously processes data to determine center coordinates. This eliminates the discontinuous manual operation of selecting and inputting points, thereby improving inspection efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If the vision system calculates the center coordinate using 8 points with individual input, then the center coordinate can be determined, but the accuracy is degraded when points are out of range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecenter coordinate accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection unit automatically detects the bevel-etched region boundaries and determines the inner line to establish inspection coordinates. This self-service approach eliminates manual point selection errors and ensures that coordinates are always within the valid range, thereby improving both accuracy and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the detected inner line and outer circumferential line as feedback to automatically determine appropriate inspection coordinates. This feedback mechanism ensures that selected points are always within the bevel-etched region boundaries, preventing out-of-range errors and improving measurement reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the accuracy and speed of obtaining center coordinate values for bevel-etched substrates by averaging center coordinates calculated from multiple groups of inspection points, thereby improving the precision and efficiency of the process.

Implementation Method 1

the vision system sets 8 points in the inner area of the bevel-etched region, calculates the center value of each of the two points facing the center of the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVision system detection: Image Processing

Implementation Method 2

calculating center coordinates of a circle passing through the set at least three inspection coordinates as center coordinates of the bevel-etched region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric calculation: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP4456119A1Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 PSK INC
  • EP4456119A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4456119A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4456119A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus and a substrate processing method that may reduce the time to obtain a center coordinate value when obtaining the center coordinate value of an edge region of a bevel-etched substrate. The substrate processing apparatus for inspecting a substrate in which a bevel-etched region is formed in an edge includes an inspection unit for setting at least three coordinates in an bevel-etched region of the substrate as inspection coordinates, and calculating center coordinates of a circle passing through the set at least three inspection coordinates as center coordinates of the bevel-etched region.