Processing apparatus, controller and processing system

Described herein is a technique that may prevent unauthorized personnel from editing files without permission. A processing apparatus may include: an operating unit configured to display an operation screen for editing an integrated file containing: non-encrypted data corresponding to an item file; a drawing file; and encrypted data obtained by encrypting the item file; a memory unit configured to store the integrated file; and an arithmetic unit configured to: (a) compare the item file with data obtained by decrypting the encrypted data; and (b) combine and display the item file and the drawing file on the operation screen according to a result of comparison performed in (a).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This non-provisional U.S. patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2014/075644, filed on Sep. 26, 2014, in WIPO, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to managing an integrated file used in a processing apparatus that processes an object to be processed.

2. Description of the Related Art

Substrate processing wherein substrates are processed based on recipe (process recipe) defining processing conditions and processing sequences, is employed to fabricate devices such as DRAMs and ICs using processing apparatus such as substrate processing apparatuses that process conventional substrates. The components of the substrate processing apparatus used in the substrate processing are controlled by the control unit.

The process recipe includes a plurality of steps. Each of the plurality of steps is created by an editing operation that modifies the data through the operation screen (recipe editing screen). After the process recipe is edited, a gas flow pattern diagram indicating the supply status and the exhaust status of a process gas may be displayed on the operation screen. By displaying the gas flow pattern diagram, you may easily check the edited content of the process recipe. According to the prior art, in order to prevent unauthorized personnel from editing the recipe, the logout process and the screen change process are performed when no operation is performed through the operation screen for a predetermined time while editing the process recipe. In addition, according to another prior art, the screen may be switched from the recipe editing screen to the gas flow pattern screen to see whether the supply status and the exhaust status of the process gas match the edited content. On the operation screen (gas flow pattern screen), the gas flow pattern diagram of each step is displayed.

Since process recipe is for processing the substrate, the reliability of the substrate processing apparatus as well as the quality of the product substrate is adversely affected when the recipe is arbitrarily edited by an unauthorized personnel. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the security of the process recipe. Moreover, since creation and editing of an integrated file that contains the gas flow pattern diagrams is mainly performed domestically, no special restrictions or permissions are set for the file.

The creation and the editing of the integrated file that contains the gas flow pattern diagram are performed using a dedicated editing tool. However, if the data editing tool is leaked and used by unauthorized personnel, the integrated file may be tampered with.

SUMMARY

Described herein is a technique that may prevent unauthorized personnel from editing files without permission.

According to one aspect of the technique described herein, a processing apparatus may include: an operating unit configured to display an operation screen for editing an integrated file containing: non-encrypted data corresponding to an item file; a drawing file; and encrypted data obtained by encrypting the item file; a memory unit configured to store the integrated file; and an arithmetic unit configured to: (a) compare the item file with data obtained by decrypting the encrypted data; and (b) combine and display the item file and the drawing file on the operation screen according to a result of comparison performed in (a).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, Embodiments will be described.

(1) Configuration of Substrate Processing System

First, the configuration of the substrate processing system according to the embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 1.FIG. 1schematically illustrates the configuration of the substrate processing system according to the embodiment described herein.

As shown inFIG. 1, the substrate processing system according to the embodiment includes at least one substrate processing apparatus100and a group management apparatus500connected to each substrate processing apparatus100so as to exchange data. The substrate processing apparatus100is configured to perform a process based on a recipe defining processing sequences and processing conditions. The substrate processing apparatus100and the group management apparatus500are connected to a network400such as a local region network (LAN) and a wide region network (WAN).

(2) Configuration of the Substrate Processing Apparatus

Next, the configuration of the substrate processing apparatus100according to the embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3.FIG. 2is a perspective view of the substrate processing apparatus according to the embodiment.FIG. 3is a side perspective view of the substrate processing apparatus according to the embodiment. The substrate processing apparatus100according to the embodiment includes a vertical apparatus for performing processes such as an oxidation process, a diffusion process and a CVD process for a substrate such as a wafer.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the substrate processing apparatus100according to the embodiment includes a housing111constituted by a pressure vessel. A front maintenance opening103for the maintenance of the substrate processing apparatus100is installed in front of a front wall111aof the housing111. A pair of front maintenance doors104, which are access mechanisms for opening and closing the front maintenance opening103, are installed at the front maintenance opening103. A pod110accommodating a wafer200made of a material such as silicon is used as a carrier for loading a wafer200into or unloading the wafer200from the housing111.

A pod loading/unloading port112for communicating the inside and the outside of the housing111is installed on the front wall111aof the housing111. The pod loading/unloading port112is opened and closed by a front shutter113(substrate container loading/unloading port opening and closing mechanism). A substrate container shelf114, which is a substrate container support, is installed in front of the pod loading/unloading port112. The loading shelf114is configured such that the pod110is placed thereon in aligned manner. The pod110may be transferred onto the loading shelf114by an automated guided vehicle (not shown) such as an Overhead Hoist Transport (OHT).

A rotatable pod shelf105(substrate container placement shelf) is installed at the upper portion of the approximately central portion between the front portion and the rear portion of the housing111. The rotatable pod shelf105is configured to store a plurality of pods110thereon. The rotatable pod shelf105includes a pillar116vertically erected and intermittently and horizontally rotated and a plurality of shelf plates117(substrate container shelf) radially supported at the upper end of the pillar116is provided. The plurality of shelf plates117are configured to support a plurality of pods110placed thereon.

