WELDING SIMULATOR

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a computer program product and processor based computing system that provides processing means for executing coded instructions and input means for interacting with said processing means to create a virtual welding environment. The system establishes an objective to change a functional or operational state of a virtual article, and directs the end user to perform at least one virtual welding operation for changing its functional state. The system trains new users and inexperienced welders on the fundamental aspects of welding and other technical

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention pertains to methods and systems for introducing potential new workers to the field of welding, and more particularly, to computer generated virtual environments that simulate welding processes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent decades, welding has become a dominant process in the manufacture and construction of various products. Applications for welding are widespread and used throughout the world for the construction of ships, buildings, bridges, vehicles, and pipe lines, to name a few examples. Many welding tasks can be automated reducing the need for skilled labor. However, automated welding applications must be set up and managed by knowledgeable welders. Other welding applications aren't confined to a factory floor. Applications, including the construction of pipe lines or buildings, are welded in the field and require the mobility of an experienced welder. Accordingly, there is ongoing need for trained personnel who can adapt to the challenges of welding processes.

The demand for skilled welders remains high, despite reductions in manufacturing, in many regions of the world. In the United States, the average age of the welding professional is increasing, with many individuals approaching retirement age. Over the next decade, the number of available experienced welders is expected to significantly decline as workers retire from the welding profession. Many young people entering the workforce today are choosing advanced education over skilled trades and many of those workers entering the trades are dissuaded from a career in welding despite good working conditions. Programs and organizations promoting S.T.E.M. (Science Technology Engineering Math) and S.T.E. (Science and Technology/Engineering) education are valuable in revitalizing the interest of individuals in technology related fields.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The embodiments of the present invention pertain to a computer program product and processor based computing system that provides processing means for executing coded instructions and input means for interacting with said processing means to create a virtual welding environment. The system establishes an objective to change a functional or operational state of a virtual article, and directs the end user to perform at least one virtual welding operation for changing its functional state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a simulating device and end user according to the embodiments of the subject invention.

FIG. 2 is a close up perspective view of a simulating device depicting a virtual environment according to the embodiments of the subject invention.

FIG. 3 is an image of a virtual environment showing a virtual article according to the embodiments of the subject invention.

FIG. 4 is an image of a virtual environment showing a virtual article and user interface screen according to the embodiments of the subject invention.

FIG. 5 is an image of a virtual environment showing a user interface screen according to the embodiments of the subject invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting a method of a game played on a processor based computing device executing coded instructions.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram depicting a method for training welding activity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1 and 2 shows a simulator or simulating device depicted generally at 10. The simulating device 10 generates a virtual environment 9 that simulates a three dimensional setting, which may be an industrial or commercial setting utilizing one or more manufacturing processes. The virtual environment 9 may be depicted on an imaging device 22 as viewed by an end user 11. In particular, the simulating device 10 may depict a virtual environment 9 that facilitates interaction between the end user 11 and one or more virtual articles 16. An input device 13 may be included that senses activity when manipulated by the end user 11. Data from the input device 13 may be communicated to the simulating device 10 and is used to maneuver objects with the virtual environment 9 in or near real time. In one embodiment, the simulating device 10 functions to generate one or more virtual articles 16 that can be acted upon by virtual tools 26 generated in a similar manner. It follows that the virtual tools 26 may be employed in the virtual environment 9 when the input device 13 is maneuvered by the end user 11 in the real world.

The simulating device 10 may generate a virtual environment 9 having virtual articles 16 that resemble components of a particular manufacturing or construction process. In one embodiment, the virtual environment 9 may comprise a welding environment 9a depicting one or more articles for assembly together via a welding process. Accordingly, the virtual tools 26 may comprise a welder 32 and welding torch 34. In this manner, the simulating device 10 displays virtual articles 16 being welded together by a virtual welder 32 as interactively controlled by the end user 11. The simulating device 10 may be realized as a training platform for exposing individuals to a particular manufacturing process, or may be realized as a game played to achieve a stated objective, both of which will be discussed further in a subsequent paragraph. It is expressly noted that while the embodiments of the present invention are described in the context of a virtual welding environment 9a and one or more welding process, persons of skill in the art will understand its application to other industrial or commercial processes.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the simulating device 10 may be constructed of electronic hardware comprising a processor based computing device 24 operable to run, i.e. execute, a computer program product. In one embodiment, the processor based computing device 24 comprises a microcomputer in any of various configurations including but not limited to: a laptop computer, a desktop computer, work station, server or the like. Alternatively, the processor based computing device 24 may comprise a gaming system like that manufactured by Nintendo®, Microsoft® or Sony®. In this manner, the processor based computing device 24 may be a commercially available system readily available for purchase by an end user 11. The processor based computing device 24 may include one or more logic processor based systems 25, or logic processors 25, such as a programmable microprocessor, although any type of logic processor 25 may be utilized in the simulating device 10 without departing from the intended scope of coverage of the embodiments of the subject invention. The processor based computing device 24 may further include support circuitry including electronic memory, such as RAM or ROM along with other peripheral support circuitry that facilitate operation of the logic processor(s) 25. Additionally, the processor based computing device 24 may include data storage, examples of which include hard disk drives, optical storage devices and/or flash memory for the storage and retrieval of data in a manner well known in the art. Thus, the processor based computing device 24 may be programmable and operable to execute coded instructions, as also referred to as programmed algorithms, which may be a computer program product written in a high or low level programming language. It is noted that any form of programming or type of programming language may be used to code algorithms as executed by the simulating device 10 for simulating the virtual environment 9, 9a.

