Patent ID: 7085417

Claim:
A method of conversion-to-array for creating array configuration data by classifying the patterns congruent with a master pattern, which is a reference graphic for repetition, in the patterns arranged as mask patterns of a LSI, so that the number of the repetitions of the congruent pattern is the largest one when the congruent pattern is arranged repeatedly with a predetermined repetition pitch, comprising the steps of: selecting a predetermined number of patterns near a master pattern, which is a reference pattern for repetition, as candidate patterns from the patterns which are congruent with said master pattern and exist on the line in the X-direction on which said master pattern exists; computing the intervals between said master pattern and said candidate patterns as candidates of repetition pitches in the X-direction; computing the numbers of the repetitions in the X-direction of the patterns, on said line in the X-direction, which are repeated with said candidates of repetition pitches in the X-direction starting at said master pattern; and creating the X-direction array including the repetition pitch in the X-direction, for which said number of the repetitions in the X-direction is the largest one, in said candidates of repetition pitches, the number of the repetitions in the X-direction concerned, and said master pattern.