A substrate transfer apparatus (substrate container transfer apparatus)118is disposed between the loading shelf114and the rotatable pod shelf105in the housing111. The pod transfer apparatus118includes a pod elevator (substrate container elevating mechanism)118acapable of elevating the pod110while supporting the pod110, and a substrate container transfer mechanism118bwhich is a transfer mechanism. The pod transfer apparatus118transfers the pod110among the loading shelf114, the rotatable pod shelf105and a pod opener121by utilizing the pod elevator118aand the substrate container transfer mechanism118b.

The sub-housing119is installed in a lower portion of the housing111from a substantially central portion to the rear portion of the housing111. A pair of wafer loading/unloading ports120for transferring the wafer200between the inside and the outside of a sub-housing119are disposed on a front wall119aof the sub-housing119vertically in two stages. The pod opener121is installed at each of the upper and lower wafer loading/unloading ports120.

Each pod opener121has a pair of placement shelf122for placing the pod110thereon and a cap detaching mechanism123for detaching the cap (lid) of the pod110. The pod opener121is configured to open and close the wafer entrance of the pod110by detaching the cap of the pod110placed on the placement shelf122by the cap detaching mechanism123.

A transfer chamber124isolated from the space in which the pod transfer apparatus118and the rotatable pod shelf105are installed is provided in the sub-housing119. A wafer transfer mechanism (substrate transfer mechanism)125is installed in the front region of the transfer chamber124. The wafer transfer mechanism125includes a wafer transfer apparatus (substrate transfer apparatus)125acapable of rotating or moving the wafer horizontally and a wafer transfer apparatus elevator (substrate transfer apparatus elevating mechanism)125bcapable of elevating the wafer transfer apparatus125a.As shown inFIG. 2, the wafer transfer apparatus elevator125bis installed between the right end portion of the front region of the transfer chamber124of the sub-housing119and the right end portion of the housing111. The wafer transfer apparatus125aincludes a tweezer125c(substrate support body) for supporting the wafer200. The wafer transfer apparatus elevator125band the wafer transfer apparatus125amay charge the wafer200into a boat (substrate retainer)217or to discharge the wafer200from the boat217.

A standby region126wherein the boat217is in standby position is provided in the rear region of the transfer chamber124. A processing furnace202is installed above the standby region126. The lower end of the processing furnace202is opened and closed by a shutter (furnace opening and closing mechanism)147.

As shown inFIG. 2, a boat elevator (substrate retainer elevating mechanism)115for lifting and lowering the boat217is installed between the right end portion of the standby region126of the sub-housing119and the right end portion of the housing111. An arm128, which is a connecting mechanism, is connected to the platform of the boat elevator115. A seal cap219which is a lid is installed horizontally on the arm128. The seal cap219is configured to support the boat217vertically and to close the lower end of the processing furnace202.

The substrate transfer system according to the embodiment includes the rotatable pod shelf105, the boat elevator115, the pod transfer apparatus (substrate container transfer apparatus)118, the wafer transfer mechanism (substrate transfer mechanism)125, the boat217and a rotating mechanism254to be described later. The rotatable pod shelf105, the boat elevator115, the pod transfer apparatus118, the wafer transfer mechanism125, the boat217and the rotating mechanism254are electrically connected to a transfer controller11, which is a sub-controller to be described later.

The boat217has a plurality of support members. The boat217is configured to support a plurality of wafers200(e.g., 50 to 125 wafers) with centers thereof aligned in vertical direction.

As shown inFIG. 2, a cleaning unit134is installed at the left end opposite to the wafer transfer apparatus elevator125band the boat elevator115of the transfer chamber124. The cleaning unit134is configured to supply a clean atmosphere or a clean air133containing an inert gas and includes a supply fan (not shown) and a dust filter (not shown). A notch alignment device (not shown), which is a substrate alignment device that circumferentially aligns the wafer, is installed between the wafer transfer apparatus125aand the cleaning unit134.

The clean air133ejected through the cleaning unit134flows around the notch alignment device (not shown), the wafer transfer apparatus125aand boat217in the standby region126, and is then discharged from the housing111or circulated to the primary side which is the inhaling side of the cleaning unit134and is ejected back into the transfer chamber124by the cleaning unit134.

A plurality of apparatus covers (not shown), which are access mechanisms of the substrate processing apparatus100, are installed on the outer periphery of the housing111and the sub-housing119. The apparatus covers may be removed during maintenance operations, and maintenance mechanics may access the substrate processing apparatus100through the apparatus covers. A door switch130, which is an entrance sensor, is installed at the end of the housing111and the sub-housing119facing the apparatus covers. The door switch130, which is an entrance sensor, is also installed at the end of the housing111facing the front maintenance door104. A substrate detecting sensor140is installed on the loading shelf114to detect whether the pod110is placed. Switches and sensors15such as the door switch130and the substrate detecting sensor140are electrically connected to a controller240for substrate processing apparatus described below.

(3) Operation of the Substrate Processing Apparatus

Next, the operation of the substrate processing apparatus100according to the embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, when the pod110is placed on the loading shelf114by an automated guided vehicle (not shown), the pod110is detected by the substrate detecting sensor140, and the loading/unloading port112is opened by the front shutter113. The pod110on the loading shelf114is then loaded into the housing111through the pod loading/unloading port112by the pod transfer apparatus118.

