Software controller for handling system
Methods and systems are provided for controlling material handling systems, such as vacuum-based semiconductor handling systems. In embodiments a central software controller recognizes the addition of a component to the system, such as the addition of a process module or robotic handling facility, and can optimize material flow based on the new component. In embodiments the system may include software for visualizing and optimizing the flow of materials and/or the configuration of the system.
1 . A computer-based method for controlling a semiconductor handling system, comprising:
providing a robotic handling facility for handling a semiconductor item;
providing a process module for processing an item:
providing a software controller for the robotic handling facility; and
providing an interface to the software controller, so that the controller recognizes at least one of the robotic handling facility and the process module when the same is connected to the semiconductor handling system.
2 . A method of claim 1 , wherein the interface is a network interface.
3 . A method of claim 1 , wherein the robotic handling facility is a four link SCARA arm.
4 . A method of claim 1 , wherein the semiconductor handling system is a vacuum-based handling system.
5 . A computer-based system for controlling a semiconductor handling system, comprising:
a robotic handling facility for handling a semiconductor item;
a process module for processing an item;
a software controller for the robotic handling facility; and
an interface to the software controller, so that the controller recognizes at least one of the robotic handling facility and the process module when the same is connected to the semiconductor handling system.
6 . A system of claim 4 , wherein the interface is a network interface.
7 . A system of claim 4 , wherein the robotic handling facility is a four link SCARA arm.
8 . A system of claim 4 , wherein the semiconductor handling system is a vacuum-based handling system.
9 . A computer-based method, comprising:
providing a vacuum-based handling system for a material, the handling system including one or more robotic components; and
providing a software interface for the handling system, wherein the software interface permits a user to view alternate configurations of the handling system in order to optimize a characteristic of the handling system.
10 . A method of claim 9 , wherein the user can optimize the components of the handling system.
11 . A method of claim 9 , wherein the user can optimize the flow of materials through the system.
12 . A method of claim 9 , wherein the user can add a component to the system.
13 . A computer-based system, comprising:
a vacuum-based handling system for a material, the handling system including one or more robotic components; and
a software interface for the handling system, wherein the software interface permits a user to view alternate configurations of the handling system in order to optimize a characteristic of the handling system.
14 . A system of claim 13 , wherein the user can optimize the components of the handling system.
15 . A system of claim 13 , wherein the user can optimize the flow of materials through the system.
16 . A system of claim 13 , wherein the user can add a component to the system.