Intergration assisting system and method

• US 20050033477A1
• Filed: 01/02/2001
• Published: 02/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/02/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Avraham Friedman
• Original Assignee: Avraham Friedman
• Inventors: Friedman, Avraham
• Granted Patent: US 7,120,517 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/264
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/41865 characterised by job scheduling, process planning, material flow
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/02 Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]

Abstract

A self-intelligent component-based robotics system wherein at (202), system (100) is assembled. At (204) an optimal self configuration process is performed. At (206) a user inputs into the system a “system image” which represents one or more functions expected from the system. At (208) calibration is performed. Once calibration is completed, system 100 is being used at (210).

Claims

1. A method of robotics integration, comprising:

assembling a robotics system from components including at least one motor having a rotation direction;

generating a prompt to a user regarding said rotation direction; and

entering by the user of at least one of an indication of a desired rotation direction and an indication of an actual rotation direction of said motor into said system, in response to said prompt.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said prompt is included in a self test by said system.

3. A method according to claim 1, comprising self-configuring of said system in response to said response.

4. A method according to any claims 1-3, comprising repeating said prompting and said entering, to perform an interactive system integration process.

5. A method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein generating a prompt comprises consulting a database responsive to said assembly of said system to generate said prompt.

6. A method according to any of claims 1-3, comprising consulting a database responsive to said response, as an input for a self configuration process.

7. A self-predicting system, comprising:

a plurality of robotics components;

a memory storing therein a system configuration map; and

an input for a command to the system; and

a controller that receives at least one command from said input and that analyzes said command in view of said map, to predict a possible failure mode of the robotics system.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein said controller determines said failure mode based on at least one of initial speed, final speed and acceleration of at least one of said components.

9. A system according to claim 7, wherein said controller comprises a database of failure scenarios and wherein said controller utilizes said database for said analysis.

10. A system according to any of claims 7-9, wherein said controller comprises a database of experience, learned by said controller in the use of said system and wherein said controller utilizes said database for said prediction.

11. A system according to any of claims 7-9, wherein said controller is a centralized component.

12. A system according to any of claims 7-9, wherein said controller comprises a plurality of controller component distributed between at least some of said components.

13. A expanding system, comprising:

a plurality of robotics components assembled into a working system;

a database including candidate additional system components; and

a controller that analyzes said database and generates a suggestion to a user of said system, of an upgrade of the system.

14. A system according to claim 13, wherein said upgrade comprises a replacement of a component already in said working system.

15. A system according to claim 13, wherein said upgrade comprises adding an additional component to said system.

16. A system according to any of claims 13-15, wherein said controller generates said suggestion in response to a system failure.

17. A system according to any of claims 13-15, comprising an input that receives a user system specification and wherein said controller generates said suggestion in response to a system specification change by a user of the system.

18. A system according to claim 17, wherein said controller is adapted to receive said specification change in functional terms.

19. A system according to any of claims 13-15, wherein said controller downloads said database from a remote computer.

20. A self-configuring system, comprising:

a plurality of robotics components, at least some of which are interconnected by wires;

a database including system components specifications; and

a controller that analyzes said database and reconfigures at least one of said interconnected components to interface with at least one of said wires differently, to achieve a desired system configuration.

21. A system according to claim 20, wherein said interface is reconfigured, so that at least one wire carries a different signal type than before the reconfiguration.

22. A system according to claim 20, wherein said interface is reconfigured, so that at least one wire carries a different signal amplitude than before the reconfiguration.

23. A system according to claim 20, wherein said interface is reconfigured, so that at least one wire carries a different signal rate.

24. A system according to any of claims 20-23, comprising an input that receives a user system specification and wherein said controller changes said configuration in response to a user request.

25. A system according to any of claims 20-23, wherein said controller changes said configuration in response to a failure in the system.

26. A switch emulator, comprising:

a connection to a motor;

a connection to a driver; and

an input for selecting whether said emulator maintains an overload switch in said motor in a normally open or a normally closed position.