Patent Description:
Disclosed implementations include systems, methods, devices, and logic that support ply layups on a composite part layup tool using augmented reality (AR). Augmented reality may refer to any technology or mechanism to superimpose (e.g., overlay) computer-generated images on a view of a physical elements, and various features for AR-based ply layups are described herein.

Certain examples are described in the following detailed description and in reference to the drawings.

The discussion below refers to plies and composite part layup tools, which may be used to construct, manufacture, or otherwise form a composite part. Composite parts (also referred to herein as composite laminates) may refer to any object or structure that is composed of multiple layers of material (e.g., plies). Composite parts may be formed by sequentially layering ply by ply to construct the composite part or composite laminate, many times through use of a composite part layup tool. Construction of composite parts is used in many industries, for instance in aerospace, automotive, transport, textile, and various other industries. Physical layup of a ply (e.g., via placement, lamination, or attachment) may be performed on the surface of a composite part layup tool. Composite part layup tools may provide a specifically-shaped physical surface upon which layers of plies are successively placed to form the composite laminate. Composite laminates continue to increase in complexity, sometimes requiring tens, hundreds, or thousands of ply layups to construct the end product. Ply layups may thus require a high degree of precision, are many times unique to a specific product, and often require time-intensive manual labor.

Various tools exist to guide an operator in manually placing plies across a composite part layup tool to form a composite laminate. Some guiding systems may utilize lasers to trace an outline of plies for layup on a composite part layup tool, but these laser systems can be expensive, rigid, and difficult to program. Static cameras may be used to view a composite part layup tool and added plies, but such systems are also inflexible and difficult to maneuver, often times limiting the degree to which an operator can fully view the composite part layup tool and properly layup successive plies at different positions over a composite part layup tool.

The disclosure herein may provide systems, methods, devices, and logic for AR-based ply layups. As described in greater detail herein, AR-based ply layups may provide mechanisms for flexible and accurate CAD generated ply placement data that is overlaid, via AR technologies, over a composite part layup tool. Various forms of ply placement data may be generated and visualized via AR devices, which may provide digital enhancements that are overlaid on a view of the composite part layup tool itself and any ply layers already applied for construction of a composite laminate. Examples of ply placement data contemplated herein include ply outlines, incremental placement paths, draping simulation results, potential distortion and defects, layup instructions or real-time feedback, each of which may be digitally overlaid to assist a user in ply layups. Moreover, the AR-based ply layup features described herein may consistently supply such AR-based visual enhancements while maintaining a user's freedom to physically move and layup plies via the composite part layup tool, which may be not be possible with other position-fixed ply layup tools.

<FIG> shows an example of a system <NUM> that supports AR-based ply layup on a composite part layup tool. The system <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes a computing system <NUM> and an AR headset <NUM>. The computing system <NUM> may include a single or multiple computing devices such as application servers, compute nodes, desktop or laptop computers, smart phones or other mobile devices, tablet devices, embedded controllers, and more. The AR headset <NUM> may take the form of any wearable device that provides AR capabilities to digitally overlay computer-generated images upon a user's view of physical elements. As such, the AR headset <NUM> may be implemented as AR glasses or other viable AR headwear.

As described in greater detail herein, the computing system <NUM> may access, generate, or provide ply placement data for visualization through the AR headset <NUM>. The ply placement data may provide various digital enhancements to a physical view to assist, guide, or inform a user in ply layups using a composite part layup tool. As such, the computing system <NUM> may provide CAD generated ply placement positions, incremental placement paths, simulated layups, ply interest zones, real-time feedback (after physical layup occurs), and other forms of ply placement data to the AR headset <NUM> for visualization. The AR headset <NUM> may overlay the ply placement data upon a physical view of a composite part layup tool or already-applied ply layers, even as a user changes physical positions during construction of a composite laminate.

As an example implementation, the computing system <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes an AR ply layup engine <NUM>. The computing system <NUM> may implement the AR ply layup engine <NUM> (and components thereof) in various ways, for example as hardware and programming. The programming for the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may take the form of processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may include a processor to execute those instructions. A processor may take the form of single processor or multiprocessor systems.

In operation, the AR headset <NUM> may drive an AR view that digitally visualizes ply placement data on a composite part layup tool physically visible through the AR headset <NUM>. In operation, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may analyze a view of the AR headset <NUM> to identify the composite part layup tool, match a CAD generated ply placement position of a given ply to layup via the composite part layup tool, and provide the CAD generated ply placement position of the given ply to the AR headset as the ply placement data to digitally overlay on the composite part layup tool physically visible through the AR headset <NUM>.

