Software system and method for graphically building customized recipe flowcharts

Abstract

A software system and method is disclosed for creating analytical graphics such as bar charts and the like with greater flexibility in an object-oriented Window.RTM. environment. The software is particularly applicable to analyzing production data in semiconductor quality control. The user customizes the analytical tools by selecting production parameters from a dialog box, and creates flowcharts on the computer display representing the sequence of production variables and production functions previously selected. The software is set up with a macro recording function to remember the production keystrokes previously selected. The analytical sequence represented by the flowchart is automatically executed whenever it is selected by the user, or this sequence can be preprogrammed to run at specified intervals in the future. Thus, the user can automatically generate reports of production data on a regular basis to a particular output device, such as a printer, server, or computer screen, or alert an operator by e-mail or paging systems.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.