The simulating device 10 and, more particularly, the processor based computing device 24 may be communicated to and used in conjunction with other similarly or dissimilarly constructed systems. Input to and output from the simulating device 10, termed I/O, may be facilitated in this embodiment by networking hardware including wireless as well as hard wired (directly connected) devices. Communication between simulating devices 10, or systems, may be accomplished remotely as through a network, like a wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) via network hubs, repeaters, or by any means chosen with sound judgment. Communications may be established through, but are not limited to: direct connection of multiple simulating devices 10, web-based connectivity, virtual private networks, and/or SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypted communication. It is noted that the relationship between simulating devices 10 may be peer-to-peer, client-server, or any hybrid combination thereof without departing from the scope of coverage of the embodiments of the subject invention. In this manner, information may be transmitted between systems 10 as is useful for simulating or interacting with the virtual environment 9, 9a. In one embodiment, network communications may be used to download virtual articles 16 or virtual tools 26 for changing the game scenario. Alternatively, new environments may be downloaded for training a different manufacturing process, the details of which will be discussed further below. It is further contemplated in another embodiment that the simulating device 10 may generate a virtual environment 9, 9a that may be acted upon by multiple end users 11 each working from the same system or separate systems networked together. Still, any manner of communicating one or more simulating devices 10 together may be utilized without departing from the intended scope of coverage of the embodiments of the subject invention.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the simulating device 10 may include an imaging device 22 for displaying the virtual environment 9, which may be a virtual welding environment 9a. The imaging device 22 may comprise a display screen operable to display images generated by the processor based computing device 24 and the computer program product. In one embodiment, the display screen may include a computer monitor and/or television screen comprised of CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), although any type of monitor, screen, display, or projection device may be utilized as is appropriate for the embodiments of the subject invention. Information for generating the images on the display screen may be stored in memory within the processor based computing device 24. As memory is updated or changed during execution of the computer program product, images on the display screen may be dynamically changed in real time. Still any method or means for displaying the virtual environment 9, 9a on the imaging device 22 may be chosen as is appropriate for use with the embodiments of the subject invention.

With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the input device 13 may function to interface activity in the real world with the virtual environment 9. In particular, the input device 13 senses the actions of the end user 11 and translates those actions into data recognizable by the simulating device 10. The data is communicated to the logic processors 25 and may be used to interactively engage the virtual tools 26 and/or the virtual articles 16. In one embodiment, the computer program product processes the data and makes changes to the virtual environment 9 in real time. In this manner, as the end user 11 manipulates the input device 13 in three dimensional space, objects in the virtual environment 9, 9a move in a corresponding manner, i.e. in direct relationship to movement of the input device 13. For example, the end user 11 may visualize one or more virtual objects on the imaging device 22, including a virtual representation of a real world tool. Accordingly, the end user 11 may move the input device 13 in a particular direction resulting in a corresponding movement of the virtual object. In the welding embodiment illustrated herein, the input device 13 may represent the welding torch 34. Movement of the input device 13 therefore translates into movement of the virtual welding torch 34 in the virtual environment 9a. The input device 13 may include switches that activate the virtual welder thereby initiating the welding process. The end user 11 may then guide the input device 13 along a trajectory that coincides with the weld joint as depicted on the imaging device 22.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the input device 13 may include one or more sensors 37 that detect movement and/or orientation in three dimensional space. The sensors 37 may be integrated into the input device 13 and positioned at various locations for detecting different types of activity. For example, the sensor 37, or sensors, may detect spatial orientation, i.e. the direction that an object is pointing, as mentioned above. The sensors 37 may also detect motion in a particular direction. Additionally, the sensors 37 may detect velocity and/or acceleration, which may encompass not only the magnitude of change in position or speed, but also direction. However, any type of activity related to the input device 13 may be detected by the sensors 37 without departing from the intended scope of coverage of the embodiments of the subject invention. Examples of sensors 37 may include but are not limited to: inertial sensors like accelerometers, proximity sensors, infrared sensors, photoelectric and optical sensors, and the like. It is noted here that the input device 13 may further incorporate switching means 38 for interfacing with the virtual environment 9. The switching means 38 may include: pushbuttons, triggers or switches. In this way, virtual activity may be initiated, interrupted, or terminated as desired by depressing or releasing the switch respectively. Illustratively, the virtual welder 34 may be turned “on” or “off” by depressing or releasing a trigger switch. It is to be construed that any type, quantity or grouping of sensors 37 or switching means 38 may be integrated into the input device 13 as chosen with sound judgment. Still other means of tracking movement of the input device 13 may be included as a separate unit that resides in an adjacent region proximal to the coupon. Position and/or orientation data generated by the tracker, i.e. tracking means, may be used in conjunction with or in place of data generated by the input device 13.

