Patent Grant
9728103
The invention relates generally to welding and, more particularly, to a welding training system.
Welding is a process that has increasingly become utilized in various industries and applications. Such processes may be automated in certain contexts, although a large number of applications continue to exist for manual welding operations. In both cases, such welding operations rely on a variety of types of equipment to ensure the supply of welding consumables (e.g., wire feed, shielding gas, etc.) is provided to the weld in appropriate amounts at the desired time.
In preparation for performing manual welding operations, welding operators may be trained using a welding training system. The welding training system may be designed to train welding operators with the proper techniques for performing various welding operations. Certain welding training systems may use various training methods. As may be appreciated, these training systems may be expensive to acquire and operate. Accordingly, welding training institutions may only acquire a limited number of such training systems. Furthermore, certain welding training systems may not adequately train welding operators to perform high quality welds.
In one embodiment, a system includes a data storage device configured to store data corresponding to a welding training certification of a welding operator. The data includes a first welding process certification status, a second welding process certification status, a first welding device certification status, a second welding device certification status, or some combination thereof. The system also includes control circuitry configured to receive a request for the first welding process certification status, the second welding process certification status, the first welding device certification status, the second welding device certification status, or some combination thereof, of the welding operator. The control circuitry is configured to provide a response to the request. The response includes the first welding process certification status, the second welding process certification status, the first welding device certification status, the second welding device certification status, or some combination thereof, of the welding operator. The welding operator is authorized to use a first welding process, a second welding process, a first welding device, a second welding device, or some combination thereof, based at least partly on the response.
In another embodiment, a welding training system includes a camera configured to capture video data corresponding to a welding training operation. The welding training system also includes a storage device configured to store the video data, and to store welding parameter data corresponding to the welding training operation. The welding training system includes a welding training software configured to retrieve the video data from the storage device, to retrieve the welding parameter data from the storage device, to synchronize the video data with the welding parameter data, and to provide the synchronized video and welding parameter data to a display device.
In another embodiment, a system includes a data storage device configured to store a first data set corresponding to training welds performed by a welding operator, and to store a second data set corresponding to non-training welds performed by the welding operator. The system also includes control circuitry configured to retrieve at least part of the first data set from the storage device, to retrieve at least part of the second data set from the storage device, to synchronize the at least part of the first data set with the at least part of the second data set, and to provide the synchronized at least part of the first data set and at least part of the second data set to a display device.
In a further embodiment, a welding training system includes a welding training software configured to provide training simulations for welding configurations. The welding configurations include a metal inert gas (MIG) welding process, a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process, a stick welding process, a live-arc welding mode, a simulation welding mode, a virtual reality welding mode, an augmented reality welding mode, or some combination thereof. The welding training software is configured to enable a welding instructor to restrict training of a welding operator to one or more selected welding configurations of the welding configurations.
In a further embodiment, a welding training system includes a welding torch and a welding training software. The welding training software includes an augmented reality welding mode configured to receive a position of the welding torch, to integrate a virtual welding environment with the position of the welding torch, and to provide the integrated virtual welding environment to a display device. The welding training software also includes a live-arc welding mode. The welding training software is configured to enable a welding operator to practice a weld in the augmented reality welding mode, to erase at least a portion of the virtual welding environment from the practice weld, and to perform a live weld in the live-arc welding mode.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
The sensing device 16 is communicatively coupled to a computer 18. The sensing device 16 is configured to provide data (e.g., image data, sensed data, six degrees of freedom (6DOF) data, etc.) to the computer 18. Furthermore, the sensing device 16 may be configured to receive data (e.g., configuration data, setup data, commands, register settings, etc.) from the computer 18. The computer 18 includes one or more processors 20, memory devices 22, and storage devices 24. The processor(s) 20 may be used to execute software, such as welding training software, image processing software, sensing device software, and so forth. Moreover, the processor(s) 20 may include one or more microprocessors, such as one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors and/or application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor(s) 20 may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors.
The storage device(s) 24 (e.g., nonvolatile storage) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The storage device(s) 24 may store data (e.g., data corresponding to a training operation, video and/or parameter data corresponding to a training operation, etc.), instructions (e.g., software or firmware for the welding training system, the sensing device 16, etc.), and any other suitable data. As will be appreciated, data that corresponds to a training operation may include a video recording of the training operation, a simulated video, an orientation of the welding torch 14, a position of the welding torch 14, a work angle, a travel angle, a distance between a contact tip of the welding torch 14 and a workpiece, a travel speed, a proximity, a voltage, a current, a traversed path, a discontinuity analysis, welding device settings, and so forth.
The memory device(s) 22 may include a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory device(s) 22 may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory device(s) 22 may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for the processor(s) 20 to execute, such as instructions for a welding training simulation and/or for the sensing device 16. In addition, a variety of control regimes for various welding processes, along with associated settings and parameters may be stored in the storage device(s) 24 and/or memory device(s) 22, along with code configured to provide a specific output (e.g., initiate wire feed, enable gas flow, capture welding current data, detect short circuit parameters, determine amount of spatter, etc.) during operation.
