Dynamically directed workpiece positioning system

A method of positioning a workpiece on a support, the method comprising:

• using a sensor to detect the workpiece on the support;
• determining by a computer system, based on data from the sensor, a first actual position of the workpiece relative to the support;
• comparing, by the computer system, the first actual position to a cut solution for the workpiece;
• and
• generating by the computer system, based at least on the comparison, one or more commands configured to cause a projector to project an image onto the transport to indicate the cut solution or a desired position that corresponds to the cut solution to thereby cause the workpiece to be moved relative to the transport to the desired position.

A method of modifying a workpiece processing system, wherein the workpiece processing system includes a transport and a cutting member positioned along or downstream of the transport, the method comprising:

• positioning a sensor relative to the transport, wherein the sensor is operable to detect a workpiece on the transport;
• coupling a computer system with the sensor and a projector, wherein the computer system is programmed with instructions operable, upon execution, to
• determine, based on data from the sensor, a first actual position of the workpiece relative to the transport;
• compare the first actual position to a cut solution for the workpiece;
• and
• generate, based at least on the comparison, one or more commands configured to cause the projector to project onto the transport or the workpiece an image that indicates the cut solution or a desired position that corresponds to the cut solution, to thereby cause the workpiece to be moved relative to the transport to the desired position.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions operable, upon execution by a processor, to:

• determine, based on data from a sensor positioned to detect a workpiece on a transport, a first actual position of the workpiece relative to the transport;
• compare the first actual position to at least one cut solution for the workpiece;
• and
• based at least on the comparison, cause a projector to project an image onto the transport or the workpiece to indicate the cut solution or a desired position that corresponds to the cut solution, to thereby guide repositioning of the workpiece to the desired position.