Welding simulator with dual-user configuration

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0001The invention is related to a welding simulator according to claim 1 and 5. This U.S. patent application claims the benefit of and priority to <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US62659729A"><text>U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/659,729 filed on April 19, 2018</text></patcit>, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

0002The general inventive concepts relate to simulated welding training and, more particularly, to systems for and methods of simulated welding training wherein multiple users can interact simultaneously with distinct simulated environments or within the same simulated environment.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

0003Learning how to arc weld traditionally takes many hours of instruction, training, and practice. There are many different types of arc welding and arc welding processes that can be learned. Conventionally, welding has been learned by a student using a real welding system to perform actual welding operations on real metal pieces. Such real-world training can tie up scarce welding resources, use up limited and/or costly welding materials, and present safety concerns. Recently, however, the idea of training using welding simulators has become more popular. For example, training in a virtual reality (VR) welding environment or an augmented reality (AR) welding environment can avoid many of the drawbacks of real-world welding training.

0004Typically, a welding simulator will interface with external components to support a single user at a time. Thus, there is an unmet need for a welding simulator that can support multiple users simultaneously interacting with distinct simulated environments or within the same simulated environment.

DESCRIPTION

0005In order to optimize welding simulation, a welding simulator according to claims 1 and 5 is described. Preferred embodiments are subject of the subclaims. It is proposed herein to provide a welding simulator that can support multiple users simultaneously interacting with distinct simulated environments or within the same simulated environment.

0006Accordingly, the general inventive concepts relate to and contemplate systems for and methods of performing simulated welding training, wherein two or more users can simultaneously interact with distinct simulated environments or within the same simulated environment. In this manner, the innovative welding simulator can provide new training opportunities across a broad range of users (e.g., students, instructors, collaborators).

0007In one exemplary embodiment, a welding simulator comprises a first display associated with a first user; a second display associated with a second user; a first mock welding tool associated with the first user; a second mock welding tool associated with the second user; a first stand operable to hold a first coupon; a second stand operable to hold a second coupon; a first spatial tracker for tracking first movements of the first mock welding tool relative to the first coupon by the first user; a second spatial tracker for tracking second movements of the second mock welding tool relative to the second coupon by the second user; and a housing holding logic comprising a memory storing machine-readable instructions and a processor for executing the instructions to generate a simulated environment; and simultaneously display the simulated environment, including at least one of the first movements and the second movements, on the first display and the second display.

0008In some exemplary embodiments, the first display is part of a welding helmet. In some exemplary embodiments, the second display is part of a welding helmet.

0009In some exemplary embodiments, the welding simulator further comprises a third display. In some exemplary embodiments, the third display is mounted on the housing.

0010In some exemplary embodiments, the welding simulator further comprises a fourth display. In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth display is mounted on the housing.

0011In some exemplary embodiments, the logic displays the first coupon and the second coupon as the same part. In some exemplary embodiments, a weld path is defined on the part, the first movements correspond to a first traversal of the weld path, and the second movements correspond to a second traversal of the weld path.

0012In some exemplary embodiments, the logic displays the first coupon and the second coupon as portions of the same assembly.

0013In one exemplary embodiment, a welding simulator comprises a first display associated with a first user; a second display associated with a second user; a first mock welding tool associated with the first user; a second mock welding tool associated with the second user; a first stand operable to hold a first coupon; a second stand operable to hold a second coupon; a first spatial tracker for tracking first movements of the first mock welding tool relative to the first coupon by the first user; a second spatial tracker for tracking second movements of the second mock welding tool relative to the second coupon by the second user; and a housing holding first logic and second logic, wherein the first logic comprises a first memory storing first machine-readable instructions and a first processor for executing the first machine-readable instructions to generate a first simulated environment; and display the first simulated environment and the first movements on the first display; and wherein the second logic comprises a second memory storing second machine-readable instructions and a second processor for executing the second machine-readable instructions to generate a second simulated environment; and display the second simulated environment and the second movements on the second display.

0014In some exemplary embodiments, the first display is part of a welding helmet. In some exemplary embodiments, the second display is part of a welding helmet.

0015In some exemplary embodiments, the welding simulator further comprises a third display. In some exemplary embodiments, the third display is mounted on the housing. In some exemplary embodiments, the first logic causes the first simulated environment and the first movements to be displayed on the third display.

0016In some exemplary embodiments, the welding simulator further comprises a fourth display. In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth display is mounted on the housing. In some exemplary embodiments, the second logic causes the second simulated environment and the second movements to be displayed on the fourth display.

0017In some exemplary embodiments, the first logic displays the first coupon as a first part and the second logic displays the second coupon as a second part. In some exemplary embodiments, the first part and the second part are identical. In some exemplary embodiments, the first part and the second part are different portions of an assembly.

0018Numerous other aspects, advantages, and/or features of the general inventive concepts will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings being submitted herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0019<ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li><figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a system block diagram of a system providing arc welding training in a real-time virtual reality environment;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a combined simulated welding console and observer display device (ODD) of the system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of the observer display device (ODD) of <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a front portion of the simulated welding console of <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> showing a physical welding user interface (WUI);</li><li><figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a mock welding tool (MWT) of the system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a table/stand (T/S) of the system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7A</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a pipe welding coupon (WC) of the system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0008">FIG. 7B</figref> illustrates the pipe WC of <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7A</figref> mounted in an arm of the table/stand (TS) of <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0009">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates various elements of an example embodiment of the spatial tracker (ST) of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0010">FIG. 9A</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a face-mounted display device (FMDD) of the system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0011">FIG. 9B</figref> is an illustration of how the FMDD of <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 9A</figref> is secured on the head of a user;</li><li><figref idref="f0012">FIG. 9C</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of the FMDD of <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 9A</figref> mounted within a welding helmet;</li><li><figref idref="f0013">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a subsystem block diagram of a programmable processor-based subsystem (PPS) of the system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0014">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a block diagram of a graphics processing unit (GPU) of the PPS of <figref idref="f0013">FIG. 10</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0015">FIG. 12</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a functional block diagram of the system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>,</li><li><figref idref="f0016">FIG. 13</figref> is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of training using the virtual reality training system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0017 f0018">FIGS. 14A-14B</figref> illustrate the concept of a welding pixel (wexel) displacement map;</li><li><figref idref="f0019">FIG. 15</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a coupon space and a weld space of a flat welding coupon simulated in the simulator;</li><li><figref idref="f0020">FIG. 16</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a coupon space and a weld space of a corner welding coupon simulated in the simulator;</li><li><figref idref="f0021">FIG. 17</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a coupon space and a weld space of a pipe welding coupon simulated in the simulator;</li><li><figref idref="f0022">FIG. 18</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of the pipe welding coupon;</li><li><figref idref="f0023 f0024 f0025">FIGS. 19A-19C</figref> illustrate an example embodiment of the concept of a dual-displacement puddle model of the simulator;</li><li><figref idref="f0026">FIG. 20</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a welding console of a multi-user welding simulator.</li><li><figref idref="f0027">FIG. 21</figref> illustrates a multi-user welding simulator generating two discrete simulated environments.</li><li><figref idref="f0028">FIG. 22</figref> illustrates a multi-user welding simulator generating a common simulated environment.</li></ul>

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0020The general inventive concepts encompass systems for and methods of performing simulated welding training, wherein two or more users can simultaneously interact with distinct simulated environments or within the same simulated environment. In some embodiments, a single welding simulator can generate multiple distinct simulated environments, each of the simulated environments supporting the training of a different user at the same time. In some embodiments, a single welding simulator can generate a simulated environment and manage the simultaneous interactions of multiple different users within the simulated environment.

0021A virtual reality arc welding (VRAW) system is described herein, as an exemplary embodiment of a welding simulator, to put in context the idea of training in a virtual reality welding environment. Subsequently, a learning management system (LMS) is described herein in the context of collecting data from one or more VRAW systems (or similar virtual reality welding systems) and storing and analyzing the data. The data may be representative of simulated welding operations performed by student welders on the VRAW systems, and analysis of the data may be initiated by a welding instructor, for example, to track student progress and provide proper feedback to a student welder.

