Abstract:
A computerized method for aiding a user in selecting a proper power source for a welding, heating, or cutting application is provided. The user is prompted to provide data about the process type, power source type, and materials used in the application, and is provided with data regarding typical applications and skill levels required for various applications. By applying the process information provided and providing data prompted by the computer system, the user is guided to select an appropriate power source for the user&#39;s application and general requirements.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is directed to methods for selecting power sources for welding, heating and cutting applications. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Metal working processes, such as welding, cutting, and heating processes, and the equipment associated with these processes, can be very complex. In industrial applications, selecting appropriate processes and equipment is a job entrusted to skilled professionals, who devote entire careers to the study of the processes and equipment used in these applications, and to methods for perfecting the process for specific applications. 
         [0003]    These processes, however, are also commonly used by a vast array of unskilled and semi-skilled workers, both professionally, and in do-it-yourself projects and repairs. For these unskilled and semi-skilled workers, choosing the appropriate process and equipment for the task at hand can be extremely difficult, particularly given the process-specificity of the equipment. Moreover, as metal working equipment is relatively expensive, it is particularly important for do-it-yourself project workers and small businesses to select an appropriate piece of equipment for a particular job, and to ensure that the selected equipment will be useful for future projects as well. 
         [0004]    Metal working, and particularly welding equipment, however, is generally sold through distribution networks that cater largely to industrial customers. These distribution networks can be intimidating to a personal user or home hobbyist as these users are often unsure as to their welding equipment needs. Consequently, these users oftentimes avoid the welding distributors and will alternatively purchase equipment through retail outlets, such as home centers where they feel more comfortable and less intimidated by the retail sales “generalist” personnel. However, since the home center sales personnel are rarely trained to advise customers for these applications, a home hobbyist will often times leave the home center with a welder that is not suitable for their needs. It can be very difficult, therefore for an infrequent or casual user of welding or cutting equipment to get the necessary guidance and advice for selecting metal working processes and equipment for their applications. The present invention addresses these issues. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present invention provides a method for guiding a user to select a power source and associated equipment for welding, cutting, or heating applications. A user is presented with a series of questions and is provided with associated informational data to guide the user in answering these questions. These user can specify, for example, a welding process, a power source type, and a material to be welded. The user data is compared to a database of available power sources, and the user is presented with one or more recommendations of power sources that are suitable for the user&#39;s needs. 
         [0006]    In one aspect of the invention, a method for aiding a user in selecting a power source for at least one of a welding a cutting, and a heating process is provided. In this method, process attribute data for a plurality welding, cutting, or heating process types is selectively displayed to a user. The user is then prompted to select a process type and at least one of a power source type and a process material type based on the process attribute data. The selected processes type and the power source criteria and material type data provided by the user is then compared to a database correlating a plurality of power sources to respective power source type, process type, and process material type data. As a result of the comparison, at least one power source is identified for the user. 
         [0007]    In another aspect of the invention, an alternative method for selecting a power source for at least one of a welding a cutting, and a heating process is provided. In this method, a plurality of process types and corresponding process attribute data is displayed to a user, and the user is prompted to select one of the plurality of process types. The user is then prompted to select a material that will be used in the process. Based on the selected process and material, a power source is recommended to the user. The user can also be prompted to provide power source type data defining desired power source characteristics. 
