Patent Publication Number: US-10307853-B2

Title: System and method for managing welding data

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/018,351, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING WELDING NETWORK,” filed Jun. 27, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The invention relates generally to welding and, more particularly, to a welding system that may be used for monitoring a weld environment and managing welding data associated with the weld environment, such as welding data collected from the weld environment during and/or preceding welding. 
     Welding is a process that has increasingly become utilized in various industries and applications. Such processes may be automated in certain contexts, although a large number of applications continue to exist for manual welding operations. In both cases, such welding operations rely on a variety of types of equipment to ensure the supply of welding consumables (e.g., wire feed, shielding gas, etc.) is provided to the weld in appropriate amounts at the desired time. 
     In preparation for performing manual welding operations, welding operators may be trained using a welding system (e.g., a welding training system). The welding system may be designed to train welding operators with the proper techniques for performing various welding operations. Certain welding systems may use various training methods. As may be appreciated, these training systems may be expensive to acquire and operate. Accordingly, welding training institutions may only acquire a limited number of such training systems. Furthermore, certain welding systems may not adequately train welding operators to perform high quality welds. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a welding system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an embodiment of portions of the welding system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of circuitry of the welding torch of  FIG. 1  in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the welding torch of  FIG. 1  in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the welding stand of  FIG. 1  in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a calibration device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fixture assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a welding wire stickout calibration tool in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the welding wire stickout calibration tool of  FIG. 7  in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is an embodiment of a method for calibrating wire stickout from a welding torch in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a welding consumable having physical marks in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of welding wire having physical marks in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vertical arm assembly of the welding stand of  FIG. 1  in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an overhead welding arm assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram of an embodiment of welding software having multiple training modes in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a virtually reality mode of welding software in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  is an embodiment of a method for integrating training results data in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is an embodiment of a chart illustrating multiple sets of welding data for a welding operator in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  is an embodiment of a chart illustrating welding data for a welder compared to welding data for a class in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a data storage system (e.g., cloud storage system) for storing certification status data in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  is an embodiment of a screen illustrating data corresponding to a weld in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  is an embodiment of a screen illustrating a discontinuity analysis of a weld in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a welding instructor screen of welding software in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 23  is an embodiment of a method for weld training using augmented reality in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 24  is an embodiment of another method for weld training using augmented reality in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 25  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a welding torch in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 26  is an embodiment of a method for providing vibration feedback to a welding operator using a welding torch in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 27  is a graph of an embodiment of two patterns each including a different frequency for providing vibration feedback to a welding operator in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 28  is a graph of an embodiment of two patterns each including a different modulation for providing vibration feedback to a welding operator in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 29  is a graph of an embodiment of two patterns each including a different amplitude for providing vibration feedback to a welding operator in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a welding torch having spherical markers that may be used for tracking the welding torch in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 31  is perspective view of an embodiment of the welding torch, taken along line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 30  in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 32  is a top view of an embodiment of the welding torch and visual markers in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 33  is an embodiment of a method for displaying on a display of a welding torch a welding parameter in relation to a threshold in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 34  is an embodiment of a set of screenshots of a display of a welding torch for showing a welding parameter in relation to a threshold in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 35  is an embodiment of a method for tracking a welding torch in a welding system using at least four markers in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 36  is an embodiment of a method for detecting the ability for a processor to communicate with a welding torch in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 37  is an embodiment of a method for calibrating a curved weld joint that may be used with a welding system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 38  is a diagram of an embodiment of a curved weld joint in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 39  is a diagram of an embodiment of a curved weld joint and a marking tool in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 40  is an embodiment of a method for tracking a multi-pass welding operation in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a welding stand in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 42  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a welding surface of the welding stand of  FIG. 41  in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 43  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sensing device having a removable cover in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 44  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a calibration tool in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the calibration tool of  FIG. 44  having an outer cover removed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 46  is a side view of an embodiment of a pointed tip of a calibration tool in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 47  is a side view of an embodiment of a rounded tip of a calibration tool in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 48  is a side view of an embodiment of a rounded tip of a calibration tool having a small pointed tip in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 49  is an embodiment of a method for detecting a calibration point in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 50  is an embodiment of a method for determining a welding score based on a welding path in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 51  is an embodiment of a method for transitioning between welding modes using a user interface of a welding torch in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 52  is an embodiment of a remote welding training system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 53  is an embodiment of a dashboard page with welding data from different operators, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 54  is an embodiment of a welding system with depth sensors and a local positioning system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 55  is an embodiment of a method of controlling visual markers of the welding torch to track the movement and position of the welding torch, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 56  is a cross-sectional view of a base component with visual markers, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 57  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the arms and clamp assembly of the welding stand, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 58  is a top view of an embodiment of a mount of the clamp assembly of  FIG. 57 , taken along line  58 - 58 , in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 59  is perspective view of an embodiment of a calibration block coupled to the clamp assembly of  FIG. 57 , in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 60  is an embodiment of a method for the set up of the arms of the training stand for an out of position welding assignment, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 61  is an embodiment of a method for the selection and execution of a multi-pass welding assignment with the welding system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 62  is an embodiment of a screen illustrating data, including arc parameters, corresponding to a weld in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 63  is an embodiment of a screen illustrating data corresponding to a weld test for which an arc has not been detected in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 64  is an embodiment of a screen illustrating assignment development routines in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 65  is an embodiment of a screen illustrating properties relating to a welding procedure in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 66  is an embodiment of a screen illustrating data corresponding to a simulated weld in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 67  is an embodiment of a screen illustrating data corresponding to a weld prior to initiation of the weld in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 68  is an embodiment of a screen illustrating a summary of weld test parameters in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 69  is an embodiment of a screen illustrating data, including arc parameters, corresponding to a weld during a weld test in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 70  is an embodiment of a screen illustrating data, including heat input, corresponding to a weld in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 71  is a diagram of an embodiment of the aim of a welding torch relative to a workpiece in accordance with aspects of this present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an embodiment of one or more welding systems  10 . As used herein, a welding system may include any suitable welding related system, including, but not limited to, a welding training system, a live welding system, a remote welding training system (e.g., helmet training system), a simulated welding system, a virtual reality welding system, and so forth. For example, the welding system  10  may include, but is not limited to, a LiveArc™ Welding Performance Management System available from Miller Electric of Appleton, Wis. The welding system  10  may include a welding stand  12  for providing support for various training devices. For example, the stand  12  may be configured to support a welding surface, a workpiece  82 , a fixture, one or more training arms, and so forth. The welding system  10  includes a welding torch  14  that may be used by a welding operator (e.g., welding student) to perform welding operations (e.g., training operations). As described in greater detail below, the welding torch  14  may be configured with a user interface configured to receive inputs from the welding operator, control circuitry configured to process the inputs, and a communication interface configured to provide the inputs to another device. Furthermore, the welding torch  14  may include one or more display and/or indicators to provide data to the welding operator. 
     Moreover, the welding system  10  includes one or more sensing devices  16  (e.g., sensor, sensing assembly, and so forth) used to sense a position of one or more welding devices and/or to sense an orientation of one or more welding devices. For example, the sensing device  16  may be used to sense a position and/or an orientation of the stand  12 , the welding torch  14 , a welding surface, the workpiece  82 , a fixture, one or more training arms, the operator, an identification token, and so forth. The one or more sensing devices  16  may include any suitable sensing device, such as a motion sensing device or a motion tracking device. Furthermore, the sensing device  16  may include one or more cameras, such as one or more infrared cameras, one or more visible spectrum cameras, one or more high dynamic range (HDR) cameras, and so forth. Additionally, or in the alternative, the sensing device  16  may include one or more depth sensors to determine relative distances between the respective depth sensors  16  and an object (e.g., welding torch  14 , workpiece  82 , operator, and so forth). The sensing devices  16  may be positioned in various locations about the welding environment of the training system  10 , thereby enabling some sensing devices  16  to monitor the welding environment (e.g., track movement of an object) when other sensing devices  16  are obscured. For example, a sensing device  16  (e.g., camera, depth sensor) integrated with a welding helmet  41  may facilitate tracking the position, orientation, and/or movement of the welding torch  14  relative to the workpiece  82  when the welding torch  14  is at least partially obscured from other sensing devices  16  by the workpiece  82  or the operator. Furthermore, a sensing device  16  (e.g., accelerometer) integrated with the welding torch  14  may facilitate tracking the position, orientation, and/or movement of the welding torch  14  relative to the workpiece  82  when the welding torch  14  is at least partially obscured from other sensing devices  16  (e.g., cameras, depth sensors) by the workpiece  82  or the operator. 
