US20160236303A1 - Systems and Methods Providing a Computerized Eyewear Device to Aid in Welding - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods to aid a welder or welding student. A system may provide a real-world arc welding system or a virtual reality arc welding system along with a computerized eyewear device having a head-up display (HUD). The computerized eyewear device may be worn by a user under a conventional welding helmet as eye glasses are worn and may wirelessly communicate with a welding power source of a real-world arc welding system or a programmable processor-based subsystem of a virtual reality arc welding system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/105,758, filed Dec. 13, 2013, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS PROVIDING A COMPUTERIZED EYEWEAR DEVICE TO AID IN WELDING,” which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/827,248 filed on May 24, 2013. The entireties of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference. Published U.S. Patent Application (US 2013/0044042) having application Ser. No. 13/212,686 and filed on Aug. 18, 2013 is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Published U.S. Patent Application (US 2010/0062405) having application Ser. No. 12/501,257 and filed on Jul. 10, 2009 is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to welding. More particularly, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods providing visualization and communication capabilities to a welder using a welding system via a computerized eyewear device.
BACKGROUND
• Providing information to a welding student in real time during a welding process (whether a real-world welding process or a simulated welding process) is important to aid the welding student in the learning process. Similarly, providing information to an expert welder in real time during a real-world welding process can aid the expert welder in the welding process. Furthermore, providing the ability for a welding student or an expert welder to easily communicate with (e.g., provide commands to) a welding system (real or simulated) can allow for a more efficient and user-friendly welding experience. Today, a welding helmet may be provided with simple light indicators representative of welding information which don't require a welder to be able to focus sharply on the light indicators, since the light indicators may be within one inch of the welder's eye. Simply being able to see that the color of a light indicator is red or green or yellow, for example, is provided. Thus, there is an ongoing need to improve how a welder or welding student interacts with a welding system and how information is provided and viewed in real time.
• Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional, traditional, and proposed approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems and methods with embodiments of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY
• In one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a welding power source of an arc welding system and a computerized eyewear device having a head-up display (HUD). The computerized eyewear device is configured to be worn by a user as eye glasses are worn, while the user also wears a protective welding helmet. The computerized eyewear device is further configured to wirelessly communicate with the welding power source of the arc welding system. The computerized eyewear device may receive information from the welding power source and display the information on the HUD. Furthermore, the user may provide commands to the welding power source via the computerized eyewear device (e.g., via voice activation). The welding power source and the computerized eyewear device may be cooperatively configured to provide one or more of augmented indicators indicative of a user's welding technique and sequencer functionality indicative of a next weld to be made on the HUD, for example.
• In another embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a programmable processor-based subsystem of a virtual reality welding simulation system and a computerized eyewear device having a head-up display (HUD). The computerized eyewear device is configured to be worn by a user as eye glasses are worn, while the user also wears a protective welding helmet. The computerized eyewear device is further configured to wirelessly communicate with the programmable processor-based subsystem of the virtual reality welding simulation system. The computerized eyewear device may receive information from the programmable processor-based subsystem and display the information on the HUD. Furthermore, the user may provide commands to the programmable processor-based subsystem via the computerized eyewear device (e.g., via voice activation). The programmable processor-based subsystem and the computerized eyewear device may be cooperatively configured to provide one or more of virtual reality images associated with a virtual reality welding process and virtual cues and indicators associated with a virtual reality welding process on the HUD, for example.
• In accordance with an embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes a frame configured to be worn on the head of a user, the frame including a bridge configured to be supported on the nose of the user, a brow portion coupled to and extending away from the bridge to a first end remote therefrom and configured to be positioned over a first side of a brow of the user, and a first arm having a first end coupled to the first end of the brow portion and extending to a free end, the first arm being configured to be positioned over a first temple of the user with the free end disposed near a first ear of the user, wherein the bridge is adjustable for selective positioning of the brow portion relative to an eye of the user. The computerized eyewear device also includes a transparent display (the HUD) which may be affixed to the frame and may be movable with respect to the frame through rotation about a first axis that extends parallel to the first brow portion. The computerized eyewear device also includes a housing containing control and communication circuitry affixed to the frame. As an example, the computerized eyewear device may be a Google Glass™ device configured for operation with an arc welding system or a virtual reality arc welding simulation system.
