Patent Document ID: 7703049
Application ID: 11539601
Patent Flag: 1

Claim One:
1. A computer-implemented method for modifying a first pattern associated with a photomask, comprising: evaluating a first merit function corresponding to the first pattern, wherein the first merit function indicates a first degree of similarity between a printed wafer pattern for the photomask associated with the first pattern and a desired target pattern; evaluating a second merit function corresponding to the first pattern, wherein the second merit function indicates a second degree of similarity between the printed wafer pattern for the photomask associated with the first pattern and the desired target pattern; determining, using at least one processor in the computer, adjustment parameters between the first merit function and the second merit function for the first pattern, wherein a summation of results obtained for the second merit function and the adjustment parameters using the first pattern as an input approximately equals results obtained for the first merit function using the first pattern as an input; and iteratively modifying the first pattern based, at least in part, on the second merit function and the adjustment parameters.