Needle Probe Tracking Target Position Changes in Charged Particle Beam Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional charged particle beam apparatuses require complex operation to move a needle through multiple waypoints, as the start and end points for each waypoint must be designated, complicating the process.

Innovation Solution

A charged particle beam apparatus with a controller that tracks the movement of a cursor on a display screen, allowing the needle to be actuated to follow a target position set by the user interface, simplifying the operation by continuously updating the target position and enabling smooth movement through multiple waypoints without increasing the complexity of setting multiple target positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the start and end points are designated for each waypoint to move the needle, then the needle can be moved to multiple positions, but the operation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle movement capabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple waypoint designations into a single continuous operation. The needle probe moves sequentially through multiple waypoints without requiring the operator to designate start and end points for each individual waypoint, merging what would otherwise be multiple separate operations into one unified process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic waypoint designation where the target position is automatically updated as the needle moves. Instead of static pre-defined waypoints requiring multiple designations, the system dynamically adjusts the target position based on the needle's current movement state, allowing continuous smooth motion through multiple points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the needle is moved to track target position changes continuously, then the operability is improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoperabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the needle's position and automatically updates the target position based on the needle's movement state. This feedback loop allows the needle to track target position changes smoothly without requiring complex manual intervention for each waypoint transition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically updating the target position and controlling the needle's movement without requiring the operator to manually designate each waypoint. The controller autonomously manages the sequential movement through multiple positions, reducing the burden on the operator while maintaining smooth continuous motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution improves operability by allowing the needle to be moved smoothly and continuously to a target position, even through multiple waypoints, reducing the complexity of the operation and maintaining efficient control of the needle's movement.

Implementation Method 1

a detector configured to detect secondary charged particles emitted from the irradiation target by the irradiation with the charged particle beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSecondary charged particle emission: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The controller controls the needle actuator to move the needle to track a change of the target position that is set by the user interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFeedback control: Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9275827B2Charged particle beam apparatus having needle probe that tracks target position changes
Publication Date: 2016.03.01 HITACHI HIGH TECH ANALYSIS CORP
  • US9275827B2 patent drawing
  • US9275827B2 patent drawing
  • US9275827B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A charged particle beam apparatus includes: a charged particle beam column; a detector configured to detect secondary charged particles; an image processor; a display device; a needle arranged in an irradiation area of charged particle beam; a needle actuator; a user interface; and a controller configured to control the needle actuator to actuate the needle in accordance with a target position that is set by the user interface. The controller controls the needle actuator to move the needle to track a change of the target position that is set by the user interface.