Interactive evaluation of assembly sequences with mixed (real and virtual) prototyping

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 at an early stage of the manufacturing design process by manipulating both virtual and real prototype components. Thus the mixed prototyping can enable a better intuition of the different constraints and factors involved in assembly design and evaluation. The assembly evaluation tool is based on two implemented systems for computer vision-based augmented reality and for assembly visualization. These existing systems are integrated into the current design, and would allow a manufacturing engineer to interact with the assembly planner while manipulating the real and virtual prototype components. Information from the assembly planner can be displayed directly superimposed on the real scene using a see-through head-mounted display as well as adjacent computer monitors. The current status of the implementation and the plans for future extensions are outlined