     The sensing device  16  is communicatively coupled to a computer  18 . The sensing device  16  is configured to provide data (e.g., image data, acoustic data, sensed data, six degrees of freedom (6DOF) data, etc.) to the computer  18 . Furthermore, the sensing device  16  may be configured to receive data (e.g., configuration data, setup data, commands, register settings, etc.) from the computer  18 . The computer  18  includes one or more processors  20 , memory devices  22 , and storage devices  24 . The computer  18  may include, but is not limited to, a desktop, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile device, a wearable computer, or any combination thereof. The processor(s)  20  may be used to execute software, such as welding software, image processing software, sensing device software, and so forth. Moreover, the processor(s)  20  may include one or more microprocessors, such as one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors and/or application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor(s)  20  may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors. 
     The storage device(s)  24  (e.g., nonvolatile storage) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The storage device(s)  24  may store data (e.g., data corresponding to a welding operation, video and/or parameter data corresponding to a welding operation, data corresponding to an identity and/or a registration number of the operator, data corresponding to past operator performance, etc.), instructions (e.g., software or firmware for the welding system, the sensing device  16 , etc.), and any other suitable data. As will be appreciated, data that corresponds to a welding operation may include a video recording of the welding operation, a simulated video, an orientation of the welding torch  14 , a position of the welding torch  14 , a work angle, a travel angle, a distance between a contact tip of the welding torch  14  and a workpiece, a travel speed, an aim, a voltage, a current, a traversed path, a discontinuity analysis, welding device settings, and so forth. 
     The memory device(s)  22  may include a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory device(s)  22  may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory device(s)  22  may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for the processor(s)  20  to execute, such as instructions for a welding training simulation, for the sensing device  16 , and/or for an operator identification system  43 . In addition, a variety of control regimes for various welding processes, along with associated settings and parameters may be stored in the storage device(s)  24  and/or memory device(s)  22 , along with code configured to provide a specific output (e.g., initiate wire feed, enable gas flow, capture welding current data, detect short circuit parameters, determine amount of spatter, etc.) during operation. The welding power supply  28  may be used to provide welding power to a live-arc welding operation, and the wire feeder  30  may be used to provide welding wire to the live-arc welding operation. 
     The welding system  10  includes a display  32  for displaying data and/or screens associated with welding (e.g., to display data corresponding to a welding software). For example, the display  32  may provide a graphical user interface to a welding operator (e.g., welding instructor, welding student). The graphical user interface may provide various screens to enable the welding instructor to organize a class, provide assignments to the class, analyze assignments performed by the class, provide assignments to an individual, analyze assignments performed by the individual, add, change, and/or delete parameters for a welding assignment, and so forth. Furthermore, the graphical user interface may provide various screens to enable a welding operator (e.g., welding student) to perform a welding assignment, view results from prior welding assignments, and so forth. In certain embodiments, the display  32  may be a touch screen display configured to receive touch inputs, and to provide data corresponding to the touch inputs to the computer  18 . 
     An external display  34  is coupled to the computer  18  to enable an individual located remotely from the welding system  10  to view data corresponding to the welding system  10 . Furthermore, a network device  36  is coupled to the computer  18  to enable the computer  18  to communicate with other devices connected to the Internet or another network  38  (e.g., for providing test results to another device and/or for receiving test results from another device). For example, the network device  36  may enable the computer  18  to communicate with an external welding system  40 , a production welding system  42 , a remote computer  44 , and/or a data storage system (e.g., cloud storage system)  318 . As may be appreciated, the welding system  10  described herein may be used to train welding students in a cost effective manner. In some embodiments, the one or more welding systems  10  may include a helmet  41  having a display  32  and one or more sensing devices  16 , such as optical or acoustic sensing devices. As described in detail below, the helmet  41  is communicatively coupled to the computer  18 , and the helmet  41  may facilitate welding training and/or welding monitoring without the training stand  12 . In some embodiments, the one or more sensing devices  16  integrated with the helmet  41  may facilitate welding training and/or welding monitoring without separate sensing devices  16  external to the helmet  41 . Furthermore, the welding system  10  is configured to integrate real welding with simulated welding in a manner that prepares welding students for high quality production welding. 
     An operator identification system  43  is coupled to the computer  18  to enable an operator utilizing the welding system  10  to be identified. The operator identification system  43  utilizes one or more types of operator information (e.g., identifiers) to identify the operator. Operator information may include, but is not limited to, a resettable identifier  45  (e.g., password, motion sequence, operator-performed action), a biometric identifier  47  (e.g., retinal scan, fingerprint, palm print, facial profile, voice profile, inherent operator trait), information based at least in part on a biometric identifier  47 , a token  49  (e.g., key, key fob, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, passcard, barcode, physical identifier), or any combination thereof. Additionally, or in the alternative, an instructor or manager may provide an input to the operator identification system  43  to verify the identity of the operator, thereby authorizing the operator for the welding session (e.g., welding assignment) and the associated weld data. That is, the identification of an operator may involve one or more steps, such as operator identification via information received from the operator, and operator verification via information received from the instructor and/or manager of the operator. In some embodiments, the operator identification system  43  may utilize the one or more sensing devices  16  to facilitate operator identification. For example, a camera or microphone of the welding system  10  may receive the biometric identifier  47 . Moreover, the operator identification system  43  may have an input device  51  (e.g., keypad, touch screen, retinal scanner, fingerprint sensor, camera, microphone, barcode scanner, radio transceiver, and so forth) configured to receive the one or more types of operator identification information. 
     The operator identification system  43  may identify the operator prior to performing a weld process (e.g., live process, training process, simulated process, virtual reality process) or after performing the weld process. In some embodiments, the operator identification system  43  may enable or lock out an operator from utilizing the welding system  10  based on the one or more identifiers received at the input device  51 . For example, the operator identification system  43  may lock out a first operator (e.g., student) from utilizing the welding system  10  until the operator identification system  43  receives a first input from the first operator that may identify the first operator. In some embodiments, the welding system  10  may enable the first operator to perform a welding session with the welding system  10  without verification of the identity of the first operator; however, the welding system  10  may store and/or transmit the welding data associated with such a welding session only upon verification of the identity of the first operator based at least in part on a second input from a second operator (e.g., instructor, administrator). That is, the operator identification system  43  may disable the storage or transmission of the welding data associated with a welding session until the identity of the first operator that performed the welding session is verified by the second operator. Moreover, some embodiments of the welding system  10  may lock out the first operator from utilizing the welding system until a second input is received from the second operator that verifies the identity of the first operator, which was preliminarily determined based on the first input from the first operator. In some embodiments, the operator identification system  43  may identify the operator during a weld process, such as via an identifying characteristic of an operator during the weld process. For example, a first operator may hold the welding torch differently than a second operator, and a sensing device  16  (e.g., camera) coupled to the operator identification system  43  may facilitate distinguishing the first operator from the second operator. Additionally, or in the alternative, the operator identification system  43  may include a sensor (e.g., fingerprint scanner, camera, microphone) on the welding torch  14  or the helmet  41 . In some embodiments, an instructor and/or a manager may confirm upon completion of a weld process that the identified operator performed the weld process. 
     The operator identification system  43  may communicate with the computer  18  to determine the identity of the operator utilizing the received identification information. In some embodiments, the computer  18  may communicate with the network  38  and/or a remote computer  44  to determine the identity of the operator. The computer  18  may control the display  32  to display at least some of the information associated with the operator upon identification of the operator. For example, the display  32  may present the name, a photo, registration number, experience level, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the operator identification system  43  may be utilized with one or more welding systems  10 . 