In one embodiment, the input device 13 may be commercially available for purchase and use. One example may include a manually moveable device, like a computer mouse having an optical sensor for detecting movement along an adjacent surface. Another example of input device 13 may comprise a gaming joystick or controller, which may include a connector for plugging into an I/O port or may include wireless means for communication. The Wii wireless controller manufactured by Nintendo® is one exemplary type of input device, although other commercially available controller devices may be utilized as are suitable for use with a particle processor based computing device 24. Other embodiments contemplate customized controllers, which may be fashioned to physically look like a particular virtual tool 26, e.g. a welding torch 34. Interaction with the simulating device 10 is thereby enhanced by a physical object having a real world feel and look that resemble the virtual tools 26 depicted on the imaging device 22. It is noted that the customized controller may be substantially similar in size, shape and/or weight to the real world tool for which the controller is intended to resemble. Other embodiments include an attachment that connects to the commercially available input device 13 and resembles a particular virtual tool 26 to enhance the end user's experience in interacting with the virtual environment 9. In one embodiment, the attachment may be an overlaying component and/or a component that attaches to and extends from the input device 13. However, it is expressly noted that any configuration of customized controller or attachment may be chosen as is appropriate for use with the embodiments of the subject invention. Accordingly, at least part of the simulating device 10 may be packaged as a kit for use with any type of processor based computing device 24, commercially available or otherwise. In another embodiment of the subject invention, the kit may include a welding coupon that may resemble a virtual article 16 displayed in the virtual environment 9, 9a. Accordingly, the welding coupon may function as a guide in the real world for assisting the end user in acting in the virtual environment 9, 9a. The kit may also comprise tracking means like that mentioned above. In other words, a tracking unit may be provided in addition to the input device 13 for sensing the end user's 11 movement during play.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the simulating device 10 may comprise a game having a stated objective to be accomplished by the end user 11. In one particular embodiment, the game may comprise a welding game where the objective is to weld one or more virtual articles 16 together. Achieving the objective may require the end user 11 to perform a number of welds each to a predetermined level of quality. That is to say that the game facilitates user interaction with processor based computing device 24 via the input device 13 for satisfactorily performing one or more virtual welds in the virtual welding environment 9a. During play, the game presents the end user 11 with a scenario incorporating one or more themed virtual articles 16a. Illustratively, the scenario may relate to motorized vehicles and may depict a number of virtual components that can be welded together to assemble a functioning motorcycle or racecar. In another exemplary scenario a jet aircraft is simulated that is in need of repairs, which may require welding before taxiing down the runway and taking off. Other examples include building structures or bridges that require repair or construction before people occupy the building or the train crosses the bridge respectively. However, any scenario theme may be chosen without departing from the intended scope of coverage of the embodiments of the subject invention. It will be realized that the game rewards successful completion of the objective, in one manner, by graphically displaying the themed article functioning in its environment, e.g. the motorcycle drives away or the train crosses the bridge. The simulating device 10 also takes in account the personal interests of the end user 11. In one embodiment, the game gives the end user 11 the option of selecting a scenario that is familiar increasing his or her level of interest. Accordingly, the game may be programmed with multiple scenario options for appeal to a broad range of individuals.

