Patent Publication Number: US-11645936-B2

Title: Weld training simulations using mobile devices, modular workpieces, and simulated welding equipment

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of, and claims and priority to, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/103,428, entitled “WELD TRAINING SIMULATIONS USING MOBILE DEVICES, MODULAR WORKPIECES, AND SIMULATED WELDING EQUIPMENT,” filed Nov. 24, 2020, which is a Non-provisional U.S. Patent Application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/940,111 entitled “WELD TRAINING SIMULATIONS USING MOBILE DEVICES, MODULAR WORKPIECES, AND SIMULATED WELDING EQUIPMENT,” filed Nov. 25, 2019, the entireties of which are all hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to weld training simulations and, more particularly, to weld training simulations using mobile devices, modular workpieces, and simulated welding equipment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The welding industry has a shortage of experienced and skilled operators. Additionally, it is difficult and expensive to train new operators using live welding equipment. Further, even experienced welders often have difficulty maintaining important welding techniques throughout welding processes. Thus, there is a demand for affordable training tools and equipment that help operators develop, maintain, and/or refine welding skills. 
     Simulated welding tools make it possible for both experienced and inexperienced weld operators to practice producing high quality welds prior to actually using the real welding equipment. Additionally, welding operators can test out different welding tools in a simulated environment prior to actually purchasing that particular welding tool. However, conventional systems and methods for simulating joining operations require substantial investments in equipment (e.g., processors, displays, practice workpieces, welding tool(s), sensor(s), etc). 
     Limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with the present disclosure as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to weld training simulations using mobile devices, modular workpieces, and simulated welding equipment, substantially as illustrated by and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, and as set forth in the claims. 
     These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present disclosure, as well as details of an illustrated example thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1   a    depicts an example weld training system, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  1   b    depicts another example weld training system, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram showing example components of a mobile device of the weld training system of  FIG.  1   a   , in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a flowchart illustrating an example welding simulation program of the example weld training system of  FIG.  1   a - 1   b   , in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  4   a    depicts an example mobile device display during a normal operation of the example welding simulation program of  FIG.  3   , in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  4   b    depicts an example mobile device display during a tool-less operation of the example welding simulation program of  FIG.  3   , in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  4   c    depicts an example mobile device mounted to an example welding tool during a helmet-less operation of the example welding simulation program of  FIG.  3   , in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIGS.  4   d - 4   f    depict an example mobile device display showing an options panel and example previews of the impact of certain selected options during the example welding simulation program of  FIG.  3   , in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a flowchart illustrating an example temperature detection process, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a flowchart illustrating an example orientation configuration process, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIGS.  7   a - 7   b    illustrate different perspectives of an example welding tool, as may be captured by a camera sensor of the mobile device of  FIG.  2    when the mobile device is mounted in different orientations, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    is a flowchart illustrating an example workpiece configuration process, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIGS.  9   a - 9   f    depict example modular workpieces that may be used with the example weld training systems of FIGS.  a - 1   b , in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIGS.  10   a - 10   f    depict example workpiece assemblies constructed from some of the modular workpieces of  FIGS.  9   a - 9   f   , in accordance with aspect of this disclosure. 
         FIGS.  11   a - 11   b    depicts an example fixturing system of the example weld training systems of FIGS.  a - 1   b , in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  11   c    depicts an example of an alternative fixture system that may be used with the example weld training systems of FIGS.  a - 1   b , in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    is a flowchart illustrating an example equipment configuration process, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    depicts an example simulated equipment interface that may be displayed during operation of the example equipment configuration process of  FIG.  12   , in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  14    depicts example piece of welding equipment with an actual equipment interface that may be used as a basis for the simulated equipment interface of  FIG.  13   , in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The figures are not necessarily to scale. Where appropriate, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the figures to refer to similar or identical elements. For example, reference numerals utilizing lettering (e.g., workpiece  900   a , workpiece  900   b ) refer to instances of the same reference numeral that does not have the lettering (e.g., workpieces  900 ). 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some examples of the present disclosure relate to simulating (e.g., via augmented, mixed, and/or virtual reality) joining operations (e.g., welding, brazing, adhesive bonding, and/or other joining operations). While the following disclosure sometimes refers to welding and/or weld training as a shorthand, the disclosure is equally applicable to other joining operations. 
     Some example of the present disclosure relate to using mobile devices (e.g., smartphone, tablet, personal digital assistant, electronic book reader, ipod, etc.) for conducting welding simulations, such as for purposes of training. In some examples, it may be advantageous to use mobile devices due to their availability, relative affordability, and/or technical power. The disclosure further contemplates automatically detecting whether an orientation of the mobile device is proper for the simulation, and notifying the user if not. 
     The present disclosure additionally contemplates using modular workpieces for conducting welding simulations. In some examples, the modular workpieces may be configured to tool-lessly connect to, and/or disconnect from, other modular workpieces to form various workpiece assemblies. In some examples, tool-less connectors may be advantageous because they can be easily connected to and/or engaged with other connectors without the need for auxiliary tools (e.g., screwdrivers, hammers, etc.). Tool-less connectors may also be advantageous over adhesives, as the tool-less connectors may be continually connected, disconnected, and reconnected with negligible change to their effectiveness, unlike adhesives. In some examples, the welding simulation may further be configured to recognize different joints formed by the modular workpieces, and conduct the welding simulation accordingly. 
     The present disclosure further contemplates using simulated equipment interfaces that replicate the appearance of actual equipment interfaces of actual welding-type equipment. In some examples, this replication may help orient a user who is already familiar with a particular piece of welding-type equipment and/or its actual equipment interface, thereby making them more comfortable with the welding simulation. In some examples, the replication may help users who are unfamiliar with a particular piece of welding-type equipment become familiar with the welding-type equipment (and/or its interface). Additionally, the present disclosure contemplates simulating certain welding effects in accordance with the way the effects might occur in the real world when real welding is performed using the real world welding-type equipment. 
     Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a mock workpiece for use with a mobile electronic device conducting a welding simulation, comprising: an object comprising: a marker configured for recognition or detection by the mobile device; and a connector configured for tool-less connection to a complementary connector of a complementary mock workpiece. 
     In some examples, the connector comprises a magnet, a hook fastener, a loop fastener, a snap fastener, a button, a clamping fastener, a prong, a stud, or a socket. In some examples, the connector comprises an array of connectors positioned along an edge or middle of the object. In some examples, the array of connectors are arranged asymmetrically in a poka yoke configuration to prevent incorrect connection to the complementary connector. 
     In some examples, the marker is positioned over the connector, hiding the connector. In some examples, the connection of the connector and complementary connector creates a joint at an intersection of the mock workpiece and the complementary mock workpiece, the joint comprising a lap joint, a butt joint, a corner joint, a T joint, an edge joint, or a pipe joint. In some examples, the connector is further configured for removable connection to a complementary connector of a fixturing system. 
     Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a weld training system, comprising: a first workpiece having a first connector; a second workpiece having a second connector configured to tool-lessly engage the first connector to secure the first workpiece to the second workpiece; and a mobile electronic device configured to conduct a weld training simulation, the mobile electronic device comprising: a sensor configured to detect data relating to the first workpiece and second workpiece, processing circuitry, and memory circuitry comprising computer readable instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to: determine a spatial relationship between the first workpiece and the second workpiece based on the data detected by the sensor. 
     In some examples, the spatial relationship comprises a type of joint defined by an intersection of the first workpiece and second workpiece, the type of joint comprising a lap joint, a butt joint, a corner joint, a T joint, an edge joint, or a pipe joint. In some examples, the memory circuitry further comprises computer readable instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to output a notification in response to determining the spatial relationship is different than an expected spatial relationship. In some examples, the notification comprises instructions for transitioning from the spatial relationship determined by the processing circuitry to the expected spatial relationship. 
     In some examples, the expected spatial relationship is based on a parameter of the weld training simulation, the parameter comprising a selected exercise, a selected part, or a selected joint type. In some examples, the memory circuitry further comprises computer readable instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to determine a training score based on a difference between the spatial relationship determined by the processing circuitry and the expected spatial relationship. In some examples, the memory circuitry further comprises computer readable instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to conduct the weld training simulation based on the spatial relationship of the first workpiece and second workpiece. 
     Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a mock workpiece assembly for use with a mobile electronic device conducting a welding simulation, comprising: a first mock workpiece, comprising: a first marker configured for recognition or detection by the mobile electronic device, and a first connector; and a second mock workpiece comprising: a second marker configured for recognition or detection by the mobile electronic device, a second connector configured for tool-less connection to the first connector in a first joint arrangement, and a third connector configured for tool-less connection to the first connector in a second joint arrangement that is different than the first joint arrangement. 
     In some examples, the first connector, second connector, and third connector comprise a first connector array, second connector array, and third connector array, respectively. In some examples, the first joint arrangement or second joint arrangement comprise a lap joint, a butt joint, a corner joint, a T joint, or an edge joint. In some examples, the second connector and third connector are further configured for tool-less disconnection from the first connector. In some examples, the first connector, second connector, or third connector comprises a magnet, a hook fastener, a loop fastener, a snap fastener, a button, a clamping fastener, a prong, a stud, or a socket. In some examples, the mock workpiece assembly further comprises a third mock workpiece comprising: a third marker configured for recognition or detection by the mobile electronic device, and a fourth connector configured for tool-less connection to the first connector in a third joint arrangement. 
     Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a mock workpiece for use with a desktop electronic device conducting a welding simulation, comprising: an object comprising: a marker configured for recognition or detection by the desktop electronic device; and a connector configured for tool-less connection to a complementary connector of a complementary mock workpiece. 
     In some examples, the connector comprises a magnet, a hook fastener, a loop fastener, a snap fastener, a button, a clamping fastener, a prong, a stud, or a socket. In some examples, the connector comprises an array of connectors positioned along an edge or middle of the object. In some examples, the array of connectors are arranged asymmetrically in a poka yoke configuration to prevent incorrect connection to the complementary connector. 
     In some examples, the marker is positioned over the connector, hiding the connector. In some examples, the connection of the connector and complementary connector creates a joint at an intersection of the mock workpiece and the complementary mock workpiece, the joint comprising a lap joint, a butt joint, a corner joint, a T joint, an edge joint, or a pipe joint. In some examples, the connector is further configured for removable connection to a complementary connector of a fixturing system. 
     Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a weld training system, comprising: a first workpiece having a first connector; a second workpiece having a second connector configured to tool-lessly engage the first connector to secure the first workpiece to the second workpiece; and a desktop electronic device configured to conduct a weld training simulation, the desktop electronic device comprising: a sensor configured to detect data relating to the first workpiece and second workpiece, processing circuitry, and memory circuitry comprising computer readable instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to: determine a spatial relationship between the first workpiece and the second workpiece based on the data detected by the sensor. 
     In some examples, the spatial relationship comprises a type of joint defined by an intersection of the first workpiece and second workpiece, the type of joint comprising a lap joint, a butt joint, a corner joint, a T joint, an edge joint, or a pipe joint. In some examples, the memory circuitry further comprises computer readable instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to output a notification in response to determining the spatial relationship is different than an expected spatial relationship. In some examples, the notification comprises instructions for transitioning from the spatial relationship determined by the processing circuitry to the expected spatial relationship. 
     In some examples, the expected spatial relationship is based on a parameter of the weld training simulation, the parameter comprising a selected exercise, a selected part, or a selected joint type. In some examples, the memory circuitry further comprises computer readable instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to determine a training score based on a difference between the spatial relationship determined by the processing circuitry and the expected spatial relationship. In some examples, the memory circuitry further comprises computer readable instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to conduct the weld training simulation based on the spatial relationship of the first workpiece and second workpiece. 
     Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a mock workpiece assembly for use with a desktop electronic device conducting a welding simulation, comprising: a first mock workpiece, comprising: a first marker configured for recognition or detection by the mobile electronic device, and a first connector; and a second mock workpiece comprising: a second marker configured for recognition or detection by the desktop electronic device, a second connector configured for tool-less connection to the first connector in a first joint arrangement, and a third connector configured for tool-less connection to the first connector in a second joint arrangement that is different than the first joint arrangement. 
     In some examples, the first connector, second connector, and third connector comprise a first connector array, second connector array, and third connector array, respectively. In some examples, the first joint arrangement or second joint arrangement comprise a lap joint, a butt joint, a corner joint, a T joint, or an edge joint. In some examples, the second connector and third connector are further configured for tool-less disconnection from the first connector. In some examples, the first connector, second connector, or third connector comprises a magnet, a hook fastener, a loop fastener, a snap fastener, a button, a clamping fastener, a prong, a stud, or a socket. In some examples, the mock workpiece assembly further comprises a third mock workpiece comprising: a third marker configured for recognition or detection by the desktop electronic device, and a fourth connector configured for tool-less connection to the first connector in a third joint arrangement. 
       FIG.  1   a    shows an example weld training system  100   a . The weld training system  100   a  includes a mobile device  200  retained by a device mount  102  secured to a welding helmet shell  104 . In some examples, the device mount  102  may be considered part of the mobile device  200 . As shown, the device mount  102  includes two mounted sensors  106 . In some examples, the device mount  102  may include more or less mounted sensors  106 . In some examples, the mounted sensors  106  may include, for example, one or more temperature sensors, accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, proximity sensors, pressure sensors, light sensors, motion sensors, position sensors, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, Bluetooth sensors, and/or near field communication (NFC) sensors. 
