Calibration devices for a welding training system

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PCT/US2014/018114 calibration devices for a welding training

SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

1000ij The invetniot) relaies generally to welding and, more particularly, to a welding training system.

100021 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,

I0003J in preparation for performing manual welding operations. welding operators may be trained using a welding Emitting 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0004I In one embodiment, a welding training system includes a welding surface, a computer configured £o execute a welding training software, and a calibration device. The welding training system also includes a sensor communicatively coupled to the computer and configured to sense a position of the calibration device, an orientation of the calibration device, or some combination thereof The sensor is also configured to provide calibration data to the welding training software to calibrate a location of the welding surface relative to the sensor. The calibration data includes the position of the calibration device, the orientation of the calibration device, or some combination thereof

[0005] In another embodiment, a welding training system includes a welding surface having a first marker located at a first position, and a second marker located at a second position. The welding training system also includes a computer configured to execute a welding training software. The welding training system includes a sensor configured to sense the first and second markers, to determine a first position of the first marker, to determine a second position of the second marker, to determine a first orientation of the first marker, to determine a second orientation of the second marker, or some combination thereof, and to provide calibration data to the welding training software to calibrate a location of the welding surface relative to the sensor. The calibration data includes the first position of the first marker, the second position of the second marker, the first orientation of the first marker, the second orientation of the second marker, or some combination thereof.

[0006] in another embodiment, a welding training system includes a welding surface and a computer configured to execute a welding training software. The welding training system also includes an emitter configured to emit a visible pattern onio the welding surface. The visible pattern is configured to facilitate alignment of a workpiece with the welding surface.

[0007] In a further embodiment, a welding training system includes a computer configured to execute a welding training software. The welding training system also includes a welding surface having multiple slots. Each slot includes a welding location corresponding to a respective location defined in the welding training software. Moreover, each slot is configured to facilitate alignment of a workpiece with the welding surface.

[0007A] In an aspect of the invention there is provided a welding training system including a computer configured to execute a welding training software; a calibration device communicatively coupled to the computer. The calibration device includes a trigger configured to receive an operator input prior to a simulated weld or a live weld; and a sensor communicatively eoupled to the computer and configured to sense a position of the calibration device, an orientation of the calibration device, or some combination thereof, when the trigger receives the operator input prior to the simulated weld or the live weld, and to provide calibration data to the welding training software to calibrate a first location of the calibration device with respect to a welding surface when the trigger receives the operator input prior to the simulated weld or the live weld. The calibration data includes the

CA 2Θ97203 2017-06-10 position of the calibration device, the orientation of the calibration device, or some combination thereof.

[0007B] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method including detecting a position and an orientation of a welding torch positioned at a first location relative to a sensor; receiving a first operator input from the welding torch when the welding torch is positioned at the first location relative to the sensor prior to a simulated weld or a live weld; storing in a non-transitory memory the first location of the welding torch relative to the sensor. Storing the first location is based on receiving the first operator input; receiving a second operator input from the welding torch when the welding torch is positioned at a second location relative to the sensor prior to the simulated weld or the live weld; and storing in the non-transitory memory the second location of the welding torch relative to the sensor. Storing the second location is based on receiving the second operator input.

[0007C] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method including detecting a plurality of markers of a welding calibration device via an optical sensor; determining a position of the welding calibration device, an orientation of the welding calibration device, or some combination thereof based at least in part on the detected plurality of markers; receiving a first operator input at a first time from the welding calibration device when the welding calibration device is positioned at a first location relative to the optical sensor prior to a simulated weld or a live weld; receiving a second operator input at a second time from the welding calibration device when the welding calibration device is positioned at a second location relative to the optical sensor prior to the simulated weld or the live weld. The first time is different than the second time; and storing calibration data in a non-transitory memory based on receiving the first operator input and the second operator input prior to the simulated weld or the live weld. The calibration data includes the first location and the second location of the welding calibration device relative to the optical sensor prior to the simulated weld or the live weld and at least one of the determined position of the welding calibration device and the orientation of the welding calibration device.

DRAWINGS

[0008] 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:

2a

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I&009J FIG. I is a block diagram of an etnbotfimem of a welding training sysiem m accordance with aspects of the present disclosure:

Jftftlfi] FIG, 2 is a block diagram of tm embodiment of portions of (ire welding training system of FIG. 1 ni accordance with aspects ofthe present disclosure;

(0011 j FIG. 2Λ is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of circuitry of the welding torch of FIG, t in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

(0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the welding torch of FIG 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

(0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the training stand of FIG.

! in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

(0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodimeni of a calibration device in accordance with aspects ofthe present disclosure;

(Oft15] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fixture assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

(0016( FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a welding wire stickout calibration tool in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

(0017] FIG. 8 is a top view of the welding wire stickout calibration fooi of FIG. 7 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

(00f 8( FÏG. 9 is an embodiment of a method for calibrating wire stickout from a welding torch in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

(00I9( FIG. 10 is a perspective view·' of an embodiment of a welding consumable having physical marks in accordance with aspects of lire present disclosure;

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PCT/LS2O14/018114 {0020} FIG. il is a perspective view of an embodiment of welding wire having physical marks in aeeofdatîce with aspects of the present disclosure;

{0021} FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vertical arm assembly of the training stand of FIG. i in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, {0022} FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an overhead welding arm assembly in accordance with aspects of tire present disclosure;

{0823} FIG. .14 is a block diagram of an embodiment of welding training software having multiple training modes in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

(0024} FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a virtually reality mode of welding trainitig software in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

{0025} PIG. 16 is an embodiment of a method for integrating training results data in accordance with aspects of t he present disclosure;

{0026} FIG. 17 is an embodiment of a chart illustrating multiple sets of welding training data for a welding operator in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

{0027} FIG. .18 ts an embodiment of a chart illustrating reel ding training data for a welder compared t o welding training data for a class in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

{0028} FIG, 19 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a data storage system for storing certification stains data in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

{0029} FIG, 20 is an embodiment of a screen illustrating data corresponding to a training weld in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

{0030} FIG, 21 is an embodiment of a screen illustrating a discon tin uky analysis of a training weld in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

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[003 î] FIG. 22 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a welding instructor screen of welding training software in accordance with aspects of (he present disclosure;

[0G32J FIG. 23 is an embodiment of a method for weid training using augmented reality in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and