The pod110in the housing111is automatically transferred and temporarily stored on the shelf plate117of the rotatable pod shelf105by the pod transfer apparatus118. The pod110is then transferred from the shelf plate117onto the placement shelf122of the pod opener121. Instead, the pod110in the housing111may be transferred directly onto the placement shelf122of the pod opener121by the pod transfer apparatus118. At this time, since the wafer loading/unloading port120of the pod opener121is closed by the cap detaching mechanism123, the transfer chamber124is filled with the clean air133. The oxygen concentration in the transfer chamber124is lowered to, for example, 20 ppm or less, which is much lower than the oxygen concentration in the housing111, which is the atmosphere, by filling the transfer chamber124with nitrogen gas as the clean air133.

The open side of pod110placed on the placement shelf122presses against the opening of the wafer loading/unloading port120at the front wall119aof the sub-housing119while the cap is separated by the cap detaching mechanism123to open the wafer entrance. After the wafer200is then picked up from the pod110through the wafer entrance by the tweezer125cof the wafer transfer apparatus125aand oriented by the notch alignment device, the wafer200is transferred to the standby region126and loaded into the boat217. After the boat217is charged with the wafer200, the wafer transfer apparatus125areturns to the pod110and loads the next wafer200into the boat217.

While the wafer transfer mechanism125loads the wafer200from the pod122on the placement shelf122of the pod opener121at upper end or lower end to the boat217, another pod110is transferred from the rotatable pod shelf105onto the placement shelf122of the pod opener121at lower end or upper end by the pod transfer apparatus118and is opened by the pod opener121.

When the predetermined number of wafers200are loaded in the boat217, the lower end of the processing furnace202closed by the furnace opening shutter147is opened. Next, the boat217holding the wafers200is loaded into the processing furnace202by lifting the seal cap219by the boat elevator115.

After the boat217is loaded, the wafers200are subjected to a predetermined processing in the processing furnace202. After the processing, the boat217holding the processed wafers200is unloaded from a processing chamber201, and the pod110containing the processed wafers200is transferred out of the housing111.

(4) Constitution of the Processing Furnace

Next, the constitution of the processing furnace202according to the embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 4.FIG. 4is a vertical cross-sectional view of the processing furnace of the substrate processing apparatus100according to the embodiment described herein.

As shown inFIG. 4, the processing furnace202includes a processing tube203, which is a reaction tube. The processing tube203includes an inner tube204as an inner reaction tube and an outer tube205as an outer reaction tube installed outside the inner tube204. The inner tube204is made of a heat-resistant material such as quartz (SiO2) and silicon carbide (SiC). The inner tube204has a cylindrical shape with an open upper end and an open lower end. The processing chamber201in which the wafer200is processed is provided in a cylindrical hollow portion in the inner tube204. The processing chamber201is configured to accommodate the boat217to be described later. The outer tube205is installed concentrically with the inner tube204. The outer tube205is cylindrical with an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the inner tube204, and has a closed upper end and an open lower end. The outer tube205is made of a heat-resistant material such as quartz and silicon carbide.

A heater206, which is a heating mechanism, is installed to surround the processing tube203. The heater206is cylindrical. The heater206is installed vertically by being supported by a heater base251which is a support plate.

A manifold209is disposed concentrically with the outer tube205below the outer tube205. The manifold209is made of a material such as stainless steel. The manifold209is cylindrical with an open upper end and an open lower end. The manifold209engages the lower end of the inner tube204and the lower end of the outer tube205. The manifold209is installed to support the lower end of the inner tube204and the lower end of the outer tube205. An O-ring220a,which is a sealing member, is installed between the manifold209and the outer tube205. By supporting the manifold209by the heater base251, the processing tube203is installed vertically. The reaction vessel is constituted by the processing tube203and the manifold209.

A process gas nozzle230aand a purge gas nozzle230b,which are a gas introduction unit, are connected to the seal cap219, which will be described later, to communicate with the inside of the processing chamber201. A process gas supply pipe232ais connected to the process gas nozzle230a.Components such as a process gas source (not shown) are connected to an upstream side of the process gas supply pipe232(opposite to where the process gas nozzle230ais connected) through a mass flow controller (MFC)241a,which is a gas flow rate controller. A purge gas supply pipe232bis connected to the purge gas nozzle230b.The purge gas source (not shown) is connected to an upstream side of the purge gas supply pipe232b(opposite to where the purge gas supply pipe232bsi connected) via a mass flow controller (MFC)241b,which is a gas flow rate controller).

The process gas supply system according to the embodiment described herein includes the process gas source (not shown), the MFC241a,the process gas supply pipe232aand the process gas nozzle230a.The purge gas supply system according to the embodiment includes the purge gas source (not shown), the MFC241b,the purge gas supply pipe232band the purge gas nozzle230b.The gas supply system according to the embodiment includes the process gas supply system and the purge gas supply system. The gas supply controller14, which is the sub-controller described later, is electrically connected to the MFCs241aand241b.