As illustrated, the welding training system 10 includes a data reporting device 26; however, other embodiments may not include the data reporting device 26. The data reporting device 26 is configured to facilitate electronic communication between the computer 18, the welding torch 14, a welding power supply 28, and/or a wire feeder 30. For example, the data reporting device 26 may be configured to receive torch data from the welding torch 14, provide torch data to the computer 18, provide data to the welding torch 14, receive arc data from the wire feeder 30, provide arc data to the computer 18, and so forth. Furthermore, the data reporting device 26 may be configured to electronically communicate (e.g., either wired or wirelessly) with a device external to the welding training system 10. The welding power supply 28 may be used to provide welding power to a live-arc welding operation, and the wire feeder 30 may be used to provide welding wire to the live-arc welding operation.
The welding training system 10 includes a display 32 for displaying data and/or screens associated with welding training (e.g., to display data corresponding to a welding training software). For example, the display 32 may provide a graphical user interface to a welding operator (e.g., welding instructor, welding student). The graphical user interface may provide various screens to enable the welding instructor to organize a class, provide assignments to the class, analyze assignments performed by the class, provide assignments to an individual, analyze assignments performed by the individual, add, change, and/or delete parameters for a welding assignment, and so forth. Furthermore, the graphical user interface may provide various screens to enable a welding operator (e.g., welding student) to perform a welding training assignment, view results from prior welding assignments, and so forth. In certain embodiments, the display 32 may be a touch screen display configured to receive touch inputs, and to provide data corresponding to the touch inputs to the computer 18.
An external display 34 is coupled to the computer 18 to enable an individual located remotely from the welding training system 10 to view data corresponding to the welding training system 10. Furthermore, a network device 36 is coupled to the computer 18 to enable the computer 18 to communicate with other devices connected to the Internet or another network 38 (e.g., for providing test results to another device and/or for receiving test results from another device). For example, the network device 36 may enable the computer 18 to communicate with an external welding training system 40, a production welding system 42, and/or a remote computer 44. As may be appreciated, the welding training system 10 described herein may be used to train welding students in a cost effective manner. Furthermore, the welding training system 10 is configured to integrate real welding with simulated welding in a manner that prepares welding students for high quality production welding.
Welding Torch
The welding torch 14 includes control circuitry 52 configured to control the operation of the welding torch 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the control circuitry 52 includes one or more processors 54, memory devices 56, and storage devices 58. In other embodiments, the control circuitry 52 may not include the processors 54, the memory devices 56, and/or the storage devices 58. The processor(s) 54 may be used to execute software, such as welding torch software. Moreover, the processor(s) 54 may be similar to the processor(s) 20 described previously. Furthermore, the memory device(s) 56 may be similar to the memory device(s) 22, and the storage device(s) 58 may be similar to the storage device(s) 24.
The welding torch 14 includes a user interface 60 to enable a welding operator (e.g., welding student, welding instructor, etc.) to interact with the welding torch 14 and/or to provide inputs to the welding torch 14. For example, the user interface 60 may include buttons, switches, touch screens, touchpads, and so forth. The inputs provided to the welding torch 14 by the welding operator may be provided to the computer 18. For example, the inputs provided to the welding torch 14 may be used to control welding training software being executed by the computer 18. As such, the welding operator may use the user interface 60 on the welding torch 14 to navigate the welding training software screens, setup procedures, data analysis, welding courses, make selections within the welding training software, configure the welding training software, and so forth. Thus, the welding operator can use the welding torch 14 to control the welding training software (e.g., the welding operator does not have to put down the welding torch 14 to use a different input device). The welding torch 14 also includes visual indicators 61, such as a display 62 and LEDs 64. The visual indicators 61 may be configured to indicate or display data and/or images corresponding to a weld, welding training, and/or welding training software. For example, the visual indicators 61 may be configured to indicate a welding torch orientation, a welding torch travel speed, a welding torch position, a contact tip to workpiece distance, a proximity of the welding torch 14 in relation to the workpiece, an aim of the welding torch 14 (e.g., at what point the welding torch 14 is directed), training information for the welding operator, and so forth. Moreover, the visual indicators 61 may be configured to provide visual indications before a weld, during a weld, and/or after a weld. In certain embodiments, the LEDs 64 may illuminate to facilitate their detection by the sensing device 16. In such embodiments, the LEDs 64 may be positioned to enable the sensing device 16 to determine a position and/or an orientation of the welding torch 14 based on a spatial position of the LEDs 64.
