LSI mask manufacturing system, LSI mask manufacturing method and LSI mask manufacturing program

A computer implemented method for LSI mask manufacturing stores performance information of a lithography unit, connected to a network, in a lithography unit database. The method receives a lithography data and a lithography reservation condition from a user terminal connected to the network. The method stores the lithography data in a lithography data database. The method searches for a lithography unit matching to the lithography reservation condition, generating a list of lithography units, and sending the list to the user terminal. In addition, the method receives information of a lithography unit specified by the user terminal and sending a lithography request to the lithography unit specified by the user terminal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application P2002-090029 filed on Mar. 27, 2002; the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to methods, systems and programs for manufacturing masks of a large scale integrated (LSI) system.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, masks or reticles are needed to be produced depending on each semiconductor manufacturing process. Therefore, first, mask data, corresponding to each of a plural number of masks, are generated by using a computer-aided design (CAD) system based on design of an LSI. Then, masks that can be put on top of one another are generated by using a pattern generator, such as an electron beam writer, and a mask set is completed. Furthermore, each of the masks is checked. Finally, the masks, after the examination, are going to be used in a semiconductor manufacturing process.

Generally, customers, such as semiconductor manufacturing makers and semiconductor foundry, specifies a mask specification, specific numbers, and delivery time to order masks to a mask house, and the mask house delivers masks before the delivery time. However, in such a conventional mask manufacturing methods and system, all the selection of a schedule and machines (such as pattern generators) is entrusted to a decision of the mask manufacturing house side, where a customer is not able to choose any schedule or machines. Thus, it has been difficult for the manufacturer to prepare masks urgently when the mask design has changed or other things happen.

In addition, conventional method and system for procuring masks are provided for big customers, who order and entrust a large quantity of mask manufacturing. Therefore, small customers, who order a small quantity of mask manufacturing, are difficult to order, and they may loose business chances.

Furthermore, there is a security problem concerning a mask manufacturing. Therefore, masks to be manufactured in an absolute secrecy in the research and development may not be possible in the conventional mask manufacturing method and system. In addition, in a mask house, a factor for raising a cost price of a semiconductor manufacturing is personnel expenses for operating manufacturing devices in a plural number of places (or sites).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An LSI mask manufacturing system includes: a network; a portal site server configured to be connected to the network; a user terminal configured to be connected to the portal site server; a host terminal configured to be connected to the network; and a lithography units configured to be connected to the host terminal.

An LSI mask manufacturing system, includes: a network; a portal site server configured to be connected to the network; a user terminal configured to connected to the portal site server; a host terminal configured to connected to the network; and a mask manufacturing unit configured to connected to the host terminal.

A computer implemented method for LSI mask manufacturing includes: storing performance information of a lithography unit, connected to a network, in a lithography unit database; receiving a lithography data and a lithography reservation condition from a user terminal connected to the network; storing the lithography data in a lithography data database; searching for a lithography unit matching to the lithography reservation condition, generating a list of lithography units, and sending the list to the user terminal; and receiving information of a lithography unit specified by the user terminal and sending a lithography request to the lithography unit specified by the user terminal.

A computer implemented method for LSI mask manufacturing, the method includes: storing performance information of a mask manufacturing unit, connected to a network, in a mask manufacturing unit database; receiving data and a reservation condition from a user terminal connected to the network; storing the data in a mask manufacturing data database; determining a ordered range based on the reservation condition; searching for a mask manufacturing unit marching to the reservation condition, generating a list of mask manufacturing units, and sending the list to the user terminal; and receiving information of a mask manufacturing unit specified by the user terminal and sending a request to the mask manufacturing unit specified by the user terminal.

A computer program product for use with a mask manufacturing unit, the computer program product includes: instructions to store performance information of a lithography unit, connected to a network, in a lithography unit database; instructions to receive a lithography data and a lithography reservation condition from a user terminal connected to the network; instructions to store the lithography data in a lithography data database; instructions to search for a lithography unit matching to the lithography reservation condition, generate a list of lithography units, and send the list to the user terminal; and instructions to receive information of a lithography unit specified by the user terminal and send a lithography request to the lithography unit specified by the user terminal.

A computer program product for use with a mask manufacturing unit the computer program product includes: instructions to store performance information of a mask manufacturing unit, connected to a network, in a mask manufacturing unit database; instructions to receive data and a reservation condition from a user terminal connected to the network; instructions to store the data in a mask manufacturing data database; instructions to determine a ordered range based on the reservation condition; instructions to search for a mask manufacturing unit matching to the reservation condition, generate a list of mask manufacturing units, and send the list to the user terminal; and instructions to receive information of a mask manufacturing unit specified by the user terminal and send a request to the mask manufacturing unit specified by the user terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following descriptions, numerous specific details are set fourth such as specific signal values, etc. to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details in other instances, well-known circuits have been shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

Architecture of a Lithography System

As shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, an LSI mask manufacturing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a portal site server1, a first user terminal3a, a second user terminal3b, a third user terminal3c, a first host terminal4ahaving a first lithography unit5a1, a second lithography unit5a2, and a third lithography unit5a3, a second host terminal4bhaving a fourth lithography unit5b1, a fifth lithography unit5b2and a sixth lithography unit5b3, a third host terminal4chaving a seventh lithography unit5c1, an eighth lithography unit5c2and a ninth lithography unit5c3, a fourth host terminal4dhaving a tenth lithography unit5d1, an eleventh lithography unit5d2and a twelfth lithography unit5d3, and a network6connecting the portal site server1, the user terminals3a–3cand the host terminals4a–4d.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, Internet is proposed as one example of network6. However, other networks such as LAN or a personal computer communication network are alternatives and preferable. In addition, all of the first host terminal4a, the second host terminal4b, the third host terminal4c, and the fourth host terminal4dmay be connected to network6in one country or in a plural countries. For example, it is possible to do that the first host terminal4aand the second host terminal4bare connected to network6in Japan, the third host terminal4cis connected to network6in the U.S.A., and the fourth host terminal4dmay be connected to network6in Germany.