Virtual Reality Arc Welding System

0022An embodiment of the present invention provides one or more virtual reality arc welding (VRAW) systems each having a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in a virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is also capable of displaying the simulated weld puddle on the display device in real-time. The real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics of the simulated weld puddle provide real-time visual feedback to a user of the mock welding tool when displayed, allowing the user to adjust or maintain a welding technique in real-time in response to the real-time visual feedback (i.e., helps the user learn to weld correctly). The displayed weld puddle is representative of a weld puddle that would be formed in the real world based on the user's welding technique and the selected welding process and parameters. By viewing a puddle (e.g., shape, color, slag, size, stacked dimes), a user can modify his technique to make a good weld and determine the type of welding being done. The shape of the puddle is responsive to the movement of the gun or stick. As used herein, the term "real-time" means perceiving and experiencing in time in a simulated environment in the same way that a user would perceive and experience in a real-world welding scenario. Furthermore, the weld puddle is responsive to the effects of the physical environment including gravity, allowing a user to realistically practice welding in various positions including overhead welding and various pipe welding angles (e.g., 1G, 2G, 5G, 6G). The system is further capable of saving data associated with a simulated virtual reality welding session for a user (e.g., a student welder).

0023<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a system block diagram of a system 100 providing arc welding training in a real-time simulated (e.g., virtual reality) environment. The system 100 includes a programmable processor-based subsystem (PPS) 110 having processing units and computer memory. The system 100 further includes a spatial tracker (ST) 120 operatively connected to the PPS 110. The system 100 also includes a physical welding user interface (WUI) 130 operatively connected to the PPS 110 and a face-mounted display device (FMDD) 140 operatively connected to the PPS 110 and the ST 120. The system 100 further includes an observer display device (ODD) 150 operatively connected to the PPS 110. The system 100 also includes at least one mock welding tool (MWT) 160 operatively connected to the ST 120 and the PPS 110. The system 100 further includes a table/stand (T/S) 170 and at least one welding coupon (WC) 180 capable of being attached to the T/S 170. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a mock gas bottle (not shown) could be provided to simulate a source of shielding gas having an adjustable flow regulator.

0024<figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a combined simulated welding console 135 (simulating a welding power source user interface) and observer display device (ODD) 150 of the system 100 of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. The physical WUI 130 resides on a front portion of the console 135 and provides knobs, buttons, and a joystick for user selection of various modes and functions. The ODD 150 is attached to a top portion of the console 135. The MWT 160 rests in a holder attached to a side portion of the console 135. Internally, the console 135 holds the PPS 110 and a portion of the ST 120. In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the selection of the modes and functions provided by the WUI 130 may be in the form of a touch-screen display.

0025<figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of the observer display device (ODD) 150 of <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the ODD 150 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. Other display devices are possible as well. For example, the ODD 150 may be a touchscreen display, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The ODD 150 receives video (e.g., SVGA format) and display information from the PPS 110.

0026As shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, the ODD 150 is capable of displaying a first user scene showing various welding parameters 151 including position, tip to work, weld angle, travel angle, and travel speed. These parameters may be selected and displayed in real time in graphical form and are used to teach proper welding technique. Furthermore, as shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, the ODD 150 is capable of displaying simulated welding discontinuity states 152 including, for example, improper weld size, poor bead placement, concave bead, excessive convexity, undercut, porosity, incomplete fusion, slag inclusion, excess spatter, overfill, and burnthrough (melt through). Undercut is a groove melted into the base metal adjacent to the weld or weld root and left unfilled by weld metal. Undercut is often due to an incorrect angle of welding. Porosity refers to cavity type discontinuities formed by gas entrapment during solidification often caused by moving the arc too far away from the coupon. Data associated with the parameters and states may be stored on the VRAW system for student welders.

0027Also, as shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, the ODD 150 is capable of displaying user selections 153 including menu, actions, visual cues, new coupon, and end pass. These user selections are tied to user buttons on the console 135. As a user makes various selections via, for example, a touchscreen of the ODD 150 or via the physical WUI 130, the displayed characteristics can change to provide selected information and other options to the user. Furthermore, the ODD 150 may display a view seen by a welder wearing the FMDD 140 at the same angular view of the welder or at various different angles, for example, chosen by an instructor. The ODD 150 may be viewed by an instructor and/or students for various training purposes. For example, the view may be rotated around the finished weld allowing visual inspection by an instructor. In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, video from the system 100 may be sent to a remote location via, for example, the Internet for remote viewing and/or critiquing. Furthermore, audio may be provided, allowing real-time audio communication between a student and a remote instructor.

0028<figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a front portion of the simulated welding console 135 of <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> showing a physical welding user interface (WUI) 130. The WUI 130 includes a set of buttons 131 corresponding to the user selections 153 displayed on the ODD 150. The buttons 131 may be colored to correspond to the colors of the user selections 153 displayed on the ODD 150. When one of the buttons 131 is pressed, a signal is sent to the PPS 110 to activate the corresponding function. The WUI 130 also includes a joystick 132 capable of being used by a user to select various parameters and selections displayed on the ODD 150. The WUI 130 further includes a dial or knob 133 for adjusting wire feed speed/amps, and another dial or knob 134 for adjusting volts/trim. The WUI 130 also includes a dial or knob 136 for selecting an arc welding process. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, three arc welding processes are selectable including flux cored arc welding (FCAW) including gas-shielded and self-shielded processes; gas metal arc welding (GMAW) including short arc, axial spray, STT, and pulse; and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) including E6010 and E7010 electrodes. In some embodiments, other arc welding processes, such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), could be supported. The WUI 130 further includes a dial or knob 137 for selecting a welding polarity. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, three arc welding polarities are selectable including alternating current (AC), positive direct current (DC+), and negative direct current (DC-).

0029<figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a mock welding tool (MWT) 160 of the system 100 of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. The MWT 160 of <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> simulates a stick welding tool for plate and pipe welding and includes a holder 161 and a simulated stick electrode 162. A trigger on the MWT 160 is used to communicate a signal to the PPS 110 to activate a selected simulated welding process. The simulated stick electrode 162 includes a tactilely resistive tip 163 to simulate resistive feedback that occurs during, for example, a root pass welding procedure in real-world pipe welding or when welding a plate. If the user moves the simulated stick electrode 162 too far back out of the root, the user will be able to feel or sense the lower resistance, thereby deriving feedback for use in adjusting or maintaining the current welding process.

0030It is contemplated that the stick welding tool may incorporate an actuator, not shown, that withdraws the simulated stick electrode 162 during the virtual welding process. That is to say that as a user engages in virtual welding activity, the distance between holder 161 and the tip of the simulated stick electrode 162 is reduced to simulate consumption of the electrode. The consumption rate, i.e. withdrawal of the simulated stick electrode 162, may be controlled by the PPS 110 and more specifically by coded instructions executed by the PPS 110. The simulated consumption rate may also depend on the user's technique. It is noteworthy to mention here that as the system 100 facilitates virtual welding with different types of electrodes, the consumption rate or reduction of the simulated stick electrode 162 may change with the welding procedure used and/or setup of the system 100.

0031Other mock welding tools are possible as well, in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, including a MWT that simulates a hand-held semiautomatic welding gun having a wire electrode fed through the gun, for example. Furthermore, in accordance with other certain embodiments of the present invention, a real welding tool could be used as the MWT 160 to better simulate the actual feel of the tool in the user's hands, even though, in the system 100, the tool would not be used to actually create a real arc. Also, a mock grinding tool may be provided or otherwise simulated, for use in a simulated grinding mode of the simulator 100. Similarly, a mock cutting tool may be provided or otherwise simulated, for use in a simulated cutting mode of the simulator 100. Furthermore, a mock gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) torch or filler material may be provided or otherwise simulated for use in the simulator 100.

0032<figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a table/stand (T/S) 170 of the system 100 of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. The T/S 170 includes an adjustable table 171, a stand or base 172, an adjustable arm 173, and a vertical post 174. The table 171, the stand 172, and the arm 173 are each attached to the vertical post 174. The table 171 and the arm 173 are each capable of being manually adjusted upward, downward, and rotationally with respect to the vertical post 174. The arm 173 is used to hold various welding coupons (e.g., pipe welding coupon 175) and a user may rest his/her arm on the table 171 when training. The vertical post 174 is indexed with position information such that a user may know exactly where the arm 173 and the table 171 are vertically positioned on the post 174. This vertical position information may be entered into the system by a user using the WUI 130 and the ODD 150.