• Details of illustrated embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Fig. I illustrates a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an arc welding system and a computerized eyewear device configured to communicate with the arc welding system;
• FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the computerized eyewear device ofFIG. 1; and
• FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a virtual reality welding system and a computerized eyewear device configured to communicate with the virtual reality welding system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• The following are definitions of exemplary terms that may be used within the disclosure. Both singular and plural forms of all terms fall within each meaning:
• “Software” or “computer program” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, one or more computer readable and/or executable instructions that cause a computer or other electronic device to perform functions, actions, and/or behave in a desired manner. The instructions may be embodied in various forms such as routines, algorithms, modules or programs including separate applications or code from dynamically linked libraries. Software may also be implemented in various forms such as a stand-alone program, a function call, a servlet, an applet, an application, instructions stored in a memory, part of an operating system or other type of executable instructions. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the form of software is dependent on, for example, requirements of a desired application, the environment it runs on, and/or the desires of a designer/programmer or the like.
• Computer or “processing element” or “computerized device” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, any programmed or programmable electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data, “Non-transitory computer-readable media” include, but are not limited to, a CD-ROM, a removable flash memory card, a hard disk drive, a magnetic tape, and a floppy disk.
• “Computer memory”, as used herein, refers to a storage device configured to store digital data or information which can be retrieved by a computer or processing element.
• “Controller”, as used herein, refers to the logic circuitry and/or processing elements and associated software or program involved in controlling a device, system, or portion of a system.
• The terms “signal”, “data”, and “information” may be used interchangeably herein and may be in digital or analog form.
• The term “welding parameter” is used broadly herein and may refer to characteristics of a portion of a welding output current waveform (e.g., amplitude, pulse width or duration, slope, electrode polarity), a welding process (e.g., a short arc welding process or a pulse welding process), wire feed speed, a modulation frequency, a welding travel speed, or some other parameter associated with real-world welding or simulated welding.
• The term “head up display”, as used herein, refers to a transparent display that presents information (e.g., high quality images) without requiring a user to look away from their usual viewpoints.
• In one embodiment, an arc welding system is provided. The arc welding system includes a welding power source and a computerized eyewear device having a head-up display (HUD) and control and communication circuitry (CCC) operatively connected to the HUD, The computerized eyewear device is configured to be worn by a user as eye glasses are worn, while also wearing a protective welding helmet, and wirelessly communicate with the welding power source. The control and communication circuitry is configured to wirelessly receive information from the welding power source and display the information on the HUD.
• In accordance with an embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes a microphone operatively connected to the control and communication circuitry. The microphone and the control and communication circuitry are configured to receive voice-activated user command information and wirelessly transmit the voice-activated user command information to the welding power source. In accordance with an embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes a camera operatively connected to the control and communication circuitry. The camera and the control and communication circuitry are configured to capture one or more of still pictures and moving video. In accordance with an embodiment, the control and communication circuitry is configured to access the internet through a wireless access point.
• In accordance with an embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes a frame configured to be worn on the head of a user and at least one housing affixed to the frame containing one or more of the control and communication circuitry, the microphone, and the camera. The HUD is also affixed to the frame and is movable with respect to the frame through rotation about a first axis that extends parallel to a first brow portion. Optionally, the computerized eyewear device may include at least one prescription optical lens held in place by the frame.
• In accordance with an embodiment, the frame includes a bridge configured to be supported on the nose of the user, a brow portion coupled to and extending away from the bridge to a first end remote therefrom and configured to be positioned over a first side of a brow of the user, and a first arm having a first end coupled to the first end of the brow portion and extending to a free end. The first arm is configured to be positioned over a first temple of the user with the free end disposed near a first ear of the user. In accordance with an embodiment, the bridge is adjustable for selective positioning of the brow portion relative to an eye of the user.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of anarc welding system100 and acomputerized eyewear device150 configured to communicate with thearc welding system100. Thearc welding system100 includes awire feeder110, a welding gun ortool120, a shieldinggas supply130, and awelding power source140. Thewire feeder110, thewelding gun120, the shieldinggas supply130, and thepower source140 are operatively connected to allow a welder to create an electric arc between a welding wire and a workpiece W to create a weld as is well known in the art.