[00331 FIG. 24 is an embodiment of another method tor weld training using augmented reality in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0934j FiG. I is a block diagram of an embodiment of a welding training system IO. The welding training system 10 includes a training stand 12 for providing support for various training devices. For example, the training stand 12 may be configured to support a welding surface, a workpiece, a fixture, one or more training arms, and so Forth. The welding training system H> also includes a welding torch 14 that may be used by a welding operator (e.g., welding student) to perform training operations. As described in greater detail below, the welding torch 14 may be configured with a user interface configured to receive inputs from the welding operator, control circuitry configured to process the inputs, and a communication interface configured to provide the inputs (0 another device. Furthermore, the welding torch 14 may include one or more display and/or indicators to provide data to the welding operator. Moreover, the welding training system 10 includes a sensing device Id (e.g., sensor, sensing assembly; and so forth) used to sense a position of one or more welding devices and/or to sense an orientation of one or more welding devices. For example, the sensing device 16 may be used to sense a position and/or an orientation of the training stand 12. the welding torch 14, a welding surface, a workpiece, a fixture, one or more training arms, and so forth. The sensing device 16 may include any suitable sensing device, such as a motion sensing device or a motion tracking device. Furthermore, the sensing device 16 may include one or more cameras, such as one or more infrared cameras, one or more visible spectrum cameras, one or more high dynamic range (HOR) cameras, and so forth.

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[0035] The sensing device 16 is commuaicafively coupled to a computer 18. The sensing device 16 is configured to provide data (e_g„ image data, sensed data, six degrees of freedom (6.DOF) 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, raemoty devices 22, and storage devices 24. The processors) 20 may be used to execute software, such as welding training software, image processing software, sensing device software, and so forth. Moreover, the processorfo) 20 may include one or more microfjjocftssors, such as one or more 'general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors andfor 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.

[0036] The storage devtee(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 te.g., software or firmware for the welding training system, the sensing device 16, etc.), and any other suitable data. As will be appreciated, data (hat corresponds io a training operation may include a video recording of foe training operation, a simulated video, an orientai inn of the welding torch 14, a post iron 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 disconimttiiy analysis, welding device settings, and so forth.

[0037] The memory deviens) 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 devicefs) 22 may store a variety of infonnation and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory devicets) 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 anchor for the

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PCT/US2014/018114 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 devieefs) 24 and/or memory devicefs) along with code configured to provide a specific output (c.g._; initiate wire feed, enable gas flow, capture welding current data, detect short circuit parameters, determine amount of spatter, etc.) during operation,

10638j As illustrated, the welding training system 10 includes a data reporting device 26; however, other embodiments tnay 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 IS, provide data to the welding torch 14, receive arc data from the wire feeder 3ti, provide arc data to the computer J 8, and so forth. Furthermore, ihe data reporting device 26 may he configured to electronically communicate (e,g„ either wired or wirelessly! with a device external to the welding, training system 10. The welding power supply 2ft 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.

{0039| The welding training system 10 includes a display 32 for displaying data and/or screens associated witii 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 die 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' interlace 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 ioueh inputs to the computer 18.

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WO 2014/149402 PCT/US2014/018114 {0040} An external display 34 is coupled to the computer 18 to enable an individual located remotely from the welding training system 10 to view date comesponding 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'oi a remote computer 44. As may be appreciated, tire welding training system I ¢) described herein may be used io train welding students in a cost effective manner. Furthermore, the welding training system lfi is configured to integrate real welding with simulated welding in a manner that prepares welding students for high quality production welding,

WELDING TORCH {0041} FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of portions of the welding training system HI of FIG. 1. As illustrated, the data reporting device 26 includes control circuitry 46 configured to provide data to author to receive data from the ware feeder 30, the welding power supply 28, the welding torch 14, and the computer 18. The control circuitry 46 is also configured to provide power to one or more devices, such as the welding torch 14. The data reporting device 26 also includes a communication port 4? (e.g,. universal serial bus (USB) port, a high speed serial bus port, etc.) and light emitting diodes (LEDs) 48 that may be used to indicate a status of the data reporting device 26, for example. The data reporting device 26 includes a network interface 49 to facilitate communication between the data reporting device 26 and an external device, such its the computer 18. The network interface 49 may Ire any suitable device that facilitâtes wired and/or wireless comniunicaiion between the data reporting device 26 and the external device. The data reporting device 26 also includes a communication interface 5Û to facilitate communication between the data reporting device 26 and the welding torch 14. in certain embodiments, the communication interface 50 may include an RS-232 dnver.

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PCT/LS2014/018114 {0042J The welding torch 1.4 includes control circuiiry 52 configured to control (he opera tion of the welding torch 14. hi 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 processors) 54 may be used io execute software, such as welding iorch software. Moreover, the processors) 54 may be similar to the processors) 20 described previously, furthermore, the memory' device(s) 56 may be similar to the memory device(s) 22, and ihe storage device(s) 58 may be similar to the storage devicefs) 24,

[0043) The welding torch 14 includes a user interface 60 io enable a welding operator {e.g., welding student, welding instructor, ere.) to interact with the welding torch 14 and/or to provide inputs to the welding torch 14. For example, the user interface 64 may include buttons, switches, touch screens, touchpads, and so forth. The inputs provided to the welding torch 14 by the welding operator may he provided to the computer 18. For example, the inputs provided to the welding torch i 4 may be used to control welding training software being executed by the computer IS. As such, the welding operator may use the user interface 60 on (he welding torch i 4 to navigate the welding training software screens, setup procedures, data analysts, 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 train tug 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 inc hides 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

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PCT/US2014/IH8114 weld, and/or after a weld. In certain embodiments, the LEDs 64 may illuminate to facilitate their detection by the sensing device 10. En stick embodiments, ike LEDs 64 may be positioned to enable (he sensing device 16 to determine a jxisitio» and/or an orientai ten of the welding torch 14 based on a spatial position of the LEDs 64,

PM144J in certain embodiments, the welding torch 14 inc bides 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, ike welding (orch 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 computet' 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 ire provided to the computer 18, fn certain embodiments, the welding torch 14 may provide inputs to the computer !8 by communicating directly with the computer 18.

[0645} 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. Die wire feeder 30, die welding power supply 28, the computer 18, and/or die data reporting device 26 may determine whether there is continuity through die 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 con.docto.rs 74 and 76, and so forth. In certain

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PCT/US2014/018114 embodiments. portions of the first trigger conductor 74 and/or portions of the second trigger conductor 76 may he disposed within a connector of ihe 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 FIG, 2.

