VRML interface software for image and data compilation

A virtual reality modeling language (VRML) interface system for printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing comprising:

• a World Wide Web browser wherein said browser includes a VRML viewer plug-in;
• at least one external database storing a plurality of first image files wherein said plurality of first image files are created on differing software platforms;
• a VRML interface software program installed onto said browser wherein said program compiles visual information from said plurality of first image files and creates a second image file based on said plurality of first image files wherein said second image file can be viewed independent of computer platform;
• and
• a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly facility wherein assembly operators assemble PCBs from said second image file.

A method to generate a second VRML image file based on a plurality of first image files created from differing software platforms comprising the steps of:

• assembling at least one external database that contains said plurality of first image files created from differing software platforms;
• loading a VRML interface software program onto a World Wide Web (WWW) browser wherein said program compiles visual information from said plurality of first image files and creates a second VRML image file based on said plurality of first image files wherein said second VRML image file can be viewed independent of computer platform;
• accessing a WWW server by using said WWW browser and using a database interface to access said plurality of first image files;
• and
• downloading said plurality of first image files and using said VRML interface software program to generate said second image file.