         [0008]    These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention. Such embodiment does not necessarily represent the full scope of the invention and reference is made therefore, to the claims herein for interpreting the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a computer system for use in the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart illustrating the basic steps of the power source selector of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a detailed flow chart of one embodiment of a power source selector of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a screen shot of a display screen of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a screen shot of a screen shot of a help screen of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a screen shot of the screen for selecting a power source for a MIG application; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a screen shot of a screen for selecting a power source for an engine-driven application; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a screen shot illustrating a power source recommendation screen; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart of an alternate embodiment of a power source selector; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart of another alternate embodiment of a power source selector. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0019]    Referring now to the Figures and more particularly to  FIG. 1 , a block diagram of a computer system useful for the present invention is shown. The system includes a central computer or server  10  that is connected to a user computer  16  through a network  18 . A power source selector  14  that prompts or queries the user for data to guide the user in purchasing power sources and other equipment for welding, cutting, and heating applications, is provided on the central computer  10 , and is accessible to a user using the user computer  16  through the network  18 . The central computer  10  includes or is coupled to a memory storage device  12  that includes a power source database correlating process type, material type, and power source type data to available power sources for purchase. The network  18  can be, for example, a LAN, WAN, wireless network, internet connection, or other type of wired or wireless communication system. Although a networked system including two computers is shown here, it will be apparent that any number of computers could be connected to the system. The user computer, moreover, can be provided as part of a kiosk or other system in a retail outlet store or other location. Additionally, although shown here as part of a computer network, the power source selector  14  and power source database can be provided directly on a stand-alone computer system, stored on a CD, DVD, disc, or other type of memory device, or otherwise be made available to a user. 
         [0020]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a basic power source selector  14  is shown. Initially, in step  20 , the power source selector  14  queries or prompts a user at the user computer  16  to select a process type. The process type can be a welding process, a cutting process, or a heating process, and can include, for example MIG (Gas Metal Arc Welding or GMAW), TIG (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding or GTAW), or stick (Shielded Metal Arc Welding or SMAW) welding processes, and plasma cutting processes. An engine-driven process can also be selected. Preferably, while selecting a process, the user can either view directly or access a help screen  28 , either by pressing a predetermined key on a keyboard, accessing a link to a help screen, or by scrolling a mouse over a list of available processes to access informational windows that provide data about the specific process. The help screen can provide process attribute data, which can include, for example, a skill level necessary for the selected process, a list of applications appropriate for the process, a list of materials appropriate for the process, and particular benefits of the selected process that differentiate the selected process from other available process options. The data may also include a list of consumables and accessory equipment that would be necessary to implement a selected process, comparative costs, or other types of data useful in selecting between processes. 
         [0021]    After a process is selected in step  20 , in step  22 , the user is prompted or queried to define the characteristics of an appropriate power source by specifying power source type data. The power source type data indicates characteristics of the power source that are desired by or necessary to the user. This data can include, for example, a selection between a generator driven power source and a static power source, size and weight of the power source, whether the power source is to be mobile or stationary. In addition, the user can specify available input power sources that will be used to supply power to the power source. For engine driven power source applications, the user can be asked to identify whether the power source will be used primarily for welding, as a generator, or simultaneously as a welding power source and a generator. Noise or sound level requirements for the equipment can also be specified by the user, as described more fully below. 
         [0022]    In step  24 , the user is selectively also queried or prompted to enter data about the type of material to be welded or cut in the selected process. Here, for example, the user can be queried for data about the type of metal to be used in the application, specifying, for example, whether a material to be cut or welded is aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or other types of metals, or combinations of commonly-welded metals. A thickness or a range of thicknesses of the material to be welded or cut can also be acquired. Various other data, including types of gas and wire available for use, may also be requested. 
         [0023]    After the process type, power source type, and process material type data is acquired from the user, in step  26 , the process selector  14  compares the available data to the available power sources stored in the database in memory  12 , and displays information about one or more power sources that would be suitable for the application to the user. This data can also include, for example, a price of the equipment, or a place to purchase the equipment. An online ordering system or telephone number to place an order can also be provided. Suggested auxiliary equipment, consumables, protective clothing, instructional manuals, and options for the suggested equipment can also be displayed and be made available for purchase. When no power source meets the criteria established by the user, the power source selector  14  can prompt the user to start over at step  20 . 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a specific embodiment of a power source selector  14  constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown. Here, at an initial screen  30 , the user is prompted to select a process type, as discussed above. The available process type selections include MIG (GMAW)  32 , Stick (SMAW)  34 , TIG (GTAW)  36 , Engine Drive  38 , and Plasma Cutting  40 . A Help selection  42  is also available for help in selecting between the various process types, providing information about the benefits for the process types, skill level required, and benefits associated with the various processes. Although engine drive is shown here as a process type selection, it will be apparent that this selection could also be provided as a power source type, as described above. 