     In the example of  FIG.  1   a   , the mobile device  200  includes one or more camera sensors  208 . While only one camera sensor  208  is shown in the example of  FIG.  1   a    for the sake of simplicity, in some examples, the mobile device  200  may include several camera sensors  208 . The mobile device  200  also includes mobile sensors  206 , as further discussed below with respect to  FIG.  2   . In the example of  FIG.  1   a   , the one or more camera sensors  208  have a field of view (FOV)  108  that is unobstructed by the device mount  102  and welding helmet shell  104 . As shown, the device mount  102  includes multiple apertures  110 , such that the camera sensor(s)  208  may have an unobstructed FOV  108  in multiple different orientations. The mobile device  200  further includes several lights  202 . In some examples, one or more of the lights  202  may help illuminate the FOV  108 . 
     While the device mount  102  is shown as a clamshell case in the example of  FIG.  1   a    for ease of illustration, in some examples, the device mount  102  may instead comprise an elastic webbing with a multitude of apertures  110 . In some examples, the device mount  102  and/or helmet shell  104  may be configured such as shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/694,937, entitled “SYSTEMS FOR SIMULATING JOINING OPERATIONS USING MOBILE DEVICES,” filed Nov. 25, 2019, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Though not shown in  FIG.  1   a   , in some examples, the device mount  102  and welding helmet shell  104  may be configured such that the mobile device  200  may be retained with a display screen  204  of the mobile device  200  visible to a wearer of the welding helmet shell  104 . In some examples, the mobile device may instead be retained by goggles and/or some sort of head mounted wearable. In some examples, the device mount  102  may be secured to a different type of helmet shell  104  and/or headwear. 
     In some examples, the device mount  102  may be removably secured such that the device mount  102  may be toollessly separated from one helmet shell  104  and then toollessly secured to a different helmet shell  104 . In some examples, the device mount  102  may be configured for attachment to the helmet shell  104  in multiple different orientations (e.g., left and right landscape orientations). In such an example, the orientation of the mobile device  200  may be adjusted by adjusting the attachment orientation of the device mount  102  to the helmet shell  104 . 
       FIG.  1   b    shows another example weld training system  100   b . The weld training system  100   b  is similar to the weld training system  100   a , except that the weld training system  100   b  includes a desktop device  250  instead of a mobile device  200 . In some examples, the desktop device  250  may be a desktop computer (and/or similar computing apparatus) housed in a welding power supply façade. As shown, the desktop device  250  is a separate apparatus that is connected to the helmet shell  104  via cable  252  rather than mounted to helmet shell  104  via device mount  102  like the mobile device  200 . While one cable  252  is shown in the example of  FIG.  1   b   , in some examples, the cable  252  may be a bundle of several different cables (e.g., to route power, communications signals, etc.) While not shown in the example of  FIG.  1   b   , in some examples, the desktop device  250  may be connected to mains power, such as through one or more power cables. 
     In the example of  FIG.  1   b   , the desktop device  250  includes a display screen  204  on a housing of the desktop device  250 , as well as a display screen  204  mounted to an interior of the helmet shell  104 , where it is viewable by an operator wearing the helmet shell  104 . Additionally, the mounted sensors  106  are mounted to the helmet shell  104  directly rather than through the device mount  102 . Further, the camera sensor(s)  208  and lights  202  are mounted to the helmet shell  104 . In some examples, the desktop device  250  may power and/or communicate with the devices mounted to the helmet shell  104  through cable  252 . In some examples, the helmet shell  104  may be considered part of the desktop device  250 . 
     While the below disclosure focuses on the mobile device  200  of  FIG.  1   a   , in some examples, some or all of the disclosure pertaining to the mobile device  200  may pertain equally to the desktop device  250 . For example, content disclosed as being displayed on the display screen  204  of the mobile device  200  may, in some examples, instead (or additionally) be displayed on the display screen(s)  204  of the desktop device  250 . As another example, various components depicted and/or described as being part of the mobile device  200  (e.g., with respect to  FIG.  2   ) may, in some examples, instead (or additionally) be part of the desktop device  250 . 
     In the examples of FIGS.  a - 1   b , a welding tool  700  and a workpiece assembly  1000  are in the FOV  108  of the camera sensor(s)  208  of the mobile device  200 . As shown, the workpiece assembly  1000  comprises two workpieces  900  connected together, as further discussed below. Both workpieces  900  of the workpiece assembly  1000  include markers  112 . As shown, the workpiece assembly  1000  is retained by a fixturing system  1100 , as further discussed below. 
     In the examples of FIGS.  a - 1   b , the welding tool  700  is a welding torch or gun, such as a torch or gun configured for gas metal arc welding (GMAW). In some examples, the welding tool  700  may be an electrode holder (i.e., stinger) configured for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). In some examples, the welding tool  700  may comprise a torch and/or filler rod configured for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). In some examples, the welding tool  700  may comprise a gun configured for flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). 
     In the examples of FIGS.  a - 1   b , the welding tool  700  includes markers  112  disposed on its nozzle  702 . As shown, the welding tool  700  also includes a handle  704  having a trigger  706 . A gooseneck  708  that leads to the nozzle  702  is attached to one end of the handle  704 , while a communication module  710  is attached to the opposite end of the handle  704 . In some examples, the communication module  710  may include communication circuitry configured for communication with communication circuitry  210  of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the welding tool  700  and/or communication module  710  may include one or more audio, visual, and/or vibration devices. In some examples, the communication module  710  may be configured to send one or more signals to the mobile device  200  when the trigger  706  is activated. 
     In some examples, the welding tool  700  may include markers  112  on other portions of the welding tool  700  (e.g., handle  704 , gooseneck  708 , communication module  710 , and/or trigger  706 ). While shown as pattern markers in the example of FIGS.  a - 1   b , in some examples, the markers  112  (both on the welding tool  700  and/or workpiece(s)  900 ) may instead be reflectors, light emitting markers (e.g., LEDs), ultrasonic emitters, electromagnetic emitters, and/or other types of active and/or passive markers. In some examples, the markers  112  may be permanently affixed to, imprinted on, embedded in, and/or removably connected to the welding tool  700  and/or workpiece(s)  900 . In some examples, each marker  112  may be uniquely recognizable when alone and/or when arranged with other markers  112  such that a particular combination and/or configuration of markers  112  are uniquely recognizable. 
     In some examples, the mobile device  200  may capture sensor data (e.g., images) relating to the welding tool  700  and/or workpiece(s)  900 . In some examples, the mobile device  200  may determine a position, orientation, motion, configuration, and/or other characteristic(s) of the welding tool  700  and/or workpiece(s)  900  based on an analysis of the sensor data. In some examples, the markers  112  may assist in this analysis. For example, one or more characteristics of the markers  112  may be recognized and/or interpreted to help determine the position, orientation, motion, configuration, and/or other characteristic of the welding tool  700  and/or workpiece(s)  900 . In some examples, the mobile device  200  may be configured to conduct a welding simulation using the sensor data, and/or positions, orientations, motions, configurations, and/or other characteristics of the welding tool  700  and/or workpiece(s)  900 . In some examples, image recognition techniques may be utilized in recognizing and/or interpreting the markers  112 , welding tool  700 , and/or workpiece(s)  900 . In some examples, the welding tool  700  and/or workpiece(s)  900  may be markerless, and the weld training system  100  may user markerless techniques to determine position, orientation, configuration, and/or other characteristics of the welding tool  700  and/or workpiece(s)  900 . 
     In the examples of FIG.  a - 1   b , the weld training system  100  further includes one or more remote servers  114  and one or more remote displays  116 . As shown, the mobile device  200  is in communication with the one or more remote servers  114  and one or more remote displays  116 , such as through communication circuitry  210  of the mobile device  200 , for example. In some examples, the mobile device  200  may be in communication with the one or more remote servers  114  and one or more remote displays  116  through a network (e.g., a local area network, wide area network, the internet, etc.). In some examples, the mobile device  200  may be configured to upload and/or download data (e.g., simulation and/or training data) to/from the remote display(s)  116  and/or remote server(s)  114 . In some examples, the remote display(s)  116  may be configured to display a mirror image (and/or similar image) of the display screen  204  of the mobile device  200 . While shown as separate in the examples of  FIGS.  1   a - 1   b   , in some examples, one or more of the remote servers  114  and/or remote displays  116  may be in proximity to, interconnected with, and/or in communication with one another. 
       FIG.  2    is a block diagram showing example components of the mobile device  200 . As shown, the mobile device  200  includes several components in electrical communication with one another via a common electrical bus  201 . In particular, the mobile device  200  includes one or more data ports  212 , speakers  214 , lights  202 , other output devices  216  (e.g., vibration devices), input devices  218 , camera sensors  208 , and/or other mobile sensors  206 . The mobile device  200  further includes communication circuitry  210 , audio circuitry  220 , processing circuitry  222 , graphics circuitry  224 , memory circuitry  226 , and a display screen  204 . 
     In some examples, the components of the mobile device  200  may reside on one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) and/or flex circuits. While not shown in the example of  FIG.  2    for the sake of simplicity, in some examples the mobile device  200  may further include a power source in electrical communication with, and/or configured to supply power to, the various components of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the display screen  204  may be a touch screen configured to detect and/or receive touch based input (e.g., via capacitive, acoustic, inductive, and/or resistive touchscreen sensors). In some examples, the input devices  218  may include, for example, one or more touchscreen elements, microphones, physical buttons, gesture controls, biometric sensors, and/or other types of input devices that generate electric signals in response to user input. 
     In some examples, the camera sensor(s)  208  may include one or more adjustable lenses, filters, and/or other optical components for capturing electromagnetic waves in one or more spectra, such as, for example, infrared, visible, and/or ultraviolet. In some examples, two or more of the camera sensors  208  may implement stereoscopic tracking and/or capture stereoscopic images. In some examples, one or more of the camera sensors  208  and one or more of the mounted sensors  106  may implement stereoscopic tracking and/or capture stereoscopic images. In some examples, one or more of the other mobile sensors  206  may comprise temperature sensors, accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, proximity sensors, pressure sensors, light sensors, motion sensors, position sensors, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, Bluetooth sensors, and/or near field communication (NFC) sensors. 
     In some examples, the communication circuitry  210  may be configured for wireless communication with the communication module  710  of the welding tool  700 , remote server(s)  114 , and/or remote display(s)  116  via one or more wireless communication protocols. For example, the one or more wireless communication protocols may include NFC protocols, cellular protocols (e.g., GSM, IS-95, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, etc.), IEEE 802.15.4 based protocols in the 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) radio band (commonly known as Zigbee), low frequency magnetic signal protocols being transmitted at a frequency of approximately 131-134 kHz in conformance with IEEE 1902.1 standard (commonly known as Rubee), short wavelength ultra high frequency radio communication protocols in the 2.400 to 2.485 GHz ISM band in conformance with IEEE 802.15.1 standard (commonly known as Bluetooth), communication protocols in conformance with the IEEE 802.11 standard (commonly known as Wifi), and/or other appropriate communication protocols. Though not shown in the example of  FIG.  2   , in some examples, the communication circuitry  210  may be in electrical communication with an antenna of the mobile device  200 . 
     In some examples, the audio circuitry  220  may include circuitry configured to drive the one or more speakers  214 . In some examples, the graphics circuitry  224  may include one or more graphical processing units (GPUs), graphical driver circuitry, and/or circuitry configured to drive graphical display on the display screen  204 . In some examples, the graphics circuitry  224  may be configured to generate one or more simulation (e.g., augmented reality, mixed reality, and/or virtual reality) images on the display screen  204  during a welding simulation. 
     In some examples, the processing circuitry  222  may include one or more processors. In the example of  FIG.  2   , the memory circuitry  226  includes (and/or stores) a welding simulation program  300 . As shown, the welding simulation program  300  includes a temperature detection process  500 , an orientation configuration process  600 , a workpiece configuration process  800 , and an equipment configuration process  1200 . In some examples, the temperature detection process  500 , orientation configuration process  600 , workpiece configuration process  800 , and/or equipment configuration process  1200  may be separate from the welding simulation program  300 . In some examples, the welding simulation program  300  may comprise machine readable instructions configured to be executed by the processing circuitry  222 . 
       FIG.  3    is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the welding simulation program  300 . In the example of  FIG.  3   , the welding simulation program  300  begins at block  302 . At block  302 , certain simulation parameters of the simulation program  300  are configured and/or selected during a preliminary configuration. The simulation parameters may include, for example, one or more simulation exercises, joint types, tutorial settings, goals, difficulty settings, feedback settings, realism settings, sensor settings, lighting settings, input device settings, output device settings, communication settings, simulation modes, fixture parameters, equipment types, equipment parameters, thresholds, product credentials, user credentials, user characteristics, upload settings, screen mirroring settings, marking parameters, and/or other appropriate settings and/or parameters. In some examples, the simulation program  300  may conduct a welding simulation based, at least in part, on some or all of these simulation parameters. 
     In some examples, a simulation exercise may comprise a predefined activity, test, and/or task for a user to complete during a welding simulation. In some examples, a simulation exercise may be automatically determined and/or selected by the simulation program  300 , such as, for example, based on a selected/determined joint type and/or other simulation parameter. In some examples, a simulation exercise may be a freeform exercise, where there is no predefined task, and a user is instead given free reign to weld in whatever manner they wish. 
     In some examples, a joint type may comprise a type of joint defined by an intersection of two workpieces  900  in a workpiece assembly  1000 . In some examples, a joint type may comprise, for example, a lap joint, a butt joint, a corner joint, a T joint, an edge joint, and/or a pipe joint. In some examples, a joint type may be automatically determined and/or selected by the simulation program  300 , such as, for example, based on sensor data, a selected simulation exercise, and/or some other simulation parameter. 