These and other example features of AR-based ply layups according to the present disclosure are described in greater detail next.

<FIG> shows an example of ply placement data that an AR ply layup engine may provide to an AR headset to digitally overlay on a view of a composite part layup tool. In particular, <FIG> illustrates a composite part layup tool <NUM> visible via the AR headset <NUM> (the user/operator is not shown). The AR headset <NUM> may be communicatively linked to the AR ply layup engine <NUM>, e.g., via one or more networks any type or protocol (e.g., wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.). Although illustrated separately in <FIG>, in some examples the AR headset <NUM> itself may implement some (or all) of the various features of the AR ply layup engine <NUM> as described herein.

To support AR-based ply layups, the AR headset <NUM> may transmit a current view of physical elements visible through the AR headset <NUM>. In <FIG>, the AR headset <NUM> provides view data <NUM> to the AR ply layup engine <NUM>, which may include any image or video data that represents a view visible through the AR headset <NUM>. For instance, the AR headset <NUM> may include a digital image capture device (e.g., a digital camera) by which the view data <NUM> is obtained and then transmitted to the AR ply layup engine <NUM>. The view data <NUM> may include digital video data, static images, or combinations thereof.

The AR ply layup engine <NUM> may analyze the view data <NUM> to identify the composite part layup tool <NUM> or already-placed plies. To do so, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may parse through the view data <NUM> to identify any discernable characteristics, properties, elements, points, or other identifying data for the composite part layup tool <NUM> or previously placed plies during construction of a composite laminate. Identifying characteristics for the composite part layup tool <NUM> may include any physical identification points physically embedded, include, or constructed on the composite part layup tool <NUM> itself (e.g., specifically to support AR-based ply layups and detection in an AR view).

In a consistent manner, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may identify characteristics of already-placed plies, e.g., via comparison to CAD simulations to compare fiber characteristics or orientations, composite material (e.g., ply) characteristics, and the like. For a composite laminate that is partially constructed (e.g., with one or more ply layups already completed on the composite part layup tool <NUM>), the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may analyze the view data <NUM> to determine a present state of a ply layup process. For instance, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may identify specific textures or ply materials present in the view data <NUM>, along with relevant positions and layering of such plies, in order to determine which plies have been placed using the composite part layup tool <NUM>. Such data may be relevant to determine a subsequent ply to layup via the compositely layup tool <NUM> to form a composite laminate. Additionally or alternatively, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may track a present state of the ply layup process as successive plies are placed and laminated, e.g., as tracked via the view data <NUM> or other user indication.

By analyzing the view data <NUM>, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may also determine an orientation of the AR headset <NUM> (and accordingly a user) as positioned with respect to the composite part layup tool <NUM> and already-placed plies. Doing so may allow the AR ply layup engine <NUM> to more precisely, accurately, or efficiently provide ply placement data to augment the physical view of the composite part layup tool <NUM>.

The AR-based ply layup features described herein may provide a user with the flexibility to physically move during a ply layup process. As the AR headset <NUM> may be physically worn, a user may be free to move around the composite part layup tool <NUM> to, for example, find a better layup angle to place a given ply or to find a better position to layup the given ply along various boundaries. As the user moves, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may continually analyze the view data <NUM> to properly identify positioning of ply placement data provided to the AR headset <NUM> to digitally overlay.

Turning to the ply placement data itself, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may provide various forms of ply placement data to the AR headset <NUM> to support AR-based ply layups. In <FIG>, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> transmits the ply placement data <NUM> to the AR headset <NUM>, by which the AR headset <NUM> may augment the physical view visible through the AR headset <NUM>. The AR ply layup engine <NUM> may obtain and provide ply placement data <NUM> on a per-ply basis. Since ply layups occur sequentially during composite laminate construction, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may generate and provide ply placement data <NUM> for a current ply to be, is being, or has been laid up via the composite part layup tool <NUM>. In some implementations, the ply placement data <NUM> is CAD generated, for example via a fiber simulation CAD tool or other CAD tool with CAD design, simulation, and testing capabilities for composite laminates constructed through a series of ply layups.

