The design of interactive graphics aids to mask layout

Recently a number of interactive graphics aids to integrated circuit mask layout have been described. A review of the particular problems involved in implementing programs of this kind will be given with a description of hardware and software techniques available for their solution. Some features of these previously described programs will be compared and used to illustrate the range of solutions available. A program, IMP, will be described that uses some software techniques, not previously employed, to provide a capable and highly flexible mask layout facility on relatively inexpensive graphics terminals.