In certain embodiments, the welding torch 14 includes power conversion circuitry 66 configured to receive power from the data reporting device 26 (e.g., or another device), and to convert the received power for powering the welding torch 14. In certain embodiments, the welding torch 14 may receive power that is already converted and/or does not utilize power conversion. Moreover, in some embodiments, the welding torch 14 may be powered by a battery or any suitable powering mechanism. The welding torch 14 also includes a communication interface 68 (e.g., RS-232 driver) to facilitate communication between the welding torch 14 and the data reporting device 26 (or another device). In the illustrated embodiment, the welding torch 14 may communicate with the computer 18 by providing data to the data reporting device 26 using the communication interfaces 50 and 68, then the data reporting device 26 communicates the data to the computer 18. Accordingly, inputs provided to the welding torch 14 may be provided to the computer 18. In certain embodiments, the welding torch 14 may provide inputs to the computer 18 by communicating directly with the computer 18.
The welding torch 14 includes a trigger 70 configured to mechanically actuate a trigger switch 72 between an open position (as illustrated) and a closed position. The trigger 70 provides a conductor 71 to carry a signal to the control circuitry 52 to indicate whether the trigger switch 72 is in the open position or the closed position. The wire feeder 30, the welding power supply 28, the computer 18, and/or the data reporting device 26 may determine whether there is continuity through the welding torch 14 across a first trigger conductor 74 and a second trigger conductor 76. The trigger switch 72 is electrically coupled between the first trigger conductor 74 and the second trigger conductor 76. Continuity across the first trigger conductor 74 and the second trigger conductor 76 may be determined by applying a voltage across the conductors 74 and 76, applying a current across the conductors 74 and 76, measuring a resistance across the conductors 74 and 76, and so forth. In certain embodiments, portions of the first trigger conductor 74 and/or portions of the second trigger conductor 76 may be disposed within a connector of the welding torch 14. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the arrangement of switches and/or conductors within the welding torch 14 may be different than illustrated in
The welding power supply 28 may determine whether to enable welding power to flow through the welding torch 14 based on whether there is continuity across the conductors 74 and 76. For example, the welding power supply 28 may enable welding power to flow through the welding torch 14 while there is continuity across the conductors 74 and 76, and the welding power supply 28 may block welding power from flowing through the welding torch 14 while there is an open circuit across the conductors 74 and 76. Furthermore, the wire feeder 30 may provide welding wire to the welding torch 14 while there is continuity across the conductors 74 and 76, and may block welding wire from being provided to the welding torch 14 while there is an open circuit across the conductors 74 and 76. Moreover, the computer 18 may use the continuity across the conductors 74 and 76 and/or the position of the trigger 70 or trigger switch 72 to start and/or stop a welding training operation, a welding training simulation, data recording, and so forth.
With the trigger switch 72 in the open position, there is an open circuit across the conductors 74 and 76, thus, the open position of the trigger switch 72 blocks electron flow between the conductors 74 and 76. Accordingly, the welding power supply 28 may block welding power from flowing through the welding torch 14 and the wire feeder 30 may block welding wire from being provided to the welding torch 14. Pressing the trigger 70 directs the trigger switch 72 to the closed position where the trigger switch 72 remains as long as the trigger 70 is pressed. With the trigger switch 72 in the closed position, there is continuity between the first trigger conductor 74 and a conductor 77 electrically connected to the trigger switch 72 and a training switch 78.
The training switch 78 is electrically coupled between the first trigger conductor 74 and the second trigger conductor 76. Moreover, the training switch 78 is electrically controlled by the control circuitry 52 to an open position or to a closed position. In certain embodiments, the training switch 78 may be any suitable electrically controlled switch, such as a transistor, relay, etc. The control circuitry 52 may selectively control the training switch 78 to the open position or to the closed position. For example, while welding training software of the welding training system 10 is operating in a live-arc mode, the control circuitry 52 may be configured to control the training switch 78 to the closed position to enable a live welding arc while the trigger 70 is pressed. In contrast, while welding training software of the welding training system 10 is operating in any mode other than the live-arc mode (e.g., simulation, virtual reality, augmented reality, etc.), the control circuitry 52 may be configured to control the training switch 78 to the open position to block a live welding arc (by blocking electron flow between the conductors 74 and 76).
In certain embodiments, the training switch 78 may default to the open position, thereby establishing an open circuit across the conductors 74 and 76. As may be appreciated, while the training switch 78 is in the open position, there will be an open circuit across the conductors 74 and 76 regardless of the position of the trigger switch 72 (e.g., electron flow between the conductors 74 and 76 is blocked by the open position of the training switch 78). However, while the training switch 78 is controlled to the closed position, and the trigger switch 72 is in the closed position, conductivity is established between the conductors 74 and 76 (e.g., electron flow between the conductors 74 and 76 is enabled). Accordingly, the welding power supply 28 may enable welding power to flow through the welding torch 14 only while the training switch 78 is in the closed position and while the trigger switch 72 is in the closed position. For example, welding power may flow from the welding power supply 28, through a weld cable 80, the welding torch 14, a workpiece 82, and return to the welding power supply 28 via a work cable 84 (e.g., electrode-negative, or straight polarity). Conversely, welding power may flow from the welding power supply 28, through the work cable 84, the workpiece 82, the welding torch 14, and return to the welding power supply 28 via the weld cable 80 (e.g., electrode-positive, or reverse polarity).
