Patent ID: 7812930
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: dividing a pattern into regions, each of the regions including a sub-pattern, wherein portions of a group of the regions each include a common sub-pattern; assigning an identifier to each of the sub-patterns; storing a matrix in a tangible computer data storage medium, each entry of the matrix corresponding to a respective one of the regions and including a respective one of the identifiers that identifies a respective one of the sub-patterns included in the respective one of the regions, wherein the entries of the matrix corresponding to the portions of the group of the regions include a same identifier; storing only one instance of the common sub-pattern in the storage; providing a plurality of buffers configured to store at least one of the sub-patterns; transferring each of the at least one of the sub-patterns from the plurality of buffers to a controller; and actuating an array of individually controllable elements with the controller in accordance with the at least one of the sub-patterns, wherein the transferring comprises transferring the at least one portion of the pattern from at least one buffer of the plurality of buffers to a different buffer of the plurality of buffers prior to transferring the at least one portion of the pattern to the controller.