[(Mt46f 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 front 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, anti may block welding wire front being provided to tire 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, date recording, and so forth.

{0047J With the digger 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 (lowing through the welding torch 14 and the wire feeder 30 may block welding ware 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 s$ long as the trigger 70 is pressed. With the trigger switch 72 in (he 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,

48(48 j 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

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PCT/LS2014/018114 position, in certain embotëments, the framing 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 id ts operating in a iive-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. Jn contrast, while welding training software of the welding training system 10 is operating in any mode other than the iive-arc mode (e.g., simulation, virtual reality, augmented reality, etc.), the control circuitry 52 may he configured to control (he training switch 78 io the open position to block a live welding arc (by blocking electron flow¹ between (he conductors 74 and 76).

{0049J 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 swatch 72 (e.g., electron flow between the conductors 74 and 76 is blocked by the open position of ihe training switch 78). ί-ïoweves; while the training switch 78 is controlled io the closed position, and ihe 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, die welding torch 14, a workpiece 82, and retain io the welding power supply 28 via a work cable 84 (e.g., electrode-negative, or straight polarity). Conversely, welding power may Dow from the welding power supply 28, through the work cable 84, the workpiece 82, the welding torch 14, and return to ihe welding power supply 28 via the weld cable 8Ù (e.g,, electrode-positive, or reverse polarity).

(0050) As may be appreciated, the training switch 78 may be physically located in any suitable portion of the welding training system 10. such as die data reporting

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PCT/1JS2014/018114 device 26, the computer IS, and so forth. Furthermore, tn certain embodiments, the functionality οΓ the training switch 78 «ray be replaced by any suitable hardware and/or software in the welding training system It).

[1)051} FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of circuitry of the welding torch 14 of FIG. i. In the illustrated embodiment, the irigger swatch 72 selectively connects a power supplying conductor (e.g., voltage source., etc.) to the conductor 71. Accordingly, while the trigger switch 72 is open, no voltage is applied to the conductor 71, and while the trigger switch 72 is closed, voltage from the power supplying conductor is supplied to the conductor 73. A trigger enable signal (e.g., TRIGGER JSN) may be provided by the control circuitry 52 to selectively control the training switch 78, and thereby control a feeder enable switch 85. For example, when the trigger enable signal controls the training switch 78 to an open position, no voltage is applied to the feeder enable switch 85 (e.g,, via the FEEDER _£N connection), thereby maintaining the feeder enable switch 85 in die open position. Conversely, when the trigger enable signal controls the training switch 78 to a closed position, voltage is applied to the feeder enable swatch 85, thereby controlling the feeder enable switch 85 to the closed position. With the feeder enable switch 85 in the closed position, conductivity between the conductors 74 and 76 is established While one example of welding torch 14 circuitry is provided, any suitable circuitry may be used may be used within the welding torch 14.

}M52} FÏG, 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the welding torch 14 of FÏGS. I and 2. As tliustraied, the user interface 60 includes multiple buttons 86 which may be used :o provide inputs to the welding torch 14. For example, the buttons 86 may enable a welding operator to navigate through welding training software. Furthermore, the welding torch 14 includes the display 62 which may show the welding operator data corresponding to the welding training software, data corresponding to a welding operation, and so forth, As illustrated, the LEDs 64 may be positioned at various locations on tbe welding torch 14. Accordingly, the LEDs 64 may be illuminated to facilitate detection by the sensing device 16.

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CALIBRATION TECHNIQUES {0053J FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of ihe training stand 12 of FIG. I. The training stand 12 includes a welding surface 88 on which live welds (e.g., real welds, actual welds) and/or simulated weids may be performed. Legs 90 provide support to the welding surface 88. The welding surface 88 includes slots 91 that may aid a welding operator in positioning and orienting the workpiece 84. In certain embodiments. the position and orientation 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 mt indication to the welding training software identifying which slot 91 of the welding surface 88 the workpiece 84 is aligned wish. Furthermore, a predefined welding training assignment may direct die welding operator to align the workpiece 84 with a particular slot 91. in certain embodiments, the workpiece 84 may include an extension 92 configured to extend into one or mote of the slots 91 for alignment of the workpiece 84 with the one or more slots 91, As may be appreciated, each of the slots 91 may be positioned at a location corresponding to a respective location defined in die welding training software.

{0054) 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. t he 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 die first and second apertures 93 and 94. For example, as described in greater detail below, a calibration device configured io be sensed by ihe sensing device 16 may be inserted into the first aperture 93 ₅ or touched to the first aperture 93. While tire calibration device is inserted mto, or touching, the first aperture 93, a user input provided to the welding training software (or other calibration software) may

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PCT/LS2014/918114 indicate that she calibration device is inserted into the first aperture 93. Asa result, the welding training software may establish a correlation between a ftrsl data set (e.g. calibration data) received from the sensing device 16 (e.g., position and/or orientation data) at a first finie and the location of first aperture 93, The calibration device may next be inserted into the second aperture 94, or touched to die 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 die 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 raav 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.

|0655j 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 8S. As may he appreciated, at least two markers are used to determine the positron and/or the orientation of the welding surface 88. In certain embodiments, more than two markers may be used to determine Ihe position author the orientation of the welding surface 88, The first anti 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 ihe welding surface 88, For example, ihe 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, lire first and second markers 95 and 96 may have any suitable shape, size, and/or color. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the first and second msukers 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

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PCT/US2014/018114 device. Accordingly, ihe first and second markers 95 and 96 are configured to be detected by the sensing device 16. In certain embodiments, ihe first and second markers 95 and 96 may be positioned at predetermined locations on the welding surface 88, Furthermore, the weiding training software may be programmer! io use the predetermined locations to determine the position and/or the orientation of the weiding surface 88, in other embodiments, the location of fire first and second markers 95 and 96 may be provider! 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 die position and/or orientation ofthe first and second markers 95 and 96 relative to Ebe sensing device 16. Using this sensed data in conjunction with (he location of the first and second markers 95 and 96 on the weiding surface 88, the welding training software may be able Io calibrate the position and/or orientation of the welding surface 88 relative to fire sensing device 16.