As may be appreciated, the training switch 78 may be physically located in any suitable portion of the welding training system 10, such as the data reporting device 26, the computer 18, and so forth. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the functionality of the training switch 78 may be replaced by any suitable hardware and/or software in the welding training system 10.
Calibration Techniques
The welding surface 88 includes a first aperture 93 and a second aperture 94. The first and second apertures 93 and 94 may be used together to determine a position and/or an orientation of the welding surface 88. As may be appreciated, at least two apertures are used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface 88. In certain embodiments, more than two apertures may be used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface 88. The first and second apertures 93 and 94 may be positioned at any suitable location on the welding surface 88, and may be any suitable size. In certain embodiments, the position and/or orientation of the welding surface 88 relative to the sensing device 16 may be calibrated using the first and second apertures 93 and 94. For example, as described in greater detail below, a calibration device configured to be sensed by the sensing device 16 may be inserted into the first aperture 93, or touched to the first aperture 93. While the calibration device is inserted into, or touching, the first aperture 93, a user input provided to the welding training software (or other calibration software) may indicate that the calibration device is inserted into the first aperture 93. As a result, the welding training software may establish a correlation between a first data set (e.g., calibration data) received from the sensing device 16 (e.g., position and/or orientation data) at a first time and the location of first aperture 93. The calibration device may next be inserted into the second aperture 94, or touched to the second aperture 94. While the calibration device is inserted into, or touching, the second aperture 94, a user input provided to the welding training software may indicate that the calibration device is inserted into the second aperture 94. As a result, the welding training software may establish a correlation between a second data set (e.g., calibration data) received from the sensing device 16 at a second time and the location of second aperture 94. Thus, the welding training software may be able to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the welding surface 88 relative to the sensing device 16 using the first data set received at the first time and the second data set received at the second time.
The welding surface 88 also includes a first marker 95 and a second marker 96. The first and second markers 95 and 96 may be used together to determine a position and/or an orientation of the welding surface 88. As may be appreciated, at least two markers are used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface 88. In certain embodiments, more than two markers may be used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface 88. The first and second markers 95 and 96 may be formed from any suitable material. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers 95 and 96 may be built into the welding surface 88, while in other embodiments, the first and second markers 95 and 96 may be attached to the welding surface 88. For example, the first and second markers 95 and 96 may be attached to the welding surface 88 using an adhesive and/or the first and second markers 95 and 96 may be stickers. The first and second markers 95 and 96 may have any suitable shape, size, and/or color. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers 95 and 96 may be a reflector formed from a reflective material. The first and second markers 95 and 96 may be used by the welding training system 10 to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the welding surface 88 relative to the sensing device 16 without a separate calibration device. Accordingly, the first and second markers 95 and 96 are configured to be detected by the sensing device 16. In certain embodiments, the first and second markers 95 and 96 may be positioned at predetermined locations on the welding surface 88. Furthermore, the welding training software may be programmed to use the predetermined locations to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface 88. In other embodiments, the location of the first and second markers 95 and 96 may be provided to the welding training software during calibration. With the first and second markers 95 and 96 on the welding surface 88, the sensing device 16 may sense the position and/or orientation of the first and second markers 95 and 96 relative to the sensing device 16. Using this sensed data in conjunction with the location of the first and second markers 95 and 96 on the welding surface 88, the welding training software may be able to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the welding surface 88 relative to the sensing device 16.
In the illustrated embodiment, the workpiece 84 includes a first marker 98 and a second marker 99. The first and second markers 98 and 99 may be used together to determine a position and/or an orientation of the workpiece 84. As may be appreciated, at least two markers are used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the workpiece 84. In certain embodiments, more than two markers may be used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the workpiece 84. The first and second markers 98 and 99 may be formed from any suitable material. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers 98 and 99 may be built into the workpiece 84, while in other embodiments, the first and second markers 98 and 99 may be attached to the workpiece 84. For example, the first and second markers 98 and 99 may be attached to the workpiece 84 using an adhesive and/or the first and second markers 98 and 99 may be stickers. The first and second markers 98 and 99 may have any suitable shape, size, and/or color. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers 98 and 99 may be a reflector formed from a reflective material. The first and second markers 98 and 99 may be used by the welding training system 10 to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the workpiece 84 relative to the sensing device 16 without a separate calibration device. Accordingly, the first and second markers 98 and 99 are configured to be detected by the sensing device 16. In certain embodiments, the first and second markers 98 and 99 may be positioned at predetermined locations on the workpiece 84. Furthermore, the welding training software may be programmed to use the predetermined locations to determine the position and/or the orientation of the workpiece 84. In other embodiments, the location of the first and second markers 98 and 99 may be provided to the welding training software during calibration. With the first and second markers 98 and 99 on the workpiece 84, the sensing device 16 may sense the position and/or orientation of the first and second markers 98 and 99 relative to the sensing device 16. Using this sensed data in conjunction with the location of the first and second markers 98 and 99 on the workpiece 84, the welding training software may be able to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the workpiece 84 relative to the sensing device 16. While the markers 95, 96, 98, and 99 have been described herein as being detected by the sensing device 16, in certain embodiments, the markers 95, 96, 98, and 99 may indicate locations where a calibration device is to be touched for calibration using the calibration device, as described previously.
