Abstract: A system for generating photomask orders in a specified format includes at least one template or order for entry and storage of photomask order data, wherein the at least one template or order is created based upon requirements of a specified photomask order format. The system includes at least one set of rules corresponding to the at least one template or order, wherein the set of rules includes instructions which insure that a user enter complete information into the at least one template or order as required by the specified order format. A graphical user interface is associated with the at least one template or order, wherein the user can access the at least one template or order to enter photomask order data and create an order in a specified format. A data processing mechanism imports electronic information from external media into the at least one template or order.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an automated manufacturing system and method for manufacturing photomasks wherein information provided by a customer at a remote location is interfaced, via a network, to a photomask manufacturer's computer system and automatically processes data for manufacturing a photomask and automatically formats and routes data to processing equipment. The present invention reduces the need for manual intervention, thereby avoiding costly delays and transcription errors associated therewith. The software of the present invention provides for automatic generation of data arrays, which can be used to process and monitor the status of a photomask during manufacture. Further, the software is capable of automatically modifying design data provided by a photomask user. Additionally, the software of the present invention includes an automatic messaging system which can notify users of the system, of status and errors in manufacture of photomasks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a comprehensive front-end method and system for automatically generating and processing photomask orders. This method and system includes two separate, but related software components. The first software component of the present invention is used to generate a photomask order in a specified format. The second software component of the present invention processes at least a portion of the photomask order (which was generated using the first software component) into a substantially ready-to-write jobdeck file and/or a substantially ready-to-write inspection file, which in turn is transferred to a remote photomask manufacturer's system to manufacture a photomask. These software components can be installed as separate programs on a computer system or operate as a single software package performing multiple functions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an automated manufacturing system and method for manufacturing photomasks wherein information provided by a customer at a remote location is interfaced, via a network, to a photomask manufacturer's computer system and automatically processes data for manufacturing a photomask and automatically formats and routes data to processing equipment. The present invention reduces the need for manual intervention, thereby avoiding costly delays and transcription errors associated therewith. The software of the present invention provides for automatic generation of data arrays, which can be used to process and monitor the status of a photomask during manufacture. Further, the software is capable of automatically modifying design data provided by a photomask user. Additionally, the software of the present invention includes an automatic messaging system which can notify users of the system, of status and errors in manufacture of photomasks.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an automated manufacturing system and method for manufacturing photomasks wherein information provided by a customer at a remote location is interfaced, via a network, to a photomask manufacturer's computer system and automatically processes data for manufacturing a photomask and automatically formats and routes data to processing equipment. The present invention reduces the need for manual intervention, thereby avoiding costly delays and transcription errors associated therewith. The software of the present invention provides for automatic generation of data arrays, which can be used to process and monitor the status of a photomask during manufacture. Further, the software is capable of automatically modifying design data provided by a photomask user. Additionally, the software of the present invention includes an automatic messaging system which can notify users of the system, of status and errors in manufacture of photomasks.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an automated manufacturing system and method for manufacturing photomasks wherein information provided by a customer at a remote location is interfaced, via a network, to a photomask manufacturer's computer system and automatically processes data for manufacturing a photomask and automatically formats and routes data to processing equipment. The present invention reduces the need for manual intervention, thereby avoiding costly delays and transcription errors associated therewith. The software of the present invention provides for automatic generation of data arrays, which can be used to process and monitor the status of a photomask during manufacture. Further, the software is capable of automatically modifying design data provided by a photomask user. Additionally, the software of the present invention includes an automatic messaging system which can notify users of the system, of status and errors in manufacture of photomasks.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an automated manufacturing system and method for manufacturing photomasks wherein information provided by a customer at a remote location is interfaced, via a network, to a photomask manufacturer's computer system and automatically processes data for manufacturing a photomask and automatically formats and routes data to processing equipment. The present invention reduces the need for manual intervention, thereby avoiding costly delays and transcription errors associated therewith. The software of the present invention provides for automatic generation of data arrays, which can be used to process and monitor the status of a photomask during manufacture. Further, the software is capable of automatically modifying design data provided by a photomask user. Additionally, the software of the present invention includes an automatic messaging system which can notify users of the system, of status and errors in manufacture of photomasks.