Visualization of composite lay-up technology with use of augmented reality elements

Paper deals with area of virtual tools that are based on principles of open source philosophy. It considers their utilization for purposes of composite lay-up technology. Virtual software and hardware elements necessary for work in augmented reality environment are described. In the beginning it brings on the general problems of applications of virtual components and composite lay-up process. Further the fundamental philosophy of new created application is clarified and the process called visual scripting is described, which was used for development of new application. It also provides more detailed view on particular logical sections. In these sections necessary data are harvested and compared with values from relevant virtual arrays. From the hardware point of view, new device is developed for adjustment actions of working table. This enables detailed control of any realized manufacturing process. Positioning device can determine and set the position of basic working plane using the commands from computer interface or manual changes. Key information about exact position of individual composite layers are obtained in real time thanks to the built-in sensors. One of them manages the data change of the desk position (X, Y, Z), other checks the rotation around main axis situated in the center of the table. Newly created software consists of 4 main logical areas with data packets obtained from computer and also from external devices. The displaying section then can display the movement process of virtual item (composite layer) according to its trajectory. This paper contributes with new attitude in realization of composite lay-up technology. In the end it considers possible improvements and other application possibilities that should be developed in future research activities.