     In some examples, a tutorial may be an audio, pictorial, and/or video tutorial that is output to a user through appropriate mechanisms of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, a selected tutorial may be output prior to and/or during a welding simulation. In some examples, a tutorial may be interactive, requiring some input from user to complete. In some examples, a tutorial may be automatically determined and/or selected by the simulation program  300 , such as, for example, based on a selected/determined exercise, joint type, goal, difficulty, feedback, realism, and/or other simulation parameters. 
     In some examples, a goal may be an objective and/or target grade and/or score for a user to achieve during a welding simulation. In some examples, the goal may be automatically determined and/or selected by the simulation program  300 , such as, for example, based on a selected/determined exercise, joint type, difficulty, realism, mode, and/or other simulation parameter(s). In some examples, a difficulty (e.g., very easy, easy, normal, hard, very hard, etc.) may refer to how ambitious a goal may be, and/or how strict and/or stringent may be the scoring of the welding simulation. In some examples, the difficulty may be automatically determined and/or selected by the simulation program  300 , such as, for example, based on a selected/determined exercise, realism, mode, and/or other simulation parameter(s). 
     In some examples, a feedback setting may indicate the means by which feedback should be provided to a user during the welding simulation. For example, feedback may be provided through audio, visual, vibration, and/or other means. In some examples, a feedback setting may indicate how much and/or how little feedback should be provided to the user during the welding simulation. For example, feedback may be provided with respect to all or some equipment parameters and/or welding technique parameters (e.g., tool angle, tool aim, tool speed, tool position, contact tip to work distance, workpiece position, workpiece orientation, workpiece configuration, equipment parameters, etc.). In some examples, a feedback setting may allow suppression of feedback with respect to some or all equipment parameters and/or welding technique parameters. In some examples, a feedback setting may allow suppression of feedback with respect to all but one equipment parameter and/or welding technique parameter. In some examples, a feedback setting may be automatically determined and/or selected by the simulation program  300 , such as, for example, based on a selected/determined simulation exercise, joint type, tutorial, goal, difficulty, realism, and/or other appropriate simulation settings and/or parameters. 
     In some examples, a realism setting (e.g., low, medium, high, etc.) may indicate how close to reality the welding simulation attempts to adhere. For example, the welding simulation may simulate or omit certain things that sometimes occur during real life welding (e.g., sounds, smoke, fumes, lights, vibrations, resistance, anomalies, impurities, burn through, etc.) based on a realism setting. In some examples, the realism setting may impact certain performance quality settings (e.g., of the display screen  204 , graphics circuitry  224 , etc.). In some examples, a realism setting may be automatically determined and/or selected by the simulation program  300 , such as, for example, based on a selected/determined simulation exercise, goal, difficulty, and/or other appropriate simulation settings and/or parameters. 
     In some examples, sensor settings may be settings pertaining to the camera sensor(s)  208  and/or mobile sensors  206  of the mobile device  200 , and/or the mounted sensors  106  of the device mount  102 . In some examples, sensor settings may include autofocus and/or auto-tracking settings of the camera sensor(s)  208 . In some examples, sensor settings may include a calibration of one or more of the camera sensors  208  and/or mobile sensors  206  (e.g., accelerometers and/or gyroscopes). In some examples, lighting settings may include settings pertaining to the lights  202  of the mobile device, such as, for example, brightness, intensity, when to be on/off, how long to stay on/off, and/or other appropriate settings. In some examples, certain lighting settings may be automatically determined and/or selected by the simulation program  300 , such as, for example, based on a selected/determined simulation exercise, goal, difficulty, realism, and/or other appropriate settings and/or parameters. 
     In some examples, input and/or output device settings may be settings pertaining to the input and/or output devices of the mobile device  200  (e.g., input devices  218 , display screen  204 , speaker(s)  214 , etc.). For example, an input device setting may turn on/off a microphone and/or touch screen sensitivity of the display screen  204 . As another example, an output device setting may be a volume of the speaker  214  and/or a brightness, color, resolution, and/or graphics quality of the display screen  204 . In some examples, certain input and/or output device settings may be automatically determined and/or selected by the simulation program  300 , such as, for example, based on a selected/determined exercise, tutorial, mode, feedback, realism, and/or other appropriate settings and/or parameters. 
     In some examples, communication settings may be settings pertaining to the communication circuitry  210  of the mobile device  200 . For example, the communication settings may control and/or impact the connection between the mobile device  200  and the communication module  710  of the welding tool  700 , the remote server(s)  114 , and/or the remote display(s)  116 . For example, the communication settings may control and/or impact the communication protocols used by the mobile device  200  to communicate with the communication module  710  of the welding tool  700 , the remote server(s)  114 , and/or the remote display(s)  116 . In some examples, the communication settings may include a unique identifier of the communication module  710  and/or welding tool  700 , to enable communication between the mobile device  200  and welding tool  700 . 
     In some examples, simulation modes may set different modes of operation for the welding simulation. For example, selecting a normal mode of operation may lead to a normal simulation that overlays simulation images onto the welding tool  700 , workpiece assemblies  1000 , and/or other objects in the FOV  108  of the user (e.g., via the mobile device  200 ) when wearing the welding helmet shell  104 .  FIG.  4   a    shows an example of a display screen  204  of a mobile device  200  during a normal mode of operation. 
     In some examples, selecting a tool-less mode of operation may lead to a more simplified welding simulation that does not use the welding tool  700  and/or workpieces  900 . Instead of using a welding tool  700 , in some examples, a user may use their finger(s) and/or stylus to deliver touch screen inputs and/or perform the welding simulation during a tool-less mode of operation.  FIG.  4   b    shows an example of a display screen  204  of a mobile device  200  during a tool-less mode of operation. 
     In some examples, selecting a helmet-less mode of operation may configure the welding simulation program  300  for operation without a helmet shell  104 . In such an example, the mobile device  200  may be secured to the welding tool  700  instead of the helmet shell  104 , such as via the device mount  102  and/or a torch mount  450 .  FIG.  4   c    shows an example of the mobile device  200  mounted to the welding tool  700  during a helmet-less mode of operation. In some examples, a simulation mode may be automatically determined and/or selected by the simulation program  300 , such as, for example, based on a selected/determined exercise, realism, communication settings, and/or other appropriate simulated settings and/or parameters. 
     In some examples, a fixture parameter may be a location, configuration, and/or orientation of the fixturing system  1100 . In some examples, one or more fixture parameters may be automatically determined and/or selected by the simulation program  300  via a calibration process. In some examples, an equipment type may include a type and/or model of a welding tool  700 , a welding power supply, a wire feeder, a gas supply, and/or a gas valve. In some examples, an equipment parameter may be a parameter of a piece of welding-type equipment (e.g., power supply, gas supply valve, wire feeder, welding tool  700 , etc.). Examples of equipment parameters include a welding process, current, voltage, pulse frequency, wire type, wire diameter, wire feed speed, pressure, workpiece material type, and/or workpiece material thickness. In some examples, a threshold may be an upper or lower limit on some parameter, such as, for example, a temperature and/or remaining power of the mobile device  200 . 
     In some examples, a product credential may be a unique identifier (e.g., serial number) of the weld training system  100  and/or a component of the weld training system  100  (e.g., mobile device  200 , simulation program  300 , helmet shell  103 , torch  700 , etc.). In some examples, a user credential may be a username, unique identifier, and/or password of a user. In some examples, product credentials and/or user credentials may be sent to and/or verified by the remote server(s)  114 . 
     In some examples, user characteristics may include, for example, one or more preferred simulation parameters, dominant hand, height, experience, qualifications, completed exercises, assigned exercises, scores, and/or other characteristics of a user. In some examples, user characteristics may be received by the mobile device  200  from the remote server(s)  114 , such as in response to sending user credentials. In some examples, upload settings may include information pertaining to what, when, where, and/or how the simulation program  300  should upload data to the remote server(s)  114 . In some examples, screen mirroring settings may include information pertaining to what, when, where, and/or how the simulation program  300  should send to and/or display on the remote display(s)  116 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  3   , the simulation program  300  proceeds to block  304  after block  302 . At block  304 , the simulation program  300  determines whether or not to conduct the welding simulation. In some examples, this determination may be based on user input (e.g., selecting to begin simulation), a detected configuration of the workpieces  900  and/or welding tool  700 , a timer, and/or some other appropriate consideration. For example, the simulation program  300  may prompt the user (e.g., via display screen  204  and/or speakers  214 ) to hold the trigger  706  for a certain length of time, touch an icon displayed on the screen  204 , and/or provide some other input to begin conducting the welding simulation. As shown, the simulation program  300  proceeds to block  306  if the simulation program determines that the simulation should not yet begin. At block  306  the simulation program  300  either decides to return to block  302  or end the simulation program  300  (e.g., based on a user input to end and/or exit program and/or some other appropriate consideration). 
     In the example of  FIG.  3   , the simulation program  300  proceeds to block  308  after block  304  in response to a determination that a welding simulation should be conducted. In some examples, the simulation program  300  may provide instructions (e.g., via display screen  204  and/or speakers  214 ) as to how to setup the weld training system  100  for the simulation prior to actually beginning the simulation at block  308 . For example, the simulation program  300  may output instructions (and/or guidance) as to how to secure the mobile device  200  to the helmet shell  104  and/or torch  700 , and/or how to configure the workpiece(s)  900  prior to actually beginning the simulation at block  308 . In some examples, the instructions may be in the form of one or more images, videos, animations, and/or auditory messages. 
     In some examples, the instructions (and/or guidance) may be tailored to the user and/or simulation using one or more parameters of the simulation program  300 . For example, the simulation program  300  may output instructions (and/or guidance) as to how to secure the mobile device  200  to the helmet shell  104  in a normal mode of operation, and output instructions (and/or guidance) as to how to secure the mobile device  200  to the torch  700  in a helmet-less mode of operation. In some examples, instructions (and/or guidance) as to how to secure the mobile device  200  to the helmet shell  104  and/or torch  700  may only be provided if the user selects the icon displayed on the screen  204  to start the simulation  300  at block  306 . 
     At block  308 , the simulation program  300  captures sensor data via the camera sensor(s)  208 , mobile sensors  206 , and/or mounted sensors  106 . For example, image, audio, thermal, position, movement, angle, and/or other data may be captured. Additionally, at block  308 , the simulation program  300  captures data from the welding tool  700 . In some examples, this may comprise receiving one or more signals from the communication module  710  of the welding tool  700 . In some examples, the communication module  710  may be in electrical and/or mechanical communication with the trigger  706  of the welding tool  700 , and/or send one or more signals indicative of the whether the trigger  706  has been and/or is being activated. In some examples, the simulation program  300  may additionally, or alternatively, determine whether the trigger has been and/or is being activated via an analysis of the sensor data (e.g., distance between and/or presence of certain markers  112 ). Finally, at block  308 , the simulation program  300  captures input data from the input devices  218  and/or display screen  204  of the mobile device  200 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  3   , the simulation program  300  proceeds to block  310  after block  308 . At block  310 , the simulation program  300  analyzes data obtained at block  308  to determine positions and/or orientations of the welding tool  700 , workpiece(s)  900 , and/or one or more simulated welding tools  407  and/or simulated workpieces  410 . In some examples, the analysis may include analyzing sensor data to recognize markers  112  on the welding tool  700  and/or workpiece(s)  900  and determine the positions and/or orientations of those markers  112  relative to the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the analysis may include using image, acoustic, and/or thermal recognition techniques to identify objects proximate to and/or in the FOV  108  of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the analysis may take into account one or more of the simulation parameters of block  302 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  3   , the simulation program  300  proceeds to block  312  after block  310 . At block  312 , the simulation program  300  determines an impact to a score and/or grade of the user. For example, the user may start with a score of 0, 50, or 100, and/or a grade of F, C, or A, and the determined position and/or orientation of the welding tool  700  and/or workpiece(s)  900  may impact the grade and/or score. In some examples, the simulation program  300  may take into consideration one or more simulation parameters and/or welding technique parameters when determining the grade/score impact. For example, the simulation program  300  may determine how far from an expected position and/or orientation the welding tool  700  is when determining a score/grade impact. Further, the simulation program  300  may determine the expected position and/or orientation based on the simulation exercise and/or properties of the simulation exercise. As another example, the simulation program  300  may determine a degree to which a deviation and/or adherence to the expected position and/or orientation may impact the score/grade based on the difficulty and/or realism. 
     In the example of  FIG.  3   , the simulation program  300  further determines feedback at block  312 . For example, the simulation program  300  may determine what actions may be taken by the user to improve their score (e.g., change of equipment parameters, welding technique, position and/or orientation of the welding tool  700  and/or workpiece(s)  900 , etc.), and prepare feedback indicative of such actions. In some examples, the simulation program  300  may consider the position and/or orientation of the welding tool  700  and/or workpiece(s)  900  determined at block  310  when determining feedback. In some examples, the simulation program  300  may additionally, or alternatively, consider certain simulation parameters when determining feedback (e.g., the selected exercise, joint type, tutorial, goal, difficulty, feedback settings, mode, equipment type, equipment parameters, marking parameters, etc.). In some examples, feedback may be comprised of audio and/or visual output of the mobile device  200  and/or welding tool  700 . In some examples, feedback may be comprised of vibration output of the mobile device  200  and/or welding tool  700 . In some examples, feedback may be comprised of one or more simulated feedback effects. 