As a particular example, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may obtain and provide ply placement positions for plies placed via the composite part layup tool <NUM>. Such ply placement positions may provide an indication of the specific locations at which plies are to be laid up on the composite part layup tool <NUM>, visible as digital overlays on the actual surface of the composite part layup tool <NUM> through the AR headset <NUM>. In that regard, the ply placement data <NUM> provided by the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may specify the specific positions (e.g., locations in the view of the AR headset <NUM>) at which to digitally augment with the ply placement data <NUM>.

To provide an illustration of visualization of the ply placement data <NUM>, <FIG> depicts an example composite interface (e.g., composite view) visible through the AR headset <NUM> as the AR view <NUM>. The AR headset <NUM> may drive the AR view <NUM> by augmenting the physical view of the composite part layup tool <NUM> with the ply placement data <NUM> received from the AR ply layup engine <NUM>. In the AR view <NUM> depicted in <FIG>, the AR headset <NUM> overlays a ply placement position <NUM> over the physical view of the composite part layup tool <NUM>. The ply placement position <NUM> may provide any type of positioning data applicable to a given ply for construction of a composite laminate using the composite part layup tool <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the ply placement position <NUM> is shown as a dotted outline digitally overlaid on the view of the AR headset <NUM>, and specifically positioned over the relevant portions of the surface of the composite part layup tool <NUM> (or, in other cases, previously laid plies) in which a given ply is to be placed. As a user moves, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may continually update the positioning for the ply placement position <NUM> within the view of the AR headset <NUM> such that the ply placement position <NUM> is accurately overlaid across the physical surface of the composite part layup tool <NUM>. Thus, the AR headset <NUM> (via the AR ply layup engine <NUM>) may visualize 3D ply outlines on a surface of the composite part layup tool <NUM>, assisting a user in the actual manual layup of a given ply even as the user moves and the field of vision through the AR headset <NUM> changes.

While <FIG> provides an example of ply placement data <NUM> in the form of ply placement position <NUM>, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> and AR headset <NUM> may support various other forms of ply placement data <NUM> as well, some of which are presented next in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows further examples of ply placement data that the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may provide to the AR headset <NUM> to digitally overlay on a view of a composite part layup tool <NUM>. In <FIG>, the AR headset <NUM> drives an AR view <NUM> to digitally augment the ply placement data <NUM> provided by the AR ply layup engine <NUM>. The ply placement data <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes the ply placement position <NUM> (e.g., as described for <FIG>), a ply interest zone <NUM>, and an incremental placement path <NUM> for a given ply. These forms of ply placement data <NUM> are depicted in the AR view <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

For the ply interest zone <NUM>, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may identify selected portions of a given ply that exhibit different layup characteristics than other portions of the given ply. For instance, a ply portion may require a specific 3D shape, pressure requirement, texture, or other layup application characteristic that impacts the effectiveness in performing a layup for the given ply. Such characteristics may result in wrinkling during layup or cause other unwanted results, e.g., may be identified or predicted via CAD simulation. The AR ply layup engine <NUM> may identify relevant interest zones for a given ply from such CAD simulation data (e.g., access from a CAD tool used to model and simulate construction of a composite laminate including a given ply), which the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may include in the ply placement data <NUM> as ply interest zones. Thus, example ply interest zones include portions susceptible to wrinkling or distortion during layup.

The ply interest zone <NUM> depicted in the AR view <NUM> of <FIG> shows one example of how the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may identify a ply region and how the AR headset <NUM> may augment a view to highlight an identified ply region. The ply interest zone <NUM> may indicate a (relative) high probability or wrinkling or indicate to a user that the highlighted ply portion may require increased lamination pressure, and the like. Such zones may be color-coded based on a degree of susceptibility to undesired effects, e.g., using a green, yellow, and red color scale indicative of wrinkling degree.

The AR ply layup engine <NUM> includes an incremental placement path for a given ply as part of the ply placement data <NUM>. The incremental data path specifies a sequence to layup a particular ply, which guides a user in ply layups with increased efficiency or effectiveness. In some examples, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> obtains an incremental placement path from a CAD tool that has analyzed the particular ply, composite part layup tool <NUM>, or other factors to determine a sequence of ply application.