0033In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the positions of the table 171 and the arm 173 may be automatically set by the PPS 110 via preprogrammed settings, or via the WUI 130 and/or the ODD 150 as commanded by a user. In such an alternative embodiment, the T/S 170 includes, for example, motors and/or servo-mechanisms, and signal commands from the PPS 110 activate the motors and/or servo-mechanisms. In accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, the positions of the table 171 and the arm 173 and the type of coupon are detected by the system 100. In this way, a user does not have to manually input the position information via the user interface. In such an alternative embodiment, the T/S 170 includes position and orientation detectors and sends signal commands to the PPS 110 to provide position and orientation information, and the pipe welding coupon 175 includes position detecting sensors (e.g., coiled sensors for detecting magnetic fields). A user is able to see a rendering of the T/S 170 adjust on the ODD 150 as the adjustment parameters are changed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

0034<figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7A</figref> illustrates a pipe welding coupon (WC) 175 as an example embodiment of the welding coupon (WC) 180 of the system 100 of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. The pipe WC 175 simulates two six inch diameter pipes 175' and 175" placed together to form a root 176 to be welded. The pipe WC 175 includes a connection portion 177 at one end of the pipe WC 175, allowing the pipe WC 175 to be attached in a precise and repeatable manner to the arm 173. <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 7B</figref> illustrates the pipe WC 175 of <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7A</figref> mounted on the arm 173 of the table/stand (TS) 170 of <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>. The precise and repeatable manner in which the pipe WC 175 is capable of being attached to the arm 173 allows for spatial calibration of the pipe WC 175 to be performed only once at the factory. Then, in the field, as long as the system 100 is told the position of the arm 173, the system 100 is able to track the MWT 160 and the FMDD 140 with respect to the pipe WC 175 in a simluated environment. A first portion of the arm 173, to which the WC 175 is attached, is capable of being tilted with respect to a second portion of the arm 173, as shown in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>. This allows the user to practice pipe welding with the pipe in any of several different orientations and angles.

0035<figref idref="f0009">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates various elements of an example embodiment of the spatial tracker (ST) 120 of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. The ST 120 is a magnetic tracker that is capable of operatively interfacing with the PPS 110 of the system 100. The ST 120 includes a magnetic source 121 and source cable, at least one sensor 122 and associated cable, host software on disk 123, a power source 124 and associated cable, USB and RS-232 cables 125, and a processor tracking unit 126. The magnetic source 121 is capable of being operatively connected to the processor tracking unit 126 via a cable. The sensor 122 is capable of being operatively connected to the processor tracking unit 126 via a cable. The power source 124 is capable of being operatively connected to the processor tracking unit 126 via a cable. The processor tracking unit 126 is cable of being operatively connected to the PPS 110 via a cable (e.g., the USB or RS-232 cable 125). The host software on disk 123 is capable of being loaded onto the PPS 110 and allows functional communication between the ST 120 and the PPS 110.

0036Referring to <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>, the magnetic source 121 of the ST 120 is mounted on the first portion of the arm 173. The magnetic source 121 creates a magnetic field around the source 121, including the space encompassing the pipe WC 175 attached to the arm 173, which establishes a 3D spatial frame of reference. The T/S 170 is largely non-metallic (non-ferric and non-conductive) so as not to distort the magnetic field created by the magnetic source 121. The sensor 122 includes three induction coils orthogonally aligned along three spatial directions. The induction coils of the sensor 122 each measure the strength of the magnetic field in each of the three directions and provide that information to the processor tracking unit 126. As a result, the system 100 is able to determine where any portion of the pipe WC 175 is with respect to the 3D spatial frame of reference established by the magnetic field when the pipe WC 175 is mounted on the arm 173. The sensor 122 may be attached to the MWT 160 or to the FMDD 140, allowing the MWT 160 or the FMDD 140 to be tracked by the ST 120 with respect to the 3D spatial frame of reference in both space and orientation. When two sensors 122 are provided and operatively connected to the processor tracking unit 126, both the MWT 160 and the FMDD 140 may be tracked. In this manner, the system 100 is capable of creating a virtual WC, a virtual MWT, and a virtual T/S in virtual reality space and displaying the virtual WC, the virtual MWT, and the virtual T/S on the FMDD 140 and/or the ODD 150 as the MWT 160 and the FMDD 140 are tracked with respect to the 3D spatial frame of reference.

0037In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the sensor(s) 122 may wirelessly interface to the processor tracking unit 126, and the processor tracking unit 126 may wirelessly interface to the PPS 110. In accordance with other alternative embodiments of the present invention, other types of spatial trackers 120 may be used in the system 100 including, for example, an accelerometer/gyroscope-based tracker, an optical tracker (active or passive), an infrared tracker, an acoustic tracker, a laser tracker, a radio frequency tracker, an inertial tracker, and augmented reality based tracking systems. Other types of trackers may be possible as well, including combinations of any of the aforementioned trackers.

0038<figref idref="f0010">FIG. 9A</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of the face-mounted display device 140 (FMDD) of the system 100 of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. <figref idref="f0011">FIG. 9B</figref> is an illustration of how the FMDD 140 of <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 9A</figref> is secured on the head of a user. <figref idref="f0012">FIG. 9C</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of the FMDD 140 of <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 9A</figref> integrated into a welding helmet 900. The FMDD 140 operatively connects to the PPS 110 and the ST 120 either via wired means or wirelessly. A sensor 122 of the ST 120 may be attached to the FMDD 140 or to the welding helmet 900, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, allowing the FMDD 140 and/or welding helmet 900 to be tracked with respect to the 3D spatial frame of reference created by the ST 120.

0039In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the FMDD 140 includes two high-contrast SVGA 3D OLED microdisplays capable of delivering fluid full-motion video in the 2D and frame sequential video modes. Video of the virtual reality environment is provided and displayed on the FMDD 140. A zoom (e.g., 2x) mode may be provided, allowing a user to simulate a cheater lens, for example.

0040The FMDD 140 further includes two earbud speakers 910, allowing the user to hear simulated welding-related and environmental sounds produced by the system 100. The FMDD 140 may operatively interface to the PPS 110 via wired or wireless means, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the PPS 110 provides stereoscopic video to the FMDD 140, providing enhanced depth perception to the user. In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a user is able to use a control on the MWT 160 (e.g., a button or switch) to call up and select menus and display options on the FMDD 140. This may allow the user to easily reset a weld if he makes a mistake, change certain parameters, or back up a little to re-do a portion of a weld bead trajectory, for example.

0041<figref idref="f0013">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a subsystem block diagram of the programmable processor-based subsystem (PPS) 110 of the system 100 of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. The PPS 110 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 111 and two graphics processing units (GPU) 115, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The two GPUs 115 are programmed to provide virtual reality simulation of a weld puddle (also known as a weld pool) having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat absorption and dissipation characteristics, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

0042<figref idref="f0014">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a block diagram of a graphics processing unit (GPU) 115 of the PPS 110 of <figref idref="f0013">FIG. 10</figref>. Each GPU 115 supports the implementation of data parallel algorithms. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each GPU 115 provides two video outputs 118 and 119 capable of providing two virtual reality views. The two GPUs 115 in the PPS 110 of this example embodiment provide a total of four video outputs. Two of the video outputs may be routed to the FMDD 140, rendering the welder's point of view, and a third video output may be routed to the ODD 150, for example, rendering either the welder's point of view or some other point of view. The remaining fourth video output may be routed to a projector, for example. Both GPUs 115 perform the same welding physics computations but may render the virtual reality environment from the same or different points of view. The GPU 115 includes a compute unified device architecture (CUDA) 116 and a shader 117. The CUDA 116 is the computing engine of the GPU 115 which is accessible to software developers through industry standard programming languages. The CUDA 116 includes parallel cores and is used to run the physics model of the weld puddle simulation described herein. The CPU 111 provides real-time welding input data to the CUDA 116 on the GPU 115. The shader 117 is responsible for drawing and applying all of the visuals of the simulation. Bead and puddle visuals are driven by the state of a wexel displacement map which is described later herein. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the physics model runs and updates at a rate of about 30 times per second.

0043<figref idref="f0015">FIG. 12</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a functional block diagram of the system 100 of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. The various functional blocks of the system 100 as shown in <figref idref="f0015">FIG. 12</figref> are implemented largely via software instructions and modules running on the PPS 110. The various functional blocks of the system 100 include a physical interface 1201, torch and clamp models 1202, environment models 1203, sound content functionality 1204, welding sounds 1205, stand/table model 1206, internal architecture functionality 1207, calibration functionality 1208, coupon models 1210, welding physics 1211, internal physics adjustment tool (tweaker) 1212, graphical user interface functionality 1213, graphing functionality 1214, student reports functionality 1215, renderer 1216, bead rendering 1217, 3D textures 1218, visual cues functionality 1219, scoring and tolerance functionality 1220, tolerance editor 1221, and special effects 1222.

