Virtual reality based training for the microlithography panel printer: Task analysis and methodology

Electronics packaging is the process that deals with inserting discrete components, integrated circuits and medium/large scale integration chips into plates on printed circuit boards to form a larger microelectronics assembly. Due to the recent developments in this field, roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing has the potential to lead to dramatic reductions of cost and enable new applications, such as inexpensive flexible displays and low cost radio frequency identification (RFID). One of the process steps in R2R is photolithography, which allows for embossing, direct patterning, and additive processes. The panel printer is an example of an advanced microlithography system used to create fine image patterns through reticles on substrate boards. This type of machine is very expensive, sophisticated, and requires operators to operate for specific designs, calibrate according to demand, and use up-todate programming software. Computer-based training (CBT) has been found to be very effective in various industries, with a growing interest in virtual reality (VR) technology to overcome the disadvantages of traditional on-the-job training (OJT). Therefore, the objective of this paper is twofold: 1) to understand the operation of the microlithography machine, and 2) to discuss the methodology used and the findings obtained from a preliminary hierarchical task analysis for operating the panel printer of this system, with the ultimate goal of developing a VR-based training simulator.