From the aforementioned description, it follows that the themed virtual article 16a of the scenario has some deficiency that requires repair or assembly before becoming operational. During game initialization, i.e. game start up, the themed virtual article 16a may be instantiated having an inoperative state or, in other words, is created not working properly or not working at all. In the present examples, the initial “inoperative” state may be represented and simulated by one or more broken brackets, a stack of unassembled I-beams, a cracked pipe, or any repairable element fitting the scenario theme. Accomplishing the game objective therefore requires the end user 11 to interact with the virtual environment 9a to perform virtual welding that changes the operational state of the themed virtual article 16a. It is noted here that accomplishing the game objective may require successful completion of multiple levels of play. That is to say winning the game requires successfully changing the operational state of each virtual article 16a in every level of play.

At an introductory level, the game displays one or more virtual articles 16 that correspond to the scenario selected by the end user 11. The end user 11 is then instructed to perform a particular type of weld relating to the deficiency of the virtual article 16. It may be assumed that the end user 11 has little or no welding experience. Accordingly, a tutorial may be provided that presents information to the end user 11 about the welding process or welding techniques needed for achieving the objective for that level. Display of the tutorial may be initiated or controlled by the end user 11 via a graphical user interface (GUI), in one example, as selected by a “help” button. In the alternative, tutorial screens may automatically be presented if the end user's performance falls below a satisfactory level. In one exemplary manner, the instructions may be displayed in written form, an example of which may include a setup screen. Instructions may also be provided audibly and, more specifically verbally, to describe the process and/or motions needed to complete setup and a particular welding task. In either case, the instructions may be presented in one of a plurality of languages to accommodate individuals residing in different regions of the world. One embodiment is contemplated where the game graphically or pictorially presents tutorial information. In this instance, literacy of the end user 11 is not required to play the game.

Game play proceeds as the end user 11 engages the input device 13 to mimic movements characteristic of performing a weld. Progression through the game may depend on how well the end user 11 performs a virtual weld, which may relate to the level of virtual weld quality. In this manner, advancing to the next level, as will be discussed further in a subsequent paragraph, requires successful completion of the previous game stage. In making that determination, one or more parameters may be measured to determine the level of virtual weld quality. In processes well known in the real world, weld quality depends on many factors like the distance between the torch tip and the weld joint, which may vary with the type of welding process, the materials being welded, the welder settings, and the like. Corresponding real world parameters may be coded into the computer program product for judging the end user's 11 performance and for determining the quality of the virtual weld.

Completion of a particular game level may require the end user 11 to perform the one or more virtual welds to predetermined performance standards as determined by the computer program product. Performance parameters may be programmed into the computer program product that correlate to good welding practices and may consist of: weld torch 34 position, roll and pitch angles of orientation and travel speed. Sensor data from the input device 13 may be compared to preprogrammed parameters to determine whether or not the end user 11 has stayed within acceptable limits. In one particular embodiment, weld quality may be determined by monitoring the distance between the torch tip in relation to the center of the weld seam while maintaining proper pitch and roll angles during the virtual welding process. However, it is to be construed that other parameters may be utilized in determining if the end user 11 has successfully completed a virtual weld.

In one embodiment, the simulating device 10 provides or calculates a score resulting from game play. The score, which may also be a grade, may be derived from the performance data of the end user 11. Performance data may pertain to how well the end user 11 performs the virtual weld, that is to say how closely the end user 11 maintains the virtual tools 26 or welding torch 34 within limits for acceptable welding practices. Examples may include but should not be limited to, welding torch angle or distance to the virtual article 16 The score or grade may also be derived from end user selections made with respect to the problem-based scenarios as will be discussed further in a subsequent paragraph.

Simulating device 10 may provide feedback to help the end user 11 in performing the virtual welds. In the real world, a welder receives feedback by observing the weld bead as the torch travels along the weld joint. The simulating device 10 may similarly depict a virtual weld bead correlating to the end user's movement of the virtual welding torch 34. In one embodiment, the shape of the virtual weld bead is determined by factors including torch angle, travel speed and distance to the work piece, as well as welding power source settings, although other factors may be incorporated as is appropriate for use with the embodiments of the subject invention. In this manner, the end user 11 can make adjustments during the virtual welding process for laying down an acceptable weld bead thereby simulating real world activity.