• In accordance with an embodiment, thewelding power source140 includes a switching power supply (not shown), a waveform generator (not shown), a controller (not shown), a voltage feedback circuit (not shown), a current feedback circuit (not shown), and awireless communication circuit145. Thewire feeder110 feeds the consumable wire welding electrode E toward the workpiece W through the welding gun (welding tool)120 at a selected wire feed speed (WFS). Thewire feeder110, the consumable welding electrode E, and the workpiece W are not part of thewelding power source140 but may be operatively connected to thewelding power source140 via a welding output cable.
• Thecomputerized eyewear device150 is configured to be worn by a user as eye glasses are worn, while also wearing a conventional protective welding helmet. The protective welding helmet may be a conventional welding helmet that does not have to be modified in any way to accommodate thecomputerized eyewear device150. Furthermore, thecomputerized eyewear device150 is configured to wirelessly communicate with thewelding power source140 via thewireless communication circuit145 of thewelding power source140. Thewireless communication circuit145 may include a processor, computer memory, a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna, in accordance with an embodiment.
• Referring now toFIG. 1 andFIG. 2, whereFIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of thecomputerized eyewear device150 ofFIG. 1, thecomputerized eyewear device150 includes aframe151 configured to be worn on the head of a user. Theframe151 includes abridge152 configured to be supported on the nose of the user and abrow portion153 coupled to and extending away from thebridge152 to a first and second ends remote therefrom and configured to be positioned over the brows of the user.
• The frame also includes afirst arm154 having a first end coupled to the first end of thebrow portion153 and extending to a free end, the first arm being configured to be positioned over a first temple of the user with the free end disposed near a first ear of the user. Theframe151 also includes asecond arm155 having a first end coupled to the second end of thebrow portion153 and extending to a free end, the second arm being configured to be positioned over a second temple of the user with the free end disposed near a second ear of the user. Thebridge152 may be adjustable for selective positioning of thebrow portion153 relative to the eyes of the user, in accordance with an embodiment.
• Thecomputerized eyewear device150 includes a transparent display (e.g., a HUD)156 affixed to theframe151. TheHUD156 may be movable with respect to theframe151 through rotation about a first axis that extends parallel to thebrow portion153, in accordance with an embodiment, and may be configured to display text, graphics, and images. Thecomputerized eyewear device150 also includes control and communication circuitry (e.g., a computer)157 enclosed in ahousing162 and affixed to theframe151. The control andcommunication circuitry157 may include a processor and memory, for example. The memory may be coupled to the processor and store software that can be accessed and executed by the processor. The processor may be a microprocessor or a digital signal processor, for example. As an option, thecomputerized eyewear device150 may include acamera158. TheHUD156 and the control and communication circuitry157 (and, optionally, the camera158) are operatively connected to provide the functionality described herein. In accordance with an embodiment, thecamera158 is configured to capture still pictures and moving video. In this way, a user may record the welding scenario as viewed by the user from inside the welding helmet.
• In accordance with an embodiment, the control andcommunication circuitry157 provides two-way communication with thewireless communication circuit145 of thewelding power source140. Information may be provided from thewelding power source140 to thecomputerized eyewear device150 and displayed on theHUD156. Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment, the control andcommunication circuitry157 is configured to accept voice-activated commands from a user and transmit the commands to thewelding power source140. Communication between thewelding power source140 and thecomputerized eyewear device150 may be accomplished by way of, for example, Bluetooth® radio technology, communication protocols described in IEEE 802.11 (including any IEEE 802.11 revisions), cellular technology (such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, EVDO, WiMax, or LTE), or ZigBee® technology, among other possibilities. In accordance with an embodiment, the computerized eyewear device may also include at least oneoptical lens163 that matches a user's corrective visual prescription. In accordance with a further embodiment, the computerized eyewear device may be modular and attachable to normal prescription eye glasses.
• Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment, thewelding power source140 may be accessible by thecomputerized eyewear device150 via the Internet. For example, the control andcommunication circuitry157 may be configured to access the Internet through a wireless hot spot (e.g., a smart phone or a wireless router) and access thewelding power source140 therethrough. Alternatively, thewelding power source140 may be configured to access the Internet and provide information obtained from the Internet to thecomputerized eyewear device150.