The portal site server1accepts request of the first user terminal3a, the second user terminal3b, and the third user terminal3c, and reserves one of the first lithography unit5a1through the twelfth lithography unit5a12, which is connected to the first host terminal4athrough the fourth host terminal4dand conforming the user request. The first user terminal3a, the second user terminal3b, and the third user terminal3care possible to communicate with the portal site server1. Through the portal site server1, the first user terminal3a, the second user terminal3b, and the third user terminal3csearch lithography units, further connected to the first host terminal4athrough the fourth host terminal4d, and request for a reservation, Each of the first lithography unit5a1through the twelfth lithography unit5d3are connected to one of the first host terminal4athrough the fourth host terminal4d. The first host terminal4athrough the fourth host terminal4daccepts an order of the user from portal site server1by using the network6. A completed mask is delivered to the user using a conveyance by land or air.

Each of the portal site server1, the first through the third user terminals3a–3c, the first through fourth host terminal4a–4dincludes CPU, an input device, output device, main memory unit, and an secondary memory (a hard disk). Then, each of the CPU analyzes received message from the network6and includes an online control unit, which executes the requested processes. In addition, the CPU also includes a communication control unit to transmit received messages to this online control unit through the network6. Furthermore, CPU2, located on the portal site server1, includes a database management unit. When the inputs and outputs is needed for the user ID database30, the lithography data database31, the lithography unit database32, and the window database33, the database control unit searches for the place to store files, retrieves requested files and edit the files.

As is shown inFIG. 2, the portal site server1includes an input unit35, an output unit36, a main memory37, an input/output control unit38, a communication control unit39, the user ID database30, the lithography data database31, the lithography unit database32, the window database33, and CPU2. The user ID database30, the lithography data database31, the lithography unit database32and the window database33are stored in the portal site server1. In addition, the user ID database30, the lithography data database31, the lithography unit database32and the window database33may be connected through the database servers.

User ID database30stores an identification number given to each user. From the identification number stored in the user ID database30, it is possible to acquire information where the data is stored. The lithography data database31is a memory storage to temporary store a lithography data of the LSI masks that the user received from the first through third user terminal3a–3c. The lithography unit32stores the information of each of the lithography unit5a1–5d3connected to one of the host terminals4a–4d, and searches for lithography unit, which meets the user needs. The window database33is a data storage device to store windows for various services providing at the portal site server1.

The sending unit9selects each window stored in the window database33based on a request from the first user terminal3athrough the third user terminal3cappropriately and sends selected window to one of the user terminals3a–3c. The order receiving unit10receives a mask lithography request from the user terminals3a–3c. The lithography data receiving unit11receives a lithography data from the user terminals3a–3c. The lithography time prediction unit12estimates the time required for a mask lithography in the lithography unit5x1.

The user determines the reservation time of the lithography unit5x1based on the duration, which the lithography time prediction unit12predicted. The lithography unit searching unit13searches for the most suitable lithography unit5x1based on the lithography conditions received from the user terminals3athrough3c. The lithography unit reservation unit14reserves the lithography unit5x1based on the request from the first through third user terminals3a–3c. The lithography configuration unit15configures the mask lithography conditions at the lithography unit5x1. In addition, the user may manually configure the lithography configuration unit15by using the first user terminal3athrough the third user terminal3c. In addition, the user is also able to select automatically the configurations the lithography conditions. The lithography monitoring unit16receives lithography state from the lithography unit5x1, and send the lithography states to the first user terminal3athrough the third user terminal3c. The lithography data deleting unit17receives the deleting data from the first user terminal3athrough the third user terminal3cbased on the request, and deletes the lithography data stored in the lithography data database31. Lithography unit charging unit18charges to the first user terminal3athrough the third user terminal3cbased on an actual time the lithography unit5x1was in use, and clear the mask lithography service provided by the LSI mask lithographing system.

The input unit35may include a key board, a mouse and an optical character reader (OCR) or similar recognition device a graphics input unit such as an image scanner, or a special input unit such as a voice pattern recognition unit, while the output unit36may include a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, or a printer such as an ink jet printer or a laser printer.

The input/output control unit (the input/output interface unit)38is an interface which connects the input unit35, output unit36, reading unit which reads data from storage media such as a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), a magnetic optical disk (MO) or a flexible disk (FD), to the CPU2. The main memory37includes a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The ROM functions as a program memory for storing programs to be executed in the CPU2. The RAM functions as a temporary data memory used as a working area for temporarily storing data used during program execution in the CPU2. The communication control device24is an interface for connecting with the network6. Accordingly, this may be, for example, a Terminal Adapter (TA), a dial-up router, or a LAN board. In addition, this may even be data circuit-terminating equipment such as a modem, a digital service unit (DSU), a communication control unit (CCU), or a communication control processor (CCP).