An exhaust pipe231for exhausting the inner atmosphere of the processing chamber201is installed in the manifold209. The exhaust pipe231is disposed at the lower end of the cylindrical space250, which is a gap between the inner tube204and the outer tube205. The exhaust pipe231communicates with the cylindrical space250. A pressure sensor245which is a pressure detector, a pressure adjusting device242including an automatic pressure controller (APC) and a vacuum exhaust device246such as a vacuum pump are connected to the downstream side of the exhaust pipe231(opposite to where the manifold209is connected). A gas exhaust mechanism according to the embodiment includes the exhaust pipe231, the pressure sensor245, the pressure adjusting device242and the vacuum exhaust device246. A pressure controller13, which is a sub-controller to be described later, is electrically connected to the pressure adjusting device242and the pressure sensor245.

The seal cap219is a furnace opening lid that closes the lower end opening of the manifold209in airtight manner and is installed under the manifold209. The seal cap219is configured to be in contact with the lower end of the manifold209from thereunder. The seal cap219is made of a metal such as stainless steel. The seal cap219is disk-shaped. An O-ring220b, which is a sealing member, is provided between the lower end of the manifold209and the upper surface of the seal cap219.

A rotating mechanism254for rotating the boat is installed opposite to the processing chamber201with respect to the seal cap219. A rotating shaft255of the rotating mechanism254penetrates the seal cap219and supports the boat217from therebelow. The rotating mechanism254may rotate the wafer200by rotating the boat217.

The seal cap219is vertically elevated by the boat elevator115, which is a substrate retainer elevating mechanism vertically installed outside the processing tube203. By lifting the seal cap219, the boat217may be transferred into or out of the processing chamber201. The boat217may be loaded into or unloaded from the process chamber201. A transfer controller11, which is a sub-controller to be described later, is electrically connected to the rotating mechanism254and the boat elevator115.

As described above, the boat217which is the substrate retainer supports the wafers200concentrically arranged in multiple stages in a horizontal orientation. A plurality of heat insulating plates216, which are insulating members, are arranged in a multiple stages in a horizontal orientation below the boat217. The insulating plates216are disc-shaped like the wafers200. The heat from the heater206is suppressed from be transmitted to the manifold209by the heat insulating plates216.

A temperature sensor263, which is a temperature detector, is installed in the processing tube203. A heating mechanism according to the embodiment includes the heater206and the temperature sensor263. A temperature controller12, which is a sub-controller to be described later, is electrically connected to the heater206and the temperature sensor263.

The substrate processing system according to the embodiment includes the gas exhaust mechanism, the gas supply system, and the heating mechanism.

(5) Operation of the Processing Furnace

Next, a method (process) of forming a thin film on the wafers200by a CVD method using the processing furnace202according to the above-described configuration as one of manufacturing processes of a semiconductor device will be described with reference toFIG. 4. In the following description, the controller240for the substrate processing apparatus controls the operation of components constituting the substrate processing apparatus100.

After the wafers200are charged into the boat217(wafer charging), the boat217containing the wafers200is lifted by the boat elevator115and transferred into the processing chamber201as shown inFIG. 4(boat loading). The seal cap219seals the lower end of the manifold209via the O-ring220bwith the boat217loaded in the processing chamber201.

The processing chamber201is exhausted by the vacuum exhaust device246until the inner pressure of the processing chamber201is at a desired vacuum level. At this time, the opening degree of the valve of the pressure adjusting device242is feedback-controlled based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor245. The processing chamber201is heated by the heater206until the inner temperature of the processing chamber201reaches a desired temperature. At this time, the amount of current flowing to the heater206is feedback-controlled based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor263. The rotating mechanism254may continue to rotate the boat217and the wafer200.

Next, a process gas supplied from the process gas source (not shown) and having the flow rate adjusted by the MFC241aflows through the process gas supply pipe232aand the process gas nozzle230ainto the processing chamber201. The supplied process gas flows upward in the processing chamber201, flows through the upper end opening of the inner tube204, and is exhausted through the exhaust pipe231. The gas contacts the surface of the wafers200as they pass through the processing chamber201where the thin film is deposited on the surface of the wafers200by a thermal CVD reaction.

Once a predetermined processing time has elapsed, a purge gas, supplied from the purge gas source and having the flow rate thereof adjusted by the MFC241b,is supplied into the processing chamber201. The inner atmosphere of the processing chamber201is replaced with the inert gas, and the inner pressure of the processing chamber201is returned to normal pressure.

The lower end of the manifold209is then opened by lowering the seal cap219by the boat elevator115. The boat217containing the processed wafers200is unloaded from the processing tube203through the lower end of the manifold209. The processed wafers200are then retrieved from the boat217and accommodated in the pod110(wafer discharging).

(6) Configuration of Controller for Substrate Processing Apparatus

Next, the controller240for controlling the operation of the components constituting the processing furnace202and the surrounding configuration thereof will be described with reference toFIG. 5.

FIG. 5is a block diagram illustrating a controller for substrate processing and surrounding configuration thereof according to the embodiment.

<Controller for the Substrate Processing Apparatus>

The controller240is embodied by a computer having a central processing unit (CPU)1aserving as an arithmetic unit, a memory1b(RAM, Random Access Memory) serving as a temporary storage, a hard disk (HDD)1cas a fixed storage, a transceiver module1das a communication control unit, and a clock function (not shown). Various program files (not shown) such as a display program for displaying a gas flow pattern diagram and an editing tool for editing an integrated file required for editing a process recipe (e.g. substrate processing recipe) and a cleaning recipe (e.g. maintenance recipe), drawing files and icon files are stored in HDD1c. Further, the integrated file necessary for editing the gas flow pattern diagram, and predetermined data files as the item files and drawing files (e.g. bitmap files) necessary for displaying the gas flow pattern diagram are stored in the hard disk1c. In the embodiment, a file containing the process recipe or the cleaning recipe is referred to as a recipe file, and a file created and editable by the dedicated editing tool for creating the gas flow pattern diagram is referred to as an integrated file.