[00561 ht ihe 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 author an orientation of the workpiece 84. As may he appreciated, at least two markers are used to determine the position an dor the orientation ofthe workpiece t84. in certain embodiments, more than two markers may be used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the work piece 84. fhe first and second markers 98 and 99 may be formed fiom any suitable material. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers 98 and 99 may he 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, die first and secoud markers 98 and 99 may be a reflector formed front a reflective material. The first and second markers 98 and 99 may be used by the welding training system 10 to calibrate die position and/or orientation of the workpiece 84 relative io the sensing device 16 without a separate calibration device. Accordingly, the first and second markers 98 and 99 arc configured to he detected by

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PCT/LS2014/018114 the sensing device 16, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers 98 and 99 may be positioned at predetermined locations on lire workpiece 84. Furthermore, I he welding training software may ire programmed to use (he predetermined locations to determine the position and/or the orientation of the workpiece 84. hi other embodiments, die location of the first and second markers 98 and 99 may he provided io the welding training software during calibration, W ith 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 lise first and second markers 98 and 99 on die workpiece 84, die 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, (fee 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.

(00371 The training stand 12 includes a first arm 100 extending vertically from the welding surface 88 and configured io provide support for tire 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 mn KM). For example, as the knob 101 is adjusted, mechanical components extending through (he first atm 100 may adjust an angle of the sensing device 16. The display .52 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, arid so forth. By using a transparent raaleriaf, a welding operator may view the display 32 while the cover 102 is positioned in front ofthe display 32, such as before, during, and/or after a welding operation. A camera 104 may be coupled to Hie 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 !00. The emitter 105 may be used io 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

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PCT/LS2014/018114 emit a visible pattern onto the welding surface 88. The visible pattern may be shown onto the welding surface 88. Furthermore, the visible patient may he delected 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 exatnple, 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 patient emitted by the emitter 105 may be used to facilitate positioning of the workpiece 84 on tbe welding surface 88, ftM)S8} 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 overlread 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, tire 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 9 i 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 She 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 uf the workpiece 84 with the one or more slots 114. As may be appreciated, each of the

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PCT/LS2014/018114 slots ί 14 may be positioned at a location corresponding to tt respective location defined in the welding training software.

(0054] The weidmg surface 112 also includes a first marker 116 and a second marker 118. The first and second markers Î16 and 118 may be used together to determine a position and/or an orientation of the welding sttrface 112. As may be appreciated, al least two markers are used lo determine the position and'or tire 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 US may be formed from any suitable material. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers 116 and ilk may be built into tbe welding surface 112 (or another part of the overhead welding plate iOS), while in other embodiments, the first and second markers 116 and 118 may be attached to the welding surface 112 tor another pari of the overhead welding plaie 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 slickers. 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 i 12 relative to the sensing device 16 without a separate calibration device. Accordingly, the first and second markers 116 and Î18 are configured to be detected by the sensing device 16. hi 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 progratrtmed 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 die first and second marker, 116 anil 118 on the weiding surface 112, the sensing device 16 may sense the position and/or orientation of the first and second markers 116 and 118 relative to die sensing device 16. rising this sensed data

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PCT/LS2014/018114 in conjure Lton with the location of the first and second markers 116 and 1 IS on (he welding surface 112, the welding training software may be able io calibrate die position and/or orientation of tbe wedding 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 die overhead welding plaie Î 08 that may occur daring die weld. While the markers 116 and 1 IS 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 insetted for calibration using the calibration device, as described previously.

[0060( FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a calibration device i 20. The calibration device 120 is shaped like a torch and may be used for calibrating the position and/or orientation of the welding surfaces 88 and 112 relative to the sensing device 16, as described in greater detail above. The calibration device 120 includes a handle 122 and a nozzle 124. The nozzle 124 inci tides a pointed end 126 that may be used to touch a location for calibration and-'or to be inserted into an aperture for calibration. The calibration device 120 also includes a user interface 128 thai enables the welding operator to provide input corresponding io a time that the calibration device 120 is touching a location lor calibration anchor is being inserted into an aperture for calibration. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the calibration device 12() inc hides markers 130 configured to be sensed by the sensing device 16. As illustrate, the .markers 130 extend from tbe calibration device 120. However, in other embodiments, the markers 130 may- not extend from the calibration device 120. The markers 130 may be any suitable marker configured to be detected by the sensing device 16, Moreover, fhe markers 130 may be any suitable size, shape, and/or color {0061( During calibration, the sensing device 16 may sense a position of die calibration device 120 and/or an orientation of die calibration device 120. The position and/or orientation of the calibration device ! 20 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 b’4 relative to the sensing device 16, a position and/or

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PCT/US2O14/018114 orientation of a fixture relative to the sensing device 16, and so forth. Tints, (he calibration device 120 may facilitate calibration ofthe welding training system 10.

(00621 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fixture assembly 132. The fixture assembly 132 may be positioned on the welding surface 88 and/or the welding surface 112, and may secure the workpiece 84 thereon. In certain embodiments, the fixture assembly 132 may be configured to align with one or more of the slots 92 and 114. In other embodiments, the fixture assembly 132 may he placed at any location on the welding surface 88 and'or the welding surface ! 22 The fixture assembly 132 also inci tides a first marker 134 and a second marker 136. The first and second markers 134 and 136 may be used together to determine a position and/or an orientation of the fixture assembly 132. As may be appreciated, at least two markers are used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the fixture assembly 132, The first and second markers 134 and 136 may be formed from any suitable material. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers 134 and 136 may be built into the fixture assembly 132, while In other embodiments, the first and second market s 134 and 136 may be attached to the fixture assembly 132. For example, the first and second markers 134 and ί 36 may' be attached to the fixture assembly 132 using an adhesive and/or the first and second markers 134 and 136 may be stickers. The first and second markers 134 and 136 may have any suitable shape, size, and/or color. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the first and secottd markers 134 and 136 may be a reflector formed from a reflective material. The first and second markers 134 and 136 may be used by the welding training system 10 to calibrate the position anchor orientation of the fixture assembly 132 relative to the sensing device 16 without a separate calibration device. Accordingly, the first and second markers 134 and 136 are configured to be defected by the sensing device 16. in certain embodiments, the first and second markers 134 and 136 may be positioned at predetermined locations on the fixture assembly 132, Furthermore, the welding training software may be programmed to use the predetermined locations to determine the position an.dor die orientation of die fixture assembly 132. fir tidier embodiments, the location of the first and second markers 134 and 136 may he provided to the welding training software during calibration. With the first and second markers 134 ?

