Systems and methods for using light to indicate inconsistency locations on a composite structure

A method for using light to indicate locations of inconsistencies on a composite structure. The method generally includes electronically accessing positional data defining one or more inconsistency locations on a composite structure. The positional data may be extracted from a part fabrication file containing numerical control (NC) data that may be used by a material placement machine to fabricate the composite structure. A light source directs light at the composite structure to illuminate the inconsistency locations as defined by the positional data. The information needed by the light source may be stored in a lookup table accessed by a processor of a vision detection system. The light allows the inconsistency locations to be noted for later action. Information such as the specific type of inconsistency detected, its dimensions, and a recommended course of action may all be projected via optical signals simultaneously onto the composite structure to aid the user in quickly identifying and evaluating each noted inconsistency. The lookup table may also be used to store historical information that aids in the evaluation of specific types of inconsistencies and may be used to by the system to suggest specific type(s) of action to the user in addressing each inconsistency.