Abstract: There is provided an optical projection system for projecting an image onto an object that is being manufactured and/or inspected. The system includes an image-projecting device, a target-locating device for determining the orientation of the image-projecting device relative to the object, and an image-rendering device for rendering the image that is projected onto the object. The target-locating device advantageously comprises a camera that locates at least one target in mechanical communication with the object to determine the orientation of the image-projecting device relative to the object. The image-rendering device advantageously stores a three-dimensional representation of the object that is converted into a two-dimensional image that is projected upon the object. The image projected upon the object is advantageously used during assembly and/or inspection of the object.

Abstract: A system and method for projecting an image onto a workpiece are provided. The system includes a data system capable of providing information indicative of a flaw within the workpiece, wherein the information is based on data acquired by at least one sensor. The system also includes an image-projecting device in communication with the data system and capable of projecting an image indicative of the flaw onto the workpiece, as well as a plurality of encoders for determining a location and/or orientation of the image-projecting device.

Abstract: There is provided an optical projection system for projecting an image onto an object that is being manufactured and/or inspected. The system includes an image-projecting device, a target-locating device for determining the orientation of the image-projecting device relative to the object, and an image-rendering device for rendering the image that is projected onto the object. The target-locating device advantageously comprises a camera that locates at least one target in mechanical communication with the object to determine the orientation of the image-projecting device relative to the object. The image-rendering device advantageously stores a three-dimensional representation of the object that is converted into a two-dimensional image that is projected upon the object. The image projected upon the object is advantageously used during assembly and/or inspection of the object.

Abstract: Methods and systems for large-scale airframe assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes measuring a plurality of discrete point positions at least one of on and adjacent to at least one of a first and a second component, and measuring at least one surface position on the at least one of the first and second components. The measured positions are compared with a desired position information (e.g., a computer aided design model). The comparison may include applying a fitting routine to the measured positions and the desired position information. Next, a transformation matrix for improving the comparison between the measured positions and the desired position information is computed. At least one of the first and second components is then moved according to the transformation matrix. During movement, the plurality of discrete point positions may be monitored and provided to the position control system by a feedback loop.