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PCT/LS2014/018114 and 136 on the fixture assembly 132, the sensing device 16 may sense ihe position and/or orientation of ihe first and second markers i 34 and 136 relative io die sensing device 16. Using this sensed data in conjunction with the location of the first and second markers 134 and 136 on the fixture assembly 132, the welding training software may be able io calibrate the position and/or orientation of the fixture assembly 132 relative to (he sensing device 16. White the first and second markers 13d and 136 have been described herein as being detected by the sensing device 16, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers 154 and 136 may indicate locations where a calibration device is to Ire touched or inserted lor calibration using tire calibration device 120, as described previously.

[0863j 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 iron) a base 143. Λ cross bar 144 extends between the vertical arms 142, and is secured to (be vertical arms 142. Adjustment mechanisms 146 (e.g,, knobs) may be adjusted fo 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 ihe locking devices 148 away from the workpiece 84 for removing the workpiece 84 from being between the locking devices 348 and the base 143. Accordingly, the workpiece 84 may be selectively secured io the fixture assembly 132.

WELDING TRAINING SYSTEM DEVICES

[0064} FIG. ? is a perspective view of a welding wire stiekoui calibration tool 150. The tool ! 50 is configured to calibrate a length of welding wire extending out of a torch noz/Je fo a selectable length. Accordingly, (he tool 150 includes a first handle 152 and a second handle 154. T he tool 150 also includes a torch nozzle holder 156 attached to a central portion 1.57 of the tool 150 and extending outward from the

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PCT/LS2014/018114 centrai portion 157 a selected distance, in the illustrated embodiment, the iorch nozzle holder 156 has a generally cylindrical body i 5S (e.g., cup shape); however, in other embodiments, the body 158 of the torch nozzle holder 156 may bave any suitable shape. Moreover, the torch nozzle holder 156 is configured to receive the torch nozzle through a nozzle inlet 160 such that the torch nozzle extends into the body 158. f urthermore, the torch nozzle holder 156 includes an opening 162 configured to enable welding wire to extend out the end of the torch nozzle holder 136, and io block the torch nozzle from extending through the opening 162. As the torch nozzle extends into the torch nozzle holder 136, the welding wire extends out of the opening 162 of (he torch nozzle holder 15() toward a blade assembly 164 of the tool 150, The blade assembly 164 includes one or more sides 165 and 166 configured to contact the welding w ire. In certain einbodinteths, both of sides 165 and 166 include blades to cut opposing sides of the welding wire, while in other embodiments, only one of the sides 165 and 166 includes a blade to cut one side ofthe welding wire and the oiher side includes a surface ίο which the blade is directed toward. Tor calibrai ing the length of the welding wire, the welding wire may extend through the opening 162 and into the blade assembly 164. The welding wire may be cut to a selectable length by pressing tbe first handle 152 and the second handle 154 toward one another, thereby calibrating the length of wire extending iron) the torch nozzle. The calibration length may be selected using an adjustment mechanism 167 to adjust a distance 168 between the blade assembly 164 and tbe opening 162 of (he torch nozzle holder 156. Thus, using the tool 150. the length of wire extending from the torch nozzle may be calibrated, jO06$j FIG. 8 is a top view of (he welding wire sfickout calibration tool 150 of FIG. 7. As illustrated, the welding torch 14 may be used with the tool 150. Specifically, a nozzle 170 of the welding torch 14 may be inserted into the torch nozzle holder 156 in a direction 172, Welding ware 174 extending from die welding torch 14 is directed through the nozzle inlet J 60, the opening 162, and the blade assembly 164. Accordingiy, die finit and second iiandies 152 and 154 may be pressed together to cut the welding wire 174 to the distance 368 (e.g., the calibration length) set hy the adjustment mechanism 167.

-N »

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PCT/LS2014/018114 {0666} FIG. 9 is an embodiment of a method 176 for calibrating wire suckout from the welding torch 14, The tool 150 may he used to calibrate die length of welding wire 174 extending from the nozzle 170 using a variety of methods. Io the method 176, the adjustment mechanism 167 of the welding wire stickout calibration tool 150 may he adjusted lor a selected welding wire Î 74 length (block 178), For example, the distance 168 of the torch nozzle holder 156 from the tool 150 may he set to a range of between approximately 0.5 to 2.0 cm, 1.0 to 3.0 cm, and so forth. The welding tenth 14 may be inserted into the torch nozzle holder 156 of (he tool 1.50, such that the nozzle 170 of the welding torch 14 abuts the torch nozzle holder 156. and that the welding wire 174 extends through die opening 162 of the torch nozzle holder 156 {block 180). in certain embodiments, the welding wire 174 may be long enough to extend through the blade assembly 164, However, if tire welding wire 174 does not extend through the blade assembly 164, a welding operator may actuate the trigger 70 of the welding torch 14 to feed welding wire 174 such that the welding wire 174 extends through the blade assembly 164 (block 182), Accordingly, the welding operator may compress handies 152 and 154 of the tool 150 to cut the welding wire 174 extending through the blade assembly 164 and thereby calibrate the length of the welding wire 174 (block 184).

(0067} FIG. K) is a perspective view of an embodiment of a welding consumable 186 having physical marks. The welding consumable 186 may be any suitable welding consumable, such as a welding stick, welding rod, or a welding electrode The welding consumable 186 includes physical marks 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, and 204. The physical marks 188, Wt 192, 161. 1 ‘76, 198, 200, 202, and 204 may be any suitable physical mark. For example, the physical marks 188, 190. 1*72. 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, and 204 may include a bar code, an image, a shape, a color, text, a set of data, and so forth, la certain embodiments, the physical marks 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198,200, 202, and 204 may be laser etched. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the physical marks 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200,202, and 204 may be visible with the natural eye (e.g., within the visible spectrum), white in other embodiments the physical marks 188, 190, 192. S94, 196, 198, 200, 202, and 2tM may not be visible with the natural eye (e.g,, not witlun the visible spectrum).

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[0668) Each of the physical maries 188, 19(), 192. 194. 1.96, 198, 200, 202 and 204 indicates a location on ihe welding consumable 186 relative to either a first end 206. or a second end 308 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 tire 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 ihe ninth physical mark from fire second end 208, A processing device may use a lookup table to determine a distance Iront the first end 206 or the second end 208 based on the number indicated by the physical mark.