The training stand 12 includes a first arm 100 extending vertically from the welding surface 88 and configured to provide support for the sensing device 16 and the display 32. A knob 101 is attached to the first arm 100 and may be used to adjust an orientation of the sensing device 16 relative to the first arm 100. For example, as the knob 101 is adjusted, mechanical components extending through the first arm 100 may adjust an angle of the sensing device 16. The display 32 includes a cover 102 to protect the display 32 from welding emissions that may occur during a live welding operation. The cover 102 may be made from any suitable material, such as a transparent material, a polymer, and so forth. By using a transparent material, a welding operator may view the display 32 while the cover 102 is positioned in front of the display 32, such as before, during, and/or after a welding operation. A camera 104 may be coupled to the first arm 100 for recording welding operations. In certain embodiments, the camera 104 may be a high dynamic range (HDR) camera. Furthermore, an emitter 105 may be coupled to the first arm 100. The emitter 105 may be used to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the welding surface 88 relative to the sensing device 16. For example, the emitter 105 may be configured to emit a visible pattern onto the welding surface 88. The visible pattern may be shown onto the welding surface 88. Furthermore, the visible pattern may be detected by the sensing device 16 to calibrate the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface 88 relative to the sensing device 16. For example, based on particular features of the visible pattern alignments and/or orientations may be determined by the sensing device 16 and/or the welding training software. Moreover, the visible pattern emitted by the emitter 105 may be used to facilitate positioning of the workpiece 84 on the welding surface 88.
The training stand 12 also includes a second arm 106 extending vertically from the welding surface 88 and configured to provide support for an overhead welding plate 108. The second arm 106 may be adjustable to facilitate overhead welding at different heights. Moreover, the second arm 106 may be manufactured in a number of different ways to facilitate overhead welding at different heights. The overhead welding plate 108 is coupled to the second arm 106 using a mounting assembly 110. The mounting assembly 110 facilitates rotation of the overhead welding plate 108 as illustrated by arrow 111. For example, the overhead welding plate 108 may be rotated from extending generally in the horizontal plane (e.g., for overhead welding), as illustrated, to extend generally in the vertical plane (e.g., for vertical welding). The overhead welding plate 108 includes a welding surface 112. The welding surface 112 includes slots 114 that may aid a welding operator in positioning the workpiece 84 on the welding surface 112, similar to the slots 91 on the welding surface 88. In certain embodiments, the position of the workpiece 84 may be provided to welding training software of the welding training system 10 to calibrate the welding training system 10. For example, a welding operator may provide an indication to the welding training software identifying which slot 114 of the welding surface 112 the workpiece 84 is aligned with. Furthermore, a predefined welding training assignment may direct the welding operator to align the workpiece 84 with a particular slot 114. In certain embodiments, the workpiece 84 may include an extension configured to extend into one or more of the slots 114 for alignment of the workpiece 84 with the one or more slots 114. As may be appreciated, each of the slots 114 may be positioned at a location corresponding to a respective location defined in the welding training software.
The welding surface 112 also includes a first marker 116 and a second marker 118. The first and second markers 116 and 118 may be used together to determine a position and/or an orientation of the welding surface 112. As may be appreciated, at least two markers are used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface 112. In certain embodiments, more than two markers may be used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface 112. The first and second markers 116 and 118 may be formed from any suitable material. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers 116 and 118 may be built into the welding surface 112 (or another part of the overhead welding plate 108), while in other embodiments, the first and second markers 116 and 118 may be attached to the welding surface 112 (or another part of the overhead welding plate 108). For example, the first and second markers 116 and 118 may be attached to the welding surface 112 using an adhesive and/or the first and second markers 116 and 118 may be stickers. The first and second markers 116 and 118 may have any suitable shape, size, and/or color. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers 116 and 118 may be a reflector formed from a reflective material. The first and second markers 116 and 118 may be used by the welding training system 10 to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the welding surface 112 relative to the sensing device 16 without a separate calibration device. Accordingly, the first and second markers 116 and 118 are configured to be detected by the sensing device 16. In certain embodiments, the first and second markers 116 and 118 may be positioned at predetermined locations on the welding surface 112. Furthermore, the welding training software may be programmed to use the predetermined locations to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface 112. In other embodiments, the location of the first and second markers 116 and 118 may be provided to the welding training software during calibration. With the first and second markers 116 and 118 on the welding surface 112, the sensing device 16 may sense the position and/or orientation of the first and second markers 116 and 118 relative to the sensing device 16. Using this sensed data in conjunction with the location of the first and second markers 116 and 118 on the welding surface 112, the welding training software may be able to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the welding surface 112 relative to the sensing device 16. Furthermore, the sensing device 16 may sense and/or track the first and second markers 116 and 118 during a weld to account for any movement of the overhead welding plate 108 that may occur during the weld. While the markers 116 and 118 have been described herein as being detected by the sensing device 16, in certain embodiments, the markers 116 and 118 may indicate locations where a calibration device is to be touched or inserted for calibration using the calibration device, as described previously.