• Information that may be displayed on theHUD156 during a real-world welding scenario that may be useful to a welder may be in the form of text, an image, or a graphic. Such information may include, for example, the arc welding process, a welding tool travel angle, a welding tool travel speed, a tip-to-work distance, a wire feed speed, a welding polarity, an output voltage level, an output current level, an arc length, a dime spacing, a whip time, a puddle time, a width of weave, a weave spacing, a tolerance window, a number score, and welding sequence steps. Other information may be displayed as well, in accordance with other embodiments. For example, in an augmented mode, instructional indicators that are used in a virtual reality training environment may be superimposed over an actual weld using theHUD156. In this manner, a welding student who trained on a virtual reality welding system can transition to a real welding scenario and have the same instructional indicators provided via the HUD. Visual cues or indicators may be displayed to the welder on the HUD of the computerized eyewear device to indicate to the welder if a particular parameter (e.g., a welding tool travel angle) is within an acceptable range or not. Such visual cues or indicators may aid in training by helping an inexperienced welder or welding student to improve his welding technique.
• The acquisition of some of the information may rely on the welding tool being spatially tracked (e.g., travel angle, travel speed, tip-to-work distance). In accordance with an embodiment, the welding tool may include an accelerometer device that is operatively connected to the welding power source to provide spatial position or movement information. Other methods of tracking the welding tool are possible as well, such as magnetic tracking techniques, for example.
• In accordance with an embodiment, thecomputerized eyewear device150 includes a microphone159 for receiving voice-activated commands from a user. The voice-activated commands, as initiated by a welder, that may be accommodated by thecomputerized eyewear device150 in communication with thewelding power source140 may include, for example, commands to change a welding parameter such as a wire feed speed, a welding polarity, and a welding output current level. Other types of commands may be possible as well, in accordance with other embodiments.
• In accordance with an embodiment, thecomputerized eyewear device150 and/or thewelding power source140 may be programmed with one or more welding software applications configured to accommodate use of thecomputerized eyewear device150 with thearc welding system100. For example, an embodiment of one welding software application may provide a “good weld” recognition capability. Similar to a facial recognition capability, the “good weld” recognition capability may use thecamera158 to acquire an image of a weld created by the user, analyze the image, and provide feedback to the user on theHUD156 as to the overall external quality of the weld. For example, the text “poor weld”, “fair weld”, or “good weld” may be displayed to the user. The user may have to take off his welding helmet or lift a visor on the welding helmet to acquire an image of the weld, The welding software application may reside in thecomputerized eyewear device150, thewelding power source140, or a combination of both, in accordance with various embodiments.
• As another example, an embodiment of a welding software application may provide a welding sequencing capability. When welding a part or assembly with many welds, it is not desirable for a welder to miss a weld. A welding software application may step a welder through the multiple welds for the part. For example, as a welder finishes a current weld on a part or assembly requiring multiple welds, the welder may give a voice command of “next weld”. As a result, the welding software application may display to the welder on theHUD156 an image or graphic (e.g., a 3D representation of the part) providing the location of the next weld to be performed. The type of weld and other information associated with the weld may also be displayed. In accordance with an embodiment where thecomputerized eyewear device150 is being spatially tracked, as discussed later herein, the welding software application may display a graphic on the HUD such that graphic indicator is overlaid onto the assembly at the next location to be
• Ii welded. Other types of welding software applications that operate with the computerized eyewear device are possible as well, in accordance with other embodiments.
• In one embodiment, a virtual reality welding system is provided. The virtual reality welding system includes a programmable processor-based subsystem and a computerized eyewear device having a head-up display (HUD) and control and communication circuitry (CCC) operatively connected to the HUD. The computerized eyewear device is configured to be worn by a user as eye glasses are worn, and to wirelessly communicate with the programmable processor-based subsystem. The control and communication circuitry is configured to wirelessly receive information from the programmable processor-based subsystem and display the information on the HUD.
• In accordance with an embodiment, the computerized eyewear device further includes a microphone operatively connected to the control and communication circuitry and configured to receive voice-activated user command information and wirelessly transmit the voice-activated user command information to the programmable processor-based subsystem. Alternatively, or in addition, the computerized eyewear device may include a touch-sensitive user interface operatively connected to the control and communication circuitry and configured to allow a user to select command information and wirelessly transmit the command information to the programmable processor-based subsystem.
• In accordance with an embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes a camera operatively connected to the control and communication circuitry. The camera and the control and communication circuitry are configured to capture one or more of still pictures and moving video. In accordance with an embodiment, the control and communication circuitry is configured to access the internet through a wireless access point.