     In the example of  FIG.  3   , the simulation program  300  also determines one or more simulation effect and/or simulation effect properties at block  312 . For example, the simulation program  300  may determine positions, orientations, intensities, and/or other properties of one or more simulated welding effects, simulated feedback effects, simulated interface effects and/or other simulated effects. In some examples, simulated welding effects may include simulated welding arcs, weld puddles, weld beads, welding sounds, welding fumes, and/or vibrations. In some examples, simulated feedback effects may include vibrations, reticles, targets, guides, instructions, scores, grades, markings, and/or other appropriate audio, visual, and/or tactile effects. In some examples, the weld training system  100  may allow a user to add, edit, and/or delete simulated markings, such as described, for example, in U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/273,980, filed Feb. 12, 2019, and titled “VIRTUAL MARKINGS IN WELDING SYSTEMS,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In some examples, simulated interface effects may include simulated buttons, menus, and/or other appropriate audio, visual, and/or tactile effects that assist a user in controlling and/or interfacing with the configuration parameters and/or settings of the welding simulation. In some examples, other effects may include simulated material overlays (e.g., to make the welding tool  700  and/or workpiece(s)  900  appear more sturdy, heavy, metallic and/or realistic), buttons, instructions, markings, and/or other appropriate audio, visual, and/or tactile effects. 
     In some examples, certain properties of the simulated effects may be based, at least in part, on the simulation parameters. For example, the simulation program  300  may simulate certain welding effects (e.g., welding arcs, weld puddles, weld beads, welding sounds, welding fumes, vibration) differently depending on a type and/or model of welding-type equipment (e.g., welding-type power supply, wire feeder, gas supply, and/or welding tool  700 ) selected for the simulation, and/or the selected equipment parameters. In some examples, the simulation program  300  may configure effect properties to be similar to the properties of environmental effects that occur in the real world when welding using the selected equipment with the selected equipment parameters. This may provide a user with a welding experience that more closely adheres to a welding experience that they may experience in the real world using equipment they are familiar with and/or own. In some examples, the realism of the effects may also be impacted by a realism setting. 
     As another example, the simulation program  300  may simulate the properties of the feedback effects and/or other effects (e.g., reticles, targets, guides, instructions, markings) differently based on a selected exercise, joint type, tutorial, goal, difficulty, feedback setting, realism, mode, and/or marking setting. In some examples, different exercises and/or tutorials may entail welding at different locations with different equipment parameters and/or welding techniques. The simulation program  300  may simulate feedback effects differently to reflect this, such as, for example, by changing reticles, targets, guides, instructions, markings to indicate to the user the required and/or recommended equipment parameters, welding techniques, and/or positions, orientations, and/or configurations of the workpiece(s)  900  and/or welding tool  700 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  3   , the simulation program  300  proceeds to block  314  after block  312 . At block  314 , the simulation program  300  outputs the feedback, simulated effects, and/or grade/score to the user (e.g., via the mobile device  200  and/or welding tool  700 ). For example, in an augmented reality simulation, the graphics circuitry  224  (and/or other circuitry) and display screen  204  of the mobile device  200  may generate one or more images that overlay one or more grades/scores, feedback, and/or simulated effects onto one or more images of the user&#39;s FOV  108  (e.g., captured by the camera sensor(s)  208 , mounted sensors  106 , and/or mobile sensors  206 ). In a virtual reality simulation, the graphics circuitry  224  (and/or other circuitry) and display screen  204  of the mobile device  200  may generate one or more entirely simulated images that include a simulated welding environment, welding tool  700 , welding workpieces  900 , etc., along with one or more grades/scores, feedback, and/or simulated effects. In some examples, the feedback, simulated effects, and/or grade/score may be output to the user via audio and/or tactile output instead of, or in addition to, visual output. In some examples, the simulation program  300  may additionally output an option allowing the user to share an image and/or video of the welding simulation, their weld, their current view, their grade/score, and/or some other aspect of the welding simulation to a social media application. 
     In the example of  FIG.  3   , the simulation program  300  proceeds to block  316  after block  314 . At block  316 , the simulation program  300  determines whether the simulation should end or continue. In some examples, the simulation program  300  may make this determination based on whether a user has reached a selected goal and/or completed a selected exercise. In some examples, the determination may be based on whether a user has provided some input indicative of a desire and/or command to stop the simulation. If the simulation program  300  determines that the simulation should stop, the simulation program  300  proceeds to block  306 , which is discussed above. If the simulation program determines that the simulation should continue, the simulation program  300  returns to block  308 . 
     In some examples, the simulation program  300  may implement changes to the simulation configurations at block  316  if the simulation program  300  determines the simulation should continue. For example, the user may provide one or more inputs indicative of a desire and/or command to change one or more simulation configurations (e.g., exercise, equipment parameters, goals, difficulty, realism, etc.) during the welding simulation. As another example, the simulation program  300  may automatically decide to change one or more simulation parameters. In such examples, the simulation program  300  may implement those changes at block  316  if the simulation program  300  determines the simulation should continue, before returning to block  308 . 
       FIG.  4   a    depicts an example display screen  204  of the mobile device  200  during a normal operational mode of the simulation program  300 . As shown, the display screen  204  depicts a simulated welding tool  407  applying a simulated welding arc  402  to a simulated workpiece assembly  410  at an end of a simulated weld bead  404 . A simulated weld puddle  406  and simulated fumes  408  are produced by the simulated welding arc  402 . An arrow  418  is displayed to give the user feedback as to where they should be welding. A grade  411  and a score  412  are shown at the bottom of the display screen  204 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  4   a   , interface buttons  414  are shown at the top and bottom of the display screen  204 . In some examples, the buttons  414  may inform a user about, and/or allow a user to select and/or change, certain simulation configuration parameters. In some examples, a user may choose to end the welding simulation by selecting the “End” button  414 . In some examples, a user may choose to share one or more aspects of the welding simulation by selecting the “Share” button  414 . In some examples, the interface buttons  414  may be anchored to the workpiece(s)  900 , and/or a user may select one or more of the interface buttons (and/or provide other input) using the welding tool  700 , such as described, for example, in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/807,661, filed Feb. 19, 2019, and titled “SYSTEMS FOR SIMULATING JOINING OPERATIONS USING MOBILE DEVICES,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       FIG.  4   b    depicts an example display screen  204  of the mobile device  200  during a tool-less mode of the simulation program  300 . In some examples, the welding simulation program  300  may operate without a welding tool  700  during a tool-less mode of operation. Instead of using a welding tool  700 , in some examples, a user may use their finger(s) and/or stylus to deliver touch screen inputs and/or perform the welding simulation during a tool-less mode of operation. In the example of  FIG.  4   b   , a user&#39;s hand  416  is providing touch input to the display screen  204  to indicate where a simulated welding arc  402  should be applied to a simulated workpiece assembly  410 . In such an example, the simulation program  300  may capture touch input from the display screen  204  of the mobile device  200  at block  308  and use that input to determine positions and/or orientations of a simulated welding tool  407  at block  310 , and/or simulated effects at block  312 . 
     In some examples, different touch input may be interpreted differently by the simulation program  300 . For example, one finger input may be interpreted as a command to move the simulated welding tool to a selected portion of the display screen  204 . On the other hand, two finger input may be interpreted as a command to begin welding (e.g., activate the simulated welding tool  407 ), such as, for example, where the simulated welding tool  407  is already positioned, or at the selected portion of the display screen  204 . 
     In some examples, a user may hold the mobile device  200  in their hand, during a tool-less mode of operation, rather than the mobile device  200  being held by the mobile device mount  102 . In some examples, one or more physical workpieces  900  may still be used during the tool-less mode of operation. In some examples, no workpiece(s)  900  or workpiece assemblies  1000  may be used during the tool-less mode of operation, and the simulation program  300  may simply generate one or more simulated workpiece assemblies  410  on its own. 
       FIG.  4   c    is an example depiction of a mobile device  200  mounted to a welding tool  700  during a helmet-less mode of the simulation program  300 . In some examples, the simulation program  300  may operate without the helmet shell  104  during the helmet-less mode of operation. In some examples, mounting the mobile device  200  to the welding tool  700  may allow an operator to use the welding tool  700  and/or workpiece(s)  900  in a quasi-normal operation of the simulation program  300 , but without having to mount the mobile device  200  to a helmet shell  200  or having to hold the mobile device  200  themselves. 
     In the example of  FIG.  4   c   , the mobile device  200  is mounted to the welding tool  700  using a tool mount  450 . In some examples, the tool mount  450  may be similar (or identical) to the device mount  102 . In the example of  FIG.  4   c   , the tool mount  450  comprises a clamp  452  that secures the tool mount  450  to the welding tool  700 , and a cradle  454  having brackets  456  that holds the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the cradle  454  may be considered part of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the device mount  102  may be used as part or all of the cradle  454 . In some examples, the clamp  452  may comprise one or more magnets, adhesives, and/or other additional securement devices. In some examples, the clamp  452  of the tool mount  450  may be omitted and/or integrated into the welding tool  700  itself (e.g., at the handle  704 ). 
     While not shown due to the perspective of the drawing, in some examples, the cradle  454  may further include a base configured to support the mobile device  200 . While not shown due to the perspective of the drawing, in some examples, the cradle  454  (e.g., at the base) may be attached to the clamp  452  via a mechanical link. In some examples, the mechanical link may comprise a flexible cable, a gooseneck, an arm, a joint (e.g., a ball joint), a ratcheting mechanism, and/or other means by which to movably connect the cradle  454  to the clamp  452 . In some examples, the mechanical link is configured to allow the cradle  454  to be repositioned with respect to the clamp  452  and/or welding tool  700 , so that the position, orientation, and/or FOV  108  of the mobile device  200  may be adjusted. 
     In some examples, the simulation program  300  may provide a preview of the impact of certain feedback setting(s) and/or other simulation parameters. For example, the display screen  204  may show a preview  499  of feedback effects that might be shown during the simulation program  300  under the selected feedback setting(s). In some examples, such a preview  499  might be shown when setting and/or changing feedback settings and/or other simulation parameters (e.g., at blocks  302  and/or  316 ).  FIGS.  4   d - 4   f    show examples of such previews  499  shown on an example display screen  204  of the mobile device  200 . 
     In the examples of  FIGS.  4   d - 4   f   , the display screen  204  depicts an options panel  498  having several interface buttons  414 . Interface buttons  414   a ,  414   b ,  414   c , and  414   d  are feedback guide settings for work angle, travel angle, contact to work distance (CTWD), and travel speed guides, respectively. Interface buttons  414   e  and  414   f  correspond to simulation exercise settings for push and drag welds, respectively. Interface buttons  414   g  and  4141   h  correspond to user characteristic settings for right and left handedness, respectively. Interface button  414   i  allows a user to select all the guides. 
     In the example of  FIGS.  4   d - 4   f   , the display screen  204  also depicts a preview  499  above the options panel  498 . As shown, the preview  499  includes a depiction of a simulated welding tool  407 , along with sample guides  496   a ,  496   b ,  496   c , and  496   d . In some examples, each sample guide  496  corresponds to one of the feedback guide setting buttons  414   a ,  414   b ,  414   c , and  414   d . Thus, a particular sample guide  496  is shown in the preview  499  when its corresponding feedback guide setting button  414  is selected, and not shown in the preview  499  when its corresponding feedback guide setting button  414  is not selected. 
     In  FIG.  4   d   , all the feedback guide setting buttons  414   a ,  414   b ,  414   c , and  414   d  are shown as selected. Likewise, all the sample guides  496   a ,  496   b ,  496   c , and  496   d  are shown in the preview  499 . In  FIG.  4   e   , the work angle button  414   a  and travel speed button  414   d  have been deselected, while the travel angle button  414   b  and CTWD button  414   c  remain selected. Accordingly, the preview  499  depicts the sample guide  496   b  and sample guide  496   c , but not the sample guide  496   a  or sample guide  496   d . In  FIG.  4   f   , the opposite is true; the work angle button  414   a  and travel speed button  414   d  are selected, while the travel angle button  414   b  and CTWD button  414   c  have been deselected. Accordingly, the preview  499  depicts the sample guide  496   a  and sample guide  496   d , but not the sample guide  496   b  or sample guide  496   c.    
     In the examples of  FIGS.  4   d - 4   f   , the depictions of both the preview  499  and the simulation exercise setting buttons  414   e  and  414   f  are dependent on the selection of the characteristic setting buttons  414   g/h  for right and left handedness. In the examples of  FIGS.  4   d  and  4   e   , the right handed characteristic setting button  414   g  is selected, and so both the preview  499  and simulation exercise setting buttons  414   e  and  414   f  are depicted in a right handed orientation. However, in  FIG.  4   f   , the left handed characteristic setting button  414   h  is selected, and so both the preview  499  and the simulation exercise setting buttons  414   e  and  414   f  are depicted in a left handed orientation. While shown as a static image in the examples of  FIGS.  4   d - 4   f   , in some examples, the preview  499  may be an animation or video, such as a video of a previously recorded simulation. In some examples, the depictions of the preview  499  and/or the simulation exercise setting buttons  414   e/f  may assist a user in quickly understanding how feedback, user characteristic, simulation exercise, and/or other settings might impact the simulation program  300 . 