         [0025]    After the process type is selected, the power source selector  14  continues to acquire the data necessary to recommend a power source for the selected process type. When the engine driven process  36  is selected, the user is queried to specify power source type parameters  22  and particularly to specify the balance of generator usage  55  to welding usage  53 . In addition, the system queries the user to determine an acceptable sound or noise level  57  for the power source. Additionally, at step  59 , the user is queried regarding the weld process to be used, which can include, for example, MIG, Stick, or TIG. This selection allows the power source selector  14  to filter between, for example, constant current (CC), constant voltage (CV) or CC/CV systems. 
         [0026]    When any other process type is selected, the desired power source is assumed to be a static power source that is connected to an input power line. Therefore, to specify the power source type  22 , the user is queried to provide an expected input voltage level  45  or a combination of expected input voltage levels, or a range of expected input power levels (e.g. 115, 230 or 115/230 VAC). The user is also queried to specify a desired level of portability  47  for the power source. Finally, the user is also asked to provide material type data  24  about the material to be welded, and particularly metal type  51  and thickness  49 . In each of these queries, the questions directed to the user are customized based on the selected process and the characteristics of the available power sources in the database  12 . Therefore, the power source selector  14  tailors the questions asked for the specific application, limiting the number of questions that a user is required to answer based on the process and power source type selected. Thus, as shown here, when the Stick process type is selected, the user is queried only about input voltage  45  to specify power source type  22 , as no additional information is required. For the plasma cutting selection, only input voltage  45 , material type  51 , and material thickness  47  is required. 
         [0027]    After all of the required data is acquired, the power source selector  14  again compares the process and features to the power sources in the database, and recommends, none, one, or a number of possible power sources to the user. The selector  14  can also identify a preferred power source for the application and/or provide additional data to the user for selecting between the recommended power sources, as discussed above. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4-5 , screen shots illustrating one embodiment of a power source selector as shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 3  and provided at an internet web site are shown. Referring first to  FIG. 4 , upon entry to the power source selector system  14 , a user is presented with a screen providing icons or buttons for selecting a process type  20  as described with reference to  FIG. 3  above. As the user moves a mouse over each of the process icons, the display area  43  directly above the buttons provides process attribute data or information about the selected process which can include, for example, a skill level necessary for properly applying the process or common applications for the selected process, and benefits provided by selecting this process. If the user, having viewed this information, is uncertain about which process to select, the user can select a, “not sure” or “help” category  42  which, when selected, provides a more detailed help analysis, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Once the user enters the “not sure” screen, the user can again select a process type from the icons in the left hand column, as shown. Process attribute data for each of the processes defined in the left hand column is provided in a chart format, allowing the user to easily compare the attributes of the various processes that the user is selecting between. After this selection, the user is prompted to provide the appropriate data for the requested category as if selecting that process from the screen of  FIG. 4 . 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , if the MIG button is selected from  FIG. 4  or  5 , the user is prompted to select material type and power source type data. These selections can be made using a “click and drag” selector, and radio button selectors, as shown here, typed into data entry screens, or selected using icons, multiple choice selections, through a series of automated question and answer sessions, or in other ways as will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Referring still to  FIG. 6 , for process material type, the user is queried about the type of metal  51  to be welded or cut, as well as a thickness  49  of the material. As shown here, the typical thickness of commonly-welded items, such as lawn chairs, boat trailers, or other items, can be provided as an aid to the user. Furthermore, a variety of commonly welded metals can be specified. Although not shown here, the user can now be queried for available types of gas or wire for use in a welding application. 