The substrate processing recipe is a recipe that defines information such as processing conditions and processing sequences for processing the wafer200. Control information such as control value or timing transmitted to the sub-controller such as the transfer controller11, the temperature controller12, the pressure controller13and the gas supply controller14is stored (defined) in the recipe file for each step of substrate processing.

The operating unit7includes an input unit including an input device such as a touch panel and a display unit including a display device such as an LCD. That is, the operating unit7may be a display unit equipped with a touch panel. The input unit is connected to the controller240and transmits an operation command to the controller240for operating the substrate transfer system or the substrate processing system. The display unit displays the operation screen necessary when operating the substrate transfer system or substrate processing system. The operation screen has various display fields and operating buttons for checking the state of the substrate transfer system or the substrate processing system, or for inputting operation commands to the substrate transfer system or the substrate processing system. The input unit of the operating unit7is not limited to a touch panel. The operating unit7may be implemented by an operation terminal (terminal device) having a display unit and a keyboard (input unit) such as a PC.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit)1ais the backbone of the controller240. The CPU1aexecutes a control program stored in a ROM (not shown), and also executes a recipe (for example, a process recipe) stored in the HDD1cin accordance with an instruction from the touch panel7. The ROM may be implemented by, for example, an EEPROM, a flash memory and a hard disk, and is a recording medium storing a program such as an operating program of the CPU1a. The memory1b(RAM) functions as a work area (temporary storage) of the CPU1a. The controller240according to the embodiment may be implemented by a dedicated system, or may be implemented using a conventional computer system. For example, by installing the program through a recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM and a USB memory storing a program for executing the above-described processing on a large machine (super computer), a controller240may be implemented.

The various methods may be employed to supply the program. As described above, it is also possible to supply the program via, for example, a communication line, a communication network and a communication system as well as via a recording medium. For example, the program may be posted on a bulletin board of a communication network, and the program may be provided through the communication network. The above-described processing may be performed by executing the program under the control of an operating system.

<Connection Between the Controller for the Substrate Processing Apparatus and the Group Management Apparatus>

The transceiver module1dof the controller240is connected to the group management apparatus500via the network400so as to communicate with the group management apparatus500such as a host computer and a monitoring server.

The transceiver module1dis configured to control communication with the group management apparatus500.

<Connection Between the Controller for the Substrate Processing Apparatus and the Sub-controller>

The transfer controller11, the temperature controller12, the pressure controller13and the gas supply controller14which are sub-controllers, and the switches and sensors15are connected to the transceiver module1dof the controller240.

The transfer controller11is configured to control the transfer operations performed by the substrate transfer system including the rotatable pod shelf105, the boat elevator115, the pod transfer apparatus118(substrate container transfer apparatus), the wafer transfer mechanism125(substrate transfer mechanism), the boat217and the rotating mechanism254. Sensors (not shown) may be installed in the rotatable pod shelf105, the boat elevator115, the pod transfer apparatus118substrate container transfer apparatus, the wafer transfer mechanism125substrate transfer mechanism, the boat217and the rotating mechanism254. The transfer controller11is configured to transmit the value detected by the sensors to the controller240depending on the range of the detected values.

The temperature controller12is configured to control the heater206of the processing furnace202so as to control the inner temperature of the processing furnace202. The temperature controller12is configured to notify the controller240whether the temperature is normal or abnormal depending on the range of the temperatures detected by the temperature sensor263.

The pressure controller13is configured to control the pressure adjusting device242such that the processing chamber201has a desired the inner pressure at a desired timing based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor245. The pressure controller13is configured to notify the controller240whether the inner pressure is normal or abnormal depending on the range of the pressures detected by the pressure sensor245.

The gas supply controller14is configured to control the supply of gas through the process gas supply pipe232aand the purge gas supply pipe232bor by stopping the supply of the gas by opening and closing the gas valve. The gas supply controller14is configured to control the MFCs241aand241bsuch that the gas supplied into the processing chamber201has a desired flow rate at a desired timing. The gas supply controller14is configured to notify the controller240whether the supply of gas is normal or abnormal according to the range of values detected by a sensor provided in the gas valve (not shown) or the MFCs241aand241b.

Switches and sensors15such as the door switch130and the substrate detecting sensor140detects and transmits to the controller240whether components such as the front maintenance door104is opened or closed or detects and transmits to the controller240whether the pod110is placed on the loading shelf114.

Next, the gas flow pattern diagram stored in the integrated file will be described with reference toFIGS. 6 through 10.

FIG. 6illustrates the flow of creating an integrated file using a dedicated editing tool for editing the gas flow pattern diagram and displaying the same on the operation screen. The integrated file is created by the dedicated editing tool for the gas flow pattern diagram. The integrated file is installed in the controller240of the substrate processing apparatus. Specifically, the integrated file includes a drawing file and an item file therein. When the integrated file is installed, the drawing file and the item file are installed in the controller240of the substrate processing apparatus separately from the integrated file.