       FIG.  5    is a flowchart illustrating an example temperature detection process  500 . In some examples, the temperature detection process  500  may alter operation of the welding simulation program  300  and/or mobile device  200  if/when the operating temperature of the mobile device  200  exceeds a threshold. In some examples, the temperature detection process  500  may comprise machine readable instructions stored by the memory circuitry  226  of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the temperature detection process  500  may be part of the welding simulation program  300 . For example, the temperature detection process  500  may execute during the preliminary configuration block  302  of the simulation program  300 , and/or when the simulation loop recurs at block  316 . In some examples, the temperature detection process  500  may execute independently of the welding simulation program  300 , such as, for example, before, during, and/or after the execution of the welding simulation program  300 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  5   , the temperature detection process  500  begins at block  502 . At block  502 , the temperature detection process  500  determines a temperature of the mobile device  200  and/or one or more components of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the temperature detection process  500  may determine the temperature via the mounted sensors  106  of the mobile device mount  102  and/or the mobile sensors  206  of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, mobile sensors  206  and/or mounted sensors  106  may be positioned and/or configured to detect an overall temperature of the mobile device  200 , and/or a particular temperature of one or more particular components of the mobile device  200 . For example, the mobile device  200  may have one or more internal mobile temperature sensors  206  positioned and/or configured to measure a temperature proximate the processing circuitry  222 , graphics circuitry  224 , communication circuitry  210 , memory circuitry  226 , and/or other components of the mobile device  200 . As another example, the mobile sensors  206  and/or mounted sensors  106  may be positioned and/or configured to measure an overall temperature of the mobile device  200  as a whole. 
     In the example of  FIG.  5   , the temperature detection process  500  proceeds to block  504  after block  502 . At block  504 , the temperature detection process  500  determines whether one or more temperatures measured at block  502  are less than one or more first temperature thresholds. In some examples, the first temperature threshold(s) may be representative of one or more temperatures below which there is little risk of thermal damage to the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the first temperature threshold(s) may be predetermined and/or stored in the memory circuitry  226 . In some examples, one or more of the temperature threshold may be set by a user, such as, for example, during block  302  of the welding simulation program  300 . In some examples, the temperature detection process  500  may consider multiple first temperature thresholds at block  504 . For example, the memory circuitry  226  may store different first temperature thresholds for the mobile device  200  as a whole and the individual components of the mobile device  200  (e.g., the processing circuitry  222 , the graphics circuitry  224 , etc.). 
     In the example of  FIG.  5   , the temperature detection process  500  proceeds to block  506  after block  504  if the temperature detection process  500  determines one or more measured temperatures are below the first temperature threshold(s). In some examples, the temperature detection process  500  proceeds to block  506  after block  504  only if the temperature of the mobile device  200  as a whole and the temperature of all of its individual components are all less than (or equal to) the first temperature threshold(s). In some examples, the temperature detection process  500  proceeds to block  506  after block  504  if the temperature of the mobile device  200  as a whole or the temperature of any of its individual components are less than (or equal to) the first temperature threshold(s). 
     At block  506 , the temperature detection process  500  sets (or returns) the mobile device  200  and/or simulation program  300  (and/or related settings) to regular, default, and/or peak operation. In some examples, this may comprise setting, resetting, and/or increasing one or more performance and/or graphical settings of the mobile device  200  and/or simulation program  300 , and/or one or more related settings (e.g., realism, resolution, etc.). In some examples, this may comprise enabling and/or resuming uploads to the remote server(s)  114 , mirroring done by the remote display(s)  116 , the welding simulation blocks  308  and/or  316 , and/or the simulation program  300  in general. As shown, the temperature detection process  500  ends after block  506 , though, in some examples, the temperature detection process  500  may instead return to block  502  instead of ending. 
     In the example of  FIG.  5   , the temperature detection process  500  proceeds to block  508  after block  504  if the temperature detection process  500  determines that one or more measured temperatures are not below the first temperature threshold(s). At block  508 , the temperature detection process  500  determines whether one or more temperatures measured at block  502  are greater than one or more second temperature thresholds. In some examples, the second temperature threshold(s) may be the same or higher than the first temperature threshold(s). In some examples, the second temperature threshold(s) may be representative of one or more temperatures above which there is non-trivial and/or substantial risk of thermal damage to the mobile device  200 . In some examples, one or more of the second temperature thresholds may be predetermined and/or stored in the memory circuitry  226 . In some examples, one or more of the second temperature thresholds may be set by a user, such as, for example, during block  302  of the welding simulation program  300 . In some examples, the temperature detection process  500  may consider multiple second temperature thresholds at block  508 . For example, the memory circuitry  226  may store different second temperature thresholds for the mobile device  200  as a whole and the individual components of the mobile device  200  (e.g., the processing circuitry  222 , the graphics circuitry  224 ). 
     In the example of  FIG.  5   , the temperature detection process  500  ends after block  508  if the measured temperature of the mobile device  200  and/or its components are less than their respective second temperature thresholds. In some examples, the temperature detection process  500  ends if the measured temperature of the mobile device  200  and/or its individual components are less than or equal to their respective second temperature thresholds. In some examples, the temperature detection process  500  ends only if the temperature of the mobile device  200  as a whole and the temperature of all of its individual components are all less than (or equal to) their respective second temperature thresholds. In some examples, the temperature detection process  500  ends if the temperature of the mobile device  200  as a whole or the temperature of any of its individual components are less than (or equal to) their respective second temperature threshold. While shown as ending in the example of  FIG.  5   , in some examples, the temperature detection process  500  may instead return to block  502  instead of ending. 
     In the example of  FIG.  5   , the temperature detection process  500  proceeds to block  510  after block  508  in response to determining the temperature of the mobile device  200  as a whole and/or the temperature of all or some of its individual components are greater than or equal to their respective second temperature thresholds. At block  510 , the temperature detection process  500  outputs one or more notifications. In some examples, the notification(s) may be output via the light(s)  202 , speaker(s)  214 , display screen  204 , and/or any other output device(s)  216  of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the notification(s) may be output via a speaker, light, vibration device, and/or other output device of the welding tool  700 . In some examples, the notification(s) may include one or more symbols, icons, messages (e.g., visual and/or audio), animations, vibrations, and/or light flashes. For example, the welding tool  700  and/or mobile device  200  may vibrate to indicate that one or more temperatures have exceeded the threshold(s). As another example, speech may play from the welding tool  700  and/or mobile device  200  telling the user that one or more temperatures have exceeded the threshold(s), and/or how to reduce the temperature(s). As another example, an icon, symbol, text message, one or more pictures, a video, and/or an animation may be shown via the display screen  204  of the mobile device telling the user that one or more temperatures have exceeded the threshold(s), and/or how to reduce the temperature(s). In some examples, the notification may include an output (such as discussed above) indicating that the welding simulation will be terminated, disabled, and/or prevented from running until the temperature(s) are reduced. 
     In the example of  FIG.  5   , the temperature detection process  500  proceeds to block  512  after block  510 . In some examples, block  510  may instead be skipped and/or omitted. In such an example, the temperature detection process  500  may proceed to block  512  after block  508  if the temperature detection process  500  determines that the temperature(s) measured at block  502  is/are greater than the second temperature threshold(s). 
     At block  512 , the temperature detection process  500  determines whether the one or more temperatures measured at block  502  are greater than one or more third temperature thresholds. In some examples, the third temperature threshold(s) may be the same or higher than the second temperature threshold(s). In some examples, the third temperature threshold(s) may be representative of one or more temperatures above which there is significant and/or immediate risk of thermal damage to the mobile device  200 . In some examples, one or more of the third temperature thresholds may be predetermined and/or stored in the memory circuitry  226 . In some examples, one or more of the third temperature thresholds may be set by a user, such as, for example, during block  302  of the welding simulation program  300 . In some examples, the temperature detection process  500  may consider multiple third temperature thresholds at block  510 . For example, the memory circuitry  226  may store different third temperature thresholds for the mobile device  200  as a whole and the individual components of the mobile device  200  (e.g., the processing circuitry  222 , the graphics circuitry  224 ). 
     In the example of  FIG.  5   , the temperature detection process  500  ends after block  512  if the measured temperature of the mobile device  200  and/or its components are less than their respective third temperature thresholds. In some examples, the temperature detection process  500  ends if the measured temperature of the mobile device  200  and/or its individual components are less than or equal to their respective third temperature thresholds. In some examples, the temperature detection process  500  ends only if the temperature of the mobile device  200  as a whole and the temperature of all of its individual components are all less than (or equal to) their respective third temperature thresholds. In some examples, the temperature detection process  500  ends if the temperature of the mobile device  200  as a whole or the temperature of any of its individual components are less than (or equal to) their respective third temperature threshold. While shown as ending in the example of  FIG.  5   , in some examples, the temperature detection process  500  may instead return to block  502  instead of ending. 
     In the example of  FIG.  5   , the temperature detection process  500  proceeds to block  514  after block  512  in response to determining the temperature of the mobile device  200  as a whole and/or the temperature of all or some of its individual components are greater than or equal to their respective third temperature thresholds. At block  514 , the temperature detection process  500  alters an operation, parameter, setting, configuration, and/or other aspect of the mobile device  200  and/or simulation program  300  to reduce a temperature of the mobile device  200  and/or one or components of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the alteration(s) may comprise a decrease in a performance and/or graphical setting of the mobile device  200  and/or simulation program  300 , and/or a related setting (e.g., realism, resolution, etc.). In some examples, the alteration(s) may comprise turning off and/or stopping uploads to the remote server(s)  114 , to lessen the work required by the communication circuitry  210 . In some examples, the alteration(s) may comprise turning off and/or terminating any mirroring being done on the remote display(s)  116  to lessen the work required by the communication circuitry  210  and/or graphics circuitry  224 . In some examples, the alteration(s) may comprise terminating the simulation program  300  entirely, and/or prohibiting the simulation program  300  from beginning the welding simulation at block  308  and/or continuing the welding simulation at block  316 . In some examples, the alteration(s) may comprise powering down the mobile device  200 . While the example of  FIG.  5    shows the temperature detection process  500  ending after block  514 , in some examples, the temperature detection process  500  may instead return to block  502  instead of ending. 
       FIG.  6    is a flowchart illustrating an example orientation configuration process  600 . In some examples, the orientation configuration process  600  may determine whether a current orientation of the mobile device  200  should be changed before beginning the welding simulation. In some examples, the orientation configuration process  600  may comprise machine readable instructions stored by the memory circuitry  226  of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the orientation configuration process  600  may execute as part of the welding simulation program  300 . For example, the orientation configuration process  600  may execute during the preliminary configuration block  302  of the simulation program  300  and/or when the simulation loop recurs at block  316 . In some examples, the orientation configuration process  600  may execute independently of the welding simulation program  300 , such as, for example, before execution of the welding simulation program  300 . In some examples, the orientation configuration process  600  may only execute during a normal mode of operation. 
     In the example of  FIG.  6   , the orientation configuration process  600  begins at block  602 . At block  602 , the orientation configuration process  600  determines a current orientation (e.g., left or right landscape) of the mobile device  200  within the mobile device mount  102 . In some examples, this orientation determination may include and/or entail receiving some input from the user (e.g., via welding tool  700  and/or one of the input devices  218 ) identifying the orientation of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, this determination may include and/or entail evaluating one or more measurements and/or outputs of the camera sensor(s)  208 , mobile sensor(s)  206 , and/or mount sensor(s)  106 . For example, the orientation configuration process  600  may evaluate magnetometer, accelerometer, IMU, and/or other sensor data to determine the orientation of the mobile device  200 . 
     In some examples, the mobile device  200  may undergo a calibration step prior to the orientation configuration process  600 , where sensor data from the camera sensor(s)  208 , mobile sensor(s)  206 , and/or mount sensor(s)  106  is evaluated in different orientations of the mobile device  200  and/or associated with the different orientations of the mobile device when stored in memory circuitry  226 . In such an example, the orientation configuration process  600  may compare instantaneous data from of the camera sensor(s)  208 , mobile sensor(s)  206 , and/or mount sensor(s)  106  with the stored data to determine the most likely orientation of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the sensor data and orientation association(s) may be predefined and/or predetermined. For example, the sensor data and orientation association(s) may be downloaded from the remote server(s)  114  and/or queried from memory circuitry  226  (e.g., based on some identifying information of the mobile device  200 , such as a make, model, serial number, etc.). 
     In some examples, the orientation configuration process  600  may evaluate sensor data from interactions and/or communications between the mobile sensor(s)  206  and/or mount sensor(s)  106  to determine an orientation of the mobile device  200 . For example, the mobile device mount  102  may include one or more mounted sensors  106  (e.g., NFC and/or RFID sensors) positioned at different portions of the device mount  102 . In such an example, the mounted sensor(s)  106  may be configured to sense, detect, communicate with, and/or otherwise interface with one or more mobile sensors  206  of the mobile device  200  when the mobile sensor(s)  206  and mounted sensor(s)  106  are in proximity to one another. In some examples, certain mobile sensors  206  and mounted sensors  106  may only be in such proximity when the mobile device  200  is in a particular orientation. In some examples, a calibration step and/or loading of calibration data may be performed prior to this sort of orientation determination, similar to that discussed above. 
     In the example of  FIG.  6   , the orientation configuration process  600  proceeds to block  604  from block  602 . At block  604 , the orientation configuration process  600  determines an operational orientation of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, determination of the operational orientation may be based on one or more user characteristics (e.g., dominant user hand). In some examples, the user characteristic(s) may be determined via manual input from the user (e.g., selection of one or more options via the welding tool  700  and/or input device  218  of mobile device  200 ), loading of the user characteristic(s) from memory circuitry  226 , and/or download of the user characteristic(s) from the remote server(s)  114 . 