0044The internal architecture functionality 1207 provides the higher level software logistics of the processes of the system 100 including, for example, loading files, holding information, managing threads, turning the physics model on, and triggering menus. The internal architecture functionality 1207 runs on the CPU 111, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Certain real-time inputs to the PPS 110 include arc location, gun position, FMDD or helmet position, gun on/off state, and contact made state (yes/no).

0045The graphical user interface functionality 1213 allows a user, through the ODD 150 using the joystick 132 of the physical user interface 130, to set up a welding scenario. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the setup of a welding scenario includes selecting a language, entering a user name, selecting a practice plate (i.e., a welding coupon), selecting a welding process (e.g., FCAW, GMAW, SMAW) and associated axial spray, pulse, or short arc methods, selecting a gas type and flow rate, selecting a type of stick electrode (e.g., 6010 or 7018), and selecting a type of flux cored wire (e.g., self-shielded, gas-shielded). The setup of a welding scenario also includes selecting a table height, an arm height, an arm position, and an arm rotation of the T/S 170. The setup of a welding scenario further includes selecting an environment (e.g., a background environment in virtual reality space), setting a wire feed speed, setting a voltage level, setting an amperage, selecting a polarity, and turning particular visual cues on or off.

0046During a simulated welding scenario, the graphing functionality 1214 gathers user performance parameters and provides the user performance parameters to the graphical user interface functionality 1213 for display in a graphical format (e.g., on the ODD 150). Tracking information from the ST 120 feeds into the graphing functionality 1214. The graphing functionality 1214 includes a simple analysis module (SAM) and a whip/weave analysis module (WWAM). The SAM analyzes user welding parameters including welding travel angle, travel speed, weld angle, position, and tip to work distance by comparing the welding parameters to data stored in bead tables. The WWAM analyzes user whipping parameters including dime spacing, whip time, and puddle time. The WWAM also analyzes user weaving parameters including width of weave, weave spacing, and weave timing. The SAM and WWAM interpret raw input data (e.g., position and orientation data) into functionally usable data for graphing. For each parameter analyzed by the SAM and the WWAM, a tolerance window is defined by parameter limits around an optimum or ideal set point input into bead tables using the tolerance editor 1221, and scoring and tolerance functionality 1220 is performed. Various types of student training data such as, for example, parameter data and scoring data may be stored on the VRAW system.

0047The tolerance editor 1221 includes a weldometer which approximates material usage, electrical usage, and welding time. Furthermore, when certain parameters are out of tolerance, welding discontinuities (i.e., welding defects) may occur. The state of any welding discontinuities are processed by the graphing functionality 1214 and presented via the graphical user interface functionality 1213 in a graphical format. Such welding discontinuities include improper weld size, poor bead placement, concave bead, excessive convexity, undercut, porosity, incomplete fusion, slag entrapment, overfill, burnthrough, and excessive spatter. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the level or amount of a discontinuity is dependent on how far away a particular user parameter is from the optimum or ideal set point.

0048Different parameter limits may be pre-defined for different types of users such as, for example, welding novices, welding experts, and persons at a trade show. The scoring and tolerance functionality 1220 provides number scores depending on how close to optimum (ideal) a user is for a particular parameter and depending on the level of discontinuities or defects present in the weld. The optimum values are typically derived from real-world data. Information from the scoring and tolerance functionality 1220 and from the graphics functionality 1214 may be used by the student reports functionality 1215 to create a performance report for an instructor and/or a student.

0049The system 100 is capable of analyzing and displaying the results of virtual welding activity. By analyzing the results, it is meant that system 100 is capable of determining when during the welding pass and where along the weld joints, the user deviated from the acceptable limits of the welding process. A score may be attributed to the user's performance. In one embodiment, the score may be a function of deviation in position, orientation and speed of the mock welding tool 160 through ranges of tolerances, which may extend from an ideal welding pass to marginal or unacceptable welding activity. Any gradient of ranges may be incorporated into the system 100 as chosen for scoring the user's performance. Scoring may be displayed numerically or alpha-numerically. Additionally, the user's performance may be displayed graphically showing, in time and/or position along the weld joint, how closely the mock welding tool traversed the weld joint. Parameters such as travel angle, work angle, speed, and distance from the weld joint are examples of what may be measured, although any parameters may be analyzed for scoring purposes. The tolerance ranges of the parameters are taken from real-world welding data, thereby providing accurate feedback as to how the user will perform in the real world. In another embodiment, analysis of the defects corresponding to the user's performance may also be incorporated and displayed on the ODD 150. In this embodiment, a graph may be depicted indicating what type of discontinuity resulted from measuring the various parameters monitored during the virtual welding activity. While occlusions may not be visible on the ODD 150, defects may still have occurred as a result of the user's performance, the results of which may still be correspondingly displayed (e.g., graphed). Again, various types of student training data such as, for example, parameter data and scoring data may be stored on the VRAW system.

0050Visual cues functionality 1219 provides immediate feedback to the user by displaying overlaid colors and indicators on the FMDD 140 and/or the ODD 150. Visual cues are provided for each of the welding parameters 151 including position, tip to work distance, weld angle, travel angle, travel speed, and arc length (e.g., for stick welding) and visually indicate to the user if some aspect of the user's welding technique should be adjusted based on the predefined limits or tolerances. Visual cues may also be provided for whip/weave technique and weld bead "dime" spacing, for example. Visual cues may be set independently or in any desired combination.

0051Calibration functionality 1208 provides the capability to match up physical components in real-world space (3D frame of reference) with visual components in the simulated environment (e.g., in virtual reality space). Each different type of welding coupon (WC) 180 is calibrated in the factory by mounting the WC 180 to the arm 173 of the T/S 170 and touching the WC 180 at predefined points (indicated by, for example, three dimples on the WC 180) with a calibration stylus operatively connected to the ST 120. The ST 120 reads the magnetic field intensities at the predefined points, provides position information to the PPS 110, and the PPS 110 uses the position information to perform the calibration (i.e., the translation from real-world space to virtual reality space).

0052Any particular type of WC 180 fits into the arm 173 of the T/S 170 in the same repeatable way to within very tight tolerances. Therefore, once a particular WC type is calibrated, that WC type does not have to be re-calibrated (i.e., calibration of a particular type of WC is a one-time event). WCs 180 of the same type are interchangeable. Calibration ensures that physical feedback perceived by the user during a welding process matches up with what is displayed to the user in virtual reality space, making the simulation seem more real. For example, if the user slides the tip of a MWT 160 around the corner of an actual WC 180, the user will see the tip sliding around the corner of the virtual WC on the FMDD 140 as the user feels the tip sliding around the actual corner. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the MWT 160 is placed in a pre-positioned jig and is calibrated as well, based on the known jig position.

0053In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, "smart" coupons are provided, having sensors on, for example, the corners of the coupons. The ST 120 is able to track the corners of a "smart" coupon such that the system 100 continuously knows where the "smart" coupon is in real-world 3D space. In accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, licensing keys are provided to "unlock" welding coupons. When a particular WC 180 is purchased, a licensing key is provided allowing the user to enter the licensing key into the system 100, unlocking the software associated with that WC 180. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, special non-standard welding coupons may be provided based on real-world CAD drawings of parts. Users may be able to train on welding a CAD part even before the part is actually produced in the real world.

0054Sound content functionality 1204 and welding sounds 1205 provide particular types of welding sounds that change depending on if certain welding parameters are within tolerance or out of tolerance. Sounds are tailored to the various welding processes and parameters. For example, in a MIG spray arc welding process, a crackling sound is provided when the user does not have the MWT 160 positioned correctly, and a hissing sound is provided when the MWT 160 is positioned correctly. In a short arc welding process, a steady crackling or frying sound is provided for proper welding technique, and a hissing sound may be provided when undercutting is occurring. These sounds mimic real-world sounds corresponding to correct and incorrect welding technique.