The controller240detects a change in the gas flow pattern diagram during the initialization (data change detection process) and performs an authentication process. In the data change detection process, the data in the gas flow pattern diagram is checked for a change by comparing the data corresponding to the item file included in the integrated file with the data corresponding to the separately stored item file. Here the separately stored item file has been saved at the end of the previous process and has been copied into the memory unit In the data change detection process, it is detected whether the integrated file for editing the gas flow pattern diagram has been modified. In the authentication process (password authentication process), the operation screen is displayed, the display program is executed, and the gas flow pattern diagram is displayed if the authentication is successful. If the authentication fails, the operation screen is not displayed. The details of the password authentication process will be described later.

Once the integrated file and item file are encrypted, the integrated file and item file may not be modified directly. It is possible to directly modify the integrated file and the item file without using the editing tool by interpreting the data structure. However, when reading the integrated file and the item file, it is checked whether the integrated file and the item file are tampered with through decryption, and the integrated file and the item file are not displayed on the operation screen when the integrated file and the item file are determined to be tampered with. The process of checking whether the data is tampered with will be described later in detail.

FIG. 8illustrates the gas flow pattern diagram displayed by the controller240on the display unit (the manner in which the gas flow pattern diagram is displayed on the operation screen of the substrate processing apparatus). The drawing file and the item file are combined and the gas flow pattern diagram is created and displayed on the operation screen.

The display program, which may be a part of the editing tool, may be started by the login of an operator. Since the login process is performed even when the controller240displays the gas flow pattern diagram by executing the display program, an operator without permission may not modify the configuration such as the valve opening/closing conditions of the gas flow pattern diagram. The display program may be configured not to run if an operator without permission logs in.

According to the first embodiment, at least one of effects (a) through (c) below may be provided.

(a) According to the first embodiment, since the authentication process is performed by inputting a password, unauthorized personnel may be prevented from arbitrarily modifying or editing the integrated file.

(b) According to the first embodiment, the data change detection process is performed, and if the integrated file is changed, the password authentication process is performed. Therefore, unauthorized editing of an integrated file by unauthorized personnel may be detected.

(c) According to the first embodiment, unauthorized editing of the integrated file or the item file by unauthorized personnel may be prevented by encrypting the integrated file or the item file.

The second embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 7. With reference toFIG. 7, countermeasures to be taken when an old version of the editing tool is lost will be described. The gas flow pattern diagram displayed on the operation screen for operating the controller240is unique for each substrate processing apparatus100. The gas flow pattern diagram is created by the dedicated editing tool.

In a new version of editing tool, a format of the integrated file is changed. a new format of the integrated file includes data that is encrypted. For example, according to the second embodiment, the data is compressed. That is, the the integrated file contains encrypted data. Specifically, the integrated file created by the new version of the editing tool has a data structure (format) includes a header; a non-encrypted data containing at least the item file; the drawing file; and an encrypted data obtained from encrypting the item file. When the integrated file is stored (installed) in the controller240, a copy of the non-encrypted data included in the integrated file is separately stored as the item file and the drawing file. The item file includes character data or numeric data and contains items representing MFC, valves and processing furnaces for example. The drawing file includes icons representing piping, furnace opening and vaporizer for example.

A conventional editing tool may not recognize the encrypted data contained in the integrated file. That is, older versions of the editing tool may recognize only integrated files that contain only a header and a non-encrypted data. Therefore, even if the old version of the editing tool is lost, the integrated file according to the second embodiment may not be edited using the old version of the editing tool, and unauthorized personnel may be prevented from editing the gas flow pattern diagram. For example, even if a third party as the unauthorized personnel want to activate the old version of the editing tool and manipulate the new version of the editing tool, the terminal device such as a personal computer on which the old version of the editing tool is installed cannot read the new version of the editing tool. Therefore, it is impossible to remodel the gas flow pattern diagram. That is, even if unauthorized personnel attempts to edit the integrated file according to the second embodiment using the old version's editing tool, the old editing tool is unable to recognize the integrated file. Therefore, unauthorized personnel may not tamper with the gas flow pattern diagram.

According to a second embodiment, at least one of effects (d) and (e) below in addition to the effects of the first embodiment may be provided.

(d) According to the second embodiment, the format of the integrated file is changed by encrypting the data in the integrated file. Therefore, unauthorized personnel may be prevented from editing the integrated file using the older versions of the editing tool. Therefore, even if the data editing tool is lost, editing work of a third party can be prevented, so that it is possible to prevent the leakage of data to the third party.

(e) According to the second embodiment, by changing the format of the integrated file, the integrated file may not be read or edited using the older versions of the editing tool. Thus, the risk of abuse of the older versions of the editing tool may be suppressed.

The third embodiment is described with reference toFIG. 9. With reference toFIG. 9, countermeasures to be taken when a new version of the editing tool is lost will be described.

FIG. 9illustrates operations from installing the editing tool to displaying the same on the operating screen.