LSI Mask Manufacturing System Related to the First Embodiment of the Present Invention

As shown inFIG. 3AandFIG. 3B, the LSI mask lithographing method of the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

(a) First, in step8ofFIG. 3A, the portal site server1receives the detailed performance information of the lithography unit from each of the first to the twelfth lithography unit5a1–5d3, connected to one of the first to the fourth host terminals. Then, in step S9, the portal site server1stores the detailed performance information of the first to the twelfth lithography unit5a1–5d3in the lithography unit database32. In step S10, it is determined whether or not there is a next lithography unit, and when there is the next lithography unit, which the lithography unit database32does not yet receives performance information, processes from step S8to step S10are repeated. If the lithography unit database32receives all of the performance information of the lithography unit, the receiving process of the lithography unit is finished, and the process proceeds to a process in step S11.

(b) In step S11ofFIG. 3B, the portal site server1accepts a connection request from one of the first through the third user terminal3a–3c. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the portal site server1accepts connection from the first user terminal3ain order to make the description easier. Then, in step S12, the sending unit9of the portal site server1transmits a service selection window to the first user terminal3a. In this service selection window, the user may select a service, such as a forwarding lithography data (S15), lithography reservation (S17), lithography condition configuration (S19), lithography monitoring (S21), and the termination process (s23), through the first user terminal3a. In step S13, the order receiving unit10receives a user selected service information from the first user terminal3a, and executes the user selected service.

(c) In step S14, the portal site server1determines whether or not the selected information in step S13is forwarding of the lithography data. If it is the forwarding of the lithography data, the process proceeds to the process in step S15, and starts the lithography data forwarding process. Then, the portal site server1also executes the process for receiving the lithography data sent from the first user terminal3a. If it is not the forwarding of the lithography data, the process proceeds to step S16.

(d) In step S16, the portal site server1determines whether or not it is the selected information received in step S13. If it is the lithography reservation, the process proceeds to step S17, a lithography reservation process is started, and the reservation process of the lithography unit is executed based on the request of the first user terminal3a. If it is not the lithography reservation, process proceeds to step S18.

(e) In step S18, the portal site server1determines whether or not the selected information is the configuration of the lithography conditions. If it is the lithography condition configuration, the process proceeds to step S19, and the lithography condition configuration process of the lithography unit5x1is executed based on the request from the first user terminal3a. If it is not the lithography condition configuration, the process proceeds to step S20.

(f) In the step S20, the portal site server1determines whether or not the selected information received in step S13is the lithography monitoring or not. If it is the lithography monitoring, process proceeds to step S21, and the lithography monitoring process, where the lithography state at the lithography unit5x1is sent to the first user terminal3a, is executed.

(g) In step S22, the portal site server1determines whether or not the selected information received in step S13is the termination process. If it is the termination process, the process proceeds to step S23, and lithography data is deleted based on the first user terminal3a. If it is not the termination process, the portal site server1disconnects the first user terminal3aand ends the process.

Forwarding Lithography Data (S15)

As shown inFIG. 4, a process for forwarding lithography data in step S15ofFIG. 3Bwill be explained.

(a) When the selection information, received by the first user terminal3a, is the “forwarding lithography data” in step S13ofFIG. 3B, the portal site server1starts a forwarding lithography data process in step S104ofFIG. 4.

(b) In step S105, sending unit9sends a forwarding window41to the first user terminal3a. An example of the forwarding window41is shown inFIG. 5. In the forwarding window41, a user ID51, given for each of the users, is displayed. Then, the user may specify a directory of the portal site server as a server directory52. In the forwarding window41shown inFIG. 5shows that a user directory in a top directory of the portal site server1is specified. The user may also specify a mask data file(s) for mask pattern in pattern data53. InFIG. 5, two files such as a “patternFile1” and “patternFile2” are specified as the pattern data53. In layout data54, a file or files for layout data, such as a pattern layout, an alignment mark pattern and a mark position may be specified. InFIG. 5, two files such as a “layoutFile1” and a “layoutFile2” are selected as the layout data54. In a mark library55, a library for a mark or marks generally used for an alignment mark pattern and a measurement may be specified.

In a drawing recipe56, a recipe file or recipe files, including parameters for set-up conditions and exposure conditions that the user would like to control. Then, in an encryption57, the user may select to send the specified data whether or not encrypted.

(c) When the data (in server directory52through the encryption57) are selected and sent from the first user terminals3ato the portal site server1, the portal site server1receives a requested data, including the pattern data, by using the lithography data receiving unit11, stores in the lithography data database31, and ends the process for forwarding lithography data.

Reservation Process (S17)

As shown inFIG. 6, the reservation process in step S17ofFIG. 3Bwill be explained.

(a) When “lithography reservation” is selected in step S13ofFIG. 3B, the portal site server1starts the reservation process in step S114ofFIG. 6. Then, in step S115, the sending unit9sends a reservation window42to the first user terminal3a. An example of the reservation window42is shown inFIG. 7. First, in the reservation window42, a user ID51is displayed. Then, at a requested site58, the user may specify and request a site, where the lithography units are connected. In addition, at an item58b, the user may also specify “priority” which has some flexibility or “fixed” which does not have any flexibility. InFIG. 7, a site called “Domestic B” is selected and listed as a site name58a, and in the item58b, “priority” is specified. Therefore, in the example shown inFIG. 7, a domestic site B is specified to be selected as prioritized. Although it is not shown inFIG. 7, an item to select a lithography unit may be possibly placed in the reservation window42.

(b) As a lithography type (electron beam (EB)/laser)59, an electron beam (EB) exposure or a laser exposure may be selected at an item59a. Then, in an item59b“priority” or “fixed” may also be selected. In addition, a wavelength for the laser may be indirectly selected at a drawing resolution59c. A size and number of masks may also be specified in the reservation window42. A mask size maybe typed in inches at an item60a, and numbers of masks may also be typed in at an item60b. Then, the user may specify a requested start time61and a requested end time62, and the user may set up a reservation time63. As the reservation time63, fixed time in an item63amay be set up, but the user may set up a drawing time prediction process at an item63bto predict a lithography time and use this predicted time as the reservation time.