Referencing FIG. 5, to further assist the end user 11, performance guides 41 may be included that provide quantitative feedback on the position and orientation of the virtual welding torch 34. In one particular embodiment, “indicating bars” 42 are included that show the pitch and roll angles of the virtual welding torch 34. Other types of performance guides 41 are contemplated that display the distance between the torch tip and the weld joint. Additional welding parameters incorporated into the performance guide 41 will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

The performance guides 41 may display the actual numerical values of the torch position, which in the current embodiment shows pitch and roll angles. The values displayed may show the angles as measured from an absolute reference like the vertical or horizontal plane. Alternatively, the performance guides 41 may display angle values that relate to offsets from the ideal torch position or orientation. The performance guide 41 may indicate which values are outside the range for achieving an acceptable weld. In one embodiment, the performance guides 41 may flash, changer color and play an audible sound that indicates when the welding torch 34 is out of position. In this way, the end user 11, through repeated use, learns correct welding techniques. As the end user 11 gains experience, he or she will naturally maintain the welding torch 34 at the proper orientation throughout the entire welding process. At one point, it may no longer be necessary to display the performance guides 41. Accordingly, the computer program product may be programmed to selectively turn the guides 41 “on” or “off.”

As previously mentioned, the game may incorporate different levels of play. The levels may be differentiated by scenario, i.e. by changes in the themed subject articles 16a being welded. Alternatively, the levels of play in a particular scenario may differ by the types of weld joints and/or the number of virtual article pieces to be welded together. For example, a more fundamental level may simulate welding a single lap joint embodied by overlaid frame components of building structure. Another level of play may simulate performing a pipe weld as found on a motorcycle tailpipe or pipeline. Still, other examples are contemplated wherein overhead or vertical butt joints are to be welded for repairing the frame of motor vehicle. At each game level, the welding objectives must each be performed to within predetermined quality boundaries in succession, before proceeding to the next level. In this way, basic welding skills may be taught by progressively introducing increasingly complicated weld joint configurations and more advanced welding techniques.

The game objective may be accomplished when the end user 11 successfully performs, i.e. meets or exceeds predetermined limits of weld quality for, all of the virtual welds in a given scenario. That is to say that the end user 11 performs each weld on every level to a minimum standard for quality. Alternative game objectives may be included that are accomplished by exceeding a virtual weld performance average over the various levels. Consequently some levels of play may be performed below the performance minimums with others commensurately above. The game objective is met as long as the weighted average for the entire game exceeds a predetermined minimum.

In judging the end user's 11 performance, the simulating device 10 may track the movements of the end users 11 through the input device 13 and compare the data with parameters stored in memory, or coded into the computer program product. The data and/or parameters may be stored in a database, or by any means of data storage chosen with sound judgment. In one embodiment, the simulating device 10 records and stores information about the end user's 11 performance for comparison at a time subsequent to the virtual activity. In other embodiments, comparison with the welding quality parameters is performed in real time with the results being dynamically displayed or catalogued for subsequent review. In addition to the data collected via the input device 13, other types of data may be captured, which include: time and date data, user name, scenario, as well as game status data. It will be appreciated that any type of data may be tracked and stored as needed for determining and reporting the results of game play.

With reference now to FIG. 7, as mentioned above, the simulating device 10 may also comprise a system that facilitates training skills used in industrial or commercial settings. In one exemplary embodiment, the simulating device 10 may depict a virtual welding environment 9a featuring scenarios having one or more themed articles 16a consistent with that described above. The simulating device 10 may present the end user 11 with a problem to be solved, e.g. a building structure that needs assembled or a race car frame that needs repaired. The problem may be expressly stated whereby the end user 11 is directly tasked with solving the problem given a set of virtual tools 26. Instructions may be presented describing how the problem should be fixed including which welding techniques or processes should be used. The simulating device 10 may also indicate welder settings or ranges of settings that are needed to weld the virtual article(s) 16 for the given scenario. Additionally, the simulating device 10 may indicate what type of electrode is needed for a particular repair, and/or at what travel speed the weld should be made to make an acceptable virtual weld, which may correspond to a real world weld. However, any type of instruction may be presented to the end user 11 for assembling or repairing the virtual articles 16. It is once again noted that instructions may be displayed in text or audibly presented in any one of various languages, and/or graphically displayed with graphics as is appropriate for different training settings.

As the end user 11 advances, the level of instruction may be adjusted accordingly. At beginner levels, the level of instruction may focus on fundamentals relating to, for example, welding theory, basic welding practices and/or welder set up. Other training levels may provide tutorials related to various weld joint configurations and/or welding with different types of materials and electrodes. More advanced levels may concentrate on particular welding processes and techniques. Of course, each level may be enhanced by one or more scenarios simulating real world activity as described above.

