Patent ID: 7213217

Claim:
A layout data converting device configured to convert first type layout data into second type layout data, comprising: a hierarchical structure analyzing section configured to analyze said hierarchical structure based on said child cell information of said first type layout data; and a reverse hierarchical structure generating section configured to add said parent cell information to each of said plurality of basic element data and said plurality of cell data, respectively, to generate said second type layout data based on a result of analysis carried out by said hierarchical structure analyzing section, wherein said first type and second type layout data having a plurality of basic element data, each of which directly defines a graphic to be a layout pattern of a component of a semiconductor device and a plurality of cell data constructed by a hierarchical structure such that reference is finally made to said basic element data, respectively, each of said plurality of said cell data in said first type layout data having child cell information indicative of low order cell data or said basic element data to which reference is directly made, thereby defining said hierarchical structure in a positive direction, and each of said plurality of said basic element data and said plurality of cell data in said second type layout data having parent cell information indicative of high order cell data to which reference is directly made, thereby defining said hierarchical structure in a reverse direction.