During calibration, the sensing device 16 may sense a position of the calibration device 120 and/or an orientation of the calibration device 120. The position and/or orientation of the calibration device 120 may be used by the welding training software to determine a position and/or orientation of one or more of the welding surfaces 88 and 112 relative to the sensing device 16, a position and/or orientation of the workpiece 84 relative to the sensing device 16, a position and/or orientation of a fixture relative to the sensing device 16, and so forth. Thus, the calibration device 120 may facilitate calibration of the welding training system 10.
In the illustrated embodiment, the fixture assembly 132 is configured to secure a lower portion 138 of the workpiece 84 to an upper portion 140 of the workpiece 84 for performing a lap weld. In other embodiments, the fixture assembly 132 may be configured to secure portions of the workpiece 84 for performing a butt weld, a fillet weld, and so forth, to aid a welding operator in performing a weld. The fixture assembly 132 includes vertical arms 142 extending from a base 143. A cross bar 144 extends between the vertical arms 142, and is secured to the vertical arms 142. Adjustment mechanisms 146 (e.g., knobs) may be adjusted to direct locking devices 148 toward the workpiece 84 for securing the workpiece 84 between the locking devices 148 and the base 143 of the fixture assembly 132. Conversely, the adjustment mechanisms 146 may be adjusted to direct the locking devices 148 away from the workpiece 84 for removing the workpiece 84 from being between the locking devices 148 and the base 143. Accordingly, the workpiece 84 may be selectively secured to the fixture assembly 132.
Welding Training System Devices
Each of the physical marks 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, and 204 indicates a location on the welding consumable 186 relative to either a first end 206, or a second end 208 of the welding consumable 186. For example, the physical mark 188 may indicate a distance from the first end 206, a distance from the second end 208, or some other location relative to the welding consumable 186. In certain embodiments, the physical marks 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, and 204 may indicate a number that corresponds to the first end 206 and/or the second end 208. For example, the physical mark 188 may indicate a number “1” indicating that it is the first physical mark from the first end 206 and/or the physical mark 188 may indicate a number “9” indicating that it is the ninth physical mark from the second end 208. A processing device may use a lookup table to determine a distance from the first end 206 or the second end 208 based on the number indicated by the physical mark.
A camera-based detection system, which may include the sensing device 16, or another type of system is configured to detect the physical marks 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, and 204 during live arc welding or a welding simulation. Moreover, the camera-based detection system is configured to determine a remaining length of the welding consumable 186, a consumed length of the welding consumable 186, a rate of use of the welding consumable 186, a dipping rate of the welding consumable 186, and so forth, based on the detected physical marks. Accordingly, data corresponding to use of the welding consumable 186 may be tracked by the welding training system 10 for training and/or analysis.
Each of the physical marks 212, 214, 216, and 218 indicates a location on the welding wire 210 relative to either a first end 220, or a second end 222 of the welding wire 210. For example, the physical mark 212 may indicate a distance from the first end 220, a distance from the second end 222, or some other location relative to the welding wire 210. In certain embodiments, the physical marks 212, 214, 216, and 218 may indicate a number that corresponds to the first end 220 and/or the second end 222. For example, the physical mark 212 may indicate a number “1” indicating that it is the first physical mark from the first end 220 and/or the physical mark 212 may indicate a number “4” indicating that it is the fourth physical mark from the second end 222. A processing device may use a lookup table to determine a distance from the first end 220 or the second end 222 based on the number indicated by the physical mark.
A camera-based detection system, which may include the sensing device 16, or another type of system is configured to detect the physical marks 212, 214, 216, and 218 during live arc welding or a welding simulation. Moreover, the camera-based detection system is configured to determine a remaining length of the welding wire 210, a consumed length of the welding wire 210, a rate of use of the welding wire 210, a dipping rate of the welding wire 210, and so forth, based on the detected physical marks. Accordingly, data corresponding to use of the welding wire 210 may be tracked by the welding training system 10 for training and/or analysis.
