Interactive evaluation of assembly sequences using augmented reality

This paper describes an interactive tool for evaluating assembly sequences using the novel human-computer interface of augmented reality. The goal is to be able to consider various sequencing alternatives of the manufacturing design process by manipulating both virtual and real prototype components. The augmented reality-based assembly evaluation tool would allow a manufacturing engineer to interact with the assembly planner while manipulating the real and virtual prototype components in an assembly environment. Information from the assembly planner can be displayed directly superimposed on the real. A sensing technique is proposed that uses computer vision along with a system of markers for automatically monitoring the assembly state as the user manipulates the assembly components. An implemented system called AREAS is described. The advantage of using mixed prototyping and augmented reality as means of capturing human intuition in assembly planning is also discussed