0055High fidelity sound content may be taken from real-world recordings of actual welding using a variety of electronic and mechanical means, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the perceived volume and directionality of sound is modified depending on the position, orientation, and distance of the user's head (assuming the user is wearing a FMDD 140 that is tracked by the ST 120) with respect to the simulated arc between the MWT 160 and the WC 180. Sound may be provided to the user via ear bud speakers 910 in the FMDD 140 or via speakers configured in the console 135 or T/S 170, for example.

0056Environment models 1203 are provided to provide various background scenes (still and moving) in the simulated environment (e.g., virtual reality space). Such background environments may include, for example, an indoor welding shop, an outdoor race track, a garage, etc. and may include moving cars, people, birds, clouds, and various environmental sounds. The background environment may be interactive, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For example, a user may have to survey a background area, before starting welding, to ensure that the environment is appropriate (e.g., safe) for welding. Torch and clamp models 1202 are provided which model various MWTs 160 including, for example, guns, holders with stick electrodes, etc. in virtual reality space.

0057Coupon models 1210 are provided which model various WCs 180 including, for example, flat plate coupons, T-joint coupons, butt-joint coupons, groove-weld coupons, and pipe coupons (e.g., 2-inch diameter pipe and 6-inch diameter pipe) in virtual reality space. A stand/table model 1206 is provided which models the various parts of the T/S 170 including an adjustable table 171, a stand 172, an adjustable arm 173, and a vertical post 174 in virtual reality space. A physical interface model 1201 is provided which models the various parts of the welding user interface 130, console 135, and ODD 150 in virtual reality space.

0058In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, simulation of a weld puddle or pool in virtual reality space is accomplished where the simulated weld puddle has real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. At the heart of the weld puddle simulation is the welding physics functionality 1211 (also known as the physics model) which is run on the GPUs 115, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The welding physics functionality employs a double displacement layer technique to accurately model dynamic fluidity/viscosity, solidity, heat gradient (heat absorption and dissipation), puddle wake, and bead shape.

0059The welding physics functionality 1211 communicates with the bead rendering functionality 1217 to render a weld bead in all states from the heated molten state to the cooled solidified state. The bead rendering functionality 1217 uses information from the welding physics functionality 1211 (e.g., heat, fluidity, displacement, dime spacing) to accurately and realistically render a weld bead in virtual reality space in real-time. The 3D textures functionality 1218 provides texture maps to the bead rendering functionality 1217 to overlay additional textures (e.g., scorching, slag, grain) onto the simulated weld bead. For example, slag may be shown rendered over a weld bead during and just after a welding process, and then removed to reveal the underlying weld bead. The renderer functionality 1216 is used to render various non-puddle specific characteristics using information from the special effects module 1222 including sparks, spatter, smoke, arc glow, fumes and gases, and certain discontinuities such as, for example, undercut and porosity.

0060The internal physics adjustment tool 1212 is a tweaking tool that allows various welding physics parameters to be defined, updated, and modified for the various welding processes. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the internal physics adjustment tool 1212 runs on the CPU 111 and the adjusted or updated parameters are downloaded to the GPUs 115. The types of parameters that may be adjusted via the internal physics adjustment tool 1212 include parameters related to welding coupons, process parameters that allow a process to be changed without having to reset a welding coupon (allows for doing a second pass), various global parameters that can be changed without resetting the entire simulation, and other various parameters.

0061<figref idref="f0016">FIG. 13</figref> is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 1300 of training using the virtual reality training system 100 of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. In step 1310, a user moves a mock welding tool with respect to a welding coupon in accordance with a welding technique. In step 1320, a welding simulator (e.g., the system 100) tracks position and orientation of the mock welding tool in three-dimensional space. In step 1330, the user views a display of the welding simulator showing a real-time simulation of the mock welding tool and the welding coupon in a simulated environment (e.g., virtual reality space) as the simulated mock welding tool deposits a simulated weld bead material onto at least one simulated surface of the simulated welding coupon by forming a simulated weld puddle in the vicinity of a simulated arc emitting from said simulated mock welding tool. In step 1340, the user views on the display, real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics of the simulated weld puddle. In step 1350, the user modifies in real-time, at least one aspect of the welding technique in response to viewing the real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics of the simulated weld puddle.

0062The method 1300 illustrates how a user is able to view a weld puddle in virtual reality space and modify his welding technique in response to viewing various characteristics of the simulated weld puddle, including real-time molten metal fluidity (e.g., viscosity) and heat dissipation. The user may also view and respond to other characteristics including real-time puddle wake and dime spacing. Viewing and responding to characteristics of the weld puddle is how most welding operations are actually performed in the real world. The double displacement layer modeling of the welding physics functionality 1211, running on the GPUs 115, allows for such real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics to be accurately modeled and represented to the user. For example, heat dissipation determines solidification time (i.e., how much time it takes for a wexel to completely solidify).

0063Furthermore, a user may make a second pass over the weld bead material using the same or a different (e.g., a second) mock welding tool and/or welding process. In such a second pass scenario, the simulation shows the simulated mock welding tool, the welding coupon, and the original simulated weld bead material in virtual reality space as the simulated mock welding tool deposits a second simulated weld bead material merging with the first simulated weld bead material by forming a second simulated weld puddle in the vicinity of a simulated arc emitting from the simulated mock welding tool. Additional subsequent passes using the same or different welding tools or processes may be made in a similar manner. In any second or subsequent pass, the previous weld bead material is merged with the new weld bead material being deposited as a new weld puddle is formed in virtual reality space from the combination of any of the previous weld bead material, the new weld bead material, and possibly the underlying coupon material, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. Such subsequent passes may be needed to make a large fillet or groove weld, performed to repair a weld bead formed by a previous pass, for example, or may include a hot pass and one or more fill and cap passes after a root pass as is done in pipe welding. In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, weld bead and base material may include mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel based alloys, or other materials. Again, various types of student training data such as, for example, parameter data and scoring data may be stored on the VRAW system and may be used later with respect to a learning management system (LMS) as described later herein. Other types of student training data may be stored as well such as, for example, student identifying data.

Engine for Modeling

0064<figref idref="f0017 f0018">FIGS. 14A-14B</figref> illustrate the concept of a welding element (wexel) displacement map 1420, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="f0017">FIG. 14A</figref> shows a side view of a flat welding coupon 1400 having a flat top surface 1410. The welding coupon 1400 exists in the real world as, for example, a plastic part, and also exists in virtual reality space as a simulated welding coupon (e.g., simulating a metal workpiece). <figref idref="f0018">FIG. 14B</figref> shows a representation of the top surface 1410 of the simulated welding coupon 1400 broken up into a grid or array of welding elements, termed "wexels" forming a wexel map 1420. Each wexel (e.g., wexel 1421) defines a small portion of the surface 1410 of the welding coupon. The wexel map defines the surface resolution. Changeable channel parameter values are assigned to each wexel, allowing values of each wexel to dynamically change in real-time in the simulated environment (e.g., virtual reality weld space) during a simulated welding process. The changeable channel parameter values correspond to the channels Puddle (molten metal fluidity/viscosity displacement), Heat (heat absorption/dissipation), Displacement (solid displacement), and Extra (various extra states, e.g., slag, grain, scorching, virgin metal). These changeable channels are referred to herein as PHED for Puddle, Heat, Extra, and Displacement, respectively.

0065<figref idref="f0019">FIG. 15</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a coupon space and a weld space of the flat welding coupon 1400 of <figref idref="f0017">FIG. 14A</figref> simulated in the welding training system 100 of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. Points 0, X, Y, and Z define the local 3D coupon space. In general, each coupon type defines the mapping from 3D coupon space to 2D virtual reality weld space. The wexel map 1420 of <figref idref="f0018">FIG. 14B</figref> is a two-dimensional array of values that map to weld space in virtual reality. A user is to weld from point B to point E as shown in <figref idref="f0019">FIG. 15</figref>. A trajectory line from point B to point E is shown in both 3D coupon space and 2D weld space in <figref idref="f0019">FIG. 15</figref>.

0066Each type of coupon defines the direction of displacement for each location in the wexel map. For the flat welding coupon of <figref idref="f0019">FIG. 15</figref>, the direction of displacement is the same at all locations in the wexel map (i.e., in the Z-direction). The texture coordinates of the wexel map are shown as S, T (sometimes called U, V) in both 3D coupon space and 2D weld space, in order to clarify the mapping. The wexel map is mapped to and represents the rectangular surface 1410 of the welding coupon 1400.