[0069) A camera-based detection system, which may include foe 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 io 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 (86 may be tracked by the welding (rawing system 10 for training and/or analysis,

[0070) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of welding wire 216 having physical marks 212, 214, 216, and 218, The physical marks 212, 214, 216, and 218 may Ire any suitable physical mark. For example, the physical marks 212. 214,216, and 218 may include a bur code, an image, a shape, text, a set of data, and so forth. In certain embodiments, the physical marks 212. 214, 216, and 218 may be laser etched. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the physical marks 212, 214, 216, and 218 may be visible with the natural eye (e.g., within ihe visible spectrum), while in other embodiments foe physical marks 212, 214, 216, and 218 may not be visible with foe natural eye (e.g,, not within the visible spectrum).

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[007î} Each of the physical marks 212, 214, 216, and 218 indicates a location on the welding wire 2 HI 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 drat corresponds to the first end 220 and/or ihe 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 andor the physical mark 212 may indicate a number “4 indicating that ii is the fourth physical mark from the second end 222. A processing device may use a look tip table to determine a distance from the first end 220 or the second end 222 based cut die number indicated by the physical mark.

[0072} 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 camerabased detection system is configured to determine a remaining length of the welding wire 210, a consumed length of ihe welding wire 210, a rate of use of the welding wire 210, a dipping rale of the welding wire 210, and so forth, based on the detected physical marks. Accordingly, data corresponding to use of die welding wire 210 maybe tracked by ihe welding training system 10 for training and/or analysis.

[0073} FÏG, 12 is a perspect ive view of an embodiment of a vertical arm assembly 223 of the training stand 12 of FIG, 4. As illustrated, the sensing device 16 is attached to the first arm ICO. Furthermore, fire sensing device 16 includes cameras 224, and an infrared emitter 226. However, in other embodiments, the sensing device 16 may include any suitable number of cameras, emitters, and/or other sensing devices. A pivot assembly 228 is coupled to the first arm .0)0 and to the sensing device 16, and enables an angle of die sensing device 16 to be adjusted while the sensing device 16 rotates as illustrated by arrow 229. As may be appreciated, adjusting die angle of the sensing device 16 relative to die first arm 100 changes the field of view of the sensing device 16 (e.g., to change the portion of the welding Surface 88 and/or the welding surface 112 sensed by the sensing device 16).

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PCT/LS2014/018114 (0074} A cord 230 extends between the knob 101 and the sensing device 16. The cord 230 is routed through a pulley 232 io facilitate rotation of the sen sine device 16. Thus, a wehhng operator may rotate the knob i 01 to manually adjust the angle of the sensing device 16, As may he 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 die 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 dev ice 16 and/or based on tracking of an object within the field of view of the sensing device 16.

(0075} FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an overhead welding arm assembly 235. The overhead welding arm assembly 235 illustrates one embodiment of a manufacturing design that enables the second arm 166 to have an adjustable height. Accordingly, as may be appreciated, the second arm 166 may he manufactured. to have an adjustable height in a number of ways. As illustrated, the overhead welding assembly 235 includes handies 236 used to vertically raise and/or lower iire second arm 106 as iihtsiraied by arrows 23 S. The overhead welding arm assembly 235 includes a kicking device 240 to lock the second amt 106 at a desired height. Tor example, the locking device 240 may include it button that is pressed to disengage a latch configured to extend into openings 242, thus unlocking the second arm 106 from being secured to side rails 243. With the second arm 166 unlocked from the side rads 243, the handles 236 may be vertically adjusted to a desired height, thereby adjusting the plate 112 to a desired height. As may be appreciated, releasing the button may result in the latch extending into fire openings 242 and locking Ihe second arm .106 to the side rads 243. As may be appreciated, the locking device 240 may operate manually as described and/or the Socking device 240 may be controlled by a control system (e.g., automatically controlled). Furthermore, the second arm 106

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PCT/LS2014/018114 may be vertically raised and/or lowered using the control system. For example, in certain embodiments, the welding training software may control lire second arm 106 io move to a desired position automat ically. Thus, the plate 112 may be adjusted to a desired height for overhead welding.

.MULTI-MODE WELDING TRAINING SOFTWARE

[0076} FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an embodiment of welding training software 244 of the welding fmining system 10 having multiple- training modes. As illustrated, the welding tranung software 244 may include one or more of a live-arc mode 246 configured to enable training using a live (e.g., actual) welding arc, a simulation mode 248 configured to enable Raining using a welding suauiaiion, a virtual reality (VR) mode 25ft configured to enable training using a VR simulation, and/or an augmented reality mode 252 configured to enable training using augmented reality simulation.

[0077} 'lire welding training software 244 may receive signals from an audio input 254. Ttie 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.

[0078} FIG. 15 .is a block diagram of an embodiment of the VR mode 250 of the welding training software 244. The VR mode 25ft is configured to provide a welding operator with a VR simulation 26ft. Tire VR simulation 26ft may' be displayed to a welding operator through a VR headset, VR glasses, a VR display, or any suitable VR device. The VR simulation 260 may be configured to include a variety of virtual objects, such as the objects illustrated in FIG. 15, that enable interaction between a

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PCT/US2O14/018114 welding operator and a selected virtual object of the variety of virtual objects within the YR simulation 260. For example, virtual objects may include a virtual workpiece 262, a virtual welding stand 264, a virtual welding torch 266, virtual wire cutters 268, virtual software configuration 270, virtual training data results 272, and/or a virtual glove 274.

{0079j 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 lurch i 4 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 26ft. Furthermore, the welding operator may he able to operate ihe welding training software 241 within the VR simulation 26() using the virtual software configuration 270 and/or the virtual training data results 272, For example, the welding operator may use their hand, ihe 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 ihe VR simulation 260.