     The computer  18  may receive welding data (e.g., welding parameters, arc parameters) corresponding to a welding session (e.g., welding assignment) during and/or after the respective welding session is performed by the operator. The computer  18  may receive the welding data from the network  38 , one or more sensing devices  16 , the welding torch  14 , the welding power supply  28 , the wire feeder  30 , or the helmet  41 , or any combination thereof. Additionally, or in the alternative, the computer  18  may associate the received welding data with the identity of the operator, such as via a registration number unique to the operator, the operator&#39;s name, and/or a photograph of the operator. Moreover, the computer  18  may transmit the associated welding data and identity of the operator (e.g., registration number) to a data storage system within the welding system  10  or located remotely via the network  38 . Association of the welding data with the identity of the operator (e.g., via the registration number) enables significantly more than the collection of unassociated welding data from operators. That is, association of the welding data with a registration number unique to the operator enables someone (e.g., the operator, instructor, manager) that is either local or remote from the operator to track the performance, progress, and skills of the operator over time via the registration number. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an embodiment of portions of the welding system  10  of  FIG. 1 . As illustrated, a power distribution assembly  46  provides power to the welding torch  14  and the computer  18 . Moreover, the welding torch  14  includes control circuitry  52  configured to control the operation of the welding torch  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the control circuitry  52  includes one or more processors  54 , memory devices  56 , and storage devices  58 . In other embodiments, the control circuitry  52  may not include the processors  54 , the memory devices  56 , and/or the storage devices  58 . The processor(s)  54  may be used to execute software, such as welding torch software. Moreover, the processor(s)  54  may be similar to the processor(s)  20  described previously. Furthermore, the memory device(s)  56  may be similar to the memory device(s)  22 , and the storage device(s)  58  may be similar to the storage device(s)  24 . 
     The welding torch  14  includes a user interface  60  to enable a welding operator (e.g., welding student, welding instructor, etc.) to interact with the welding torch  14  and/or to provide inputs to the welding torch  14 . For example, the user interface  60  may include buttons, switches, touch screens, touchpads, scanners, and so forth. The inputs provided to the welding torch  14  by the welding operator may be provided to the computer  18 . For example, the inputs provided to the welding torch  14  may be used to control welding software being executed by the computer  18 . As such, the welding operator may use the user interface  60  on the welding torch  14  to navigate the welding software screens, setup procedures, data analysis, welding courses, make selections within the welding software, configure the welding software, and so forth. Thus, the welding operator can use the welding torch  14  to control the welding software (e.g., the welding operator does not have to put down the welding torch  14  to use a different input device). The welding torch  14  also includes visual indicators  61 , such as a display  62  and LEDs  64 . The visual indicators  61  may be configured to indicate or display data and/or images corresponding to a weld, welding training, and/or welding software. For example, the visual indicators  61  may be configured to indicate a welding torch orientation, a welding torch travel speed, a welding torch position, a contact tip to workpiece distance, an aim of the welding torch  14 , training information for the welding operator, and so forth. Moreover, the visual indicators  61  may be configured to provide visual indications before a weld, during a weld, and/or after a weld. In certain embodiments, the LEDs  64  may illuminate to facilitate their detection by the sensing device  16 . In such embodiments, the LEDs  64  may be positioned to enable the sensing device  16  to determine a position and/or an orientation of the welding torch  14  based on a spatial position of the LEDs  64 . 
     As may be appreciated,  FIG. 71  illustrates an embodiment of the aim of the welding torch  14 . Where a wire electrode  174  extends along an axis  53  of the torch  14 , a projected line  55  along the axis  53  extending from the wire electrode intersects the workpiece  82  at an intersection point  57 . As utilized herein, the term “aim” may be defined as the shortest distance  59  along the workpiece  82  between the intersection point  57  and a center  63  of a joint  67  of the workpiece  82 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 2 , in certain embodiments, the welding torch  14  includes power conversion circuitry  66  configured to receive power from the data reporting device  26  (e.g., or another device), and to convert the received power for powering the welding torch  14 . In certain embodiments, the welding torch  14  may receive power that is already converted and/or does not utilize power conversion. Moreover, in some embodiments, the welding torch  14  may be powered by a battery or any suitable powering mechanism. The welding torch  14  also includes a communication interface  68  (e.g., RS-232 driver) to facilitate communication between the welding torch  14  and the data reporting device  26  (or another device). In the illustrated embodiment, the welding torch  14  may communicate with the computer  18  by providing data to the data reporting device  26  using the communication interfaces  50  and  68 , then the data reporting device  26  communicates the data to the computer  18 . Accordingly, inputs provided to the welding torch  14  may be provided to the computer  18 . In certain embodiments, the welding torch  14  may provide inputs to the computer  18  by communicating directly with the computer  18 . 
     The welding torch  14  includes a trigger  70  configured to mechanically actuate a trigger switch  72  between an open position (as illustrated) and a closed position. The trigger  70  provides a conductor  71  to carry a signal to the control circuitry  52  to indicate whether the trigger switch  72  is in the open position or the closed position. The wire feeder  30 , the welding power supply  28 , the computer  18 , and/or the data reporting device  26  may determine whether there is continuity through the welding torch  14  across a first trigger conductor  74  and a second trigger conductor  76 . The trigger switch  72  is electrically coupled between the first trigger conductor  74  and the second trigger conductor  76 . Continuity across the first trigger conductor  74  and the second trigger conductor  76  may be determined by applying a voltage across the conductors  74  and  76 , applying a current across the conductors  74  and  76 , measuring a resistance across the conductors  74  and  76 , and so forth. In certain embodiments, portions of the first trigger conductor  74  and/or portions of the second trigger conductor  76  may be disposed within a connector of the welding torch  14 . Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the arrangement of switches and/or conductors within the welding torch  14  may be different than illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The welding power supply  28  may determine whether to enable welding power to flow through the welding torch  14  based on whether there is continuity across the conductors  74  and  76 . For example, the welding power supply  28  may enable welding power to flow through the welding torch  14  while there is continuity across the conductors  74  and  76 , and the welding power supply  28  may block welding power from flowing through the welding torch  14  while there is an open circuit across the conductors  74  and  76 . Furthermore, the wire feeder  30  may provide welding wire to the welding torch  14  while there is continuity across the conductors  74  and  76 , and may block welding wire from being provided to the welding torch  14  while there is an open circuit across the conductors  74  and  76 . Moreover, the computer  18  may use the continuity across the conductors  74  and  76  and/or the position of the trigger  70  or trigger switch  72  to start and/or stop a welding operation, a welding simulation, data recording, and so forth. 
     With the trigger switch  72  in the open position, there is an open circuit across the conductors  74  and  76 , thus, the open position of the trigger switch  72  blocks electron flow between the conductors  74  and  76 . Accordingly, the welding power supply  28  may block welding power from flowing through the welding torch  14  and the wire feeder  30  may block welding wire from being provided to the welding torch  14 . Pressing the trigger  70  directs the trigger switch  72  to the closed position where the trigger switch  72  remains as long as the trigger  70  is pressed. With the trigger switch  72  in the closed position, there is continuity between the first trigger conductor  74  and a conductor  77  electrically connected to the trigger switch  72  and a training switch  78 . 
     The training switch  78  is electrically coupled between the first trigger conductor  74  and the second trigger conductor  76 . Moreover, the training switch  78  is electrically controlled by the control circuitry  52  to an open position or to a closed position. In certain embodiments, the training switch  78  may be any suitable electrically controlled switch, such as a transistor, relay, etc. The control circuitry  52  may selectively control the training switch  78  to the open position or to the closed position. For example, while welding software of the welding system  10  is operating in a live-arc mode, the control circuitry  52  may be configured to control the training switch  78  to the closed position to enable a live welding arc while the trigger  70  is pressed. In contrast, while welding software of the welding system  10  is operating in any mode other than the live-arc mode (e.g., simulation, virtual reality, augmented reality, etc.), the control circuitry  52  may be configured to control the training switch  78  to the open position to block a live welding arc (by blocking electron flow between the conductors  74  and  76 ). 