0067<figref idref="f0020">FIG. 16</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a coupon space and a weld space of a corner welding coupon 1600 simulated in the system 100. The corner welding coupon 1600 has two surfaces 1610 and 1620 in 3D coupon space that are mapped to 2D weld space as shown in <figref idref="f0020">FIG. 16</figref>. Again, points 0, X, Y, and Z define the local 3D coupon space. The texture coordinates of the wexel map are shown as S, T in both 3D coupon space and 2D weld space, in order to clarify the mapping. A user is to weld from point B to point E as shown in <figref idref="f0020">FIG. 16</figref>. A trajectory line from point B to point E is shown in both 3D coupon space and 2D weld space in <figref idref="f0020">FIG. 16</figref>. However, the direction of displacement is towards the line X'-0' as shown in the 3D coupon space, towards the opposite corner.

0068<figref idref="f0021">FIG. 17</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of a coupon space and a weld space of a pipe welding coupon 1700 simulated in the system 100. The pipe welding coupon 1700 has a curved surface 1710 in 3D coupon space that is mapped to 2D weld space. Points 0, X, Y, and Z once again define the local 3D coupon space. The texture coordinates of the wexel map are shown as S, T in both 3D coupon space and 2D weld space, in order to clarify the mapping. A user is to weld from point B to point E along a curved trajectory as shown in <figref idref="f0021">FIG. 17</figref>. A trajectory curve and line from point B to point E is shown in 3D coupon space and 2D weld space, respectively. The direction of displacement is away from the line Y-0 (i.e., away from the center of the pipe). <figref idref="f0022">FIG. 18</figref> illustrates an example embodiment of the pipe welding coupon 1700 of <figref idref="f0021">FIG. 17</figref>. The pipe welding coupon 1700 is made of a non-ferric, non-conductive plastic and simulates two pipe pieces 1701 and 1702 coming together to form a root joint 1703. An attachment piece 1704 for attaching to the arm 173 of the stand 170 is also shown.

0069In a similar manner that a texture map may be mapped to a rectangular surface area of a geometry, a weldable wexel map may be mapped to a rectangular surface of a welding coupon. Each element of the weldable map is termed a wexel in the same sense that each element of a picture is termed a pixel (a contraction of picture element). A pixel contains channels of information that define a color (e.g., red, green, blue). A wexel contains channels of information (e.g., P, H, E, D) that define a weldable surface in virtual reality space.

0070In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the format of a wexel is summarized as channels PHED (Puddle, Heat, Extra, Displacement) which contains four floating point numbers. The Extra channel is treated as a set of bits which store logical information about the wexel such as, for example, whether or not there is any slag at the wexel location. The Puddle channel stores a displacement value for any liquefied metal at the wexel location. The Displacement channel stores a displacement value for the solidified metal at the wexel location. The Heat channel stores a value giving the magnitude of heat at the wexel location. In this way, the weldable part of the coupon can show displacement due to a welded bead, a shimmering surface "puddle" due to liquid metal, color due to heat, etc. All of these effects are achieved by the vertex and pixel shaders applied to the weldable surface.

0071In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a displacement map and a particle system are used where the particles can interact with each other and collide with the displacement map. The particles are virtual dynamic fluid particles and provide the liquid behavior of the weld puddle but are not rendered directly (i.e., are not visually seen directly). Instead, only the particle effects on the displacement map are visually seen. Heat input to a wexel affects the movement of nearby particles. There are two types of displacement involved in simulating a welding puddle which include Puddle and Displacement. Puddle displacement is "temporary" and only lasts as long as there are particles and heat present. Displacement is "permanent." Puddle displacement is the liquid metal of the weld which changes rapidly (e.g., shimmers) and can be thought of as being "on top" of the Displacement. The particles overlay a portion of a virtual surface displacement map (i.e., a wexel map). The Displacement represents the permanent solid metal including both the initial base metal and the weld bead that has solidified.

0072In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the simulated welding process in virtual reality space works as follows: Particles stream from the emitter (emitter of the simulated mock welding tool 160) in a thin cone. The particles make first contact with the surface of the simulated welding coupon where the surface is defined by a wexel map. The particles interact with each other and the wexel map and build up in real-time. More heat is added the nearer a wexel is to the emitter. Heat is modeled in dependence on distance from the arc point and the amount of time that heat is input from the arc. Certain visuals (e.g., color) are driven by the heat. A weld puddle is drawn or rendered in virtual reality space for wexels having enough heat. Wherever it is hot enough, the wexel map liquefies, causing the Puddle displacement to "raise up" for those wexel locations. Puddle displacement is determined by sampling the "highest" particles at each wexel location. As the emitter moves on along the weld trajectory, the wexel locations left behind cool. Heat is removed from a wexel location at a particular rate. When a cooling threshold is reached, the wexel map solidifies. As such, the Puddle displacement is gradually converted to Displacement (i.e., a solidified bead). Displacement added is equivalent to Puddle removed such that the overall height does not change. Particle lifetimes are tweaked or adjusted to persist until solidification is complete. Certain particle properties that are modeled in the system 100 include attraction/repulsion, velocity (related to heat), dampening (related to heat dissipation), and direction (related to gravity).

0073<figref idref="f0023 f0024 f0025">FIGS. 19A-19C</figref> illustrate an example embodiment of the concept of a dual-displacement (displacement and particles) puddle model of the system 100. Welding coupons are simulated in a simulated environment (e.g., virtual reality space) having at least one surface. The surfaces of the welding coupon are simulated in virtual reality space as a double displacement layer including a solid displacement layer and a puddle displacement layer. The puddle displacement layer is capable of modifying the solid displacement layer.

0074As described herein, "puddle" is defined by an area of the wexel map where the Puddle value has been raised up by the presence of particles. The sampling process is represented in <figref idref="f0023 f0024 f0025">FIGS. 19A-19C</figref>. A section of a wexel map is shown having seven adjacent wexels. The current Displacement values are represented by un-shaded rectangular bars 1910 of a given height (i.e., a given displacement for each wexel). In <figref idref="f0023">FIG. 19A</figref>, the particles 1920 are shown as round un-shaded dots colliding with the current Displacement levels and are piled up. In <figref idref="f0024">FIG. 19B</figref>, the "highest" particle heights 1930 are sampled at each wexel location. In <figref idref="f0025">FIG. 19C</figref>, the shaded rectangles 1940 show how much Puddle has been added on top of the Displacement as a result of the particles. The weld puddle height is not instantly set to the sampled values since Puddle is added at a particular liquification rate based on Heat. Although not shown in <figref idref="f0023 f0024 f0025">FIGS. 19A-19C</figref>, it is possible to visualize the solidification process as the Puddle (shaded rectangles) gradually shrinks and the Displacement (unshaded rectangles) gradually grows from below to exactly take the place of the Puddle. In this manner, real-time molten metal fluidity characteristics are accurately simulated. As a user practices a particular welding process, the user is able to observe the molten metal fluidity characteristics and the heat dissipation characteristics of the weld puddle in real-time in virtual reality space and use this information to adjust or maintain his welding technique.

0075The number of wexels representing the surface of a welding coupon is fixed. Furthermore, the puddle particles that are generated by the simulation to model fluidity are temporary, as described herein. Therefore, once an initial puddle is generated in virtual reality space during a simulated welding process using the welding training system 100, the number of wexels plus puddle particles tends to remain relatively constant. This is because the number of wexels that are being processed is fixed and the number of puddle particles that exist and are being processed during the welding process tend to remain relatively constant because puddle particles are being created and "destroyed" at a similar rate (i.e., the puddle particles are temporary). Therefore, the processing load of the logic processor-based subsystem 110 remains relatively constant during a simulated welding session.

0076In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, puddle particles may be generated within or below the surface of the welding coupon. In such an embodiment, displacement may be modeled as being positive or negative with respect to the original surface displacement of a virgin (i.e., un-welded) coupon. In this manner, puddle particles may not only build up on the surface of a welding coupon, but may also penetrate the welding coupon. However, the number of wexels is still fixed and the puddle particles being created and destroyed is still relatively constant.

0077In accordance with alternate embodiments of the present invention, instead of modeling particles, a wexel displacement map may be provided having more channels to model the fluidity of the puddle. Or, instead of modeling particles, a dense voxel map may be modeled. Or, instead of a wexel map, only particles may be modeled which are sampled and never go away. Such alternative embodiments may not provide a relatively constant processing load for the system 100, however.