• In accordance with an embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes a frame configured to be worn on the head of a user and at least one housing affixed to the frame containing one or more of the control and communication circuitry, the microphone, and the camera. The HUD is also affixed to the frame and is movable with respect to the frame through rotation about a first axis that extends parallel to a first brow portion. Optionally, the computerized eyewear device may include at least one prescription optical lens held in place by the frame.
• In accordance with an embodiment, the frame includes a bridge configured to be supported on the nose of the user, a brow portion coupled to and extending away from the bridge to a first end remote therefrom and configured to be positioned over a first side of a brow of the user, and a first arm having a first end coupled to the first end of the brow portion and extending to a free end. The first arm is configured to be positioned over a first temple of the user with the free end disposed near a first ear of the user. In accordance with an embodiment, the bridge is adjustable for selective positioning of the brow portion relative to an eye of the user.
• In accordance with an embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes at least one motion sensing device operatively connected to the control and communication circuitry and configured to provide spatial information to the programmable processor-based subsystem as a user moves his head.
• FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a virtual realityarc welding system300 and acomputerized eyewear device150 configured to communicate with the virtualreality welding system300. The virtual reality arc welding (VRAW) system includes 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. In accordance with an embodiment, thecomputerized eyewear device150 may also be spatially tracked by the spatial tracker. 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.
• Thesystem300 includes a programmable processor-based subsystem (PPS)310. Thesystem300 further includes a spatial tracker (ST)320 operatively connected to the PPS310. Thesystem300 also includes a physical welding user interface (WUI)330 operatively connected to the PPS310 as well as thecomputerized eyewear device150 in operative wireless communication with the PPS310 via awireless communication circuit145 of the PPS310, Thesystem300 further includes an observer display device (ODD)340 operatively connected to the PPS310. Thesystem300 also includes at least one mock welding tool (MWT)350 operatively connected to theST320 and the PPS310. Thesystem300 further includes a table/stand (T/S)360 and at least one welding coupon (WC)370 capable of being attached to the T/S360. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a mock gas bottle is provided (not shown) simulating a source of shielding gas and having an adjustable flow regulator.
• In accordance with an embodiment, thecomputerized eyewear device150 is configured as previously described herein. However, in this embodiment, the control andcommunication circuitry157 provides two-way communication with thewireless communication circuit145 of the PPS310. Information may be provided from the PPS310 to thecomputerized eyewear device150 and displayed on theHUD156, Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment, the control andcommunication circuitry157 is configured to accept voice-activated commands from a user and transmit the commands to the PPS310. Communication between the PPS310 and thecomputerized eyewear device150 may be accomplished by way of, for example, Bluetooth® radio technology, communication protocols described in IEEE 802.11 (including any IEEE 802.11 revisions), cellular technology (such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, EVDO, WiMax, or LTE), or ZigBee® technology, among other possibilities.
• Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment, the PPS310 may be accessible by thecomputerized eyewear device150 via the Internet. For example, the control andcommunication circuitry157 may be configured to access the Internet through a wireless hot spot (e.g., a smart phone or a wireless router) and access the PPS310 therethrough. Alternatively, the PPS310 may be configured to access the Internet and provide information obtained from the Internet to thecomputerized eyewear device150.
• As before, the user may wear a conventional welding helmet over thecomputerized eyewear device150. However, since the welding scenario is a simulated welding scenario, the conventional welding helmet may be fitted with a transparent lens instead of a protective lens that protects against the light and other radiation emitted by a real arc. As such, the user may see through the transparent lens to view thewelding coupon370 and themock welding tool350, for example.
• In accordance with an embodiment, thecomputerized eyewear device150 is configured with anaccelerometer device160 that is operatively connected to the control andcommunication circuitry157. Spatial information provided by the accelerometer device as the user moves his head is communicated to thePPS110 and then to thespatial tracker320. In this manner, the spatial relationship between the surrounding environment and what the user is seeing through theHUD156 of thecomputerized eyewear device150 may be correlated. As the user proceeds with the virtual welding process using thesystem300, anything displayed on the HUD156 (e.g., a virtual weld puddle) will appear overlaid onto, for example, thewelding coupon370 as the user views the welding coupon through the transparent lens of the conventional welding helmet. In accordance with other embodiments, other motion sensing devices besides that of an accelerometer device may be used. A calibration procedure may be initially performed to correlate the view of the user through the HUD to the surrounding environment, in accordance with an embodiment.
• 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 (e.g., on the HUD of thecomputerized eyewear device150 as tracked by the spatial tracker320), 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). When thecomputerized eyewear device150 is being spatially tracked, the weld puddle will appear at a correct location with respect to the welding coupon as viewed through the HUD.