     In certain embodiments, the training switch  78  may default to the open position, thereby establishing an open circuit across the conductors  74  and  76 . As may be appreciated, while the training switch  78  is in the open position, there will be an open circuit across the conductors  74  and  76  regardless of the position of the trigger switch  72  (e.g., electron flow between the conductors  74  and  76  is blocked by the open position of the training switch  78 ). However, while the training switch  78  is controlled to the closed position, and the trigger switch  72  is in the closed position, conductivity is established between the conductors  74  and  76  (e.g., electron flow between the conductors  74  and  76  is enabled). Accordingly, the welding power supply  28  may enable welding power to flow through the welding torch  14  only while the training switch  78  is in the closed position and while the trigger switch  72  is in the closed position. For example, welding power may flow from the welding power supply  28 , through a weld cable  80 , the welding torch  14 , a workpiece  82 , and return to the welding power supply  28  via a work cable  84  (e.g., electrode-negative, or straight polarity). Conversely, welding power may flow from the welding power supply  28 , through the work cable  84 , the workpiece  82 , the welding torch  14 , and return to the welding power supply  28  via the weld cable  80  (e.g., electrode-positive, or reverse polarity). 
     As may be appreciated, the training switch  78  may be physically located in any suitable portion of the welding system  10 , such as the data reporting device  26 , the computer  18 , and so forth. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the functionality of the training switch  78  may be replaced by any suitable hardware and/or software in the welding system  10 . 
       FIG. 2A  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of circuitry of the welding torch  14  of  FIG. 1 . In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger switch  72  selectively connects a power supplying conductor (e.g., voltage source, etc.) to the conductor  71 . Accordingly, while the trigger switch  72  is open, no voltage is applied to the conductor  71 , and while the trigger switch  72  is closed, voltage from the power supplying conductor is supplied to the conductor  71 . A trigger enable signal (e.g., TRIGGER_EN) may be provided by the control circuitry  52  to selectively control the training switch  78 , and thereby control a feeder enable switch  85 . For example, when the trigger enable signal controls the training switch  78  to an open position, no voltage is applied to the feeder enable switch  85  (e.g., via the FEEDER_EN connection), thereby maintaining the feeder enable switch  85  in the open position. Conversely, when the trigger enable signal controls the training switch  78  to a closed position, voltage is applied to the feeder enable switch  85 , thereby controlling the feeder enable switch  85  to the closed position. With the feeder enable switch  85  in the closed position, conductivity between the conductors  74  and  76  is established. While one example of welding torch  14  circuitry is provided, any suitable circuitry may be used within the welding torch  14 . A microprocessor of the control circuitry  52  may pulse the trigger enable signal at predetermined intervals to provide an indication to detection circuitry of the control circuitry  52  that the trigger enable signal is working properly. If the detection circuitry does not detect the trigger enable signal, the trigger may not be enabled. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the welding torch  14  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As illustrated, the user interface  60  includes multiple buttons  86  which may be used to provide inputs to the welding torch  14 . For example, the buttons  86  may enable a welding operator to navigate through welding software. Furthermore, the welding torch  14  includes the display  62  which may show the welding operator data corresponding to the welding software, data corresponding to a welding operation, and so forth. As illustrated, the LEDs  64  may be positioned at various locations on the welding torch  14 . Accordingly, the LEDs  64  may be illuminated to facilitate detection by the sensing device  16 . As discussed in detail below, one or more sets of LEDs  64  may be arranged on the welding torch  14  to facilitate detection by the sensing device  16  regardless of the position of the welding torch in the welding environment. For example, one or more sets of LEDs  64  may be arranged about the welding torch  14  and oriented in directions that enable the sensing device  16  to detect the position and orientation of the welding torch  14  in a flat welding position, a horizontal welding position, a vertical welding position, and an overhead position. Moreover, the one or more sets of LEDs  64  may enable the sensing device  16  to substantially continuously detect the movement of the welding torch  14  between various welding positions in the welding environment prior to initiating a welding process, movement of the welding torch during a welding process, and movement of the welding torch after completing a welding process, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a scanning device  65 , such as a finger print scanner, may be arranged on the welding torch  14 . The scanning device  65  may be a part of the operator identification system  43 . The operator may utilize the scanning device  65  to provide identification information to the operator identification system  43  of the welding system  10 . For example, the operator may scan a finger before and/or after performing a weld process to facilitate verification that the identified operator performed the weld process. In some embodiments, the operator may utilize the scanning device  65  within a relatively brief window (e.g., approximately 3, 5, 10, or 15 seconds) of initiating or completing a weld process to verify the identity of the operator. That is, the welding system  10  and/or the welding torch  14  may lock out the operator from initiating or completing a weld process if the weld process is not initiated within the brief window after verification of the identity of the operator. Accordingly, the operator identification system  43  may be utilized to reduce or eliminate instances in which the performance of a given weld process by a second operator and the associated weld data from the given weld process is erroneously attributed to a first operator that did not perform the given weld process. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the stand  12  of  FIG. 1 . The stand  12  includes a welding surface  88  on which live welds (e.g., real welds, actual welds) and/or simulated welds may be performed. Legs  90  provide support to the welding surface  88 . In certain embodiments, the welding surface  88  may include slots  91  to aid a welding operator in positioning and orienting the workpiece  82 . In certain embodiments, the position and orientation of the workpiece  82  may be provided to welding software of the welding system  10  to calibrate the welding system  10 . For example, a welding operator may provide an indication to the welding software identifying which slot  91  of the welding surface  88  the workpiece  82  is aligned with. Furthermore, a predefined welding assignment may direct the welding operator to align the workpiece  82  with a particular slot  91 . In certain embodiments, the workpiece  82  may include an extension  92  configured to extend into one or more of the slots  91  for alignment of the workpiece  82  with the one or more slots  91 . As may be appreciated, each of the slots  91  may be positioned at a location corresponding to a respective location defined in the welding software. 
     The welding surface  88  includes a first aperture  93  and a second aperture  94 . The first and second apertures  93  and  94  may be used together to determine a position and/or an orientation of the welding surface  88 . As may be appreciated, in certain embodiments at least three apertures may be used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface  88 . In some embodiments, more than three apertures may be used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface  88 . The first and second apertures  93  and  94  may be positioned at any suitable location on the welding surface  88 , and may be any suitable size. In certain embodiments, the position and/or orientation of the welding surface  88  relative to the sensing device  16  may be calibrated using the first and second apertures  93  and  94 . For example, as described in greater detail below, a calibration device configured to be sensed by the sensing device  16  may be inserted into the first aperture  93 , or touched to the first aperture  93 . While the calibration device is inserted into, or touching, the first aperture  93 , a user input provided to the welding software (or other calibration software) may indicate that the calibration device is inserted into the first aperture  93 . As a result, the welding software may establish a correlation between a first data set (e.g., calibration data) received from the sensing device  16  (e.g., position and/or orientation data) at a first time and the location of first aperture  93 . The calibration device may next be inserted into the second aperture  94 , or touched to the second aperture  94 . While the calibration device is inserted into, or touching, the second aperture  94 , a user input provided to the welding software may indicate that the calibration device is inserted into the second aperture  94 . As a result, the welding software may establish a correlation between a second data set (e.g., calibration data) received from the sensing device  16  at a second time and the location of second aperture  94 . Thus, the welding software may be able to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the welding surface  88  relative to the sensing device  16  using the first data set received at the first time and the second data set received at the second time. 
