Research And Development Of A Plant Layout System Based On Augmented Reality

Ranked as one of the most critical and difficult designing missions in manufacturing industry, the layout design of manufacturing system is different from the common geometry layout tasks. Not only should the utilization of space be considered, but also the system's logistics problems must be paid attention to. Meanwhile, simple geometry constrictions and other nature/quantity determined conditions should be matched. When the number of devices in a layout is more than 15, this problem will turn to a NP complete problem, only by a heuristic algorithm can an approximate optimum solution be found. The research of this paper focuses on the plant layout problems based on Augmented Reality.First, the basic theories and technologies of plant layout will be narrated, including the definitions, elements, principles, classifications and the method used to estimate a plant layout solution.Second, the Augmented Reality will be mentioned in details, including the developing history, characteristics and applications. The simulating models of Plant Layout are concluded amply, which contains one dimensional, two dimensional and three dimensional models. Then the merits of Augmented Reality used in plant layout will be given.Third, the plant layout algorithm has been studied integrally. Then a solution scheme about how to use location matrixes to represent the plant layout is described, including how to get the location matrix and how to divide it. In addition, a new encoding method is proposed to use genetic algorithms to optimize the solution scheme. Besides, two instances will be brought out to prove the validity of this algorithm.At last, the module definition and three dimensional models'data abstracting method of a plant layout system based on augmented reality will be studied. Furthermore, we will use the VC developing platform, OpenGL technology and ARToolKit to develop an antitype system of plant layout based on Augmented Reality.