• 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.
• The term “real-time”, as used herein with respect to a virtual reality or simulated environment, means perceiving and experiencing in time in a virtual or 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).
• Information that may be useful to a welding student to display on theHUD156 during a virtual or simulated welding scenario may be in the form of text, an image, or a graphic. Such information may include, for example, the arc welding process, a welding tool travel angle, a welding tool travel speed, a tip-to-work distance, a set wire feed speed, a set welding polarity, a simulated output voltage level, a set output current level, a simulated arc length, a dime spacing, a whip time, a puddle time, a width of weave, a weave spacing, a tolerance window, a number score, and welding sequence steps. Other information may be displayed as well, in accordance with other embodiments.
• In accordance with an embodiment, thecomputerized eyewear device150 includes a microphone159 that is operatively connected to the control andcommunication circuitry157 for receiving voice-activated commands from a user. The voice-activated commands, as initiated by a welder, that may be accommodated by thecomputerized eyewear device150 in communication with the PPS310 may include, for example, commands to change a welding parameter such as a simulated wire feed speed, a simulated welding polarity, and a simulated welding output current level. Other types of commands may be possible as well, in accordance with other embodiments.
• In accordance with an embodiment, thecomputerized eyewear device150 and/or the PPS310 may be programmed with one or more welding training software applications configured to accommodate use of thecomputerized eyewear device150 with the virtual realityarc welding system300. For example, an embodiment of one welding software application may provide a “good weld” recognition capability. Similar to a facial recognition capability, the “good weld” recognition capability may use an image of a simulated weld created by the user, analyze the image, and provide feedback to the user on theHUD156 as to the overall external quality of the weld. For example, the text “poor weld”, “fair weld”, or “good weld” may be displayed to the user. The welding software application may reside in thecomputerized eyewear device150, the PPS310, or a combination of both, in accordance with various embodiments.
• As another example, an embodiment of a welding software application may provide a welding sequencing capability. As a welder finishes a current simulated weld on a welding coupon requiring multiple welds, the welder may give a voice command of “next weld”. As a result, the welding software application may display to the welder on theHUD156 an image or graphic providing the location of the next weld to be performed. The type of weld and other information associated with the weld may also be displayed. In accordance with an embodiment where thecomputerized eyewear device150 is being spatially tracked, as discussed herein, the welding software application may display a graphic on the HUD such that the graphic is overlaid onto the welding coupon at the next location to be welded. Other types of welding software applications that operate with the computerized eyewear device are possible as well, in accordance with other embodiments.
• Thecomputerized eyewear device150 may be configured to be used with other welding simulation systems in accordance with other embodiments. For example, welding simulations performed on a personal computer (PC) or a tablet computer may be communicatively and functionally integrated with thecomputerized eyewear device150 to aid a welding student in learning how to weld. In some simulated and/or virtual welding environments, a welding student may not wear a welding helmet of any kind. Instead, the computerized eyewear device may be the only head gear worn. One optional embodiment of the computerized eyewear device may provide a touch-sensitive user interface (TSUI)161 which the welding student can use instead of or in addition to voice-activated commands. Such a TSUI would be accessible to the welding student when not wearing a welding helmet, for example. In accordance with an embodiment, theTSUI161 is operatively connected to the control andcommunication circuitry157.
• In summary, systems and methods to aid a welder or welding student are provided. A system may include a real-world arc welding system or a virtual reality arc welding system along with a computerized eyewear device having a head-up display (HUD). The computerized eyewear device may be worn by a user under a conventional welding helmet as eye glasses are worn and may wirelessly communicate with a welding power source of a real-world arc welding system or a programmable processor-based subsystem of a virtual reality arc welding system.
• In appended claims, the terms “including” and “having” are used as the plain language equivalents of the term “comprising”; the term “in which” is equivalent to “wherein.” Moreover, in appended claims, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “upper,” “lower,” “bottom,” “top,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the appended claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. Moreover, certain embodiments may be shown as having like or similar elements, however, this is merely for illustration purposes, and such embodiments need not necessarily have the same elements unless specified in the claims.
• As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.”
• This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differentiate from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
• While the invention of the present application 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.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A virtual reality welding system, comprising:

