Remote plotting of integrated circuit layout in a network computer-aided

Abstract

A remote plotting system and method is implemented in a network of computer workstations whereby a designated computer functions as a plot server. Client workstations are programmed to create plot requests from data created in a computer aided integrated circuit design and layout application. The plot server computer is programmed to A) receive plot requests in a common spooling area sent from other workstations in the network, B) perform necessary rasterization of the requested data, and C) schedule resulting plot files for the first available plotter based on a round robin scheduling mechanism. Plot requests are design file plot templates which are sets of instructions describing the specific characteristics of the desired output, and a reference to the actual design data to be rasterized by the plot server. The system incorporates a single stage queue and supports an unlimited number of plotters and client workstations. The plot server software also monitors progress of requested plots from the point a request is received to the actual printing of the plot file on a particular plotting device.