In one embodiment, the welding training may include may be problem-based scenarios. The problem-based scenario may be characterized by incorporating an operational deficiency in a virtual article 16 that must be discovered, analyzed, and a solution formulated by the end user 11. Knowledge learned from a previous lesson or level of training may be relied on for solving the problem. In one example, a race car may be depicted and described as not functioning properly. The virtual environment 9a may be programmed to present visual, and/or audible, clues that allow the end user 11 to discern the particular problem presented for the given scenario. After analyzing the problem, the end user 11 is directed to devise a solution that, in an exemplary manner, may incorporate: selecting the appropriate welding process, adjusting the welding power supply settings, choosing a particular electrode and then performing a virtual weld. A proper repair therefore requires not only the physical motion of implementing a suitable virtual weld, but also selecting the appropriate welding process and associated parameters. A successful repair or assembly may be indicated, whereby the virtual race car drives away or drives in a race. If an improper or incomplete repair has been made, the race car may perform poorly or not at all with further clues provided to the end user 11 as to what problems remain that need to be fixed. In this manner, welding training encompasses not only the training of muscle memory to successfully perform a particular weld, but also teaches the end user 11 how to properly analyze the virtual article(s) 16 for selecting the appropriate welding process needed to correct its operational deficiency. Welding training may also encompass learning that extends beyond the training of muscle memory by incorporating weld puddle modeling that teaches the end user 11 to make adjustments during the welding process.

As mentioned above, a grade may be derived from the end user's analysis of the problem-based scenario. In one embodiment, the end user 11 may be given information regarding the virtual article's 16a base material and instructed to select an electrode appropriate for use with that base material. In the real world, selection of an electrode affects the integrity of a weld joint. Similarly selecting the right electrode in the virtual welding environment 9a affects the score or grade of the end user's 11 performance. Additionally, the end user 11 may be required to calculate the heat input to ensure that the base material properties are not permanently altered by multi-pass welds. In another embodiment, the simulating device 10 may provide the end user 11 with information related to material thickness and/or joint configuration. Accordingly, the end user 11 may be required to determine the appropriate travel speed for the virtual welding power supply settings selected in order to properly make the virtual weld. It is noted here that the information may be expressly stated or indicated by virtual cues from which the end user 11 may infer important factors needed for analyzing the problem. A combination of the aforementioned is also contemplated by the embodiments of the subject invention. It will be recognized that the simulating device 10 therefore functions to educate and evaluate proficiency in learning for science, technology, engineering and/or math as promoted by various educational and governmental institutions.

It may be required that each level of training must be satisfactorily completed before advancing to subsequent levels. In one embodiment, tests may be given related to both welding knowledge and/or virtual welding performance. Data, i.e. test data or performance data, from the current scenario may be tracked, stored and compared against preprogrammed welding parameters in a manner consistent with that described above. In areas where minimum levels of achievement have not been reached, the end user 11 may be given opportunity to review tutorials and/or practice welding a particular weld joint. Once proficiency has been demonstrated, the end user 11 may advance to progressively more difficult levels teaching new skills.

The invention has been described herein with reference to the disclosed embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalence thereof.

Claims

1.-20. (canceled)

21. A game played on a processor based computing device executing coded instructions, comprising the steps of: providing processing means operable to execute coded instructions for generating an interactive virtual environment, wherein said processing means receives input from an associated input device;creating a virtual article within virtual environment with an operational deficiency, said virtual article having an operational state that is changeable between operative and inoperative;establishing a game objective to change the operational state of the virtual article by a virtual welding operation, said step of establishing further comprising at least the steps of analyzing the operational deficiency, selecting an appropriate welding process, adjusting the welding power supply settings, and choosing a particular electrode for performing said virtual welding operation;directing an end user to perform one or more virtual welding operations, via manipulations of the associated input device, that change the operational state of the virtual article and wherein when the step of directing requires two or more virtual welding operations, each succeeding virtual weld is made using a progression of difficulty;providing real-time quantitative feedback to the user related to one or more of a position and an orientation of the associated input device during the virtual welding operation as a result of the manipulations of the associated input device; andproviding quantitative feedback on the position and orientation of the virtual welding operation by indicating guides to show at least the pitch and roll angles of a virtual welding torch within a range of acceptable values for said position and orientation, said feedback including providing feedback in which said indicating guides flash, change color or play an audible sound which indicates when said end user is outside said range of acceptable values for the virtual welding operation.

