Patent ID: 8507190

Claim:
A method for image pattern recognition in a multi-image patterning scheme, comprising: forming a first feature pattern on a substrate using a lithographic process; forming a second feature pattern on said substrate using said lithographic process; and forming an inspection alignment mark on said substrate to distinguish said first feature pattern from said second feature pattern, said inspection alignment mark comprising a negative tone pattern having a first alignment structure aligned with at least a portion of said first feature pattern and a second alignment structure aligned with at least a portion of said second feature pattern, said first alignment structure independent from said second alignment structure, wherein said forming said inspection alignment mark on said substrate comprises preparing a region of photo-sensitive material with one or more first openings arranged in an interior of said region of photo-sensitive material to serve as said first alignment structure and one or more second openings arranged in said interior of said region of photo-sensitive material to serve as said second alignment structure, said one or more first openings and said one or more second openings being identifiable from one another.