Abstract: A guidance, monitoring, and inspection system for a work area includes a non-visual sensory detection sensor, such as a microphone or vibration detection sensor, visual sensors, other sensors, and a processor. The microphone or vibration sensor is configured to sense sounds or vibrations generated in the work area during the performance of an action that are then received by a processor. The visual sensor and other sensors sense characteristics and identity of objects present in the work area. The processor analyzes the received acoustic and/or vibrational signals and compares the received signals to an expected signal associated with an operational step that was performed to confirm that the operational step has been performed, and that it has been performed properly. The processor identifies a particular operational step as defined by the visual sensors and the other sensors.

Abstract: A vision system for a work area includes a camera positioned to have a field of view of a portion of the work area. The camera captures video of the actions of a worker performing a task at the work area. A controller monitors the captured video. The controller includes a vision program with vision tools, each defining bounded regions within the work area from the perspective of the camera. The vision program monitors the captured video for the worker to interact with the vision tool. The vision program determines that the worker's interaction with the vision tool is a user selection. The interaction with the vision tool includes the worker placing a hand or finger over and/or on the vision tool. The interaction with the vision tool includes the worker touching or moving a component or portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a sensor and projector with respect to a work area, the method including positioning a projector to project light indicators at locations in the work area and positioning a sensor with respect to the projector such that the sensor's field of view includes a selected portion of the work area. The sensor captures video or encoded data of activities at the work area. The sensor and projector are aimed at a set of coordinates upon the work area and the associated aim-point coordinates of the sensor and projector are recorded. The sensor and projector are aimed at additional sets of coordinates upon the work area, and the associated aim-point coordinates are recorded until a sufficient quantity of aim-point coordinates have been collected to form a calibration data set sufficient to calibrate the sensor and projector to the work area.

Abstract: A monitoring and inspection system for a work area includes a non-visual sensory detection sensor, such as a microphone or vibration detection sensor, and a processor. The sensor is configured to sense sounds or vibrations generated in the work area during the performance of an action that are then received by the processor. The processor analyzes the received acoustic and/or vibrational signals and compares the received signals to an expected signal to verify that the identified acoustic and/or vibration signature of the detected signal is an acoustic and/or vibration signature associated with the operational step that was performed to confirm that the operational step has been performed, and that it has been performed properly.

Abstract: A distributed light-guided processing method includes obtaining an order from a requester, for at least one completed product. Raw components are provided to at least one selected remote processing location. The selected remote processing location includes a light guided system. Work instructions are provided to the selected remote processing location, wherein the work instructions enable the light guided system to guide construction of the completed product. The completed product is processed, using at least the raw components, the work instructions, and the light guided system. The completed product is shipped from the selected remote processing location upon completion of the processing.