Referring toFIG. 9, the editing tool is installed on the PC and executed (S01). Here, the editing tool is configured that is cannot be activated only by copying. Further, in order to activate the editing tool, a password is required. The operator must enter an install key when the editing tool is first installed and activated (executed) in order to prevent unauthorized use of the editing tool. For example, when the editing tool is first executed on the PC, a request key is displayed on the operation screen (S02). In order to obtain the install key corresponding to the request key, the operator must operate the PC to connect to a predetermined web site, for example, a predetermined web page of a company the operator works for, and input the request key at the predetermined web site. When the request key is entered, the install key for running the editing tool is obtained (S03). The install key is changed, for example, every few seconds, so that the acquired install key may not be used after a few seconds have elapsed. That is, even when the install key is leaked to unauthorized personnel, it is impossible to install and execute the editing tool using the install key. When the operator executes the editing tool and enters the install key, the editing tool may be normally used. Thereafter, the editing tool is installed on the substrate processing apparatus (S04). The installation process is similar to that of the PC. In order to use the editing tool normally in the substrate processing apparatus, the install key must be also entered at initial startup similar to the PC. Since the installation of the editing tool and the method of obtaining the install key are the same as those of the PC, a detailed description is omitted. Further, whenever the editing tool is executed in the PC or the substrate processing apparatus, an additional password (execution key) must be entered apart from entering the install key (S05). As in the case of the Install key, a predetermined execution key is obtained by accessing the predetermined web page. The execution key may be changed daily. When the predetermined web page is unable to be accessed, daily execution key is unable to be obtained. Therefore, even if the editing tool is leaked to unauthorized personnel, unauthorized personnel who does not have access to the predetermined web page may not use the editing tool. Since the operator may start the editing tool on the PC to create the integrated file and install the created integrated file into the substrate processing apparatus within a day, it is preferable that the execution key required to execute the editing tool on the PC differs from the execution key required to execute the editing tool on the substrate processing apparatus.

According to the third embodiment, when the editing tool is executed, a plurality of authentication keys or passwords are required to be inputted. That is, the editing tool is configured to use a combination of the install key that changes every few seconds and the execution key that changes daily. Since the install key and the execution key must be obtained from the predetermined web site, the install key and execution key can be obtained only through the authorized operator. In addition, since the install key and the execution key changes in short period time, unauthorized personnel is unable to use the keys. Therefore, even if the editing tool is leaked to unauthorized personnel, unauthorized personnel is prevented from using the editing tool.

In order to obtain the install key required for the initial activation (execution) of the editing tool, the operator should log into the predetermined web site (e.g., the web site of a certain company), and enter the request key displayed on the operation screen at the initial activation (execution) of the editing tool into an input filed shown the predetermined web page. In order to access the predetermined web site, an authentication is required. That is, the login password is required to access the company's predetermined web site. While an authorized operator may obtain a login password to access the web site, unauthorized personnel is unable to obtain the login password and therefore is unable to access the web site let alone obtain the install key. It is therefore impossible for unauthorized personnel to use the editing tool. That is, even if an unauthorized person such as the former operator illegally obtains the editing tool, using the editing tool is almost impossible.

Even if the editing tool is installed on the PC by entering the install key, the execution key is required to execute the editing tool and create the integrated file storing the gas flow pattern diagram. That is, the execution key is required to execute the editing tool and create or modify the integrated file, and then install the integrated file back into the substrate processing apparatus. Unauthorized personnel who is unable to access the predetermined web site is unable to edit the gas flow pattern diagram using the editing tool since the execution key may only be obtained from the certain company's web site. Therefore, by not allowing a third party such as unauthorized personnel to display the gas flow pattern diagram created by the editing tool, the third party other than the authorized operator cannot edit the gas flow pattern diagram.

According to a third embodiment, at least one of effects (f) through (m) below in addition to the effects of the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be provided.

(f) According to the third embodiment, when the editing tool is executed, the execution key (execution password) must be entered. The execution key, which may be acquired only through the certain company's web site, is valid for one day and changed daily. Therefore, the former operator may not use the editing tool since the former operator cannot access the certain company's web site by entering the known execution key. That is, unauthorized personnel may not edit the integrated file by using the editing tool and the known execution key.

(g) According to the third embodiment, unauthorized personnel may not work with the editing tool unless the execution key is obtained. Since the execution key may only be obtained from the certain company's website, a person other than the authorized operator of the company is unable to use the editing tool. Unauthorized personnel is unable to edit the gas flow pattern diagram since the editing tool is unable to be used without obtaining the execution key.

(h) According to the third embodiment, since it is difficult for unauthorized personnel other than the authorized operator to acquire the execution key. Since the gas flow pattern diagram created by the editing tool cannot be displayed to the unauthorized personnel, the gas flow pattern diagram is unable to not be read or edited even if the unauthorized personnel acquires the editing tool. It impossible for the unauthorized personnel to read or edit the integrated file created by the editing tool unless the execution key is acquired. The unauthorized personnel cannot edit the gas flow pattern diagram.

(i) According to the third embodiment, the execution key may be obtained from only the certain company's web site. Thus, authorized operators may easily obtain the execution key while unauthorized personnel, such as former operators, are unable to obtain the execution key through the website. Therefore, unauthorized personnel is unable to use the editing tool arbitrarily even if they illegally acquired the editing tool and the editing tool may only be used by an authorized company. This prevents malicious business using the editing tool.

(j) According to the third embodiment, in order to edit the gas flow pattern diagram using the editing tool, the certain company's authorized operator is necessary. This prevents unauthorized personnel from editing the gas flow pattern diagram using the editing tool.

