Visualization and modification of operational bounding zones using augmented reality

A system for visualization and modification of machine operational zones, said system comprising:

• a machine operable in a work cell;
• a machine controller in communication with the machine, said controller including a processor and memory and being configured with machine control software for controlling operation of the machine;
• and
• an augmented reality (AR) device in communication with the machine controller, said AR device having one or more cameras, position tracking sensors and a display, said AR device further including a processor and memory configured to run an AR zone software application;
• where the AR zone software application provides features including;
• establishing a position and orientation of the AR device relative to a work cell coordinate frame;
• continuously tracking the position and orientation of the AR device relative to the work cell coordinate frame as the AR device is moved;
• creating, displaying and modifying one or more operational zones, including providing a virtual display of the operational zones superimposed on images from the one or more cameras of the machine and other physical items in the work cell, where each of the operational zones includes control points used to define and modify operational zone location, size and shape, including control points used to define and modify corner points of hexahedral and pyramidal operational zones and control points used to define and modify length and end shape of cylindrical operational zones;
• checking for interference between operational zones, parts of the machine and the other physical items in the work cell, including checking for interference while the machine is moved through a predefined motion program;
• and
• transferring the operational zones to the machine controller for subsequent use during machine operations.