Patent ID: 7221788

Claim:
A method of inspecting a mask or reticle provided with a pattern to be transferred onto a semiconductor wafer, the pattern having a defect, the method which comprises the steps of: creating a plurality of logical zones and uniquely associating each of the logical zones with a surface area of the pattern such that each of the plurality of logical zones represents a different defect sensitivity according to structural features of the pattern within the surface area; associating an inspection rule representing a characteristic sensitivity for detecting a defect with each of the logical zones; recording an image of the pattern to form a recorded image; comparing the recorded image with a reference image of an ideal pattern for locating a defect within the pattern; identifying one of the logical zones with the defect located in the locating step; retrieving the inspection rule that is associated with the identified logical zone; applying the inspection rule to a characteristic of the defect for determining whether or not the defect is to be repaired; and issuing a signal in response to the determination.