Patent ID: 7966586

Claim:
A computer implemented method of generating a pattern signature to represent one or more patterns in an integrated circuit design based on lithography effects to the one or more patterns, comprising: using at least one processor that is configured or programmed for performing a process, the process comprising: selecting a pattern in the integrated circuit design, wherein the pattern is to be represented with a pattern signature; representing the pattern with one or more functions; processing the one or more functions to retain components of the one or more functions corresponding to lithography printable portions of the pattern or to remove components of the one or more functions corresponding to lithography unprintable portions of the pattern; deriving a pattern signature for the pattern by use of the components of the one or more functions corresponding to lithography printable portions of the pattern; and assigning the pattern signature to a second pattern, wherein the second pattern is different from the pattern but is treated as a same pattern for a lithography process that generates the lithography printable portions.