Web-based robotics simulation

• US 20070135933A1
• Filed: 03/21/2006
• Published: 06/14/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Brooks Automation Ltd. (United Kingdom) (Azenta, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Brooks Automation Ltd. (United Kingdom) (Azenta, Inc.)
• Inventors: van der Meulen, Peter, Panesse, Patrick
• Application Number:
  US11/386,446
• Publication Number:
  US 20070135933A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/17
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/1671 characterised by simulation, either to verify existing program or to create and verify new program, CAD/CAM oriented, graphic oriented programming systems
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/33299 Real time, online diagnostic, integrated in normal control system
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/34256 Api application programming interface
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/40311 Real time simulation
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/45031 Manufacturing semiconductor wafers

Abstract

A programming interface for a hardware system includes an embedded layer for programmatic access to a physical realization of hardware, a simulation system for simulation of the hardware, and a diagnostics engine that analyzes and compares feedback data from the simulation system and the physical realization. The programming interface may be usefully employed, for example, in the design, purchase, and deployment of robotics for semiconductor manufacturing.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a simulation system for simulating a plurality of components;

a user interface for specifying a manufacturing robotics system using one or more of the plurality of components, the user interface permitting a user to simulate the manufacturing robotics system in the simulation system and the user interface further permitting a user to purchase the manufacturing robotics system.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the simulation system provides real time simulation.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the user interface includes a web interface.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the user interface provides cost information associated with the manufacturing robotics system.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the user interface presents simulation results to the user.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the user interface includes one or more tools for analyzing the simulation results.

7. The system of claim 5 wherein the user interface includes one or more tools for comparing simulation results from a plurality of simulations.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the plurality of simulations include simulations of two or more different manufacturing robotics systems using different ones of the plurality of components.

9. The system of claim 7 wherein the user interface includes two or more different simulations of the same manufacturing robotics system under different conditions.

10. The system of claim 7 further comprising a purchasing engine that receives a purchase order from the user of the user interface and converts the order into a specification for a product.

11. The system of claim 7 wherein specifying the manufacturing robotics system includes providing a mechanical relationship among a plurality of robotic components.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the plurality of robotic components includes one or more robotic arm links.

13. The system of claim 7 wherein specifying the manufacturing robotics system includes providing an electrical relationship among a plurality of robotic components.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the plurality of robotic components includes one or more of a motor, a sensor, and a controller.

15. A method comprising:

providing a simulation system for simulating a plurality of components;

presenting the simulation system through a user interface adapted for specifying a manufacturing robotics system using one or more of the plurality of components, the user interface permitting a user to simulate the manufacturing robotics system in the simulation system and the user interface further permitting a user to purchase the manufacturing robotics system.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the simulation system provides real time simulation.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the user interface includes a web interface.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein the user interface provides cost information associated with the manufacturing robotics system.

19. The method of claim 15 wherein the user interface presents simulation results to the user.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the user interface includes one or more tools for analyzing the simulation results.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein the user interface includes one or more tools for comparing simulation results from a plurality of simulations.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the plurality of simulations include simulations of two or more different manufacturing robotics systems using different ones of the plurality of components.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein the user interface includes two or more different simulations of the same manufacturing robotics system under different conditions.

24. The method of claim 21 further comprising receiving a purchase order from the user of the user interface and converting the order into a specification for a product.

25. The method of claim 21 wherein specifying the manufacturing robotics system includes providing a mechanical relationship among a plurality of robotic components.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein the plurality of robotic components includes one or more robotic arm links.

27. The method of claim 21 wherein specifying the manufacturing robotics system includes providing an electrical relationship among a plurality of robotic components.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein the plurality of robotic components includes one or more of a motor, a sensor, and a controller.

29. A method comprising:

specifying a robotic system through a web-based user interface;

simulating the robotic system;

reviewing simulation results through the web-based user interface; and

purchasing the robotic system.

30. A method comprising:

receiving a specification of a robotic system over a data network;

simulating the robotic system;

transmitting simulation results of the data network; and

receiving a purchase order for the robotic system.