0078Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, blowthrough or a keyhole is simulated by taking material away. For example, if a user keeps an arc in the same location for too long, in the real world, the material would burn away causing a hole. Such real-world burnthrough is simulated in the system 100 by wexel decimation techniques. If the amount of heat absorbed by a wexel is determined to be too high by the system 100, that wexel may be flagged or designated as being burned away and rendered as such (e.g., rendered as a hole). Subsequently, however, wexel reconstitution may occur for certain welding process (e.g., pipe welding) where material is added back after being initially burned away. In general, the system 100 simulates wexel decimation (taking material away) and wexel reconstitution (adding material back).

0079Furthermore, removing material in root-pass welding is properly simulated in the system 100. For example, in the real world, grinding of the root pass may be performed prior to subsequent welding passes. Similarly, the system 100 may simulate a grinding pass that removes material from the virtual weld joint. It will be appreciated that the material removed is modeled as a negative displacement on the wexel map. That is to say that the grinding pass removes material that is modeled by the system 100 resulting in an altered bead contour. Simulation of the grinding pass may be automatic, which is to say that the system 100 removes a predetermined thickness of material, which may be respective to the surface of the root pass weld bead. In an alternate embodiment, an actual grinding tool, or grinder, may be simulated that turns on and off by activation of the mock welding tool 160 or another input device. It is noted that the grinding tool may be simulated to resemble a real-world grinder. In this embodiment, the user maneuvers the grinding tool along the root pass to remove material responsive to the movement thereof. It will be understood that the user may be allowed to remove too much material. In a manner similar to that described above, holes or keyholes, or other defects (described above) may result if the user "grinds away" to much material. Still, hard limits or stops may be implemented, i.e. programmed, to prevent the user from removing too much material or indicate when too much material is being removed.

0080In addition to the non-visible "puddle" particles described herein, the system 100 also uses three other types of visible particles to represent Arc, Flame, and Spark effects, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. These types of particles do not interact with other particles of any type but interact only with the displacement map. While these particles do collide with the simulated weld surface, they do not interact with each other. Only Puddle particles interact with each other, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The physics of the Spark particles is setup such that the Spark particles bounce around and are rendered as glowing dots in the simulated environment (e.g., virtual reality space).

0081The physics of the Arc particles is setup such that the Arc particles hit the surface of the simulated coupon or weld bead and stay for a while. The Arc particles are rendered as larger dim bluish-white spots in virtual reality space. It takes many such spots superimposed to form any sort of visual image. The end result is a white glowing nimbus with blue edges.

0082The physics of the Flame particles is modeled to slowly raise upward. The Flame particles are rendered as medium sized dim red-yellow spots. It takes many such spots superimposed to form any sort of visual image. The end result is blobs of orange-red flames with red edges raising upward and fading out. Other types of non-puddle particles may be implemented in the system 100, in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention. For example, smoke particles may be modeled and simulated in a similar manner to flame particles.

0083The final steps in the simulated visualization are handled by the vertex and pixel shaders provided by the shaders 117 of the GPUs 115. The vertex and pixel shaders apply Puddle and Displacement, as well as surface colors and reflectivity altered due to heat, etc. The Extra (E) channel of the PHED wexel format, as discussed earlier herein, contains all of the extra information used per wexel. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the extra information includes a non virgin bit (true=bead, false=virgin steel), a slag bit, an undercut value (amount of undercut at this wexel where zero equals no undercut), a porosity value (amount of porosity at this wexel where zero equals no porosity), and a bead wake value which encodes the time at which the bead solidifies. There are a set of image maps associated with different coupon visuals including virgin steel, slag, bead, and porosity. These image maps are used both for bump mapping and texture mapping. The amount of blending of these image maps is controlled by the various flags and values described herein.

0084A bead wake effect is achieved using a 1D image map and a per wexel bead wake value that encodes the time at which a given bit of bead is solidified. Once a hot puddle wexel location is no longer hot enough to be called "puddle," a time is saved at that location and is called "bead wake." The end result is that the shader code is able to use the 1D texture map to draw the "ripples" that give a bead its unique appearance which portrays the direction in which the bead was laid down. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, and displaying a weld bead having a real-time weld bead wake characteristic resulting from a real-time fluidity-to-solidification transition of the simulated weld puddle, as the simulated weld puddle is moved along a weld trajectory.

Multi-User Configuration

0085In conventional welding training systems, a single console (e.g., the console 135) is designed to interface with a single work station (e.g., the T/S 170) so that a single user can engage in a simulated welding exercise. Thus, only a single user display (e.g., the FMDD 140) and a single mock welding tool (e.g., the MWT 160) are provided. Likewise, the console need only be interfaced with a single additional display device (e.g., the ODD 150) so that a third-party can observe the user interacting with a simulated environment generated by the console. Conversely, the general inventive concepts encompass welding training systems that support multiple users interacting simultaneously with distinct simulated environments or within the same simulated environment.

0086A welding training system 2000 (i.e., a welding simulator) according to an example embodiment is shown in <figref idref="f0026">FIG. 20</figref>. The welding simulator 2000 includes a console 2035 for interfacing with a first table/stand (T/S) 2010 and a second table/stand (T/S) 2015. The first T/S 2010 is associated with a first user, while the second T/S 2015 is associated with a second user. While the T/S 2010 and the T/S 2015 can be the same as the T/S 170 described above, the general inventive concepts are not so limited and can encompass any suitable workstation for interfacing with the welding simulator 2000. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the general inventive concepts are extendable to more than two such workstations.

0087Likewise, while much of the console 2035 can be similar to the console 135 described above, there are necessary differences. For example, in some embodiments, the console 2035 is interfaced with a first observer display device (ODD) 2020 and a second observer display device (ODD) 2025. In some embodiments, a single observer display device (ODD), operating in a split-screen mode, could be used instead of the ODD 2020 and the ODD 2025. Additionally, the console 2035 is able to interface or otherwise communicate with separate mock welding tools (e.g., the mock welding tool 160) associated with each of the first user and the second user, respectively. Likewise, the console 2035 is able to interface or otherwise communicate with separate displays (e.g., the FMDD 140) associated with each of the first user and the second user, respectively.

0088In some embodiments, the console 2035 is interfaced with a first spatial tracker (e.g., the ST 120) associated with the first T/S 2010 and a second spatial tracker (e.g., the ST 120) associated with the second T/S 2015. In some embodiments, the console 2035 is interfaced with a single spatial tracker capable of defining a 3D spatial frame of reference that encompasses the relevant work area of both the first T/S 2010 and the second T/S 2015.

0089In some embodiments, the console 2035 has a single physical welding user interface (WUI) (e.g., the WUI 130) that can be shared by the first user and the second user.

0090In some embodiments, the console 2035 houses a first programmable processor-based subsystem (PPS) (e.g., the PPS110) associated with the first user and a second programmable processor-based subsystem (PPS) (e.g., the PPS110) associated with the second user. For example, separate motherboards may be installed in the console 2035. In some embodiments, the console 2035 houses a single programmable processor-based subsystem (PPS) (e.g., the PPS110) that is capable of generating either separate distinct simulated environments for the first user and the second user (and processing the respective interactions therewith) or generating a common simulated environment for the first user and the second user (and processing the respective interactions therewith).

0091The welding training system 2000 supports functionality that conventional welding training systems lack. For example, an instructor can observe the simultaneous welding training of a first student (i.e., the first user) and a second student (i.e., the second user) at the console 2035 via the first ODD 2020 and the second ODD 2025. In this scenario, each student is likely interacting with a distinct simulated environment. The instructor does not have to move from the workstation (e.g., the T/S 2010) of the first student to the workstation (e.g., the T/S 2015) of the second student to observe the performance of both students. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first student and the second student are performing the same welding exercise (e.g., welding process), which facilitates comparison of the two students by the instructor. This is particularly true if both students begin the simulation at the same time.

0092As another example, the instructor could use one of the workstations (e.g., the T/S 2015) to demonstrate a welding technique to a student (e.g., the first user) in a common simulated environment. Here, the instructor's welding movements would be observable to the first user via the first user's FMDD. Thus, the welding simulator 2000 allows for simulated "hands on" demonstration by the instructor. Likewise, the instructor could interact with a simulated weld initially performed by the first user, such as to teach a remedial welding (e.g., repair) technique.