A cord 230 extends between the knob 101 and the sensing device 16. The cord 230 is routed through a pulley 232 to facilitate rotation of the sensing device 16. Thus, a welding operator may rotate the knob 101 to manually adjust the angle of the sensing device 16. As may be appreciated, the combination of the cord 230 and the pulley 232 is one example of a system for rotating the sensing device 16. It should be noted that any suitable system may be used to facilitate rotation of the sensing device 16. While one embodiment of a knob 101 is illustrated, it may be appreciated that any suitable knob may be used to adjust the angle of the sensing device 16. Furthermore, the angle of the sensing device 16 may be adjusted using a motor 234 coupled to the cord 230. Accordingly, a welding operator may operate the motor 234 to adjust the angle of the sensing device 16. Moreover, in certain embodiments, control circuitry may be coupled to the motor 234 and may control the angle of the sensing device 16 based on a desired field of view of the sensing device 16 and/or based on tracking of an object within the field of view of the sensing device 16.
Multi-Mode Welding Training Software
The welding training software 244 may receive signals from an audio input 254. The audio input 254 may be configured to enable a welding operator to operate the welding training software 244 using audible commands (e.g., voice activation). Furthermore, the welding training software 244 may be configured to provide an audio output 256 and/or a video output 258. For example, the welding training software 244 may provide audible information to a welding operator using the audio output 256. Such audible information may include instructions for configuring (e.g., setting up) the welding training system 10, real-time feedback provided to a welding operator during a welding operation, instructions to a welding operator before performing a welding operation, instructions to a welding operator after performing a welding operation, warnings, and so forth.
In certain embodiments, the welding operator may interact with the virtual objects without touching a physical object. For example, the sensing device 16 may detect movement of the welding operator and may result in similar movements occurring in the VR simulation 260 based on the welder operator's movements in the real world. In other embodiments, the welding operator may use a glove or the welding torch 14 to interact with the virtual objects. For example, the glove or the welding torch 14 may be detected by the sensing device 16, and/or the glove or the welding torch 14 may correspond to a virtual object in the VR simulation 260. Furthermore, the welding operator may be able to operate the welding training software 244 within the VR simulation 260 using the virtual software configuration 270 and/or the virtual training data results 272. For example, the welding operator may use their hand, the glove, or the welding torch 14 to select items within the welding training software 244 that are displayed virtually within the VR simulation 260. Moreover, the welding operator may perform other actions such as picking up wire cutters and cutting virtual welding wire extending from the virtual torch 266, all within the VR simulation 260.
The first set of welding training data and/or the second set of welding training data may include a welding torch orientation, a welding torch travel speed, a welding torch position, a contact tip to workpiece distance, a proximity of the welding torch in relation to the workpiece, an aim of the welding torch, a welding score, a welding grade, and so forth. Moreover, the first set of welding training data and the second set of welding training data may correspond to training performed by one welding operator and/or by a class of welding operators. Furthermore, the first welding training assignment and the second welding training assignment may correspond to training performed by one welding operator and/or by a class of welding operators. In certain embodiments, the first welding training assignment may correspond to training performed by a first welding operator, and the second welding training assignment may correspond to welding performed by a second welding operator. Moreover, the first training assignment and the second training assignment may correspond to the same welding training scenario.
Data Storage and Analysis
The certification status data 326 may include welding training data of the welding operator (e.g., any data that is related to the assignments to certify the welding operator), any data related to an actual certification (e.g., certified, not certified, qualified, not qualified, etc.), a quantity of one or more welds performed by the welding operator, a timestamp for one or more welds performed by the welding operator, welding parameter data for one or more welds performed by the welding operator, a quality ranking of the welding operator, a quality level of the welding operator, a history of training welds performed by the welding operator, a history of production welds performed by the welding operator, a first welding process (e.g., a metal inert gas (MIG) welding process, a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process, a stick welding process, etc.) certification status (e.g., the welding operator is certified for the first welding process, the welding operator is not certified for the first welding process), a second welding process certification status (e.g., the welding operator is certified for the second welding process, the welding operator is not certified for the second welding process), a first welding device (e.g., a wire feeder, a power supply, a model number, etc.) certification status (e.g., the welding operator is certified for the first welding device, the welding operator is not certified for the first welding device), and/or a second welding device certification status (e.g., the welding operator is certified for the second welding device, the welding operator is not certified for the second welding device).
The control circuitry 320 may be configured to receive a request for the first welding process certification status, the second welding process certification status, the first welding device certification status, and/or the second welding device certification status of the welding operator. Furthermore, the control circuitry 320 may be configured to provide a response to the request. The response to the request may include the first welding process certification status, the second welding process certification status, the first welding device certification status, and/or the second welding device certification status of the welding operator. In certain embodiments, the welding operator may be authorized to use a first welding process, a second welding process, a first welding device, and/or a second welding device based at least partly on the response. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first welding process, the second welding process, the first welding device, and/or the second welding device of a welding system may be enabled or disabled based at least partly on the response. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the first welding process, the second welding process, the first welding device, and/or the second welding device of a welding system may be enabled or disabled automatically. Thus, a welding operator's certification data may be used to enable and/or disable that welding operator's ability to use a particular welding system, welding device, and/or welding process. For example, a welding operator may have a certification for a first welding process, but not for a second welding process. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, a welding operator may verify their identity at a welding system (e.g., by logging in or some other form of authentication). After the identity of the welding operator is verified, the welding system may check the welding operator's certification status. The welding system may enable the welding operator to perform operations using the first welding process based on the welding operator's certification status, but may block the welding operator from performing the second welding process based on the welding operator's certification status.