(k) According to the third embodiment, unauthorized personnel is unable to edit the gas flow pattern diagram using the editing tool. Therefore, security risks may be reduced because a person other than those with knowledge of the substrate processing apparatus is unable to edit the gas flow pattern diagram.

(l) According to the third embodiment, unauthorized personnel is unable to edit the gas flow pattern diagram and therefore may not arbitrarily change the gas flow pattern diagram. That is, it is possible to prevent unauthorized personnel from arbitrarily changing the gas flow pattern of the gas used to process the substrate. In particular, the gases used for processing the substrate in the substrate processing apparatus are often harmful or inflammable. Safety may be improved since a person other than those with knowledge of the substrate processing apparatus is unable to arbitrarily modify the gas flow pattern diagram.

(m) According to the third embodiment, unauthorized personnel is unable to arbitrarily modify the gas flow pattern diagram using the editing tool, thereby reducing security risks. In the substrate processing apparatus, the gas used for processing the substrate is often harmful or inflammable. An accident may occur when a person other than those with knowledge of the substrate processing apparatus modifies the gas flow pattern diagram. According to the third embodiment, unauthorized personnel is unable to arbitrarily modify the gas flow pattern diagram, thus preventing accidents.

The data integrity check process performed before the gas flow pattern diagram is displayed on the display unit (operation screen) will be described with reference toFIG. 10.

When the integrated file storing the gas flow pattern diagram is loaded by entering the execution key, the format of the integrated file is determined. That is, the controller240of the substrate processing apparatus determines whether the integrated file contains the encrypted data (S10). This determines whether the integrated file is a new format or an old format. When the integrated file does not contain the encrypted data (N in S10) but contains only the non-encrypted data, the gas flow pattern diagram is displayed on the operation screen.

When the integrated file contains the encrypted data (Y in S10), the encrypted data is decrypted and compared with the non-encrypted data (S20). Here, the encrypted data may be data obtained by compressing the non-encrypted data. When the data obtained by decrypting the encrypted data and the non-encrypted data match (Y in S30), the gas flow pattern diagram is displayed on the display unit (S40). When the data do not match (N in S30), it is determined that the data is tampered with and the gas flow pattern diagram is not displayed (S50).

According to the fourth embodiment, in order to display the gas flow pattern diagram on the operation screen of the substrate processing apparatus, it is checked whether the data has been tampered with when the integrated file is loaded by the editing tool using encrypted data. The gas flow pattern diagram is not displayed on the operation screen when the integrated file has been tampered with.

According to the fourth embodiment, at least one of effects (n) through (o) below effects of the first embodiment through the third embodiment may be provided.

(n) According to the fourth embodiment, when the integrated file does not contain the encrypted data, the gas flow pattern diagram is displayed on the operation screen without performing the check process using the encrypted data. When the integrated file contains the encrypted data, the gas flow pattern diagram is displayed on the operation screen only when the integrated file is not tampered with. Thus, it is possible to prevent executing the integrated file tampered with by unauthorized personnel.

(o) According to the fourth embodiment, unauthorized personnel is unable to edit the gas flow pattern diagram since the gas flow pattern diagram is not displayed on the operation screen of the processing apparatus when the integrated file has been tampered with.

According to the first embodiment through the fourth embodiment described above, unauthorized personnel may be prevented from editing the integrated file using the editing tool even when unauthorized personnel has an illegally obtained editing tool.

Also, in the first embodiment through the fourth embodiment described above, the editing tool is mainly used at the domestic head office, but may also be used at the overseas branch office. Therefore, the data editing tool may be leaked from a overseas branch office. However, according to the embodiments described herein, even when the data editing tool is leaked by unauthorized personnel, the integrated file cannot be edited using the leaked data editing tool.

According to the first embodiment through the third embodiment, it is possible to inhibit the gas flow pattern diagram from being edited even when the editing tool for editing the gas flow pattern diagram is leaked by unauthorized personnel. Therefore, a person other than those who have knowledge of the substrate processing apparatus may not perform operations such as modifying gas pipes in the gas flow pattern diagram.

According to the first embodiment through the fourth embodiment, even when the editing tool for the gas flow pattern diagram is leaked by unauthorized personnel, the risk of a person other than those with knowledge of the substrate processing apparatus modifying the gas flow pattern diagram may be reduced. In particular, the gases used for processing the substrate in the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus are harmful or inflammable. Therefore, when the gas flow pattern diagram is arbitrarily edited, an accident may occur due to the difference between the actual gas pipes and the gas flow pattern diagram. According to the first embodiment through the fourth embodiment, such an accident may be prevented.

The editing tool may be installed on a substrate processing apparatus as well as an operating terminal (or PC). That is, the above-described technique may also be applied the controller240of the substrate processing apparatus.

Although the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus is described as an example of the substrate processing apparatus in the above-described embodiments, the described technique is not limited to the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, and may be applied to an apparatus for processing a glass substrate such as an LCD manufacturing apparatus. The described technique may be applied regardless of the type or content of substrate processing. For example, the described technique may be applied not only to the film forming process, but also to the annealing process, the oxidation process, the nitridation process and the diffusion process. The film forming process may include, for example, CVD, PVD, a film forming process for forming oxide film, a nitride film, or a film containing metal.

Although the embodiment has been described in detail, the technique described is not herein limited to the embodiments described above, and may be variously modified without departing from the scope of the technique.

According to the technique described here, unauthorized personnel without permission may be prevented from tampering with file data.