     In some examples, the user characteristic(s) may be automatically determined by the orientation configuration process  600 . For example, the orientation configuration process  600  may determine the user characteristic(s) based on certain user behaviors observed during the welding simulation. In some examples, data from the mounted sensors  106  and/or the mobile sensors  206  may show that a user exhibits welding behavior indicative of one or more particular user characteristics. For example, data from the mounted sensors  106  and/or the mobile sensors  206  may show that a user positions the welding tool  700  relative to the workpiece assembly  1000  in a certain way and/or a certain orientation at the start and/or end of a particular type of welding that is indicative of a particular user characteristic. For example, the orientation configuration process  600  may determine that a user is right handed if data from the mounted sensor(s)  106 , camera sensor(s)  208 , and/or mobile sensor(s)  206  show that the user positions the welding tool  700  to the right of the workpiece assembly  1000  when beginning a push welding technique, and/or positions the welding tool  700  to the left of the workpiece assembly  1000  when beginning a drag welding technique. 
     In some examples, the orientation configuration process  600  may determine the user characteristic(s) based on data from the mounted sensor(s)  106 , camera sensor(s)  208 , and/or mobile sensor(s)  206  relating to the welding tool  700 , and/or markers  112  on the welding tool  700 . For example, the orientation configuration process  600  may analyze and/or evaluate (e.g., image) data captured by the mounted sensor(s)  106 , camera sensor(s)  208 , and/or mobile sensor(s)  206  to determine whether the markers  112  on the welding tool  700  are relatively discernable, clear, and/or perpendicular to the camera sensor(s)  208 . In some examples, the orientation configuration process  600  may further consider the current orientation of the mobile device  200  determined at block  602  when determining the user characteristic(s) and/or operational orientation. For example, the orientation configuration process  600  may analyze and/or evaluate the sensor data and determine that the markers  112  on the welding are not discernable, clear, and/or perpendicular to the camera sensor(s)  208 . The orientation configuration process  600  may further determine that the current mobile device  200  orientation (determined at block  602 ), in conjunction with the determination that the markers  112  are less than discernable, clear, and/or perpendicular, suggests a particular user characteristic (e.g., right handed). Further, the orientation configuration process  600  may determine that, in view of the user characteristic and the current orientation of the mobile device  200 , the operational orientation of the mobile device  200  during the welding simulation should be a different orientation. 
       FIGS.  7   a - 7   b    illustrate different perspectives of a welding tool  700 , such as may be captured, for example, by a camera sensor  208  of the mobile device  200  when the mobile device is mounted in different orientations. In the example of  FIG.  7   a   , the welding tool  700  appears oriented substantially parallel to the viewer. While some of the markers  112  on the nozzle  702  are somewhat visible, most of the markers  112  are completely invisible due to the orientation of the welding tool  700 . Additionally, the profile of the welding tool  700  itself is difficult to discern. Indeed, were the welding tool  700  tilted farther forward in the example of  FIG.  7   a   , none of the markers  112  might be visible and the visible profile of the welding tool  700  would be even less. 
     In the example of  FIG.  7   b   , the welding tool  700  is oriented more perpendicular to the viewer, such that a substantial side and/or perspective profile of the welding tool  700  is relatively apparent. More markers  112  on the nozzle  702  of the welding tool  700  are clear and visible than in  FIG.  7   a   . The markers  112 , and the profile of the welding tool  700 , are also more perpendicular to the viewer. Were the welding tool  700  to tilt forward or backward (as may occur during welding), the markers  112  on the welding tool  700  would still be visible. Additionally, the profile of the welding tool  700  and/or features of the welding tool  700  (e.g., the nozzle  702 , neck  708 , handle  704 , trigger  706 , logo  712 , etc.) would still be visible. 
     In some examples, the memory circuitry  226  of the mobile device  200  may store information relating to the markers  112  of the welding tool  700  (e.g., number, shape, size, pattern, position, etc.). In some examples, the memory circuitry  226  may store other data relating to the welding tool  700 , such as, for example, one or more images, models, and/or diagrams of the welding tool  700  and/or its shape, features, dimensions, and/or other characteristics. In some examples, the orientation configuration process  600  may compare the stored information to the information obtained from the mounted sensor(s)  106 , camera sensor(s)  208 , and/or other mobile sensor(s)  206  to determine the user characteristic. 
     For example, the orientation configuration process  600  may determine that the welding tool  700  is oriented similarly to  FIG.  7   a    relative to the camera sensor(s)  208  based on an analysis of the sensor data. Further, the current orientation of the mobile device  200  determined at block  602  may be a right landscape orientation, with the camera sensor(s)  208  facing outwards from the mobile device mount  102  through the right aperture  110   a  rather than the left aperture  110   b . In such an example, the orientation configuration process  600  may determine that the user is right handed. Further, the orientation configuration process  600  may determine that the operational orientation of the mobile device  200  should be a left landscape orientation (e.g., with the camera sensor(s)  208  facing outwards from the mobile device mount  102  through the left aperture  110   b , based on the determined user characteristic (i.e., right handedness), as that would provide a clearer and/or more perpendicular view of the welding tool  700  and/or markers  112  (similar to  FIG.  7   b   ). 
     In the example of  FIG.  6   , the orientation configuration process  600  proceeds to block  606  after block  604 . At block  606 , the orientation configuration process  600  determines whether the current orientation of the mobile device  200  determined at block  602  is the same as the operational orientation determined at block  604 . If so, the orientation configuration process  600  proceeds to block  608 , where the orientation configuration process  600  returns and/or executes the welding simulation (e.g., at block  302  of the program  300 ) then ends. If not, the orientation configuration process  600  proceeds to block  610 , where the orientation configuration process  600  outputs one or more notifications to the user, then ends. However, in some examples, the orientation configuration process  600  may return to the beginning at block  602  after block  610 , rather than ending. 
     In some examples, the notification(s) output at block  610  may be output via the speaker(s)  214 , display screen  204 , and/or output device(s)  216  of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the notification(s) output at block  610  may be output via a speaker and/or vibration device of the welding tool  700 . In some examples, the notification(s) may include one or more arrows, icons, messages (e.g., visual and/or audio), animations, vibrations, and/or light flashes. For example, the welding tool  700  and/or mobile device  200  may vibrate to indicate that the orientation should change, and/or speech may play from the welding tool  700  and/or mobile device  200  telling the user that the orientation should be changed and/or providing instructions on how to change the orientation. As another example, an icon, arrow, text message, one or more pictures, a video, and/or an animation may be shown via the display screen  204  of the mobile device telling the user that the orientation should be changed and/or providing instructions on how to change the orientation. In some examples, the notification may include an output (such as discussed above) indicating that the welding simulation will be terminated, disabled, and/or prevented from running until the orientation is changed. In some examples, the orientation configuration process  600  may interface with the simulation program  300  to prevent execution of the welding simulation until the orientation is changed. In some examples, the notification(s) may indicate that (and/or how) an orientation (and/or other configuration) of the device mount  102  may be changed in order to change an orientation of the mobile device  200 . 
       FIG.  8    is a flowchart illustrating an example workpiece configuration process  800 . In some examples, the workpiece configuration process  800  may detect and/or determine a spatial relationship between two or more workpieces  900  based on data from the camera sensor(s)  208 , mobile sensor(s)  206  and/or mounted sensor(s)  106 . In some examples, the workpiece configuration process  800  may comprise machine readable instructions stored by the memory circuitry  226  of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the workpiece configuration process  800  may execute as part of the welding simulation program  300 . For example, the workpiece configuration process  800  may execute during the preliminary configuration block  302  of the simulation program  300  and/or when the simulation loop recurs at block  316 . In some examples, the workpiece configuration process  800  may execute independently of the welding simulation program  300 , such as, for example, before execution of the welding simulation program  300 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  8   , the workpiece configuration process  800  begins at block  802 . At block  802 , the workpiece configuration process  800  determines a spatial relationship (e.g., relative positions and/or orientations) between two or more workpieces  900 . In some examples, the workpiece configuration process  800  may determine the spatial relationship based on data from the camera sensor(s)  208 , mobile sensor(s)  206 , and/or mounted sensor(s)  106 . For example, the workpiece configuration process  800  may analyze and/or evaluate the data in an attempt to recognize features and/or characteristics of a workpiece  900 , such as, for example, one or more markers  112  (and/or the absence of one or more markers  112 ). In some examples, the memory circuitry  226  may include and/or store images, models, diagrams, and/or other data relating to known features and/or characteristics of certain workpieces  900 . Such features and/or characteristics may include, for example, types, positions, orientations, patterns, shapes, dimensions, numbers, arrangements, colors, and/or other properties of the markers  112  on the workpieces  900 . In some examples, the features and/or characteristics may include, for example, one or more dimensions, profiles, shapes, and/or other properties of the workpieces  900  themselves. In some examples, the workpiece configuration process  800  may additionally consider the position and/or orientation of the mobile device  200  (and therefore the user) relative to the workpiece(s)  900  when determining the spatial relationship between the two or more workpieces  900 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  8   , the workpiece configuration process  800  proceeds to block  804  after block  802 . At block  804 , the workpiece configuration process  800  determines whether the spatial relationship between two or more workpieces  900  is such that a joint and/or intersection has been formed between the two or more workpieces  900 . Obviously, in examples where the workpiece configuration process  800  fails to recognize at least two workpieces  900  at block  802 , the workpiece configuration process  800  will determine there is no joint or intersection between two or more workpieces  900 . In some examples, the workpiece configuration process  800  may detect and/or recognize two or more workpieces  900  within the FOV  108  and/or vicinity of the mobile device  200 , yet still fail to detect and/or recognize a joint and/or intersection between the two or more workpieces  900 . For example, the two or more workpieces  900  may instead be separated by some distance, rather than intersecting. In the example of  FIG.  8   , the workpiece configuration process  800  proceeds to block  810  (discussed below) if the workpiece configuration process  800  determines that no joint and/or intersection has been formed between two or more workpieces  900 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  8   , the workpiece configuration process  800  proceeds to block  806  after block  804  if the workpiece configuration process  800  determines that one or more joints and/or intersections have been formed between two or more workpieces  900 . At block  806 , the workpiece configuration process  800  determines what type of intersection(s) and/or joint(s) are formed by the two or more workpieces  900 . For example, a joint may be lap joint, a butt joint, a corner joint, a T joint, an edge joint, a pipe joint, and/or some other type of joint. 
     In some examples, the determination of the type(s) of joint(s) and/or intersection(s) may be based on data from the camera sensor(s)  208 , mobile sensor(s)  206 , and/or mount sensor(s) relating to features and/or characteristics of the workpieces  900 . In some examples, the determination of the type(s) of joint(s) and/or intersection(s) may additionally be based on data stored in memory circuitry  226  relating to features and/or characteristics of known workpieces  900 , workpieces assemblies  1000 , and/or joints formed between workpieces  900  to form one or more workpiece assemblies  1000 . For example, the workpiece configuration process  800  may analyze and/or evaluate the sensor data collected by the camera sensor(s)  208 , mobile sensor(s)  206 , and/or mounted sensor(s)  106  and compare that sensor data to the data stored in memory circuitry  226  in an attempt to recognize one or more types of joints and/or intersections. In some examples, the stored data may be stored by and/or retrieved from the remote server(s)  116  instead of, or in addition to, the memory circuitry  226 . 
     In some examples, the stored data may include, for example, images, models, diagrams, and/or other data relating to features and/or characteristics of known workpieces  900 , workpieces assemblies  1000 , and/or joints. In some examples, the features and/or characteristics may include the presence and/or absence of one or more markers  112 . In some examples, the features and/or characteristics may include types, positions, orientations, patterns, shapes, dimensions, numbers, arrangements, colors, and/or other properties of the markers  112  on the workpieces  900 . In some examples, the features and/or characteristics may include dimensions, profiles, shapes, and/or other properties of the workpieces  900  themselves. In some examples, the features and/or characteristics may include dimensions, profiles, shapes, and/or other properties of various workpiece assemblies  1000  that may be formed by combinations of workpieces  900 . In some examples, the features and/or characteristics may include dimensions, profiles, shapes, and/or other properties of various joints that may be formed between workpieces  900  to create the workpiece assemblies  1000 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  8   , the workpiece configuration process  800  proceeds to block  808  after block  806 . At block  808 , the workpiece configuration process  800  determines whether the joint type(s) determined at block  806  match one or more expected joint types. In some examples, the workpiece configuration process  800  may determine the one or more expected joint types based on one or more simulation parameters (e.g., exercise(s), joint type(s), difficulty, etc.). In some examples, there may be no expected joint type and/or the expected joint type(s) may be any joint type. 
     In some examples, block  808  is satisfied if there is at least one joint type determined at block  806  for each expected joint type 1. In some examples, the number of joint types must match the exact same number of expected joint types (e.g., 6 lap joints=6 expected lap joints) for block  806  to be satisfied. In some examples, block  806  may also be satisfied if the number of joint types is more than the number of expected joint types (e.g., 8 lap joints&gt;6 expected lap joints). 
     In the example of  FIG.  8   , the workpiece configuration process  800  proceeds to block  812  if the joint type(s) determined at block  806  match the expected joint type(s) at block  808 . At block  812 , the workpiece configuration process  800  returns and/or executes the welding simulation (e.g., at block  302  of the program  300 ). In some examples, the welding simulation may execute using the joint type(s) determined by the workpiece configuration process  800 . In some examples, the workpiece configuration process  800  may also interface with the welding simulation program  300  to record a positive impact on the score/grade of the user at block  812 , and/or output a notification to that effect. In the example of  FIG.  8   , the workpiece configuration process  800  ends after block  812 . However, in some examples, the workpiece configuration process  800  may return to block  802  after block  812  instead of ending. 