0093In the case of a common simulated environment, two different students could be simultaneously performing simulated welds on parts of a common assembly (shown in the common simulated environment). Again, the activities of both students would be visible to the instructor via the ODDs 2020, 2025 on the console 2035. Likewise, the two students could be taking turns practicing simulated welds that are complementary to one another, such as a root pass and fill pass. Again, the activities of both students would be visible to the instructor via the ODDs 2020, 2025 on the console 2035.

0094Given the increased flexibility of the welding simulator 2000, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many other applications thereof. The functionality of the welding simulator 2000 will be more generally described with reference to <figref idref="f0027">FIGS. 21</figref> and <figref idref="f0028">22</figref>.

0095As shown in <figref idref="f0027">FIG. 21</figref>, a multi-user welding simulator 2100 (e.g., the welding simulator 2000) includes a console 2102 that houses the PPS and other related components. The console 2102 is interfaced with a first workstation 2104 associated with a first user 2106 and a second workstation 2108 associated with a second user 2110. Each of the workstations 2104, 2108 includes those components (e.g., T/S, ST, WC, MWT, FMDD) necessary for the users 2106, 2110 to engage in simulated welding training. The welding simulator 2100 generates a first simulated environment 2112, such as a virtual reality space or an augmented reality space. The welding simulator 2100 also generates a second simulated environment 2114, such as a virtual reality space or an augmented reality space. The first simulated environment 2112 is visible to the first user 2106 but not the second user 2110. Likewise, the second simulated environment 2114 is visible to the second user 2110 but not the first user 2106. The welding simulator 2100 is able to process the simultaneous interactions of the first user 2106 with the first simulated environment 2112 and the second user 2110 with the second simulated environment 2114 in real time.

0096As shown in <figref idref="f0028">FIG. 22</figref>, the multi-user welding simulator 2100 can also generate a single (common) simulated environment 2120, such as a virtual reality space or an augmented reality space. The simulated environment 2120 is visible to both the first user 2106 and the second user 2110. The welding simulator 2100 is able to process the simultaneous interactions of the first user 2106 and the second user 2110 with the common simulated environment 2120 in real time.

0097While the embodiments discussed herein have been related to the systems and methods discussed above, these embodiments are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the applicability of these embodiments to only those discussions set forth herein. The control systems and methodologies discussed herein are equally applicable to, and can be utilized in, systems and methods related to the simulation of arc welding, laser welding, brazing, soldering, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, laser cutting, and any other systems or methods using similar control methodology, without departing from the spirit and scope of the above discussed inventions. The embodiments and discussions herein can be readily incorporated into any of these systems and methodologies by those of skill in the art.

0098While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. <tables id="tabl0001" num="0001"><table frame="none"><title><b>REFERENCE NUMBERS</b></title><tgroup cols="4" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="13mm" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="65mm" /><colspec colnum="3" colname="col3" colwidth="13mm" /><colspec colnum="4" colname="col4" colwidth="55mm" /><tbody><row><entry>100</entry><entry>system</entry><entry align="center">163</entry><entry>resistive tip</entry></row><row><entry>110</entry><entry>programmable processor-based subsystem</entry><entry align="center">170</entry><entry>table</entry></row><row><entry>111</entry><entry>central processing unit</entry><entry align="center">171</entry><entry>adjustable table</entry></row><row><entry>115</entry><entry>graphics processing unit</entry><entry align="center">172</entry><entry>base</entry></row><row><entry>116</entry><entry>compute unified device architecture</entry><entry align="center">173</entry><entry>adjustable arm</entry></row><row><entry>117</entry><entry>shader</entry><entry align="center">174</entry><entry>vertical post</entry></row><row><entry>118</entry><entry>video output</entry><entry align="center">175</entry><entry>pipe welding coupon</entry></row><row><entry>119</entry><entry>video output</entry><entry align="center">176</entry><entry>root</entry></row><row><entry>120</entry><entry>spatial tracker</entry><entry align="center">177</entry><entry>connection portion</entry></row><row><entry>121</entry><entry>magnetic source</entry><entry align="center">180</entry><entry>welding coupon</entry></row><row><entry>122</entry><entry>sensor</entry><entry align="center">900</entry><entry>welding helmet</entry></row><row><entry>123</entry><entry>disk</entry><entry align="center">910</entry><entry>earbud speaker</entry></row><row><entry>124</entry><entry>power source</entry><entry align="center">1201</entry><entry>physical interface</entry></row><row><entry>125</entry><entry>cable</entry><entry align="center">1202</entry><entry>clamp model</entry></row><row><entry>126</entry><entry>processor tracking unit</entry><entry align="center">1203</entry><entry>environment model</entry></row><row><entry>130</entry><entry>welding user interface</entry><entry align="center">1204</entry><entry>sound content functionality</entry></row><row><entry>131</entry><entry>button</entry><entry align="center">1205</entry><entry>welding sound</entry></row><row><entry>132</entry><entry>joystick</entry><entry align="center">1206</entry><entry>table model</entry></row><row><entry>133</entry><entry>knob</entry><entry align="center">1207</entry><entry>internal architecture functionality</entry></row><row><entry>134</entry><entry>knob</entry><entry align="center">1208</entry><entry>calibration functionality</entry></row><row><entry>135</entry><entry>console</entry><entry align="center">1210</entry><entry>coupon model</entry></row><row><entry>136</entry><entry>knob</entry><entry align="center">1211</entry><entry>welding physics</entry></row><row><entry>137</entry><entry>knob</entry><entry align="center">1212</entry><entry>internal physics adjustment tool</entry></row><row><entry>140</entry><entry>face-mounted display device</entry><entry align="center">1213</entry><entry>graphical user interface functionality</entry></row><row><entry>150</entry><entry>observer display device</entry><entry align="center">1214</entry><entry>graphing functionality</entry></row><row><entry>151</entry><entry>welding parameter</entry><entry align="center">1215</entry><entry>student reports functionality</entry></row><row><entry>152</entry><entry>welding discontinuity state</entry><entry align="center">1216</entry><entry>renderer</entry></row><row><entry>153</entry><entry>user selection</entry><entry align="center">1217</entry><entry>bead rendering</entry></row><row><entry>160</entry><entry>mock welding tool</entry><entry align="center">1218</entry><entry>3D texture</entry></row><row><entry>161</entry><entry>holder</entry><entry align="center">1219</entry><entry>visual cues functionality</entry></row><row><entry>162</entry><entry>stick electrode</entry><entry align="center">1220</entry><entry>scoring and tolerance functionality</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry align="center">1221</entry><entry>tolerance editor</entry></row><row><entry>1222</entry><entry>special effect</entry><entry>1910</entry><entry>rectangular bar</entry></row><row><entry>1300</entry><entry>method</entry><entry>1920</entry><entry>particle</entry></row><row><entry>1310</entry><entry>step</entry><entry>1930</entry><entry>particle height</entry></row><row><entry>1320</entry><entry>step</entry><entry>1940</entry><entry>shaded rectangle</entry></row><row><entry>1330</entry><entry>step</entry><entry>2000</entry><entry>welding training system</entry></row><row><entry>1340</entry><entry>step</entry><entry>2010</entry><entry>first table</entry></row><row><entry>1350</entry><entry>step</entry><entry>2015</entry><entry>second table</entry></row><row><entry>1400</entry><entry>flat welding coupon</entry><entry>2020</entry><entry>first observer display device</entry></row><row><entry>1410</entry><entry>flat top surface</entry><entry>2025</entry><entry>second observer display device</entry></row><row><entry>1420</entry><entry>welding element displacement map</entry><entry>2035</entry><entry>console</entry></row><row><entry>1421</entry><entry>wexel</entry><entry>2100</entry><entry>multi-user welding simulator</entry></row><row><entry>1600</entry><entry>corner welding coupon</entry><entry>2102</entry><entry>console</entry></row><row><entry>1610</entry><entry>surface</entry><entry>2104</entry><entry>first workstation</entry></row><row><entry>1620</entry><entry>surface</entry><entry>2106</entry><entry>first user</entry></row><row><entry>1700</entry><entry>pipe welding coupon</entry><entry>2108</entry><entry>second workstation</entry></row><row><entry>1701</entry><entry>pipe piece</entry><entry>2110</entry><entry>second user</entry></row><row><entry>1702</entry><entry>pipe piece</entry><entry>2112</entry><entry>first simulated environment</entry></row><row><entry>1703</entry><entry>root joint</entry><entry>2114</entry><entry>second simulated environment</entry></row><row><entry>1710</entry><entry>curved surface</entry><entry>2120</entry><entry>simulated environment</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>