{0080j FRF Hi ts an embodiment of a method 276 for integrating training results data. The method 276 includes the welding training software 244 of the computer 18 receiving a first set of welding training data from a storage device (e.g., storage device 24) (block 278), The first set of welding training data may include welding training data corresponding io a first welding training assignment. The method 276 also inchides the welding training software 244 receiving a second set of welding training data from the- storage dev tee (block 280). ht certain embodiments, the first set and/or second set of welding training data may lie received from a network storage device. The network storage device may be configured to receive welding training data from and/or to provide welding training data to the welding training system 10

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PCT/US2014/018114 and/or the external welding {raining system 40. The welding training software 244 .may integrate the first and second sets of welding training data into a chart to enable a visual comparison of the first set of welding training data with the second set of welding training data (block 282). As may be appreciated, the citait may be a bar chart, a pte chart, a line chart, a histogram, and so forth. In certain embodiments, integrating the first set of welding training data with the second set of welding training data includes filtering the first set of welding training data and the second set of welding training data to display a subset of the first set of welding training data and a subset of the second set of welding training data. The welding train ing software 244 may provide the chart to a display device (tg, the display 32) (block 284). fo certain embodiments, providing the chart to the display device includes providing selectable elements on the chart that when selected display data corresponding io a respective selected element of the selectable elements (e.g., selecting wire speed from the chart may change the screen io display the wire speed history for a particular welding training assignment).

(0G81J The first set of welding training data and/or the second set of welding Paining data may include a welding torch orientai ion, a we id rug 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 hy 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 io training performed by one welding operator and/or by a class of welding operators in certain embtxhments, 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 naming scenario.

[0082} FIG. 17 ts an embodiment of a chart 285 illustrating multiple sets of welding training data for a welding operator. The chart 285 may be produced by the

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PCT/US2O14/018114 welding training software 244 and may be provided m the display 32 io be used by a welding instructor to review welding training operators performed by a welding student, and/or may be provided to the display 32 io be used by a welding student to review welding training operations performed by that welding student. The chan. 285 illustrates a bar graph comparison between different training assignments of a first set of welding (raining assignments performed by a welding operator. The first set of welding training assignments includes assignments 286,28S, 290,292, and 294. The chart 285 also dins (rates a bar graph comparison between different training assignments of a second set of welding it anting assignments performed by die welding operator. The second set of welding training assignments includes assignments 296, 298, 300. 302. and 304. Accordingly, welding training assignments may be compared to one another for analysis, instruction, certification, and/or training purposes. As illustrated, the welding training assignments may be compared to one another using one of any number of criteria, such as a fotai score, a work angle, a travel angie. a (ravel speed, a contact to work distance, a proximity, a mode (e.g,, fivearc mode, simulation mode, etc,), a completion status (e.g., complete, incomplete, partially complete, etc ), a joint type (e.g.. fillet, butt, T, lap, etc.), a welding position (e.g., fiat, vertical overhead, etc.), a type of metal used, a type of filler metal, and so forth.

[0083} FIG, IS is an embodiment of a chart 305 illustrating welding training data for a welder compared io welding training data for a class. For example, the chart 305 illustrates a score 306 of a welding operator compared to a score 308 (e.g., average, median, or some other score) of a class for a first assignment. Furthermore, a score 310 of the welding operator is compared to a score 312 (e.g., average, median, or some other score) of the class for a second assignment. Moreover, a score 314 of the welding operator is compared to a score 316 fe.g,. average, median, or some other score) of the class for a third assignment. As may be appreciated, scores from one or mote welding operators may lie compared to scores of the entire class. Such a comparison enables a welding instructor to assess the progress of individual welding students as compared to the class of welding students. Furthermore, scores from one or more welding operators may be compared to scores of one or more other welding

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PCT/US2014/018114 operators, in certain embodiments, scores from one class may be compared to scores of another class. Moreover, seises from ihe first assignment, the second assignment, and/or the third assignment, may be selected for comparison.

DATA STORAGE AND ANALYSIS {0084) FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a data storage system 318 for storing certification states data. The certification status data may be produced as a weidmg operator completes various assignments in the welding training system ft). For example, a predetermined set of assignments may certify a welding operator for a particular welding device and/or welding process. The data storage system 318 includes control circuitry 320, one or more memory devices 322, and one or more storage devices 324. The control circuitry 320 may include one or more processors, which may be similar io the processor(s) 20. Furthermore, die memory device! s) 322 may be similar to the memory' devicefs) 22, and the storage device(s) 324 may be similar to the storage devices) 24. The memory device(s) 322 and/or the storage devices) 324 may be configured to store certification status data 326 corresponding to a welding t raining certification of a welding operator.

{0085) 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 (MSG) welding process, a tungsten inert gas (TEG) welding process, a stick welding process, etc.) certification sums (e.g.. foe welding operator is certified for foe first welding process, the welding operator is not certified for foe first welding process), a second welding process certification status (e.g., foe welding operator ts certified for the second welding process, the welding operator is not certified for the

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PCT/US2014/918114 second welding process), a first welding device (e.g., a wire feeder, a power supply, a model number, etc.) certification status (e.g., die welding operator is certified for foe first welding device, the welding opera tot 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), ]0β86| The control circuitiy 320 may he configured to receive a request for the first welding process certification status, the second welding process certification status, Ihe first welding device certification status, and/or the second welding device certification status of the welding operator. Furthermore, ihe control circuitry 320 may he configured io provide a response to the request. The response to the request may inc hide the first welding process certification status, the second welding process certification status, the first welding device certification status, and/or ihe second welding device certification status of the welding operator. In certain enfooditnenis, the welding operator may be authorized to use a first welding process, a second welding process, a first welding device, anchor a second welding device based at least partly on ihe response. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first welding process, the second welding process, the first weldittg 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 etnbodhneuls, the firs! welding process, tire second welding process, the first welding device, andfor the second welding device of a welding system may be enabled or disabled automatically. Thus, a welding operators certification data may be used to enable andfor disable that welding operator’s ability to use a particular welding system, welding device, and/or welding process. For example, a welding operator ntay 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 sufoeHtieatiorrt, After the identity of foe welding operator is verified, the welding system may check the welding operator's certification stains. The welding system tnay enable the welding operator to perform operations using the first tv elding process based on the welding operator’s certification status, but may block

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PCT/US2O14/018114 the welding operator from performing the second welding process based on (he welding operator’s certification status.

{0G87J FIG. 26 ïs an embodiment of a screen 32? illustrating data corresponding to a training weld. The screen 327 may be produced by the welding training software 244 and may be displayed on the display 32. Hie screen 327 illustrates parameters that may be graphically displayed to a welding operator before, during, and/or after performing a welding operation. For example, the parameters may include a work angle 328, a travel angle 330, a contact tip to workpiece distance 332, a welding torch travel speed 334. a proximity of the welding torch ;n relation to the workpiece 336, a welding voltage 337, a welding current 338, a welding torch orientation, a welding torch position, an aim of the welding torch, and so forth.