22. The game as defined in claim 21, further comprising the step of: instantiating a virtual article with a operational state set to inoperative, wherein the virtual article is capable of functioning within the virtual environment when the operational state is changed to operative.

23. The game as defined in claim 22, further comprising the step of: providing display means for displaying the virtual environment; and,wherein when the operational state of the virtual article is changed to operative, said display means depicts the virtual article exhibiting activity related to its function.

24. The game as defined in claim 21, further comprising the steps of: storing data representing virtual weld quality standards;capturing performance data of the virtual welding operation; and,determining if the game objective has been accomplished by comparing performance data of the virtual welding operation with the data representing virtual weld quality standards.

25. The game as defined in claim 24, further comprising the step of: ascribing a game score based on the performance data of the virtual welding operation.

26. The game as defined in claim 22, wherein the step of storing data representing virtual weld quality standards, comprises the step of: storing ranges of data representing virtual weld quality standards that is derived from a virtual weld torch pitch angle or a virtual weld torch roll angle.

27. The game as defined in claim 21, further comprising the steps of: providing display means for displaying the interactive virtual environment, wherein the virtual environment is created from one of a plurality of scenarios;presenting an option of selecting one of a plurality of scenarios from which the virtual environment will be created; and,directing the end user to select one of a plurality of scenarios.

28. The game as defined in claim 21, wherein the game includes multiple levels of play differentiated by the number of virtual welding operations required to change the operational state of the virtual article.

29. The game as defined in claim 21, wherein the game includes multiple levels of play each differentiated by the complexity of the virtual welding operations.

30. A kit for an associated processor based computing device executing coded instructions for displaying an interactive virtual welding environment and having an associated input device for interfacing with an end user, comprising: a readily releasable attachment adapted to fixedly connect to the associated input device, wherein the readily releasable attachment resembles a welding tool displayed in the interactive virtual welding environment;at least one quantitative performance guide that displays a real-time feedback value related to a position and an orientation of the input device used in the virtual welding environment, wherein each performance guide indicates the position and orientation of said input device within a range of acceptable values for said position and orientation of said input device for an acceptable weld, said feedback including providing feedback in which said at least one quantitative performance guide flashes, changes color or plays an audible sound which indicates when said input device is outside said range of acceptable values for the virtual welding operation; anda welding coupon that corresponds to a virtual article displayed in the interactive virtual welding environment for guiding the end user while interacting with the virtual welding environment via manipulations of the associated input device with respect to the welding coupon, said virtual article having an operational deficiency and an operational state that is changeable between operative and inoperative, said change from the inoperative to the operational state requiring at least the steps of analyzing the operational deficiency, selecting an appropriate welding process, adjusting the welding power supply settings, and choosing a particular electrode for performing said virtual welding operation.

31. The kit as defined in claim 30, wherein the readily releasable attachment resembles an arc welding torch.

32. The kit as defined in claim 30, wherein the readily releasable attachment has a shape and weight that corresponds to real world welding torch.

33. The kit as defined in claim 30, further comprising: a welding coupon that corresponds to a virtual article displayed in the interactive virtual welding environment for guiding the end user while interacting with the virtual welding environment.

34. An input device for performing a virtual welding activity in a virtual welding environment, comprising: a housing;one or more sensors incorporated within the housing and configured to detect spatial orientation and movement of the input device when manipulated by a user performing the virtual welding activity, the one or more sensors further configured to generate a sensor output specifying the spatial orientation and movement of the input device; andmeans for communicating the sensor output to a processor-based computing device configured to execute computer-executable instructions to generate the virtual welding environment and a simulation of the virtual welding activity,wherein the processor-based computing device generates a performance guide on a display based on the sensor output received from the means for communicating while manipulated by the user to perform the virtual welding activity in the virtual welding environment, the performance guide relates at least one of the spatial orientation or movement of the input device to a range of acceptable values corresponding to an acceptable weld.

35. The input device of claim 34, wherein said means for communicating comprises means for wirelessly communicating the sensor output to the processor-based computing device.

36. The input device of claim 34, wherein said means for communicating comprises means for communicating the sensor output to the processor-based computing device through a wire adapted to readily interface to an input port on the processor-based computing device.

37. The input device of claim 34, wherein the processor-based computing device outputs an audible sound when the sensor output received is outside the range of acceptable values.

38. The input device of claim 34, wherein the processor-based computing device provides feedback via the performance guide through at least one of a visible flash or a color change on the display when the sensor output received is outside the range of acceptable values.