As illustrated, graphically illustrated parameters may include an indication 339 of a current value of a parameter (e.g., while performing a welding assignment). Furthermore, a graph 340 may show a history of the value of the parameter, and a score 341 may show an overall percentage that corresponds to how much time during the welding assignment that the welding operator was within a range of acceptable values. In certain embodiments, a video replay 342 of a welding assignment may be provided on the screen 327. The video replay 342 may show live video of a welding operator performing a real weld, live video of the welding operator performing a simulated weld, live video of the welding operator performing a virtual reality weld, live video of the welding operator performing an augmented reality weld, live video of a welding arc, live video of a weld puddle, and/or simulated video of a welding operation.
In certain embodiments, the welding training system 10 may capture video data during a welding assignment, and store the video data on the storage device 24. Moreover, the welding training software 244 may be configured to retrieve the video data from the storage device 24, to retrieve welding parameter data from the storage device 24, to synchronize the video data with the welding parameter data, and to provide the synchronized video and welding parameter data to the display 32.
The welding training software 244 may analyze welding parameter data to determine a traversed path 344 that may be shown on the display 32. In some embodiments, a time 346 during a weld may be selected by a welding operator. By selecting the time 346, the welding operator may view the video replay 342 and/or the traversed path 344 in conjunction with the welding parameters as they were at the selected time 346 in order to establish a correlation between the welding parameters, the video replay 342, and/or the traversed path 344. The welding training software 244 may be configured to recreate welding training data based at least partly on welding parameter data, to synchronize the video replay 342 with the recreated welding training data, and to provide the synchronized video replay 342 and recreated welding training data to the display 32. In certain embodiments, the recreated welding training data may be weld puddle data and/or a simulated weld.
In certain embodiments, the storage device 24 may be configured to store a first data set corresponding to multiple training welds performed by a welding operator, and to store a second data set corresponding to multiple non-training welds performed by the welding operator. Furthermore, the control circuitry 320 may be configured to retrieve at least part of the first data set from the storage device 24, to retrieve at least part of the second data set from the storage device 24, to synchronize the at least part of the first data set with the at least part of the second data set, and to provide the synchronized at least part of the first data set and at least part of the second data set to the display 32.
The welding instructor screen 368 may be configured to enable a welding instructor to restrict training of a welding operator 376 (e.g., to one or more selected welding configurations), to restrict training of a class of welding operators 378 (e.g., to one or more selected welding configurations), and/or to restrict training of a portion of a class of welding operators 380 (e.g., to one or more selected welding configurations). Moreover, the welding instructor screen 368 may be configured to enable the welding instructor to assign selected training assignments to the welding operator 382, to assign selected training assignments to a class of welding operators 384, and/or to assign selected training assignments to a portion of a class of welding operators 386. Furthermore, the welding instructor screen 368 may be configured to enable the welding instructor to automatically advance the welding operator (or a class of welding operators) from a first training assignment to a second training assignment 388. For example, the welding operator may advance from a first training assignment to a second training assignment based at least partly on a quality of performing the first training assignment.
If the augmented realty mode 252 has not been selected, the welding training software 244 determines whether the live-arc mode 246 has been selected (block 402). If the live-arc mode 246 has been selected, the welding training software 244 enters the live-arc mode 246 and the welding operator may perform the live-arc weld (block 404). If the live-arc mode 246 has not been selected and/or after executing block 404, the welding training software 244 returns to block 390. Accordingly, the welding training software 244 is configured to enable a welding operator to practice a weld in the augmented reality mode 252, to erase at least a portion of the virtual welding environment from the practice weld, and to perform a live weld in the live-arc mode 246. In certain embodiments, the welding operator may practice the weld in the augmented reality mode 252 consecutively a multiple number of times.
If the augmented realty mode 252 has not been selected, the welding training software 244 determines whether the live-arc mode 246 has been selected (block 420). If the live-arc mode 246 has been selected, the welding training software 244 enters the live-arc mode 246 and the welding operator may perform the live-arc weld (block 422). If the live-arc mode 246 has not been selected and/or after executing block 422, the welding training software 244 returns to block 408. Accordingly, the welding training software 244 is configured to enable a welding operator to practice a weld in the augmented reality mode 252, to erase at least a portion of the virtual welding environment from the practice weld, and to perform a live weld in the live-arc mode 246. In certain embodiments, the welding operator may practice the weld in the augmented reality mode 252 consecutively a multiple number of times.
As may be appreciated, using the systems, devices, and techniques described herein, a welding training system 10 may be provided for training welding operators. The welding training system 10 may be cost efficient and may enable welding students to receive high quality hands on training.
While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20140272838 A1 | Sep 2014 | US |