In <FIG>, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> provides an incremental placement path <NUM> for a given ply as part of the ply placement data <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the AR headset <NUM> projects the incremental placement path <NUM> over the surface of the composite part layup tool <NUM> (or possibly the given ply itself during actual layup of the given ply by a user). The example incremental placement path <NUM> shown in <FIG> is in the form of numbered arrows which may signal a sequence for a user to layup various portions of a given ply. Any other visual sequence indicators can be generated by the AR ply layup engine <NUM> and overlaid by the AR headset <NUM>.

In some implementations, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> dynamically updates the incremental placement path <NUM> as actual layup of a given ply occurs. In that regard, the AR headset <NUM> continuously transmits view data <NUM> of the given ply during physical layup, which the AR ply layup engine <NUM> analyzes to determine a current state of the physical layup for a given ply. As a user layups specific portions of the given ply (e.g., completes step <NUM> of the incremental placement path <NUM>), the AR ply layup engine <NUM> updates the incremental placement path <NUM> to account for completed portions of a present ply layup. The AR headset <NUM>, in effect, removes the completed portions of the incremental placement path <NUM> as the physical layup portions of the given ply are completed.

Ply placement positions, ply interest zones, and incremental placement paths are but three (<NUM>) examples of ply placement data that the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may access (e.g., generate or obtain) and the AR headset <NUM> may overlay in an AR view <NUM>.

As yet another example, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may access a layup simulation of applying a given ply on the composite part layup tool <NUM>. The layup simulation may, for example, identify surface complexities that impact an effectiveness of the ply layup for the given ply (e.g., at ply interest zones along a surface of the given ply or composite part layup tool <NUM>). The layup simulation may be, for example, produced by a CAD tool, from which the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may access the layup simulation.

To overlay the layup simulation in the AR view <NUM>, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may include layup simulation data as part of the ply placement data <NUM>. In some implementations, the AR headset <NUM> may overlay the layup simulation over the actual surface of the composite part layup tool <NUM>, which may provide a user a digital and simulated view of how a given ply layup can occur over the surface of the composite part layup tool <NUM> (or other plies already applied unto a composite laminate). As such, the AR headset <NUM> may drive the AR view <NUM> to overlay the layup simulation over an applicable portion of the composite part layup tool <NUM> physically visible through AR headset <NUM>.

As other examples of ply placement data, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may provide various forms of analysis data for the AR headset <NUM> to overlay in the AR view <NUM>. Example analyses include structural analysis data that my indicate areas of stress or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) data, and the like. Such analysis data may, for example, by useful for a user to visualize in real-time during ply layup or with respect to an overlaid layup simulation. This may be particularly relevant as the AR headset <NUM> may project the analysis data specifically relevant to (e.g., overlaid upon) physical components actually visible through the AR headset <NUM> (e.g., the physical surfaces of the composite part layup tool <NUM> or other already-placed plies).

Additional examples of real-time analysis data are described next with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an example of real-time analysis that the AR ply layup engine <NUM> and AR headset <NUM> may provide after physical layup of a given ply. In <FIG>, a given ply <NUM> is visible through the AR headset <NUM> after physical layup of the given ply, e.g., as shown through the AR view <NUM>. View data <NUM> of the given ply <NUM> may be transmitted to the AR ply layup engine <NUM> by the AR headset <NUM>, from which the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may respond with analysis data. In other examples, the AR headset <NUM> captures a still image that includes the given ply <NUM> after physical layup for the AR ply layup engine <NUM> to analyze.

The AR ply layup engine <NUM> may generate, as analysis data, feedback for the physical layup of the given ply <NUM>. Analysis performed or obtained by the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may include layup boundary or edge positioning comparisons between the actual physical layup of the given ply <NUM> and CAD generated simulations or ply placement positions. As another example analysis, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may analyze fiber textures, orientations, or paths of the given ply after physical layup to determine layup efficacy (e.g., via comparison to CAD simulated ply layups for the given ply <NUM>). Such analysis may include whether the physical fiber orientations are within an acceptable tolerance from a target orientation requirement (e.g., as determined via simulation, as set by CAD tools, or with respect a user-specified goal).

In the specific example shown in <FIG>, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> analyzes a captured image of the given ply <NUM> after physical layup to provide layup feedback <NUM>. The AR ply layup engine <NUM> may include the layup feedback <NUM> as part of the ply placement data <NUM>, which the AR headset <NUM> may overlay into the AR view <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the layup feedback <NUM> may take the form of a warning message, e.g., that indicates an edge (or multiple edges) of the given ply <NUM> after layup are at least a threshold distance from the ply placement position <NUM> specified for the given ply <NUM>. Similar forms of layup feedback may be provided by the AR ply layup engine <NUM> for disoriented fibers or other determined issues.

