Using boolean expressions to represent shapes within a layout of an integrated circuit
AssigneeSun Microsystems, Inc.
InventorWilliam K. Lam
Life of this patent
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Abstract
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates representing a shape within a layout of an integrated circuit using a Boolean expression. The system operates by first receiving a representation of the shape and then converting the representation of the shape into a Boolean expression that is formed using a Boolean coordinate system expressed in a two-dimensional Gray code. The system then performs operations on the shape by performing Boolean operations on the Boolean expression for the shape.
Claims33
A method for representing a shape within a layout of an integrated circuit using a Boolean expression, comprising:
- receiving a representation of the shape;
- converting the representation into the Boolean expression, wherein the Boolean expression is formed using a Boolean coordinate system expressed in a two-dimensional Gray code;
- and
- performing an operation on the shape by performing a Boolean operation on the Boolean expression for the shape.
A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform a method for representing a shape within a layout of an integrated circuit using a Boolean expression, the method comprising:
- receiving a representation of the shape;
- converting the representation into the Boolean expression, wherein the Boolean expression is formed using a Boolean coordinate system expressed in a two-dimensional Gray code;
- and
- performing an operation on the shape by performing a Boolean operation on the Boolean expression for the shape.
An apparatus for representing a shape within a layout of an integrated circuit using a Boolean expression, comprising:
- a receiving mechanism that is configured to receive a representation of the shape;
- a converting mechanism that is configured to convert the representation into the Boolean expression, wherein the Boolean expression is formed using a Boolean coordinate system expressed in a two-dimensional Gray code;
- and
- a Boolean operation mechanism that is configured to perform an operation on the shape by performing a Boolean operation on the Boolean expression for the shape.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.