39. The input device of claim 34, wherein the housing is shaped to resemble a real-world welding torch.

40. The input device of claim 34, further comprising a readily releasable attachment detachably coupled to the housing.

41. The input device of claim 40, wherein the readily releasable attachment having a shape and weight corresponding to a real-world welding torch.

42. The input device of claim 34, wherein the one or more sensors includes at least one of an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, a photoelectric sensor, an optical sensor, or an infrared sensor.

43. A system, comprising: processor-based computing device associated with a display, the processor-based computing device being configured to execute computer-executable instructions to generate an interactive virtual welding environment output on the display, the virtual welding environment including a virtual article on which a virtual welding activity is performed;an input device associated with the processor-based computing device, the input device comprising: one or more sensors configured to detect spatial orientation and movement of the input device when manipulated by a user performing the virtual welding activity on the one or more virtual articles, and to generate a sensor output specifying the spatial orientation and movement of the input device; andmeans for communicating the sensor output to the processor-based computing device; and a physical welding coupon that corresponds to the virtual article displayed in the interactive virtual welding environment, the physical welding coupon guides the user with manipulating the input device to interact with the virtual article to perform the virtual welding activity in the interactive virtual welding environment,wherein, based on the sensor output communicated by the input device, the processor-based computing device displays a performance guide that indicates at least one of the spatial orientation or movement of the input device relative to a range of acceptable values corresponding to an acceptable weld.

44. The system of claim 43, wherein the performance guide corresponds to a parameter of a plurality of parameters.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein the parameter is one of a pitch angle, a roll angle, travel speed, or work-to-tip distance.

46. The system of claim 44, wherein the processor-based computing device displays a plurality of performance guides respectively corresponding to respective parameters of the plurality of parameters.

47. The system of claim 43, wherein the processor-based computing device is further configured to simulate creation of a virtual weld bead on the virtual article during the virtual welding activity.

48. The system of claim 47, wherein the virtual weld bead is simulated based on the sensor output.

49. The system of claim 43, wherein the input device further comprises a housing shaped to resemble a real-world welding tool.

50. The system of claim 43, wherein the input device is further configured to accept an attachment releasably coupleable to a body of the input device, wherein the attachment mimics a shape and weight of a real-world welding tool.

51. A method for training welding activity, comprising: providing a processor based computing device operable to execute coded instructions, an imaging device that can display a virtual welding environment responsive to the execution of the coded instructions, and an input device operatively connected to the processor based computing device, wherein the input device senses movement in the real world;displaying one or more virtual objects in the virtual welding environment having an operational deficiency discernable by one or more virtual clues;displaying at least one quantitative performance guide to provide a real-time feedback value related to one or more of a roll and a pitch of the input device used in the virtual welding environment, wherein each performance guide indicates the position and orientation of said input device within a range of acceptable values for said position and orientation of said input device for an acceptable weld, said at least one performance guide including feedback in which said at least one quantitative performance guide flashes, changes color or plays an audible sound which indicates when said input device is outside said range of acceptable values for the virtual welding operation;directing an end user to analyze the one or more virtual clues for deriving a solution to correct the operational deficiency, said step of directing further comprising at least the steps of analyzing the operational deficiency. selecting an appropriate welding process. adjusting the welding power supply settings. and choosing a particular electrode for performing said virtual welding operation; and,directing an end user to perform one or more virtual welding operations that change the operational state of the virtual article and wherein when the step of directing requires two or more virtual welding operations. each succeeding virtual weld is made using a progression of difficulty.

52. The method as defined in claim 51, further comprising the step of: depicting a plurality of virtual welding parameters on the imaging device that when changed defines a virtual welding process and wherein the plurality of virtual welding parameters are changeable by way of manipulating the input device; and wherein the step of deriving the solution to correct the operational deficiency includes changing at least one of the plurality of virtual welding parameters.

53. The method as defined in claim 51, wherein the step of facilitating virtual welding in the virtual welding environment results in a virtual weld, and further comprising the steps of: storing data representing a threshold of virtual welding quality for the virtual weld; and,evaluating the virtual weld with respect to the threshold of virtual welding quality.

54. The method as defined in claim 51, wherein the step of displaying one or more virtual objects in the virtual welding environment having an operational deficiency discernable by one or more virtual clues comprises the step of: displaying one or more virtual objects in a first scenario of the virtual welding environment having a first operational deficiency discernable by one or more virtual clues; and,further comprising the step of:displaying one or more virtual objects in a second scenario of the virtual welding environment having a second substantially operational deficiency discernable by one or more virtual clues.