     In the example of  FIG.  8   , the workpiece configuration process  800  proceeds to block  810  if the joint type(s) determined at block  806  do not match the expected joint type(s) at block  808 , or if the workpiece configuration process  800  determines that there are no joints at block  804 . At block  810 , the workpiece configuration process  800  outputs a notification. In some examples, the workpiece configuration process  800  may also interface with the welding simulation program  300  to record a negative impact on the score/grade of the user at block  810 , and/or output a notification to that effect. In some examples, a magnitude of the negative impact may be influenced by a degree of difference between the expected joint(s) and the determined joint(s), and/or whether there was any joint at all. As shown, after block  810 , the workpiece configuration process  800  ends. However, in some examples, the orientation configuration process  600  may return to the beginning at block  802  after block  810 , rather than ending. 
     In some examples, the notification(s) output at block  810  and/or  812  may be output via the speaker(s)  214 , display screen  204 , and/or output device(s)  216  of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the notification(s) may be output via a speaker and/or vibration device of the welding tool  700 . In some examples, the notification(s) may include one or more arrows, icons, messages (e.g., visual and/or audio), animations, vibrations, and/or light flashes. For example, the welding tool  700  and/or mobile device  200  may vibrate to indicate that there are no recognized joints or that one or more of the recognized joints are different than the expected joint(s). As another example, speech may play from the welding tool  700  and/or mobile device  200  telling the user that the workpieces  900  should be rearranged (and/or how they should be rearranged) to produce an expected joint changed and/or workpiece assembly  1000 . As another example, an icon, arrow, text message, one or more pictures, a video, and/or an animation may be shown via the display screen  204  of the mobile device telling the user that the workpieces  900  should be rearranged (and/or how they should be rearranged). In some examples, the notification may include an output (such as discussed above) indicating that the welding simulation will be terminated, disabled, and/or prevented from running until the workpieces  900  are rearranged. In some examples, the workpiece configuration process  800  may interface with the simulation program  300  to prevent execution of the welding simulation until the orientation is changed. 
       FIGS.  9   a - 9   f    depict example modular workpieces  900  that may be used with the weld training system  100 .  FIGS.  9   a - 9   d    depict substantially flat, cuboid, workpieces  900 .  FIG.  9   e    depicts a cylindrical workpiece  900 .  FIG.  9   f    shows a more irregularly shaped workpiece  900 . In some examples, each modular workpiece  900  may include and/or be configured with one or more connectors  902  that enable the modular workpiece  900  to be tool-lessly connected and/or disconnected to another modular workpiece  900  to form a workpiece assembly  1000 .  FIGS.  10   a - 10   f    show example workpiece assemblies  1000  that may be constructed from the various workpieces  900 . In some examples, each modular workpiece  900  may include and/or be configured with one or more fixture couplers  904  that enable the modular workpiece  900  to be tool-lessly connected and/or disconnected to a fixturing system  1100 .  FIGS.  11   a - 11   c    show example fixturing systems  1100  that may be used to capture and/or retain workpiece assemblies  1000 . 
     In some examples, a connector  902  may be a magnet (north or south polarity), an electromagnet, a ferromagnetic material, a hook fastener, a loop fastener, a snap fastener, a button, a clamping fastener, a prong, a stud, an aperture, a socket, and/or some other type of tool-less connector. In some examples, tool-less connectors  902  may be advantageous because they can be easily connected to and/or engaged with other connectors  902  without the need for auxiliary tools (e.g., screwdrivers, hammers, etc.). Tool-less connectors  902  may also be advantageous over adhesives, as the tool-less connectors  902  may be continually connected, disconnected, and reconnected with negligible change to their effectiveness, unlike adhesives. 
       FIG.  9   a    shows an example modular workpiece  900   a . As shown, the workpiece  900   a  is a substantially flat, cuboid, object. The workpiece  900   a  has a substantially flat upper surface  906  on which markers  112  are disposed. While hidden in the example of  FIG.  9   a   , the workpiece  900   a  also has a lower surface opposite the upper surface  906 . Several sidewalls  908  of the workpiece  900   a  connect the upper surface  906  and lower surface. 
     In the example of  FIG.  9   a   , a fixture coupler  904  is disposed on a sidewall  908  of the workpiece  900   a . As shown, the coupler  904  on the workpiece  900  is an aperture. However, in some examples, the coupler  904  may be any of the tool-less type connectors  902  described above. In some examples, the coupler  904  may be configured to tool-lessly engage with, and/or disengage from, a complementary coupler  904  of a fixturing system  1100 , so as to hold the workpiece  900   a  in place for simulated welding. 
     In the example of  FIG.  9   a   , arrays of connectors  902  are distributed along two opposite edges of the upper surface  906 . Connectors  902  are also arrayed along an edge of the lower surface, substantially aligned with those on the upper surface  906 . While hidden in the example of  FIG.  9   a   , an array of connectors  902  may also be distributed along an opposite edge of the lower surface. In some examples, markers  112  may also be disposed on the lower surface. In some examples, arrays of connectors  902  may be distributed along the other edges of the workpiece  900  as well. In some examples, fewer connectors  902  may be distributed along the workpiece  900 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  9   a   , the connectors  902  along each edge are substantially evenly spaced and/or symmetrical. In some examples, this may allow each and/or any array of connectors  902  on the workpiece  900   a  to be used with any other workpiece  900  with a similar array of connectors  902 . Thus, two workpieces  900   a  may be connected together in several different ways to form several different joints, such as, for example, the lap joint workpiece assembly  1000   a  shown in  FIG.  10     a.    
       FIG.  9   b    shows another example modular workpiece  900   b . As shown, the workpiece  900   b  is also a substantially flat, cuboid, object. The workpiece  900   b  also has a substantially flat upper surface  906  on which markers  112  are disposed, and a sidewall  908  on which a coupler  904  is disposed. An array of connectors  902  are also substantially evenly distributed along an edge of the upper surface  906 . 
     However, unlike the workpiece  900   a , the workpiece  900   b  has no markers  112  across an approximate middle of the workpiece  900   b  in the example of  FIG.  9   b   . Instead, an array of connectors  902  are distributed across the middle of the workpiece  900 . The markers  112  have been removed across the middle to allow for another workpiece  900  to be connected across the middle. Nevertheless, in some examples, markers  112  may be disposed across the middle over or under the connectors  902 .  FIG.  9   d    shows a workpiece  900   d  with connectors across the middle arrayed in a substantially symmetrical arrangement underneath (and/or hidden by) the markers  112 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  9   b   , the connectors  902  are asymmetrically and/or unevenly distributed across the middle of the workpiece  900   b  in a poka yoke arrangement. In some examples, this asymmetric and/or poka yoke arrangement of connectors  902  may allow only connection to workpieces  900  with complementary arrangements of connectors  902 . Additionally, the asymmetry may ensure the workpieces  900  only connect together in a particular configuration and/or orientation, thereby preventing unintended and/or incorrect arrangements and/or connections. 
       FIG.  9   c    shows a workpiece  900   c  that is similar to workpiece  900   a . However, instead of connectors  902  arrayed along edges of the upper surface  906  and lower surface, workpiece  900   c  has connectors  902  arrayed along a sidewall  908  of the workpiece  900   c . While only shown on one sidewall  908  in the example of  FIG.  9   c   , in some examples, the connectors  902  may be arrayed along several sidewalls  908 . The connectors  902  are also arranged asymmetrically, similar to workpiece  900   b.    
     Given the complementary arrangement of connectors  902  in workpiece  900   b  and workpiece  900   c , in some examples, the two workpieces  900  may connect together to form a T joint workpiece assembly  1000   b . Such a T joint workpiece assembly  1000   b  is shown, for example, in  FIG.  10   b   . In some examples, two workpieces  900   c  may connect together along the sidewalls  908  to form an edge joint workpiece assembly  1000   c , such as shown, for example in  FIG.  10   c   . In some examples, the connectors  902  on the sidewall  908  of workpiece  900   c  (and/or along a different sidewall  908 ) may be symmetrically arranged more like those of workpiece  900   a , so that a connection with workpiece  900   a  may be possible to form a butt joint and/or corner joint, such as shown in the workpiece assembly  1000   d  of  FIG.  10   d   . While the workpieces  900   a - d  in  FIGS.  9   a - 9   d    are each shown with distinct arrangements to illustrate certain concepts, in some examples, a single workpiece  900  may include and/or combine two or more of these arrangements. 
       FIG.  9   e    shows a cylindrical workpiece  900   e  with connectors arranged in a circular pattern on its upper surface  906 . While not shown due to the viewpoint of  FIG.  9   e   , in some examples a similar arrangement (and/or a different arrangement) of connectors  902  may be arranged on a lower surface of the workpiece  900   e , and/or on the sidewall  908  of the workpiece  900   e . With such an arrangement of connectors  902 , the workpieces  900  may be stacked to form a pipe joint workpiece assembly  1000   e , such as shown, for example, in  FIG.  10     e.    
     While  FIGS.  9   a - 9   e    show conventional shaped workpieces  900 , in some examples, the weld training system  100  may include irregularly and/or unconventionally shaped workpieces.  FIG.  9   f    depicts an example of an irregularly shaped workpiece  900   f . As shown, the workpiece  900   f  is somewhat wave shaped, with connectors  902  arranged on an upper surface. In some examples, connectors  902  may also be arranged on the sidewalls  908 .  FIG.  10   f    shows an irregular workpiece assembly  100   f  formed from two workpieces  900   f . Other workpiece  900  and/or workpiece assembly  1000  shapes and/or configurations are also contemplated by this disclosure. While  FIGS.  10   a - 10   f    show workpiece assemblies  100  comprising two connected workpieces  900 , in some examples, a workpiece assembly may comprise three or more connected workpieces  900 . 
       FIGS.  11   a - 11   b    depict an example fixturing system  1100   a . In some examples, the fixturing system  1100   a  may be configured to retain one or more workpieces  900  and/or workpiece assemblies  1000  in various positions, such as for welding, observation, inspection, temporary storage, and/or other appropriate activities.  FIG.  11   a    shows the fixturing system  1100   a  in a disengaged position, where no workpiece assembly  1000  is retained by the fixturing system  1100 .  FIG.  11   b    shows the fixturing system  1100   a  in an engaged position where the fixturing system  1100   a  retains a workpiece assembly  1000  in a fixed position. 
     In the examples of  FIGS.  11   a - 11   b   , the fixturing system  1100  includes two movable retainers  1102 . Each retainer  1102  has a body  1106  attached to a coupler  1104 . As shown, the coupler  1104  of each retainer  1102  is a prong. However, in some examples, the coupler  1104  may be any of the tool-less type connectors described above. In some examples, the coupler  1104  may be configured to tool-lessly engage with, and/or disengage from, a complementary coupler  904  on a workpiece  900 , so as to hold the workpiece  900  in a fixed position for simulated welding. 
     In the example of  FIGS.  11   a - 11   b   , each retainer  1102  of the fixturing system  1100  is linked to a fixture  1108  through a linking mechanism. In some examples, the fixture  1108  may be a tube, pipe, stanchion, table, platform, wall, and/or other appropriate surface. As shown, the linking mechanism includes a fixture clamp  1110  connected to the fixture  1108  and a retainer clamp  1112  connected to the retainer body  1106 . The fixture clamp  1110  and retainer clamp  1112  are connected to one another through a mechanical link  1114 . In some examples, the connection of the fixture clamp  1110  to the fixture  1108  may be loosened and/or tightened, such as, by example, loosening and/or tightening the fixture clamp  1110  via a tightening mechanism (not shown). By loosening and/or tightening the fixture clamps  1110 , the retainers  1102  may be moved apart to allow a workpiece  900  and/or workpiece assembly  1000  to be put in place (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  11   a   ), then moved back together to retain the workpiece  900  and/or workpiece assembly  1000  via the couplers  1104  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  11   b   ). 
       FIG.  11   c    shows an example of an alternative fixturing system  1100   b . In the example of  FIG.  11   c   , the fixture clamps  1110  are part of the retainer bodies  1106 , and the retainer clamps  1112  and link  1114  are omitted. As shown, the tightening mechanism  1116  is also in mechanical communication with the retainer bodies  1106  and, through them, the fixture clamps  1110 . 
       FIG.  12    is a flowchart illustrating an example equipment configuration process  1200 . In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may generate a simulated equipment interface that replicates an appearance of an actual equipment interface corresponding to a selected piece of welding-type equipment. In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may additionally allow the user to select equipment parameters that may be used to conduct the welding simulation via the simulated equipment interface. In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may comprise machine readable instructions stored by the memory circuitry  226  of the mobile device  200 . In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may be part of the welding simulation program  300 . For example, the equipment configuration process  1200  may execute during the preliminary configuration block  302  of the simulation program  300 , and/or during the welding simulation. In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may execute independently of the welding simulation program  300 , such as, for example, before, during, and/or after the execution of the welding simulation program  300 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  12   , the equipment configuration process  1200  begins at block  1202 . At block  1202 , the equipment configuration process  1200  determines what welding-type equipment may be selected for the welding simulation. In some examples, this determination may be based on certain user information, such as, for example, what equipment the user currently uses, has previously purchased, and/or is authorized to use for the welding simulation. In some examples, this user information may be stored in memory circuitry  226  and/or received from the remote server(s)  114  (e.g., in response to one or more signals and/or queries). In some examples, the determination may be based on one or more simulation parameters (e.g., exercise, difficulty, realism, user characteristics, etc.). 