{04188} 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 bow·· much time during the welding assignment that the welding operator was within a raugc 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 foe welding operator performing ti simulated weld, live video of the welding operator performing a virtual reality weld, live video of foe welding operator performing au augmented reality weld, hve video of a welding are, live video of a weld puddle, and/or simulated video of a welding operation, (0089} fo certain embodiments, foe welding training system 10 may capture video data during a welding assignment, and store the video data ou the storage device 24. Moreover, die welding training software 244 may be configured to retrieve foe video (.lata 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 io the display 32.

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PCT/LS2014/018114 {0090} The welding training software 244 may analyze welding parameter data to determine a traversed path 344 that may he 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 view¹ the video replay 342 and/or the traversed path 344 in conjunction with the welding parameters as drey 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 dre video replay 342 with the recreated tv elding 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.

{0091| in certain embodiments, tire storage device 24 may be configured to store a first data set corresponding to multiple training welds perfornred 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 he configured to retrieve at least part of the first data set from the storage device 24, to retrieve at least pan of the second data set from the storage device 24, io synchronize the at least part of lire first data set with the at least part of the second data set, and to provide the synchronized at least part of the fust data set and at least part of the second data ser to the display 32.

fO092} FÏG, 21 is an embodiment of a screen 34? illustrating a discontinuity analysis 348 of a training weld. Tire discontinuity analysis 348 includes a listing 350 that may itemize potential issues with a welding operation. The discontinuity analysis 348 provides feedback to the welding operator regarding time periods within the welding operation in which the weld does not meet a predetermined quality threshold. For example, between rimes 352 and 354, there is a high discontinuity (e.g,, the welding quality is poor, the weld has a high probability of failure, the weld is defective). Furthermore, between times 356 and 358, there is a medium discontinuity (e.g.. the welding quality is average, the weld has a medium probability of failure, the weld is partially defective). Moreover, between times 360 and 362, there is a high

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PCT/US2014/018114 discontinuity, and between times 364 and 366, there is a low discontinuity (e.g., the welding quality is good, the weld has a low probability of failure, the weld is not defective). With this information a welding operator may be able to quickly analyze the quality of a welding operation.

[00931 FIG. 22 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a welding instructor screen 368 of the welding train mg software 244. The welding training software 244 is configured to provide training simulations for many different welding configurations For example, the welding con figurai ions may include a MiG welding process 370, a TIG welding process 372. a stick welding process 374, the live-arc welding mode 346, the simulation welding mode 248, the virtual reality welding mode 250. and/or the augmented reality welding mode 252.

[W194J The welding instructor screen 368 may be configured to enable a welding instructor io 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 it 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 tire welding instructor io 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, foe 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

[0095J FiG. 23 is an embodiment of a method 389 for weld training using augmented reality. A welding operator may select a training mode of the welding training software 244 (block 390). 'Fite welding training software 244 determines whether the augmented reality mode 252 has been selected (block 392). If the

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PCT/US2O14/018114 augmented reality mode 252 has been selected. the weiding training software 244 executes an augmented reality simulation, ii should be noted that die welding operator may be wearing a welding helmet atidtor some other headgear configured to position a display device in front of the welding operator's view. Furthermore, the display device may generally be transparent to enable the welding operator to view' actual objects; however, a virtual welding environment may be portrayed on portions of the display device. As part of this augmented reality simula don, the welding training software 244 receives a position andtor an orientation of the welding torch 14, such as from die sensing device 16 (block 394). The welding training software 244 integrates the virtual welding environment with the position and/or die orientation of the welding torch 14 (block 396). Moreover, the welding training software 244 provides the integrated virtual welding environment to the display device (block 368), For example, ihe welding training software 244 may determine where a weld bead should be positioned within the welding operator’s field of view, and the welding traimng software 244 may display the weld bead on the display device such that the weld bead appears io be on a workpiece. After completion of the weld, the augmented reality simulation may enable the welding operator to erase a portion of the virtual welding environment (e.g., the weld bead) (block 400),, and the welding training software 244 returns to block 390, (0096j if the augmented really mode 252 has not been selected, the welding training software 244 détermines whether the live-arc mode 246 has been selected (block 402). If the hve-arc mods 246 has been selected, the welding teaming software 244 enters the live-arc mode 246 and the weiding operator may perform the live-arc weld (block 404). if die five-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.

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PCT/LS2014/018114 (0047} FIG. 24 is an etnbtxiiment of another method 406 for weld (raining using augmented reality. A welding operator may select a training mode of the welding training software 244 (block 408>. The welding training software 244 determines whether the augmented reality' mode 252 lias been selected (block 410). If the augmented reality mode 252 has been selected, the weiding training software 244 executes an augmented reality simulation, it should be noted that the weiding operator may be wearing a welding helmet and/or some other headgear configured to position a display device in front of the welding ope rater’s view. Furthermore, the display device may completely block the welding operator's field of vision such dial images observed by the welding operator have been captured by a camera and displayed on the display device, /\s pari of this augmented reality simulation, the welding training software 244 receives an image of the welding torch 14. such as from the sensing device 16 (block 412), The welding training software 244 integrates the virtual welding environment with the image of the welding torch H (block 414). Moreover, the welding training software 244 provides the integrated virtual welding environment with the image of tbe welding torch 14 to the display device (block 416). For example, the welding training software 244 may determine where a weld bead should be positioned within the welding operator’s field of view and the welding training software 244 displays the weld bead on Use display device with tire image of the weiding torch 14 and other objects in the welding environment. .After completion of the weld, the augmented reality simulation may enable the weiding operator to erase a portion of die virtual welding environment (e.g.. the weld bead) (block 418), and the welding training software 244 returns lo block 448, (0008} If the augmented realty mode 252 has not been selected, the weiding training software 244 determines whether the five-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 weiding training software 244 retenis to block 408. Accordingly, the welding training software 244 is configured to enable a welding operator io practice a weld in the augmented reality mode 252, to erase at least a

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PCT/US2O14/018114 portion of {he virtual welding environment from the practice weld, and to perform a live weld in the live-arc made 246. in eenain embodiments, die welding operator may practice the weld in the augmented reality mode 252 consecutively a multiple number of times.

10099} 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 io receive high quality hands on training.

{00100} 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 ihe appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.