     The welding surface  88  also includes a first marker  95  and a second marker  96 . The first and second markers  95  and  96  may be used together to determine a position and/or an orientation of the welding surface  88 . As may be appreciated, in certain embodiments at least three markers may be used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface  88 . In some embodiments, more than three markers may be used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface  88 . The first and second markers  95  and  96  may be formed from any suitable material. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers  95  and  96  may be built into the welding surface  88 , while in other embodiments, the first and second markers  95  and  96  may be attached to the welding surface  88 . For example, the first and second markers  95  and  96  may be attached to the welding surface  88  using an adhesive and/or the first and second markers  95  and  96  may be stickers. The first and second markers  95  and  96  may have any suitable shape, size, and/or color. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers  95  and  96  may be a reflector formed from a reflective material. The first and second markers  95  and  96  may be used by the welding system  10  to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the welding surface  88  relative to the sensing device  16  without a separate calibration device. Accordingly, the first and second markers  95  and  96  are configured to be detected by the sensing device  16 . In certain embodiments, the first and second markers  95  and  96  may be positioned at predetermined locations on the welding surface  88 . Furthermore, the welding software may be programmed to use the predetermined locations to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface  88 . In other embodiments, the location of the first and second markers  95  and  96  may be provided to the welding software during calibration. With the first and second markers  95  and  96  on the welding surface  88 , the sensing device  16  may sense the position and/or orientation of the first and second markers  95  and  96  relative to the sensing device  16 . Using this sensed data in conjunction with the location of the first and second markers  95  and  96  on the welding surface  88 , the welding software may be able to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the welding surface  88  relative to the sensing device  16 . In some embodiments, the welding surface  88  may be removable and/or reversible. In such embodiments, the welding surface  88  may be flipped over, such as if the welding surface  88  become worn. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the workpiece  82  includes a first marker  98  and a second marker  99 . The first and second markers  98  and  99  may be used together to determine a position and/or an orientation of the workpiece  82 . As may be appreciated, at least two markers are used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the workpiece  82 . In certain embodiments, more than two markers may be used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the workpiece  82 . The first and second markers  98  and  99  may be formed from any suitable material. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers  98  and  99  may be built into the workpiece  82 , while in other embodiments, the first and second markers  98  and  99  may be attached to the workpiece  82 . For example, the first and second markers  98  and  99  may be attached to the workpiece  82  using an adhesive and/or the first and second markers  98  and  99  may be stickers. As a further example, the first and second markers  98  and  99  may be clipped or clamped onto the workpiece  82 . The first and second markers  98  and  99  may have any suitable shape, size, and/or color. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers  98  and  99  may be a reflector formed from a reflective material. The first and second markers  98  and  99  may be used by the welding system  10  to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the workpiece  82  relative to the sensing device  16  without a separate calibration device. Accordingly, the first and second markers  98  and  99  are configured to be detected by the sensing device  16 . In certain embodiments, the first and second markers  98  and  99  may be positioned at predetermined locations on the workpiece  82 . Furthermore, the welding software may be programmed to use the predetermined locations to determine the position and/or the orientation of the workpiece  82 . In other embodiments, the location of the first and second markers  98  and  99  may be provided to the welding software during calibration. With the first and second markers  98  and  99  on the workpiece  82 , the sensing device  16  may sense the position and/or orientation of the first and second markers  98  and  99  relative to the sensing device  16 . Using this sensed data in conjunction with the location of the first and second markers  98  and  99  on the workpiece  82 , the welding software may be able to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the workpiece  82  relative to the sensing device  16 . While the markers  95 ,  96 ,  98 , and  99  have been described herein as being detected by the sensing device  16 , in certain embodiments, the markers  95 ,  96 ,  98 , and  99  may indicate locations where a calibration device is to be touched for calibration using the calibration device, as described previously. 
     The stand  12  includes a first arm  100  extending vertically from the welding surface  88  and configured to provide support for the sensing device  16  and the display  32 . A knob  101  is attached to the first arm  100  and may be used to adjust an orientation of the sensing device  16  relative to the first arm  100 . For example, as the knob  101  is adjusted, mechanical components extending through the first arm  100  may adjust an angle of the sensing device  16 . The display  32  includes a cover  102  to protect the display  32  from welding emissions that may occur during a live welding operation. The cover  102  may be made from any suitable material, such as a transparent material, a polymer, and so forth. By using a transparent material, a welding operator may view the display  32  while the cover  102  is positioned in front of the display  32 , such as before, during, and/or after a welding operation. The sensing device  16  may include a camera  104  coupled to the first arm  100  for recording welding operations. In certain embodiments, the camera  104  may be a high dynamic range (HDR) camera. Furthermore, the sensing device  16  may include an emitter  105  coupled to the first arm  100 . The emitter  105  may be used to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the welding surface  88  relative to the sensing device  16 . For example, the emitter  105  may be configured to emit a visible pattern onto the welding surface  88 , the workpiece  82 , the welding torch  14 , or the operator, or any combination thereof. That is, the pattern emitted by the emitter  105  is visible to the camera  104 . The emitter  105  may emit the visible pattern at a desired wavelength, such as a wavelength in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet spectrum (e.g., approximately 1 mm to 120 nm). The visible pattern may be shown onto the welding surface  88  and/or the workpiece  82 . Furthermore, the visible pattern may be detected by the sensing device  16  to calibrate the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface  88  relative to the sensing device  16 . For example, based on particular features of the visible pattern alignments and/or orientations may be determined by the sensing device  16  and/or the welding software. Moreover, the visible pattern emitted by the emitter  105  may be used to facilitate positioning of the workpiece  82  on the welding surface  88 . As discussed in greater detail below, the visible pattern may be detected by the sensing device  16  (e.g., camera  104 ) to determine a shape (e.g., tube, S-shape, I-shape, U-shape) of the workpiece  82 , the operator, or position of the welding torch  14  prior to welding. In some embodiments, the visible pattern may be detected by the sensing device  16  during welding to detect workpiece  82 , the operator, the welding torch  14 , or any combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more sensing devices  16  of the stand  12  may include a second camera  109  coupled to a third arm  107  for recording welding operations in a similar manner to the camera  104 . Furthermore, a second emitter  113  coupled to the third arm  107  may emit a visible pattern onto the welding surface  88 , the workpiece  82 , the welding torch  14 , or the operator, or any combination thereof. The second emitter  113  may emit the visible pattern at a desired wavelength, such as a wavelength in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet spectrum. The visible pattern emitted from the second emitter  113  may be approximately the same wavelength or a different wavelength than the visible pattern emitted by the emitter  105 . As may be appreciated, the second camera  109  and the second emitter  113  may be positioned to have a different orientation (e.g., perpendicular) relative to the workpiece  82  than the camera  104  and the emitter  105 , thereby enabling the determination of the shape of the workpiece  82 , the position of the operator, or the position of the welding torch  14  in the event that the sensing device  16  of either arm  100 ,  107  is obscured from view of a portion of the welding environment. In some embodiments, the sensing devices  16  may include multiple sets of cameras and emitters arranged at various points about the welding environment on or off the stand  12  to facilitate the monitoring of the position and movement of objects in the welding environment if one or more sensing devices are obscured from view of the welding environment. As discussed in greater detail below, the camera  104  and the emitter  105  may be integrated with the welding helmet  41 , thereby enabling the training system  10  to monitor the position and/or orientation of the welding torch  14  and the workpiece relative to the welding helmet  41 . 
     The stand  12  also includes a second arm  106  extending vertically from the welding surface  88  and configured to provide support for a welding plate  108  (e.g., vertical welding plate, horizontal welding plate, overhead welding plate, etc.). The second arm  106  may be adjustable to facilitate overhead welding at different heights. Moreover, the second arm  106  may be manufactured in a number of different ways to facilitate overhead welding at different heights. The welding plate  108  is coupled to the second arm  106  using a mounting assembly  110 . The mounting assembly  110  facilitates rotation of the welding plate  108  as illustrated by arrow  111 . For example, the welding plate  108  may be rotated from extending generally in the horizontal plane (e.g., for overhead welding), as illustrated, to extend generally in the vertical plane (e.g., for vertical welding). The welding plate  108  includes a welding surface  112 . The welding surface  112  includes slots  114  that may aid a welding operator in positioning the workpiece  82  on the welding surface  112 , similar to the slots  91  on the welding surface  88 . In certain embodiments, the position of the workpiece  82  may be provided to welding software of the welding system  10  to calibrate the welding system  10 . For example, a welding operator may provide an indication to the welding software identifying which slot  114  of the welding surface  112  the workpiece  82  is aligned with. Furthermore, a predefined welding assignment may direct the welding operator to align the workpiece  82  with a particular slot  114 . In certain embodiments, the workpiece  82  may include an extension configured to extend into one or more of the slots  114  for alignment of the workpiece  82  with the one or more slots  114 . As may be appreciated, each of the slots  114  may be positioned at a location corresponding to a respective location defined in the welding software. 