         [0030]    As described above, when the MIG button is selected, the user is also prompted to enter power source type or characteristic data, including an expected or desired input voltage level  45 , and a level of portability  51 . The input voltage level can be, as described above 115, 230, 460, or other commonly available voltage levels, although the voltage levels, and also the frequency of AC power, can be varied based on the location of the user, in accordance with local power standards. The level of portability  51  can be characterized, as shown here, by querying the user to specify a preferred weight of the power source, and also to specify whether wheels are desired on the power source. Other mobility factors, such as whether a cart is desirable, can also be included in the query. 
         [0031]    Although the screen shown here is tailored to MIG applications, similar types of data are acquired from the user when selecting the TIG, Stick, and Plasma Cutting process types, as described above with reference to  FIG. 3 . Also as discussed above, the questions presented to the user or the data requested from the user can be tailored based on the process, the material, or the types of power sources available for the applications specified by the user. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , when the engine-driven process type is selected, user queries are directed specifically to information necessary to specify this type of equipment. Here, the power source type  22  is narrowed by determining the level of weld usage  53 , e.g. whether this is a “basic needs” piece of welding equipment, which might also be used as a generator, or is intended to be used mainly for welding, where a higher quality arc may be of primary importance. The first selection, therefore, requires the user to establish a quality of arc required for the power source. The second selector prompts the user to indicate generator usage  55  and specifically whether the power source is expected to be used as a generator and a welder simultaneously. The level of acceptable noise  57  is also requested from the user. Finally, since, as shown here, the welding process  59  was not established initially from the first screen, the welding process  59  to be used is selected by the user. As shown here, the user can select between MIG, Stick, and TIG applications. Preferably, as described above, skill level data, material data, and benefits of using each of these processes can be either displayed directly to the user or can be made accessible through selective help screens then making the selection. Material type data could also be requested. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , after all of the appropriate data is provided, and the user activates the “next” button  50 , a recommendation  16  is made to the user. Here, the most appropriate power source based on the defined application is recommended, and one or more alternative may also be provided. As shown here, the user can access links to additional data  54  and accessory equipment  52 . Additionally, the user can edit the selected parameters  56  from this screen to acquire additional recommendations. Although not shown here, based on the parameters selected above, auxiliary equipment, consumables, accessories, clothing, instructional manuals, and other items can also be suggested to the user, as described above. Furthermore, a link allowing the user to purchase selected items on line can be provided, as can telephone numbers for ordering the equipment, and information about stores or other outlets where the equipment is available. 
         [0034]    Although a specific order for acquiring the data for recommending a power source is described above, it will be apparent that this order can be varied, and that either more questions or fewer questions can be provided in the inquiry while achieving similar results. Referring now to  FIG. 9 , one alternate example is shown. Here, initially, the user is queried to determine whether the application is a welding or a cutting application  70 . If cutting is selected, the user is queried only for data appropriate to cutting applications. If welding is selected, the user is queried for data relating to welding applications. When welding is selected, the user is initially queried to determine whether the use is for an engine-driven or static machine  72 , and appropriate questions are asked based on the selected type. Subsequently, the user is queried to specify a weld process type  74 . Various other orders for acquiring the data will be apparent. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , another exemplary alternative is shown. Here, the user is initially queried to enter data about the material  14  to be welded or cut  60 , including metal type and thickness data as described above. Based on this selection, appropriate process types  12  can be displayed, and the user can be queried to select a process  64 . After the material and process are selected, a display of power source types can be provided  66  and the user queried to specify a power source type  68 . As described above, help screens can be provided to the user to help the user select an appropriate power source and process for their individual needs. A power source can then be recommended. 
         [0036]    Although a number of specific methods are described, it will be apparent that many ways for structuring the flow of questions to a user are available. It should, therefore, be understood that the methods and apparatuses described above are only exemplary and do not limit the scope of the invention, and that various modifications could be made by those skilled in the art that would fall under the scope of the invention. To apprise the public of the scope of this invention, the following claims are made: