Abstract: Described herein are examples of smart helmet modules that can be affixed to conventional welding helmets. In some examples, a smart helmet module may include one or more sensors configured to detect if/when welding is occurring, and/or whether a welding helmet is being worn in an up or down position, or not at all. In some examples, a smart helmet module may include one or more helmet devices configured to automatically activate or deactivate based on whether welding is taking place and/or the welding helmet is being worn up, down, or not at all.

Abstract: A system includes one or more sets of reflective visual markers, a light source configured to emit light, and a controller communicatively coupled to the light source. Each set of reflective visual markers is coupled to a component of a welding system. Each reflective visual marker is configured to reflect the emitted light received from the light source towards one or more cameras. The controller is configured to control illumination settings of the light source based at least in part on a status of the welding system being utilized to perform a live-arc welding operation.

Abstract: A welding helmet for detecting arc data is provided. One embodiment of the welding helmet includes an arc detection system configured to detect one or more welding arcs that occur during one or more welding operations. The welding helmet also includes control circuitry configured to count a number of the one or more welding arcs detected by the arc detection system. The welding helmet includes a storage device configured to store the number of the one or more welding arcs.

Abstract: An example weld training system includes: an orientation device; a mobile device; and a mount configured to attach the mobile device to a welding accessory, wherein the mobile device comprises: one or more sensors including at least a camera; a processor; and a machine readable storage device storing machine readable instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: recognize identifiers on the orientation device based on images captured via the camera; determine at least one of position information or orientation information for a welding torch with respect to the orientation device based on the recognized identifiers; and display, via a display of the mobile device, a welding operation based on the at least the position information or the orientation information.

Abstract: A welding system includes one or more cameras and a controller coupled to the one or more cameras. The one or more cameras are configured to detect a plurality of sets of visual markers of a welding device, where each each set is oriented in a respective marker direction. The controller is configured to determine one or more marker directions of one or more respective sets of visual markers based on a detected set of visual markers, to select one of the sets of visual markers as a tracked set of visual markers based at least in part on a determined marker direction of the tracked set of visual markers, to associate a rigid body model to the tracked set of visual markers, and to determine a position and an orientation of the welding device based on the associated rigid body model of the tracked set of visual markers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a weld training system are disclosed. An example weld training system includes: a mobile device configured to be attached to a welding accessory using a mount, the mobile device comprising one or more sensors, wherein the mobile device is configured to: gather, via the one or more sensors of the mobile device, information indicative of dynamic position or orientation of the mobile device during a welding procedure; and display, via a display of the mobile device, a welding environment based on the information.

Abstract: Present embodiments include systems and methods for stick welding applications. In certain embodiments, simulation stick welding electrode holders may include stick electrode retraction assemblies configured to mechanically retract a simulation stick electrode toward the stick electrode retraction assembly to simulate consumption of the simulation stick electrode during a simulated stick welding process. In addition, in certain embodiments, stick welding electrode holders may include various input and output elements that enable, for example, control inputs to be input via the stick welding electrode holders, and operational statuses to be output via the stick welding electrode holders. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a welding training system interface may be used to facilitate communication and cooperation of various stick welding electrode holders with a welding training system.

Abstract: A welding system includes a welding torch. The welding torch includes a sensor configured to detect a motion associated with the welding torch, a temperature associated with the welding torch, or some combination thereof. A display of the welding torch is activated, a determination is made that the welding torch has been involved in a high impact event, live welding using the welding torch is disabled, a software selection is made, or some combination thereof, based on the motion, the temperature, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: Systems for simulating joining operations, such as welding, are disclosed. In some examples, a system may use a mobile device for conducting welding simulations, such as for purposes of training. In some examples, the system may additionally, or alternatively, use modular workpieces. In some examples, the system may additionally, or alternatively, conduct the welding simulation based on one or more selected pieces of welding equipment.

Abstract: Systems for simulating joining operations, such as welding, are disclosed. In some examples, a system may use a mobile device for conducting welding simulations, such as for purposes of training. In some examples, the system may additionally, or alternatively, use modular workpieces. In some examples, the system may additionally, or alternatively, conduct the welding simulation based on one or more selected pieces of welding equipment.

Abstract: Systems for simulating joining operations, such as welding, are disclosed. In some examples, a system may use a mobile device for conducting welding simulations, such as for purposes of training. In some examples, the system may additionally, or alternatively, use modular workpieces. In some examples, the system may additionally, or alternatively, conduct the welding simulation based on one or more selected pieces of welding equipment.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system includes a marking tool configured to apply one or more markers on a first surface of a workpiece for a live welding session. The one or more markers have known geometric properties that may facilitate determination of the first surface and a weld joint. An embodiment of a method includes applying a first set of one or more markers to a first surface of a workpiece, detecting the applied first set of one or more markers with a camera, and determining, via processing circuitry coupled to the camera, at least one of the first surface of the workpiece and a weld joint based at least in part on the detected first set of one or more markers.

Abstract: A method of operating a welding system includes receiving welding data corresponding to a welding session for a weld, receiving a location selection from an operator, and displaying on a display a graphical representation of welding parameters of the welding selection corresponding to the location selection. The welding data includes welding parameters, including a work angle of a welding torch, a travel angle of the welding torch, a contact tip to work distance, a travel speed of the welding torch along a path of the weld, an aim of the welding torch, or any combination thereof. The location selection corresponds to a point along the path of the weld traversed by the welding torch.

Abstract: Systems and methods for weld training systems with shared training results are described. In some examples, weld training results may be uploaded to a central training system that provides access to the weld training results at a networked location (e.g., a webpage). High quality weld training results may be more easily shared via the networked location (e.g., using the webpage address, a mobile device, and/or some other networked device). In some examples, the weld training results (and/or the networked location where the weld training results are accessible) may be encoded in a machine readable graphic (e.g., a one dimensional, two dimensional, and/or matrix barcode).

Abstract: Connection boxes for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) training systems are described. In some examples, a connection box of the GTAW training system coordinates delivery of welding-type power to a GTAW torch during training. In some examples, a remote control (e.g., foot pedal) may be activated at different levels to command different levels of welding-type power be delivered to the GTAW torch from a welding-type power supply. In some examples, the connection box may selectively enable or disable communication between the remote control and welding-type power supply during training.

Abstract: Systems and methods for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) training systems are described. In some examples, a GTAW training system includes a GTAW torch and filler rod attachment having one or more markers to facilitate position and/or orientation detection and/or tracking of the GTAW torch and/or filler rod. One or more sensors of the GTAW training system may be configured to capture data relating to the markers of the GTAW torch and/or filler rod attachment. A training controller of the GTAW training system may use the markers and/or sensor data to track and/or determine positions, orientations, and/or movement of the GTAW torch and/or filler rod. The positions, orientations, and/or movement may be analyzed in conjunction with welding parameter data to provide training feedback.

Abstract: Systems and methods for learning management systems with shared weld training results are described. In some examples, weld training results may be shared with a learning management system and/or associated with a particular learning activity of the learning management system. In some examples, the weld training results (and/or a networked location where the weld training results are accessible) may be encoded in a machine readable graphic (e.g., a one dimensional, two dimensional, and/or matrix barcode). In some examples, the machine readable graphic may be read and/or decoded by a user device to obtain the weld training results. In some examples, a particular learning activity may also be encoded in the machine readable graphic.

Abstract: A travel speed sensing system includes an optical sensor configured to be coupled to a welding torch. The optical sensor is configured to sense light incident on the optical sensor, and the travel speed sensing system is configured to determine a travel speed of the welding torch, a direction of the welding torch, or both, based on the sensed light.

Abstract: A welding training system includes one or more welding operator device which provides positional feedback relevant to a quality weld. The positional feedback is analyzed and, when the positional feedback is outside of a predetermined range, a signal is provided to the welding operator. In one embodiment, tactile feedback is provided in a welding gun.

Abstract: A welding system includes a first sensor associated with a welding helmet and configured to sense a parameter indicative of a position of a welding torch relative to the welding helmet. The travel speed sensing system also includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the first sensor and configured to determine a position of the welding torch relative to a workpiece based on the sensed first parameter.