     The welding surface  112  also includes a first marker  116  and a second marker  118 . The first and second markers  116  and  118  may be used together to determine a position and/or an orientation of the welding surface  112 . As may be appreciated, at least two markers are used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface  112 . In certain embodiments, more than two markers may be used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface  112 . The first and second markers  116  and  118  may be formed from any suitable material. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers  116  and  118  may be built into the welding surface  112  (or another part of the welding plate  108 ), while in other embodiments, the first and second markers  116  and  118  may be attached to the welding surface  112  (or another part of the welding plate  108 ). For example, the first and second markers  116  and  118  may be attached to the welding surface  112  using an adhesive and/or the first and second markers  116  and  118  may be stickers. As a further example, the first and second markers  116  and  118  may be clipped or clamped onto the welding surface  112 . In some embodiments, the first and second markers  116  and  118  may be integrated into a holding clamp that is clamped onto a welding coupon. The first and second markers  116  and  118  may have any suitable shape, size, and/or color. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers  116  and  118  may be a reflector formed from a reflective material. 
     The first and second markers  116  and  118  may be used by the welding system  10  to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the welding surface  112  relative to the sensing device  16  without a separate calibration device. Accordingly, the first and second markers  116  and  118  are configured to be detected by the sensing device  16 . In certain embodiments, the first and second markers  116  and  118  may be positioned at predetermined locations on the welding surface  112 . Furthermore, the welding software may be programmed to use the predetermined locations to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface  112 . In other embodiments, the location of the first and second markers  116  and  118  may be provided to the welding software during calibration. With the first and second markers  116  and  118  on the welding surface  112 , the sensing device  16  may sense the position and/or orientation of the first and second markers  116  and  118  relative to the sensing device  16 . Using this sensed data in conjunction with the location of the first and second markers  116  and  118  on the welding surface  112 , the welding software may be able to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the welding surface  112  relative to the sensing device  16 . Furthermore, the sensing device  16  may sense and/or track the first and second markers  116  and  118  during a weld to account for any movement of the welding plate  108  that may occur during the weld. While the markers  116  and  118  have been described herein as being detected by the sensing device  16 , in certain embodiments, the markers  116  and  118  may indicate locations where a calibration device is to be touched or inserted for calibration using the calibration device, as described previously. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a calibration device  120 . In some embodiments, the calibration device  120  is shaped like a torch and may be used for calibrating the position and/or orientation of the welding surfaces  88  and  112  relative to the sensing device  16 . In other embodiments, the calibration device  120  may be used for calibrating the position and/or orientation of a welding joint. The calibration device  120  includes a handle  122  and a nozzle  124 . The nozzle  124  includes a pointed end  126  that may be used to touch a location for calibration and/or to be inserted into an aperture for calibration. The calibration device  120  also includes a user interface  128  that enables the welding operator to provide input corresponding to a time that the calibration device  120  is touching a location for calibration and/or is being inserted into an aperture for calibration. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the calibration device  120  includes markers  130  configured to be sensed by the sensing device  16 . As illustrated, the markers  130  extend from the calibration device  120 . However, in other embodiments, the markers  130  may not extend from the calibration device  120 . The markers  130  may be any suitable marker configured to be detected by the sensing device  16  (e.g., camera). Moreover, the markers  130  may be any suitable size, shape, and/or color. 
     During calibration, the sensing device  16  may sense a position of the calibration device  120  and/or an orientation of the calibration device  120 . The position and/or orientation of the calibration device  120  may be used by the welding software to determine a position and/or orientation of one or more of the welding surfaces  88  and  112  relative to the sensing device  16 , a position and/or orientation of the workpiece  82  relative to the sensing device  16 , a position and/or orientation of a fixture relative to the sensing device  16 , and so forth. Thus, the calibration device  120  may facilitate calibration of the welding system  10 . In some embodiments, a tray may be positioned beneath the welding surface  88  for storing the calibration device  120 . Moreover, in certain embodiments live welding may be disabled if the calibration device  120  is able to be tracked by the sensing device  16  (e.g., to block spatter from contacting the calibration device  120 ). 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fixture assembly  132 . The fixture assembly  132  may be positioned on the welding surface  88  and/or the welding surface  112 , and may secure the workpiece  82  thereon. In certain embodiments, the fixture assembly  132  may be configured to align with one or more of the slots  92  and  114 . In other embodiments, the fixture assembly  132  may be placed at any location on the welding surface  88  and/or the welding surface  122 . The fixture assembly  132  also includes a first marker  134  and a second marker  136 . The first and second markers  134  and  136  may be used together to determine a position and/or an orientation of the fixture assembly  132 . As may be appreciated, at least two markers are used to determine the position and/or the orientation of the fixture assembly  132 . The first and second markers  134  and  136  may be formed from any suitable material. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers  134  and  136  may be built into the fixture assembly  132 , while in other embodiments, the first and second markers  134  and  136  may be attached to the fixture assembly  132 . For example, the first and second markers  134  and  136  may be attached to the fixture assembly  132  using an adhesive and/or the first and second markers  134  and  136  may be stickers. The first and second markers  134  and  136  may have any suitable shape, size, and/or color. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the first and second markers  134  and  136  may be a reflector formed from a reflective material. The first and second markers  134  and  136  may be used by the welding system  10  to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the fixture assembly  132  relative to the sensing device  16  without a separate calibration device. Accordingly, the first and second markers  134  and  136  are configured to be detected by the sensing device  16 . In certain embodiments, the first and second markers  134  and  136  may be positioned at predetermined locations on the fixture assembly  132 . Furthermore, the welding software may be programmed to use the predetermined locations to determine the position and/or the orientation of the fixture assembly  132 . In other embodiments, the location of the first and second markers  134  and  136  may be provided to the welding software during calibration. With the first and second markers  134  and  136  on the fixture assembly  132 , the sensing device  16  may sense the position and/or orientation of the first and second markers  134  and  136  relative to the sensing device  16 . Using this sensed data in conjunction with the location of the first and second markers  134  and  136  on the fixture assembly  132 , the welding software may be able to calibrate the position and/or orientation of the fixture assembly  132  relative to the sensing device  16 . While the first and second markers  134  and  136  have been described herein as being detected by the sensing device  16 , in certain embodiments, the first and second markers  134  and  136  may indicate locations where a calibration device is to be touched or inserted for calibration using the calibration device  120 , as described previously. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the fixture assembly  132  is configured to secure a lower portion  138  of the workpiece  82  to an upper portion  140  of the workpiece  82  for performing a lap weld. In other embodiments, the fixture assembly  132  may be configured to secure portions of the workpiece  82  for performing a butt weld, a fillet weld, and so forth, to aid a welding operator in performing a weld. The fixture assembly  132  includes vertical arms  142  extending from a base  143 . A cross bar  144  extends between the vertical arms  142 , and is secured to the vertical arms  142 . Adjustment mechanisms  146  (e.g., knobs) may be adjusted to direct locking devices  148  toward the workpiece  82  for securing the workpiece  82  between the locking devices  148  and the base  143  of the fixture assembly  132 . Conversely, the adjustment mechanisms  146  may be adjusted to direct the locking devices  148  away from the workpiece  82  for removing the workpiece  82  from being between the locking devices  148  and the base  143 . Accordingly, the workpiece  82  may be selectively secured to the fixture assembly  132 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a welding wire stickout calibration tool  150 . The tool  150  is configured to calibrate a length of welding wire extending out of a torch nozzle to a selectable length. Accordingly, the tool  150  includes a first handle  152  and a second handle  154 . The tool  150  also includes a torch nozzle holder  156  attached to a central portion  157  of the tool  150  and extending outward from the central portion  157  a selected distance. In the illustrated embodiment, the torch nozzle holder  156  has a generally cylindrical body  158  (e.g., cup shape); however, in other embodiments, the body  158  of the torch nozzle holder  156  may have any suitable shape. Moreover, the torch nozzle holder  156  is configured to receive the torch nozzle through a nozzle inlet  160  such that the torch nozzle extends into the body  158 . Furthermore, the torch nozzle holder  156  includes an opening  162  configured to enable welding wire to extend out the end of the torch nozzle holder  156 , and to block the torch nozzle from extending through the opening  162 . As the torch nozzle extends into the torch nozzle holder  156 , the welding wire extends out of the opening  162  of the torch nozzle holder  156  toward a blade assembly  164  of the tool  150 . The blade assembly  164  includes one or more sides  165  and  166  configured to contact the welding wire. In certain embodiments, both of sides  165  and  166  include blades to cut opposing sides of the welding wire, while in other embodiments, only one of the sides  165  and  166  includes a blade to cut one side of the welding wire and the other side includes a surface to which the blade is directed toward. For calibrating the length of the welding wire, the welding wire may extend through the opening  162  and into the blade assembly  164 . The welding wire may be cut to a selectable length by pressing the first handle  152  and the second handle  154  toward one another, thereby calibrating the length of wire extending from the torch nozzle. The calibration length may be selected using an adjustment mechanism  167  to adjust a distance  168  between the blade assembly  164  and the opening  162  of the torch nozzle holder  156 . Thus, using the tool  150 , the length of wire extending from the torch nozzle may be calibrated. 