As another example of analysis features, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> and AR headset <NUM> may support foreign object detection for ply layups. For example, after physical layup of a given ply, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may parse view data <NUM> provided by the AR headset <NUM> to analyze whether any unexpected objects are located on the composite part layup tool <NUM> or plies placed for the composite laminate. Such foreign object detection analysis may, for example, include comparing simulation data or expected material or laminate textures to identify inconsistencies. Example foreign objects may include any dropped items or debris inadvertently placed on the composite laminate, which the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may detect through such analysis. As the AR headset <NUM> provides a convenient mechanism to scan portions of the composite laminate (e.g., including crevices or portions blocked at different lines of sight), the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may detect foreign objects that may otherwise be missed by static camera systems or user error.

As yet another example analysis feature, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> and AR headset <NUM> may support generation of quality reports for ply layups. Before, during, or after physical layup of plies in construction of a composite laminate, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may parse view data <NUM> provided by the AR headset <NUM> to capture relevant analysis data to include in a quality report. Such analysis data may include any combination of the various analyses discussed herein, such as ply edge verifications, foreign object detections, captured images of specific ply layups, inconsistency detections, or more. The AR ply layup engine <NUM> may aggregate relevant analysis data during ply layup and, in some implementations, automatically compile the quality report upon completion of the composite material.

While <FIG> provides examples of real-time analysis provided by the AR ply layup engine <NUM> and AR headset <NUM> after physical layup of a given ply, any of the analysis features may be provided, in a consistent manner, before or during physical layup of the given ply as well. The AR ply layup engine <NUM> and AR headset <NUM> may support provision of ply layup analysis data in real-time. In that regard, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may continually analyze view data <NUM> or captured images provided by the AR headset <NUM> to obtain and provide any of the various forms of analysis data described herein as ply placement data <NUM>. In doing so, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may offer continuous or real-time feedback to a user as the physical layup for the given ply <NUM> occurs or completes, especially as a user views the physical surface of the given ply <NUM> upon application. As such, the AR-based ply layup features described herein may increase the efficiency and effectiveness of ply layups.

In any of the ways described herein, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> and AR headset <NUM> may provide and visualize ply placement data <NUM> in an AR view <NUM> to support AR-based ply layups. As yet another potential benefit of AR-based ply layups, many composite part layup tools have complex structures and facades specific to the manufacture of particularized composite parts or plies. Such composite part layup tools may include deep crevices or block portions out of various lines of sight when viewing the composite layup engine. Such regions may be inaccessible by laser-guided or static camera systems. However, with AR-based ply layups, a user may view such inaccessible regions by adjusting their physical position, all the while the AR headset <NUM> may overlay applicable ply placement data for such regions provided by the AR ply layup engine <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of logic <NUM> that a system may implement to support AR-based ply layups on a composite part layup tool. In some examples, the computing system <NUM> implements the logic <NUM> as hardware, executable instructions stored on a machine-readable medium, or as a combination of both. The computing system <NUM> may implement the logic <NUM> as the AR ply layup engine <NUM>, through which the computing system <NUM> may perform or execute the logic <NUM> as a method for generate and provide ply placement data to an AR headset for AR-based ply layups. The following description of the logic <NUM> is provided using the AR ply layup engine <NUM> as an example. However, various other implementation options by the computing system <NUM> are possible.

In implementing the logic <NUM>, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may analyze a view of an AR headset to identify a composite part layup tool visible through an AR headset (<NUM>) and match a CAD generated ply placement position of a given ply to layup via the composite part layup tool (<NUM>). The ply placement position may form part of the ply placement data that the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may obtain and provide to the AR headset. As such, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> may provide the CAD generated ply placement position of the given ply to the AR headset as ply placement data to digitally overlay on the composite part layup tool visible through the AR headset (<NUM>).

<FIG> shows an example of a system <NUM> that supports AR-based ply layups on a composite part layup tool. The system <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, which may take the form of a single or multiple processors. The processor(s) <NUM> may include a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, or any hardware device suitable for executing instructions stored on a machine-readable medium. The system <NUM> may include a machine-readable medium <NUM>. The machine-readable medium <NUM> may take the form of any non-transitory electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that stores executable instructions, such as the AR ply layup instructions <NUM> shown in <FIG>. As such, the machine-readable medium <NUM> may be, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM) such as a dynamic RAM (DRAM), flash memory, spin-transfer torque memory, an Electrically-Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a storage drive, an optical disk, and the like.