a programmable processor-based subsystem; and

a computerized eyewear device having a head-up display (HUD) and control and communication circuitry (CCC) operatively connected to the HUD, wherein the computerized eyewear device is configured to:

be worn by a user as eye glasses are worn; and

wirelessly communicate with the programmable processor-based subsystem.

2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the control and communication circuitry is configured to wirelessly receive information from the programmable processor-based subsystem and display the information on the HUD.

3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the computerized eyewear device further includes a microphone operatively connected to the control and communication circuitry and configured to receive voice-activated user command information and wirelessly transmit the voice-activated user command information to the programmable processor-based subsystem.

4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the computerized eyewear device further includes a camera operatively connected to the control and communication circuitry and configured to capture one or more of still pictures and moving video.

5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the control and communication circuitry is configured to access the internet through a wireless access point.

6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the computerized eyewear device further includes a frame configured to be worn on the head of a user.

7. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the computerized eyewear device further includes at least one housing affixed to the frame containing one or more of the control and communication circuitry, a microphone, a motion sensing device, a touch-sensitive user interface, and a camera.

8. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the HUD is affixed to the frame and is movable with respect to the frame through rotation about a first axis that extends parallel to a brow portion of the frame.

9. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the computerized eyewear device further includes at least one prescription optical lens held in place by the frame.

10. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the frame includes a bridge configured to be supported on the nose of the user, a brow portion coupled to and extending away from the bridge to a first end remote therefrom and configured to be positioned over a first side of a brow of the user, and a first arm having a first end coupled to the first end of the brow portion and extending to a free end, the first arm being configured to be positioned over a first temple of the user with the free end disposed near a first ear of the user.

11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the bridge is adjustable for selective positioning of the brow portion relative to an eye of the user.

12. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the computerized eyewear device further includes at least one motion sensing device operatively connected to the control and communication circuitry and configured to provide spatial information to the programmable processor-based subsystem as a user moves his head.

13. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the computerized eyewear device further includes a touch-sensitive user interface operatively connected to the control and communication circuitry and configured to allow a user to select command information and wirelessly transmit the command information to the programmable processor-based subsystem.

14. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the programmable processor-based subsystem and the computerized eyewear device are cooperatively configured to provide one or more of virtual reality images associated with a virtual reality welding process and virtual cues and indicators associated with a virtual reality welding process on the HUD.

15. A welding simulator, comprising:

a programmable processor-based subsystem configured to simulate a welding operation; and

a computerized eyewear device configured to be worn by a user during the simulated welding operation, the computerized eyewear device having a wireless communication interface, a head-up display, a processor, and a memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute computer-executable instructions stored on the memory to configure the computerized eyewear device to:

communicate with the programmable processor-based subsystem via the wireless communication interface; and

display information related to the simulated welding operation on the head-up display.

16. The welding simulator ofclaim 15, wherein the computerized eyewear device further includes a microphone, and

wherein the computerized eyewear device is further configured to voice commands from the user via the microphone and communicate information related to the voice commands to the programmable processor-based subsystem via the wireless communication interface.

17. The welding simulator ofclaim 15, wherein the computerized eyewear device further includes a camera, and wherein the computerized eyewear device is further configured to capture images with the camera during the simulated welding operation.

18. The welding simulator ofclaim 15, wherein the computerized eyewear device further includes at least one motion sensing device, and

wherein computerized eyewear device is further configured to spatially track a motion of the user's head with the at least one motion sensing device and communicate information related to the motion to the programmable processor-based subsystem via the wireless communication interface.

19. The welding simulator ofclaim 15, wherein the programmable processor-based subsystem executes computer instructions to cause the programmable processor-based subsystem to generate a virtual weld during the simulated welding operation and to communicate images corresponding to the virtual weld to the computerized eyewear device.

20. The welding simulator ofclaim 15, further comprising:

a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem; and

a mock welding tool manipulated by the user during the simulated welding operation, the mock welding tool is configured to be spatially tracked by the spatial tracker during the simulated welding operation.

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