     In the example of  FIG.  12   , the equipment configuration process  1200  proceeds to block  1204  after block  1202 . At block  1204 , the equipment configuration process  1200  automatically selects, or allows a user to select, a piece of welding-type equipment. In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may automatically select the welding-type equipment when there is only one appropriate option, such as, for example, when a selected simulation parameter (e.g., exercise) dictates that a particular piece of welding-type equipment be used, or when the user information only allows for one particular piece of welding-type equipment. In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may automatically select a default piece of welding even if there are multiple appropriate options, and let the user decide whether to keep or change the default welding-type equipment. 
     In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may allow a user to select the welding-type equipment using the welding tool  700 , display screen  204 , one or more input devices  218 , mobile sensors  206 , camera sensors  208 , and/or other appropriate mechanisms. In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may allow a user to select the welding-type equipment via a dropdown menu  1302  displayed to the user, such as shown in  FIG.  13   , for example. For example, the equipment configuration process  1200  may display the dropdown menu  1302 , and the user may use speech, the welding tool  700 , and/or some other means to make selections. In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may allow the user to select the welding-type equipment by entering an identifier (e.g., serial number) of a real piece of welding-type equipment, scanning a graphical indicia (e.g., QR code, barcode, etc.) having identifying information of a real piece of welding-type equipment encoded, taking a picture of a real piece of welding-type equipment, and/or some other means. In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may prohibit selection of welding-type equipment determined not to be available at block  1202 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  12   , the equipment configuration process  1200  proceeds to block  1206  after block  1204 . At block  1206 , the equipment configuration process  1200  checks to make sure the selected welding-type equipment is one of the pieces of welding-type equipment determined to be available at block  1202 . If not, the equipment configuration process  1200  returns to block  1204 . If so, the equipment configuration process  1200  proceeds to block  1208 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  12   , the equipment configuration process  1200  displays on the display screen  204  of the mobile device  200  a simulated equipment interface  1304  that replicates the appearance of an actual equipment interface  1404  of the selected welding-type equipment. In some examples, this replication may help orient a user who is already familiar with the actual interface  1404  of the selected welding-type equipment, thereby making them more comfortable with the welding simulation. In some examples, the replication may help familiarize users with new welding-type equipment interfaces if the selected welding-type equipment is not one with which they are already readily familiar. While described as being displayed on the display screen  204  of the mobile device, in some examples, the simulated equipment interface  1304  may instead be displayed on the display screen(s)  204  of the desktop device  250 . 
       FIG.  13    shows an example of a simulated equipment interface  1304  displayed on the display screen  204  of the mobile device  200 . As shown, the user has selected an AX1 Welder as the equipment.  FIG.  14    shows an example of an actual AX1 Welder  1400 , with its actual equipment interface  1404 . As shown, the simulated equipment interface  1304  replicates an actual equipment interface  1404  of the AX1 Welder  1400 , with simulated buttons, options, and display screens, as well as a simulated dial. In some examples, the user may use the simulated equipment interface  1304  to select equipment parameters to use in the welding simulation. 
     In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may additionally provide one or more recommendations to the user (e.g., via the display screen  204  and/or speaker(s)  214 ) based on the selected welding-type equipment. For example, the equipment configuration process  1200  may recommend equipment parameters (e.g., gas type, wire type, etc.) and/or complementary welding-type equipment based on the selected welding-type equipment. In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may store (e.g., in memory circuitry  226 ) recommended equipment parameters associated with certain welding-type equipment and/or other simulation parameters (e.g., exercise, realism, difficult, goals, etc.), and query the stored recommendations. In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may receive recommendations from the remote server(s)  114  (e.g., in response to one or more similar queries and/or signals). In the example of  FIG.  13    the equipment configuration process  1200  has displayed a recommendation message  1306  recommended a certain wire type for the selected welding-type equipment. 
     In the example of  FIG.  12   , the equipment configuration process  1200  proceeds to block  1210  after block  1208 . At block  1210 , the equipment configuration process  1200  receives the equipment parameters from the user via the simulated equipment interface  1304 . In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may also receive other selections from the user at block  1210 . For example, a user may select to receive more information about the welding-type equipment they have selected. In the example of  FIG.  13   , the display screen  204  displays a link  1308  to an informational page (e.g., online and/or locally stored) where the user may access more information about the selected welding-type equipment. In some examples, selection of this link  1308  may direct the user to an informational page that is also a purchasing page where the selected welding-type equipment, a recommended (or other) consumable (e.g., wire, gas, contact tip, etc.), complementary welding-type equipment, and/or other items may be purchased. 
     In the example of  FIG.  12   , the equipment configuration process  1200  proceeds to block  1212  after block  1210 . At block  1212  the equipment configuration process  1200  determines whether the user has selected the link  1308 . If so, the equipment configuration process  1200  proceeds to block  1214 , where the user is taken to the informational and/or purchasing page associated with the link  1308 . If the user does not select the link  1308  (or when the user has finished with the informational/purchasing page), the equipment configuration process  1200  proceeds to block  1218 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  12   , the equipment configuration process  1200  determines whether the user has finished entering equipment parameters at block  1218 . In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may determine the user has finished when the user makes an explicit selection that they have finished (e.g., by selecting the “Done” icon  1310  in  FIG.  13   ). In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may determine the user has finished when all or a sufficient number of equipment parameters have been entered. In some examples, the sufficient number may be based on other simulation parameters (e.g., exercise, goal, user characteristics etc.). In some examples, the equipment configuration process  1200  may prohibit finishing until all or a sufficient number of equipment parameters have been entered. In the example of  FIG.  12   , the equipment configuration process  1200  returns to block  1210  if the equipment configuration process  1200  determines the user has not finished entering equipment parameters. 
     In the example of  FIG.  12   , the equipment configuration process  1200  proceeds to block  1220  if the equipment configuration process  1200  determines the user has finished entering equipment parameters. At block  1220  the equipment configuration process  1200  either returns to the main welding simulation program  300 , where a welding simulation may be run using the selected equipment parameters, or begins the welding simulation itself using the selected equipment parameters. As shown, the equipment configuration process  1200  ends after block  1220 . 
     The present disclosure contemplates using mobile devices  200  (and/or desktop devices  250 ) to conduct welding simulations. In some examples, it may be advantageous to use mobile devices  200  due to their availability, relative affordability, and/or technical power. The disclosure further contemplates automatically detecting whether an orientation of the mobile device  200  is proper for the simulation, and notifying the user if not. 
     The present disclosure additionally contemplates using modular workpieces  900  for conducting welding simulations. In some examples, the modular workpieces  900  may be configured to tool-lessly connect to, and/or disconnect from, other modular workpieces  900  to form various workpiece assemblies  1000 . In some examples, tool-less connectors  902  may be advantageous because they can be easily connected to and/or engaged with other connectors  902  without the need for auxiliary tools (e.g., screwdrivers, hammers, etc.). Tool-less connectors  902  may also be advantageous over adhesives, as the tool-less connectors  902  may be continually connected, disconnected, and reconnected with negligible change to their effectiveness, unlike adhesives. In some examples, the welding simulation may further be configured to recognize different joints formed by the modular workpieces  900 , and conduct the welding simulation accordingly. 
     The present disclosure further contemplates using simulated equipment interfaces  1304  that replicate the appearance of actual equipment interfaces  1404  of actual welding-type equipment. In some examples, this replication may help orient a user who is already familiar with a particular piece of welding-type equipment and/or its actual equipment interface  1404 , thereby making them more comfortable with the welding simulation. In some examples, the replication may help users who are unfamiliar with a particular piece of welding-type equipment become familiar with the welding-type equipment (and/or its actual equipment interface  1404 ). Additionally, the present disclosure contemplates simulating certain welding effects in accordance with the way the effects might occur in the real world when real welding is performed using the real world welding-type equipment. 
     The present method and/or system may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The present methods and/or systems may be realized in a centralized fashion in at least one computing system, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computing or cloud systems. Some examples may comprise a non-transitory machine-readable (e.g., computer readable) medium (e.g., FLASH drive, optical disk, magnetic storage disk, or the like) having stored thereon one or more lines of code executable by a machine, thereby causing the machine to perform processes as described herein. 
     While the present method and/or system has been described with reference to certain examples, 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 present method and/or system. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present method and/or system not be limited to the particular examples disclosed, but that the present method and/or system will include all implementations falling within the scope of the appended claims. 
     As used herein, “and/or” means any one or more of the items in the list joined by “and/or”. As an example, “x and/or y” means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, “x and/or y” means “one or both of x and y”. As another example, “x, y, and/or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, “x, y and/or z” means “one or more of x, y and z”. 
     As utilized herein, the terms “e.g.,” and “for example” set off lists of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. 
     As used herein, the terms “coupled,” “coupled to,” and “coupled with,” each mean a structural and/or electrical connection, whether attached, affixed, connected, joined, fastened, linked, and/or otherwise secured. As used herein, the term “attach” means to affix, couple, connect, join, fasten, link, and/or otherwise secure. As used herein, the term “connect” means to attach, affix, couple, join, fasten, link, and/or otherwise secure. 
     As used herein, “mobile device” or “mobile electronic device” refers to a handheld electronic computing apparatus having a casing that houses a camera, a display screen, processing circuitry, and communication circuitry in a single unit. 
     As used herein, “desktop device” or “desktop electronic device” refers to a non-handheld electronic computing apparatus that houses processing circuitry, communication circuitry, and possibly a display in a single unit, while also controlling (and/or powering) a camera and a display that are housed in a separate unit (e.g., a helmet shell) outside of the single unit of the non-handheld electronic computing apparatus. 
     As used herein the terms “circuits” and “circuitry” refer to physical electronic components (i.e., hardware) and any software and/or firmware (“code”) which may configure the hardware, be executed by the hardware, and or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As used herein, for example, a particular processor and memory may comprise a first “circuit” when executing a first one or more lines of code and may comprise a second “circuit” when executing a second one or more lines of code. As utilized herein, circuitry is “operable” and/or “configured” to perform a function whenever the circuitry comprises the necessary hardware and/or code (if any is necessary) to perform the function, regardless of whether performance of the function is disabled or enabled (e.g., by a user-configurable setting, factory trim, etc.). 
     As used herein, a control circuit may include digital and/or analog circuitry, discrete and/or integrated circuitry, microprocessors, DSPs, etc., software, hardware and/or firmware, located on one or more boards, that form part or all of a controller, and/or are used to control a welding process, and/or a device such as a power source or wire feeder. 
     As used herein, the term “processor” means processing devices, apparatus, programs, circuits, components, systems, and subsystems, whether implemented in hardware, tangibly embodied software, or both, and whether or not it is programmable. The term “processor” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, one or more computing devices, hardwired circuits, signal-modifying devices and systems, devices and machines for controlling systems, central processing units, programmable devices and systems, field-programmable gate arrays, application-specific integrated circuits, systems on a chip, systems comprising discrete elements and/or circuits, state machines, virtual machines, data processors, processing facilities, and combinations of any of the foregoing. The processor may be, for example, any type of general purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signal processing (DSP) processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor with an advanced RISC machine (ARM) core, etc. The processor may be coupled to, and/or integrated with a memory device. 
     As used, herein, the term “memory” and/or “memory circuitry” means computer hardware or circuitry to store information for use by a processor and/or other digital device. The memory and/or memory circuitry can be any suitable type of computer memory or any other type of electronic storage medium, such as, for example, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memory, compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-optical memory, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a computer-readable medium, or the like. Memory can include, for example, a non-transitory memory, a non-transitory processor readable medium, a non-transitory computer readable medium, non-volatile memory, dynamic RAM (DRAM), volatile memory, ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), first-in-first-out (FIFO) memory, last-in-first-out (LIFO) memory, stack memory, non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), static RAM (SRAM), a cache, a buffer, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, a flash memory, a flash card, a compact flash card, memory cards, secure digital memory cards, a microcard, a minicard, an expansion card, a smart card, a memory stick, a multimedia card, a picture card, flash storage, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a hard drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory can be configured to store code, instructions, applications, software, firmware and/or data, and may be external, internal, or both with respect to the processor. 
     As used herein, welding-type refers to welding, cladding, brazing, plasma cutting, induction heating, carbon arc cutting, and/or hot wire welding/preheating (including laser welding and laser cladding), carbon arc cutting or gouging, and/or resistive preheating. 
     As used herein, welding-type power refers power suitable for welding, cladding, brazing, plasma cutting, induction heating, carbon arc cutting, and/or hot wire welding/preheating (including laser welding and laser cladding), carbon arc cutting or gouging, and/or resistive preheating. 
     As used herein, a welding-type power supply and/or power source refers to any device capable of, when power is applied thereto, supplying welding, cladding, brazing, plasma cutting, induction heating, laser (including laser welding, laser hybrid, and laser cladding), carbon arc cutting or gouging, and/or resistive preheating, including but not limited to transformer-rectifiers, inverters, converters, resonant power supplies, quasi-resonant power supplies, switch-mode power supplies, etc., as well as control circuitry and other ancillary circuitry associated therewith. 
     Disabling of circuitry, actuators, hardware, and/or software may be done via hardware, software (including firmware), or a combination of hardware and software, and may include physical disconnection, de-energization, and/or a software control that restricts commands from being implemented to activate the circuitry, actuators, hardware, and/or software. Similarly, enabling of circuitry, actuators, hardware, and/or software may be done via hardware, software (including firmware), or a combination of hardware and software, using the same mechanisms used for disabling.