(c) When all of the items in the reservation window42are filled up, a reservation data is sent from the first user terminal3ato the portal site server1, and the portal site server1receives the reservation data in a step S116ofFIG. 6.

(d) Then, in step S117, the portal site server1determines whether or not an item63b, the drawing time prediction, is selected. If the drawing time prediction is not selected, process proceeds to step S120. If the drawing time prediction is selected, the sending unit9sends a time prediction process window43to the first user terminal3ain step S118. The time prediction process window43is shown inFIG. 8. As shown inFIG. 8, in the time prediction process window43, the user ID51is displayed first, as other windows explained above do. Then, items, such as the pattern data53, the layout data54, the mark library55, the drawing recipe56, mask size60a, and mask numbers60bare displayed. In an item64a, the user may select whether or not to execute an EB proximity effect correction, and the user may also select a type in an item64bwhen the user selects to execute EB proximity effect correction. In an example shown inFIG. 8, the user selects to execute the EB proximity effect correction, and its type is a dose amount correction. When the user fills up all of the information, the first user terminal3asends data for the time prediction to the portal site server1.

(e) In step S119, the portal site server1receives the data for the time prediction from the first user terminal3a. Then, in step S120, the lithography time prediction unit12executes the lithography reservation process. In step S121, the lithography unit searching unit13searches for at least a lithography unit5x1as a candidate lithography unit.

(f) In step S122, the portal site server1sends a search result display window44, which includes a list of searched result in step S120, to the first user terminal3a. An example of the search result display window44is shown inFIG. 9. As shown inFIG. 9, the user ID51is displayed in the search result display window44. Further, the search result display window44shows a list including a site name65a, a unit name65b, a type name65c, a resolution65d, a starting time65e, a predicted time65f, a lithography price65gfor each of the lithography units that match to the conditions given by the user. Then, the user selects one lithography unit, such as the lithography unit5x1. Then, the user reserves the lithography unit5x1as a candidate by selecting a reservation number66in the search result display window44at the first user terminal3a. InFIG. 9, the user select “1” for the reservation number66. It means that the user select the first lithography unit shown in the search result display window44. Corresponding to this user's action, the portal site server1receives the selected data from the first user terminal3ain step S123.

(g) In step S124, the lithography unit reservation unit14sends reservation information to the lithography unit5x1, which is selected by the user, and the portal site server1ends the reservation process (S17).

Configuration Process (S19)

As shown inFIG. 10, the lithography condition configuration process in step S19ofFIG. 3Bwill be explained.

(a) When the “configuration process (S19)” is selected by the user, the portal site server1sends a lithography starting up menu45to the first user terminal3ain step S134ofFIG. 10. In the lithography starting up menu45, as shown inFIG. 11, the user ID51is displayed. The user may use the first terminal3ato select or input information, such as a pattern data53, a layout data54, a mark library55, a drawing recipe56, a reservation number66a, a unit operation mode60b, and a reservation time (start time)67. InFIG. 11, “patternFile1” and “patternFile2” stored in a directory, called “draw1” in “top” are selected as the pattern data53. As the layout data54, “layoutFile1” and “layoutFile2” in the “draw1” are selected. As the mark library55, “mark_lib” in the “draw1” is selected. As the drawing recipe56, “draw_recipe” in the “draw1” is selected. The reservation number66ais “1”, and the unit operating mode60bis set up to the “manual” mode. Then, the reserved (start) time67is set up at “10 am on Jun. 3, 2001” inFIG. 11.

(c) In step S135, the portal site server1receives the starting up data, which the user input to the lithography starting up menu45, from the user terminal3a. Then, in step S136, the portal site server1certifies if the unit operating mode60bis selected “manual” or “automatic” for specifying whether or not a “prior operation” is selected. If the unit operating mode60bis in a “manual” mode, the “prior operation” is selected, and the portal site server1sends a lithography condition configuration window to the first user terminal3ain step S138. Then, in step S139, the portal site server1receives a configuration data from the first user terminal3a. If the unit operating mode60bis in an “automatic” mode, the “prior operation” is not selected, so the process proceeds to a process in step S137, and the portal site server1configures the lithography condition. Then, the process proceeds to a process in Step S140.

(d) In step S140, the portal site server1connects to the lithography unit5x1, selected by the user. Then, in step S141, the portal site server1sends the configuration data, manually or automatically configured, to the lithography unit5x1. The lithography unit5x1receives the configuration data and starts the lithography process at the reserved time based on the configuration data. During the lithography process, the portal site server1receives lithography progress reports from the lithography unit5x1.

Monitoring Process (S21)

As shown inFIG. 12, the lithography monitoring process in step S21ofFIG. 3Bwill be explained.

(a) In step S142shown inFIG. 12, the lithography monitoring unit16receives the lithography progress reports from the lithography unit5x1. Then, in step S143, the lithography monitoring unit16sends the lithography progress reports to the first user terminal3awithin a lithography state monitoring window46, shown inFIG. 13. In the lithography state monitoring window46, the user may figure out which mask is in which process, or how far the process goes on at the present time. In this lithography state monitoring window46, the user ID51, a starting time68, a predicted ending time69, an item70ato show which mask is on the process, an ordered mask number70b, an item71ashowing a progress statement within a proportion of a lithography area (an item illustrating a progress state of the mask lithography in a proportion of a lithography area), an item71bshowing a progress statement within a frame number, and a graphic monitor72are displayed. In the graphic monitor72, the lithography process is divided into a plural number of processes or variety. Therefore, the user may easily understand how far the process goes. In the graphic monitor72, shown inFIG. 13, the lithography process is divided into eight control systems, such as a beam-deflection system73, a laser measuring system74, an electron beam generator75, a specimen chamber75a, a stage driving system76, a vacuum pumping system77, an electronic control system78and a control computer79. When all of the ordered masks go on the process and the mask drawing ends, the process proceeds to a process in step S144.

(b) In step S144, the portal site server1determines whether or not the lithography process ends. If the lithography process does not end, the process goes back to a process in step S142and continues to receive the lithography state from the lithography unit5x1. If the lithography process ends, the configuration data, sent to the lithography unit5x1as ordered information, is deleted. However, the portal site server1still has the configuration data. Therefore, the lithography unit5x1may receive the configuration data when something happens and the lithography unit5x1needs deleted data. Therefore, in order to cope with a security problem, all of the data, sent from the first user terminal3aand temporally stored in the lithography unit5x1, is completely deleted.

Termination Process (S23)

As shown inFIG. 14, the termination process in step S23ofFIG. 3Bwill be explained.

(a) First, when the “termination process” in step S13FIG. 3Bis selected, the sending unit9sends a deleting data window to the first user terminal3ain step S154ofFIG. 14. The user may select data to delete and input information about the deleting data on the deleting data window. Then, the portal site server1receives the information about the deleting data from the first user terminal3a.

(b) In step S156, the lithography data deleting unit17destroys the deleting data based on received information about the deleting data from the first user terminal3a. This deleting data is data stored in the portal site server1and sent to the lithography unit5x1, which the user selected. The data sent and stored in the lithography unit5x1is destroyed when the lithography process is done at the lithography unit5x1.

(c) When the deleting process of data is ended, the lithography charging unit18sends a transaction window to the first user terminal3aand charges the user for use of the lithography unit5x1. The user is generally charged to an actual time that the lithography unit5x1is in use. For example, as shown inFIG. 15, when the lithography reservation is made, a reserved time85is calculated by adding a margin time83to an expected drawing time82. Then, after this drawing, only an actual time, that the lithography unit5x1is in use, is charged. For instance, a case1inFIG. 15shows that time up to an ending time86is going to be charged. A case2shows that an excess time84is going to be exempted when the reserved time is exceeded. In other words, in the case2, although the time required includes the expected drawing time82, margin83, and the excess time84inFIG. 15, a maximum charging time is only the reserved time and the excess time84, which is a payment exempted time, is exempted. When the time prediction process is in use, the excess time84is exempted from charging time for reducing inaccuracy of the time prediction.

(d) In step S158, the portal site server1receives a transaction data from the first user terminal3aand ends the termination process of step S23inFIG. 3B.

The function of the LSI mask manufacturing system and method of the first embodiment of the present invention may be programmed and saved in a computer-readable recording medium. For the LSI mask manufacturing method of the first embodiment of the present invention, the programs saved in the recording medium is transferred to a memory in a computer system and then operated by its operating unit, thus putting the method in practice. The recording medium may be selected from semiconductor memories, magnetic disks, optical disks, optomagnetic disks, magnetic tapes, and any of the computer-readable recording mediums.

The LSI mask manufacturing system, method and program according to the first embodiment of the present invention provides a system, a method and a program that a user can select and control the schedules and the lithography units. In addition, the LSI mask manufacturing system, method and program according to the first embodiment of the present invention also provides a system, a method and a program that is able to manufacture masks without leaking confidential information, related to lithography data and process conditions for mask manufacturing, to a third person. Furthermore, the LSI mask manufacturing system, method and program according to the first embodiment of the present invention also provides a system, a method and a program that is able to reduce the personnel expenses to provide the LSI mask manufacturing system, method and program by introducing an online ordering system. In addition, the LSI mask manufacturing system, method and program according to the first embodiment of the present invention may also provides a system, a method and a program that is able to reduce costs for mask manufacturing since the user does not have to own units, low in the rate of operation, for a special use or for applying high technologies. The user may share these special units with other users by using the LSI mask manufacturing system, method and program according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the LSI mask manufacturing system, method and program according to the first embodiment of the present invention may also provides a system, a method and a program to a wide range of users from small business users to major users (large business users).

SECOND EMBODIMENT

As shown inFIG. 16, an LSI mask manufacturing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a portal site server1, a first user terminal3a, a second user terminal3b, a third user terminal3c, a first host terminal4ahaving a first lithography unit5a1, a second lithography unit5a2, a third lithography unit5a3, a first computer-aided design unit (CAD)5a4and a second CAD5a5, a second host terminal4bhaving a fourth lithography unit5b1, a fifth lithography unit5b2and a sixth lithography unit5b3, a third host terminal4chaving a seventh lithography unit5c1, an eighth lithography unit5c2, a ninth lithography unit5c3, a first developing unit5c4, a first ashing unit5c5, a first mask check unit5c6and a first etching unit5c8, a fourth host terminal4dhaving a tenth lithography unit5d1, an eleventh lithography unit5d2and a twelfth lithography unit5d3, a second developing unit5d4, a second ashing unit5d5, a second mask check unit5d6, a third CAD5d7, a second etching unit5d8and an adjustment unit5d9, a fifth host terminal4ehaving a fourth CAD5e, a fifth CAD5e2and a sixth CAD5e3, a sixth host terminal4fhaving a seventh CAD5f1, a eighth CAD5f2and a ninth CAD5f3, and a network6connecting the portal site server1, the user terminals3a–3c, and the host terminals4a–4f.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, Internet is proposed as one example of network6. However, other networks such as LAN or a personal computer communication network are alternatives and preferable. In addition, all of the first host terminal4a, the second host terminal4b, the third host terminal4c, the fourth host terminal4d, the fifth host terminal4eand the sixth host terminal4fmay be connected to network6in one country or in a plural countries. For example, it is possible to do that the first host terminal4aand the second host terminal4bare connected to network6in Japan, the third host terminal4cis connected to network6in the U.S.A., and the fourth host terminal4dmay be connected to network6in Germany.

As shown inFIG. 16andFIG. 17, the LSI mask manufacturing system in the second embodiment of the present invention has many structures that the LSI mask manufacturing system in the first embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2. Therefore, only the different structures of the LSI mask manufacturing system in the second embodiment of the present invention will be explained. As shown inFIG. 17, the portal site server1in the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the portal site server1in the first embodiment shown inFIG. 2since the portal site server1in the second embodiment of the present invention has a central processing unit (CPU)2including a sending unit9, a data receiving unit21, a time prediction unit22, a mask manufacturing machine searching unit23, a mask manufacturing machine reservation unit, a configuration unit25, a monitoring unit26, a data deletion unit27, a charging unit28and an ordered range determination unit29. In addition, the portal site server1of the second embodiment of the present invention includes a mask manufacturing data database95and a mask manufacturing unit database96as well as an ID database30and a window database33. Further more, the portal site server1of the second embodiment of the present invention is connected to a mask manufacturing related unit group5through a network6. The mask manufacturing related unit group5has a CAD5x2which generate drawing data for masks from design data, a lithography unit5x1which draws a mask based on a drawing data, a developing unit5x3which develops resist patterns, an ashing unit5x4an etching unit5x6which etches a resist which is a film shielded by chrome or chromic oxide as an etching mask, an ashing unit5x4which ashes the etched resist, a mask check unit5x5which detects for errors on the mask pattern, and an adjustment unit5x7which adjusts the mask pattern. Then the mask manufacturing related unit group may be a machine having one of the above functions or a plural numbers of the above functions. For instance, the mask manufacturing related unit group may include only the lithography unit5x1, or the mask manufacturing related unit group may include the CAD5x2, the lithography unit5x1, the developing unit5x3, the ashing unit5x4, the mask check unit5x5, the etching unit5x6and the adjustment unit5x7. Further more, the CAD5x2 may be a CAD system having various functions such as correcting optic proximity effect, converting data and generating mask layouts.

The receiving unit20receives a mask manufacturing request from the user terminals3a–3c. The data receiving unit21receives data and a reservation information from the user terminals3a–3c. The time prediction unit22estimates the time required for an ordered process, which is a mask manufacturing. For instance, the time prediction unit22estimates design time required at the CAD5x2and lithography time at the lithography unit5x1. The mask manufacturing machine searching unit23searches for the most suitable machines based on the reservation conditions received from the user terminals3a–3c, create a list of the possible selection of the machines, and sends the list to the user terminals3a–3c. For example, if the user select the processes up to the developing process, the mask manufacturing machine searching unit23searches for lithography units, CADs and developing units which satisfy the ordered conditions, create a list and sends the list to the user terminals3a–3c.

The mask manufacturing machine reservation unit24reserves at least one of the mask manufacturing units based on the request from the first through the third user terminals3a–3c. For instance, when the user specifies the fifth CAD5e2, the fourth lithography unit5b1, the second developing unit5d4, the second ashing unit5d3and the second mask check unit5d6, the mask manufacturing machine reservation unit24reserves the fifth CAD5e2, the fourth lithography unit5b1, the second developing unit5d4, the second ashing unit5d3and the second mask check unit5d6for each processes. The user does not need to select machines or units from the same host terminal. The user may select machines or units from a plural number of host terminals. In addition, all of the first host terminal4athrough the sixth host terminal4fmay not be connected to the network6in a domestic level, but in an international level.

The configuration unit25configures detailed conditions at each of the units specified by the user. For instance, the user may specify the first CAD5a4and the first lithography unit5a1, and the configuration unit25configures detailed conditions at each of the first CAD5a4and the first lithography unit5a1. The monitoring unit26receives progress reports from each of the units and sends the progress reports to the user terminals3a–3c. For example, if the user selects the first CAD5a4and the first lithography unit5a1, the monitoring unit26receives progress reports from the first CAD5a4and sends the progress reports to the user terminals3a–3cfirst. When the design process is finished at the first CAD5a4, the monitoring unit26receives progress reports from the first lithography unit5a1and sends the progress reports to the user terminals3a–3c.

The data deleting unit27receives the deleting data from the user terminals3a–3cbased on the request, and deletes the data sent and stored at each of the specified machines and units. The charging unit28charges to the user terminals3a–3cbased on an actual time the machines and units are used. Then, the collected charges are paid to owners of the each machines and units. The ordered range determination unit29determines the ordered range based on received reservation information from the user terminals3a–3c.

The mask manufacturing data database95is connected to the portal site server1and stores data needed for mask manufacturing. The “data needed for mask manufacturing” may be data needed for each ordered processes. Therefore, if the ordered process starts from the design process, design specification data is one of the “data needed for mask manufacturing.” The mask manufacturing unit database96is connected to the portal site server1and stores performance information of the first through the third lithography units5a1–5a3, the fourth through the sixth lithography unit5b1–5b3, the seventh through the ninth lithography unit5c1–5c3, the tenth through the twelfth lithography unit5d1–5d3, the first CAD5a4, the second CAD5a5, the third CAD5d7, the fourth CAD5e1through the sixth CAD5e3, the seventh CAD5f1through the ninth CAD5f3, the first developing unit5c4, the second developing unit5d4, the first ashing unit5c5, the second ashing unit5d5, the first mask check unit5c6, the second mask check unit5d6, the first etching unit5c8, the second etching unit5d8and the adjustment unit5d9.

LSI Mask Manufacturing Method

As shown inFIG. 18,FIG. 19AandFIG. 19B, an LSI mask manufacturing method of the second embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

Starting Process

(a) In step S190shown inFIG. 18, the portal site server1receives the detailed performance information from the each of the units connected to the first through the sixth host terminals4a–4f. For instance, these units connected to the host terminals4a–4fare the first through the twelfth lithography unit5a1–5d3, the first through the ninth CAD5a4–5f3, the first and developing unit5c4and the second developing unit5d4, the first ashing unit5c5, the second ashing unit5d5, the first mask check unit5c6, the second mask check unit5d6, the first etching unit5c8, the second etching unit5d8and an adjustment unit5d9.

(b) Then, in step S191, the portal site server1stores the detailed performance information of the units connected to the host terminals4a–4fare stored in the mask manufacturing unit database95.

(c) In step S192, the portal site server1determines whether or not there is a next unit to receive detailed performance information, and if there is a next unit, a process goes back to a process in step S190to repeat the processes from step S190to step S192. If there is not a next unit to receive the detailed information, receiving process is finished, and the process proceeds to a process in step S201shown inFIG. 19A.

Main Process

(a) In step S201, the portal site server1receives and accepts a connection request from one of the first through the third user terminals3a–3c. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the portal site server1accepts connection from the second user terminal3bin order to make the description easier. In step S202, the sending unit9of the portal site server1transmits a service selection window47to the second user terminal3b. In addition to a various services for the LSI mask manufacturing process explained in the first embodiment of the present invention (S15—S23inFIG. 3B), the user may also select a various services of the mask manufacturing process in selection windows47aand47bas shown inFIG. 20. In the selection window47a, the user may select services, such as a generating lithography data (S310), a mask lithography (S311), a mask developing (S312), an etching (S313), an ashing (S314), a mask check (S315) and a mask adjustment (S316). In the selection window47b, the user may select a design process, such as an OPC (S320), a data conversion (S321) and a generating mask layout (S322). On the top of the service selection window47, the user ID51is displayed, and in items90a(starting process) and90b(ending process), the user may select and input regions for the selection. For example, the user selects regions from “IN4” to “OUT2” as shown inFIG. 20. It means that the user select processes from the mask lithography (S311) through the mask developing (S312) in the service selection window47. These items90aand90bmay be input box where the user can input words and numbers or the items90aand90bmay be a drop down menu where the user may select from the list. After the user selects services or processes, the portal site server1receives service selection information from the second user terminal3bin step S203.

(b) In step S204, the ordered range determination unit29determines the selection information received from the second user terminal3bto recognize which services are selected and what kinds of data must be received from the second user terminal3b.

(c) When all the information is recognized, the sending unit9of the portal site server1adjusts a data request window for the selected range and sends the data request window to the second user terminal3bin step S205. Then, in step S206, the portal site server1receives the requested data from the second user terminal3b.

(d) In step S207, the sending unit9adjusts a reservation window for the selected range and sends the reservation window to the second user terminal3b. Then, in step S208, the data receiving unit21receives detailed reservation information from the second user terminal3b.

(e) In step S209, the portal site server1determines whether or not the expecting time process is selected. If the expecting time process is selected, the time prediction unit22predicts how long it takes to complete the requested processes based on the detailed reservation information in step S210. If the requested processes require a plural number of units, the time prediction unit22estimates the time required at each of the units and includes the time required for each of the units to communicate, such as transfer of data. For example, as shown inFIG. 20, the user select range from “IN4” to “OUT2”. Therefore, the system requires a lithography unit and a developing unit, and the time prediction unit22estimates time needed at the lithography unit to perform a mask lithography process (S311) and time needed at the developing unit to perform a mask developing process (S312). Then, the time prediction unit22also estimates time needed for the lithography unit and the developing unit to transmit data to estimate how long it takes to finish the requested processes as an estimated result. Then, the time prediction unit22sends the estimated result to the second user terminal3b. If the time prediction process is not selected in step S209, the process proceeds to a process in step S211.

(f) In step S211, the mask manufacturing machine searching unit23accesses to the mask manufacturing unit database96and searches for some mask manufacturing unit which fulfills the requested conditions based on the detailed reservation data. For instance, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the lithography unit and the developing unit are required to complete the requested processes. Therefore, based on the detailed reservation information, the mask manufacturing machine searching unit23searches for various varieties of units and machines stored in the mask manufacturing unit database96. For example, as shown inFIG. 16, the third host terminal4cand the fourth host terminal4dhave lithography units and developing units. Therefore, the mask manufacturing machine searching unit23may select a combination of one of the seventh through the ninth lithography units5c1–5c2and the first developing unit5c4connected to the third host terminal4cor another combination of one of the tenth through the twelfth lithography units5d1–5d3and the second developing unit5d4connected to the fourth host terminal4d. If only the first lithography unit5a1 can perform the requested lithography process, the mask manufacturing machine searching unit23may select the first lithography nit5a1and one of the first or second developing units5c4and5d4. After the mask manufacturing machine searching unit23searches and select combinations of the mask manufacturing machines and units, the mask manufacturing machine searching unit23sends a search result to the second user terminal3bin step S212.

(g) In step S213shown inFIG. 19B, the portal site server1receives the selection data from the second user terminal3b. Then, in step S214, the mask manufacturing machine reservation unit24make a reservation to the selected machines based on received selection data from the second user terminal3bin step S213and sends all data needed for the processes to the selected machines or units. For instance, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the user selects the combination of the first lithography unit5a1and the second developing unit5d4as a first choice. Therefore, the mask manufacturing machine reservation unit24tries to reserve the use of the first lithography unit5a1and the second developing unit5d4. If the mask manufacturing machine reservation unit24is able to make a reservation at each of the first lithography unit5a1and the second developing unit5d4, the mask manufacturing machine reservation unit24sends the reservation data and other data needed for the requested process are sent to each of the first lithography unit5a1and the second developing unit5d4.

(h) In step S215, the configuration unit25determines whether or not the second user terminal3brequests for a manual set up. IF the second user terminal3bdoes not request for the manual set up, the portal site server1executes for an automatic setup in step S219, and the process proceeds to a process in step S220. If the second user terminal3brequests for the manual setup, the sending unit9sends the configuration window to the second user terminal3bin step S216. Then, in step S217, the portal site server1receives configuration information from the second user terminal3band sends the configuration information to each of the mask manufacturing units, such as the first lithography unit5a1and the second developing unit5d4.

(i) In step S221, the monitoring unit26receives progress reports from each of the first lithography unit5a1and the second developing unit5d4. Then, in step S222, the monitoring unit26sends the progress reports to the second user terminal3b. In step S223, the monitoring unit26determines whether or not processes in each of the mask manufacturing units are finished. For instance, in the selection window47shown inFIG. 20, the user requests for the processes from “IN4” through “OUT2.” Therefore, in step S223, the monitoring unit26determines whether the lithography process (S311) is finished at first.

(j) If the lithography process (S311) is finished, the monitoring unit26determines whether or not there is a next process to execute. If there is a next process to execute, the process goes back to the process in step S221, and the monitoring unit26receives progress reports from a next mask manufacturing unit and sends the progress reports to the second user terminal3b. In other words, if the lithography process (S311) is finished, the processes in step S221through step S224are executed for the developing process (S312). When the process hits the end of the specified range, the process ends and proceeds to the termination process in step S225.

Termination Process

As shown inFIG. 19C, the termination process will be explained.

(a) In step S231, the sending unit9sends the data deletion window to the second user terminal3b. Then, at the data deletion window, the user selects and inputs information about data, which the user wants to delete. Then, the user sends the information to the portal site server1when the portal site server1receives the information from the second user terminal3b.

(b) Based on received information, the data deleting unit27deletes specified data in specified mask manufacturing unit in step S233. These deleted data are stored in the portal site server1, but deleted from the mask manufacturing unit in step S233.

(c) when the deletion process of the data is finished, the charging unit28sends the charging window to the second user terminal3band requests user for a payment in step S234. Generally, the user is charged for an actual time period, in which the mask manufacturing unit is in work.

(d) In step S235, the portal site server1finishes with the processes for the second embodiment of the present invention, when the portal site server1receives the payment data from the second user terminal3b.

The function of the LSI mask manufacturing system and method of the second embodiment of the present invention may be programmed and saved in a computer-readable recording medium. For the LSI mask manufacturing method of the second embodiment of the present invention, the programs saved in the recording medium is transferred to a memory in a computer system and then operated by its operating unit, thus putting the method in practice. The recording medium may be selected from semiconductor memories, magnetic disks, optical disks, optomagnetic disks, magnetic tapes, and any of the computer-readable recording mediums.

The LSI mask manufacturing system, method and program according to the second embodiment of the present invention provides a system, a method and a program that a user can select and control the schedules and the lithography units. In addition, the LSI mask manufacturing system, method and program according to the second embodiment of the present invention also provides a system, a method and a program that is able to manufacture masks without leaking confidential information, related to lithography data and process conditions for LSI mask manufacturing, to a third person. Furthermore, the LSI mask manufacturing system, method and program according to the second embodiment of the present invention also provides a system, a method and a program that is able to reduce the personnel expenses to provide an LSI mask manufacturing system by introducing an online ordering system. In addition, the LSI mask manufacturing system, method and program according to the second embodiment of the present invention may also provide a system, a method and a program that is able to reduce costs for LSI mask manufacturing since the user does not have to own units and machines, although low in the rate of operation, but needed for a special use or for applying high technologies. The user may share these special units with other users by using the LSI mask manufacturing system, method and program according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the LSI mask manufacturing system, method and program according to the second embodiment of the present invention may also provide a system, a method and a program to a wide range of users from small business users to major users (large business users).

OTHER EMBODIMENT

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.

The first lithography unit5a1through the third lithography unit5a3, the first CAD5a4, the second CAD5a5, the fourth lithography unit5b1–the sixth lithography unit5b3, the seventh lithography unit5c1–the ninth lithography unit5c3, the first developing unit5c4, the first ashing unit5c5, the first mask check unit5c6, the first etching unit5c8, the tenth lithography unit5d1–the twelfth lithography unit5d3, the second developing unit5d4, the second ashing unit5d5, the second mask check unit5d6, the third CAD5d7, the second etching unit5d8, the adjustment unit5d9, the fourth CAD5e1–the sixth CAD5e3and the seventh CAD5f1–the ninth CAD5f3may be connected to the first through the sixth host terminals, which is connected to the network6or may be directly connected to the network6.

The first host terminal4athrough the sixth host terminal4fmay be connected to the network6in domestic level or in the international level. In other words, some of the host terminals may be connected to the network6in different countries.