       FIG. 8  is a top view of the welding wire stickout calibration tool  150  of  FIG. 7 . As illustrated, the welding torch  14  may be used with the tool  150 . Specifically, a nozzle  170  of the welding torch  14  may be inserted into the torch nozzle holder  156  in a direction  172 . Welding wire  174  extending from the welding torch  14  is directed through the nozzle inlet  160 , the opening  162 , and the blade assembly  164 . Accordingly, the first and second handles  152  and  154  may be pressed together to cut the welding wire  174  to the distance  168  (e.g., the calibration length) set by the adjustment mechanism  167 . 
       FIG. 9  is an embodiment of a method  176  for calibrating wire stickout from the welding torch  14 . The tool  150  may be used to calibrate the length of welding wire  174  extending from the nozzle  170  using a variety of methods. In the method  176 , the adjustment mechanism  167  of the welding wire stickout calibration tool  150  may be adjusted for a selected welding wire  174  length (block  178 ). For example, the distance  168  of the torch nozzle holder  156  from the tool  150  may be set to a range of between approximately 0.5 to 2.0 cm, 1.0 to 3.0 cm, and so forth. The welding torch  14  may be inserted into the torch nozzle holder  156  of the tool  150 , such that the nozzle  170  of the welding torch  14  abuts the torch nozzle holder  156 , and that the welding wire  174  extends through the opening  162  of the torch nozzle holder  156  (block  180 ). In certain embodiments, the welding wire  174  may be long enough to extend through the blade assembly  164 . However, if the welding wire  174  does not extend through the blade assembly  164 , a welding operator may actuate the trigger  70  of the welding torch  14  to feed welding wire  174  such that the welding wire  174  extends through the blade assembly  164  (block  182 ). Accordingly, the welding operator may compress handles  152  and  154  of the tool  150  to cut the welding wire  174  extending through the blade assembly  164  and thereby calibrate the length of the welding wire  174  (block  184 ). 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a welding consumable  186  having physical marks. The welding consumable  186  may be any suitable welding consumable, such as a welding stick, welding rod, or a welding electrode. The welding consumable  186  includes physical marks  188 ,  190 ,  192 ,  194 ,  196 ,  198 ,  200 ,  202 , and  204 . The physical marks  188 ,  190 ,  192 ,  194 ,  196 ,  198 ,  200 ,  202 , and  204  may be any suitable physical mark. For example, the physical marks  188 ,  190 ,  192 ,  194 ,  196 ,  198 ,  200 ,  202 , and  204  may include a bar code, an image, a shape, a color, text, a set of data, and so forth. In certain embodiments, the physical marks  188 ,  190 ,  192 ,  194 ,  196 ,  198 ,  200 ,  202 , and  204  may be laser etched. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the physical marks  188 ,  190 ,  192 ,  194 ,  196 ,  198 ,  200 ,  202 , and  204  may be visible with the natural eye (e.g., within the visible spectrum), while in other embodiments the physical marks  188 ,  190 ,  192 ,  194 ,  196 ,  198 ,  200 ,  202 , and  204  may not be visible with the natural eye (e.g., not within the visible spectrum). 
     Each of the physical marks  188 ,  190 ,  192 ,  194 ,  196 ,  198 ,  200 ,  202 , and  204  indicates a location on the welding consumable  186  relative to either a first end  206 , or a second end  208  of the welding consumable  186 . For example, the physical mark  188  may indicate a distance from the first end  206 , a distance from the second end  208 , or some other location relative to the welding consumable  186 . In certain embodiments, the physical marks  188 ,  190 ,  192 ,  194 ,  196 ,  198 ,  200 ,  202 , and  204  may indicate a number that corresponds to the first end  206  and/or the second end  208 . For example, the physical mark  188  may indicate a number “1” indicating that it is the first physical mark from the first end  206  and/or the physical mark  188  may indicate a number “9” indicating that it is the ninth physical mark from the second end  208 . A processing device may use a lookup table to determine a distance from the first end  206  or the second end  208  based on the number indicated by the physical mark. 
     A camera-based detection system, which may include the sensing device  16 , or another type of system is configured to detect the physical marks  188 ,  190 ,  192 ,  194 ,  196 ,  198 ,  200 ,  202 , and  204  during live arc welding or a welding simulation. Moreover, the camera-based detection system is configured to determine a remaining length of the welding consumable  186 , a consumed length of the welding consumable  186 , a rate of use of the welding consumable  186 , a dipping rate of the welding consumable  186 , and so forth, based on the detected physical marks. Accordingly, data corresponding to use of the welding consumable  186  may be tracked by the welding system  10  for training and/or analysis. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of welding wire  210  having physical marks  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218 . The physical marks  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  may be any suitable physical mark. For example, the physical marks  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  may include a bar code, an image, a shape, text, a set of data, and so forth. In certain embodiments, the physical marks  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  may be laser etched. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the physical marks  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  may be visible with the natural eye (e.g., within the visible spectrum), while in other embodiments the physical marks  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  may not be visible with the natural eye (e.g., not within the visible spectrum). 
     Each of the physical marks  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  indicates a location on the welding wire  210  relative to either a first end  220 , or a second end  222  of the welding wire  210 . For example, the physical mark  212  may indicate a distance from the first end  220 , a distance from the second end  222 , or some other location relative to the welding wire  210 . In certain embodiments, the physical marks  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  may indicate a number that corresponds to the first end  220  and/or the second end  222 . For example, the physical mark  212  may indicate a number “1” indicating that it is the first physical mark from the first end  220  and/or the physical mark  212  may indicate a number “4” indicating that it is the fourth physical mark from the second end  222 . A processing device may use a lookup table to determine a distance from the first end  220  or the second end  222  based on the number indicated by the physical mark. 
     A camera-based detection system, which may include the sensing device  16 , or another type of system is configured to detect the physical marks  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  during live arc welding or a welding simulation. Moreover, the camera-based detection system is configured to determine a remaining length of the welding wire  210 , a consumed length of the welding wire  210 , a rate of use of the welding wire  210 , a dipping rate of the welding wire  210 , and so forth, based on the detected physical marks. Accordingly, data corresponding to use of the welding wire  210  may be tracked by the welding system  10  for training and/or analysis. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vertical arm assembly  223  of the stand  12  of  FIG. 4 . As illustrated, the sensing device  16  is attached to the first arm  100 . Furthermore, the sensing device  16  includes cameras  224 , and an infrared emitter  226 . However, in other embodiments, the sensing device  16  may include any suitable number of cameras, emitters, and/or other sensing devices. A pivot assembly  228  is coupled to the first arm  100  and to the sensing device  16 , and enables an angle of the sensing device  16  to be adjusted while the sensing device  16  rotates as illustrated by arrow  229 . As may be appreciated, adjusting the angle of the sensing device  16  relative to the first arm  100  changes the field of view of the sensing device  16  (e.g., to change the portion of the welding surface  88  and/or the welding surface  112  sensed by the sensing device  16 ). In some embodiments, the sensing device  16  may be arranged to observe at least a portion (e.g., hands, face) of the operator prior to and/or after completion of a weld process. Observation of the operator by the sensing device  16 , such as by a camera, may facilitate operator identification and verification that the identified operator performed the observed weld process. 