The system <NUM> may execute instructions stored on the machine-readable medium <NUM> through the processor <NUM>. Executing the instructions may cause the system <NUM> (or any other CAD system) to perform any of the AR-based ply layup features described herein, including according to any of the features with respect to the AR ply layup engine <NUM>, the AR headset <NUM>, or combinations thereof.

For instance, execution of the AR ply layup instructions <NUM> by the processor <NUM> may cause the system <NUM> to analyze a view of an AR headset to identify a composite part layup tool visible through an AR headset; match a CAD generated ply placement position of a given ply to layup via the composite part layup tool; determine an incremental placement path for the given ply; and provide the CAD generated ply placement position and the incremental placement path for the given ply to the AR headset as ply placement data to digitally overlay on the composite part layup tool visible through the AR headset. Execution of the ply layup instructions <NUM> may cause the system <NUM> to perform any number additional or alternative features as described herein, by which the system <NUM> may support AR-based ply layups on a composite part layup tool.

The systems, methods, devices, and logic described above, including the AR ply layup engine <NUM> and AR headset <NUM>, may be implemented in many different ways in many different combinations of hardware, logic, circuitry, and executable instructions stored on a machine-readable medium. For example, the AR ply layup engine <NUM> or the AR headset <NUM> may include circuitry in a controller, a microprocessor, or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or may be implemented with discrete logic or components, or a combination of other types of analog or digital circuitry, combined on a single integrated circuit or distributed among multiple integrated circuits. A product, such as a computer program product, may include a storage medium and machine readable instructions stored on the medium, which when executed in an endpoint, computer system, or other device, cause the device to perform operations according to any of the description above, including according to any features of the AR ply layup engineH <NUM>, the AR headset <NUM>, or combinations thereof.

The processing capability of the systems, devices, and engines described herein, including the AR ply layup engine <NUM>, may be distributed among multiple system components, such as among multiple processors and memories, optionally including multiple distributed processing systems or cloud/network elements. Parameters, databases, and other data structures may be separately stored and managed, may be incorporated into a single memory or database, may be logically and physically organized in many different ways, and may implemented in many ways, including data structures such as linked lists, hash tables, or implicit storage mechanisms. Programs may be parts (e.g., subroutines) of a single program, separate programs, distributed across several memories and processors, or implemented in many different ways, such as in a library (e.g., a shared library).

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) comprising:
an augmented reality (AR) headset (<NUM>) configured to drive an AR view (<NUM>) that digitally visualizes ply placement data (<NUM>) on a composite part layup tool (<NUM>) physically visible through the AR headset (<NUM>); and
an AR ply layup engine (<NUM>) configured to:
analyze a view of the AR headset (<NUM>) to identify the composite part layup tool (<NUM>);
match a computer-aided design (CAD) generated ply placement position (<NUM>) of a given ply (<NUM>) to layup via the composite part layup tool (<NUM>); and provide the CAD generated ply placement position (<NUM>) of the given ply (<NUM>) to the AR headset (<NUM>) as the ply placement data (<NUM>) to digitally overlay on the composite part layup tool (<NUM>) physically visible through the AR headset (<NUM>);
characterized in that the AR ply layup engine (<NUM>) is further configured to:
determine an incremental placement path (<NUM>) for the given ply (<NUM>), wherein the incremental placement path (<NUM>) signals a sequence for a user to layup various portions of the given ply (<NUM>); and
provide the incremental placement path (<NUM>) for the given ply (<NUM>) to the AR headset (<NUM>) further as the ply placement data (<NUM>) to digitally overlay on the composite part layup tool (<NUM>) physically visible through the AR headset (<NUM>),
wherein the AR headset (<NUM>) is further configured to continuously transmit view data (<NUM>) of the given ply (<NUM>) during physical layup, and
the AR ply layup engine (<NUM>) is further configured to continuously analyze the transmitted view data (<NUM>) to determine a current state of the physical layup for the given ply (<NUM>), and the AR headset (<NUM>) is configured to remove completed portions of the incremental placement path (<NUM>) as the physical layup portions of the given ply (<NUM>) are completed.