     A cord  230  extends between the knob  101  and the sensing device  16 . The cord  230  is routed through a pulley  232  to facilitate rotation of the sensing device  16 . Thus, a welding operator may rotate the knob  101  to manually adjust the angle of the sensing device  16 . As may be appreciated, the combination of the cord  230  and the pulley  232  is one example of a system for rotating the sensing device  16 . It should be noted that any suitable system may be used to facilitate rotation of the sensing device  16 . While one embodiment of a knob  101  is illustrated, it may be appreciated that any suitable knob may be used to adjust the angle of the sensing device  16 . Furthermore, the angle of the sensing device  16  may be adjusted using a motor  234  coupled to the cord  230 . Accordingly, a welding operator may operate the motor  234  to adjust the angle of the sensing device  16 . Moreover, in certain embodiments, control circuitry may be coupled to the motor  234  and may control the angle of the sensing device  16  based on a desired field of view of the sensing device  16  and/or based on tracking of an object within the field of view of the sensing device  16 . 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an overhead welding arm assembly  235 . The overhead welding arm assembly  235  illustrates one embodiment of a manufacturing design that enables the second arm  106  to have an adjustable height. Accordingly, as may be appreciated, the second arm  106  may be manufactured to have an adjustable height in a number of ways. As illustrated, the overhead welding assembly  235  includes handles  236  used to vertically raise and/or lower the second arm  106  as illustrated by arrows  238 . The overhead welding arm assembly  235  includes a locking device  240  to lock the second arm  106  at a desired height. For example, the locking device  240  may include a button that is pressed to disengage a latch configured to extend into openings  242 , thus unlocking the second arm  106  from being secured to side rails  243 . With the second arm  106  unlocked from the side rails  243 , the handles  236  may be vertically adjusted to a desired height, thereby adjusting the plate  112  to a desired height. As may be appreciated, releasing the button may result in the latch extending into the openings  242  and locking the second arm  106  to the side rails  243 . As may be appreciated, the locking device  240  may operate manually as described and/or the locking device  240  may be controlled by a control system (e.g., automatically controlled). Furthermore, the second arm  106  may be vertically raised and/or lowered using the control system. For example, in certain embodiments, the welding software may control the second arm  106  to move to a desired position automatically. Thus, the plate  112  may be adjusted to a desired height for overhead welding. 
       FIG. 14  is a block diagram of an embodiment of welding software  244  (e.g., welding training software) of the welding system  10  having multiple modes. As illustrated, the welding software  244  may include one or more of a live-arc mode  246  configured to enable training using a live (e.g., actual) welding arc, a simulation mode  248  configured to enable training using a welding simulation, a virtual reality (VR) mode  250  configured to enable training using a VR simulation, and/or an augmented reality mode  252  configured to enable training using augmented reality simulation. 
     The welding software  244  may receive signals from an audio input  254 . The audio input  254  may be configured to enable a welding operator to operate the welding software  244  using audible commands (e.g., voice activation). Furthermore, the welding software  244  may be configured to provide an audio output  256  and/or a video output  258 . For example, the welding software  244  may provide audible information to a welding operator using the audio output  256 . Such audible information may include instructions for configuring (e.g., setting up) the welding system  10 , real-time feedback provided to a welding operator during a welding operation, instructions to a welding operator before performing a welding operation, instructions to a welding operator after performing a welding operation, warnings, and so forth. 
       FIG. 15  is a block diagram of an embodiment of the VR mode  250  of the welding software  244 . The VR mode  250  is configured to provide a welding operator with a VR simulation  260 . The VR simulation  260  may be displayed to a welding operator through a VR headset, VR glasses, a VR display, or any suitable VR device. In some embodiments, the display  32  of the helmet  41  of the welding system  10  may facilitate the VR simulation  260 . The VR simulation  260  may be configured to include a variety of virtual objects, such as the objects illustrated in  FIG. 15 , that enable interaction between a welding operator and a selected virtual object of the variety of virtual objects within the VR simulation  260 . For example, virtual objects may include a virtual workpiece  262 , a virtual welding stand  264 , a virtual welding torch  266 , virtual wire cutters  268 , virtual software configuration  270 , virtual training data results  272 , and/or a virtual glove  274 . 
     In certain embodiments, the welding operator may interact with the virtual objects without touching a physical object. For example, the sensing device  16  may detect movement of the welding operator and may result in similar movements occurring in the VR simulation  260  based on the welder operator&#39;s movements in the real world. In other embodiments, the welding operator may use a glove or the welding torch  14  to interact with the virtual objects. For example, the glove or the welding torch  14  may be detected by the sensing device  16 , and/or the glove or the welding torch  14  may correspond to a virtual object in the VR simulation  260 . Furthermore, the welding operator may be able to operate the welding software  244  within the VR simulation  260  using the virtual software configuration  270  and/or the virtual training data results  272 . For example, the welding operator may use their hand, the glove, or the welding torch  14  to select items within the welding software  244  that are displayed virtually within the VR simulation  260 . Moreover, the welding operator may perform other actions such as picking up wire cutters and cutting virtual welding wire extending from the virtual torch  266 , all within the VR simulation  260 . 
       FIG. 16  is an embodiment of a method  276  for integrating training results data, non-training results data, simulation results data, and so forth. The method  276  includes the welding software  244  of the computer  18  receiving a first set of welding data from a storage device (e.g., storage device  24 ) (block  278 ). The first set of welding data may include welding data corresponding to a first welding session (e.g., welding assignment). The method  276  also includes the welding software  244  receiving a second set of welding data from the storage device (block  280 ). In certain embodiments, the first set and/or second set of welding data may be received from a network storage device. The network storage device may be configured to receive welding data from and/or to provide welding data to the welding system  10  and/or the external welding system  40 . The welding software  244  may integrate the first and second sets of welding data into a chart to enable a visual comparison of the first set of welding data with the second set of welding data (block  282 ). As may be appreciated, the chart may be a bar chart, a pie chart, a line chart, a histogram, and so forth. In certain embodiments, integrating the first set of welding data with the second set of welding data includes filtering the first set of welding data and the second set of welding data to display a subset of the first set of welding data and a subset of the second set of welding data. The welding software  244  may provide the chart to a display device (e.g., the display  32 ) (block  284 ). In certain embodiments, providing the chart to the display device includes providing selectable elements on the chart that when selected display data corresponding to a respective selected element of the selectable elements (e.g., selecting wire speed from the chart may change the screen to display the wire speed history for a particular welding session (e.g., welding assignment)). 
     The first set of welding data and/or the second set of welding data may include a welding torch orientation, a welding torch travel speed, a welding torch position, a contact tip to workpiece distance, an aim of the welding torch, a welding score, a welding grade, and so forth. Moreover, the first set of welding data and the second set of welding data may correspond to training performed by one welding operator and/or by a class of welding operators. Furthermore, the first welding session (e.g., welding assignment) and the second welding session (e.g., welding assignment) may correspond to training performed by one welding operator and/or by a class of welding operators. In certain embodiments, the first welding assignment may correspond to training performed by a first welding operator, and the second welding assignment may correspond to welding performed by a second welding operator. Moreover, the first assignment and the second assignment may correspond to the same welding scenario. Additionally, or in the alternative, the first set of welding data and the second set of welding data may correspond to welding sessions (e.g., welding assignments) performed by one welding operator and/or a class of welding operators outside of a training environment (e.g., production floor). 
       FIG. 17  is an embodiment of a chart  285  illustrating multiple sets of welding data for a welding operator. The chart  285  may be produced by the welding software  244  and may be provided to the display  32  to be used by a welding instructor to review welding operations performed by a welding student, and/or may be provided to the display  32  to be used by a welding student to review welding operations performed by that welding student. The chart  285  illustrates a bar graph comparison between different sessions (e.g., assignments) of a first set of welding assignments performed by a welding operator. The first set of welding sessions (e.g., welding assignments) includes sessions (e.g., assignments)  286 ,  288 ,  290 ,  292 , and  294 . The chart  285  also illustrates a bar graph comparison between different assignments of a second set of welding sessions (e.g., welding assignments) performed by the welding operator. The second set of welding sessions (e.g., welding assignments) includes sessions (e.g., assignments)  296 ,  298 ,  300 ,  302 , and  304 . Accordingly, welding sessions (e.g., welding assignments) may be compared to one another for analysis, instruction, certification, and/or training purposes. As illustrated, the welding sessions (e.g., welding assignments) may be compared to one another using one of any number of criteria, such as a total score, a work angle, a travel angle, a travel speed, a contact to work distance, an aim, a mode (e.g., live-arc mode, simulation mode, etc.), a completion status (e.g., complete, incomplete, partially complete, etc.), a joint type (e.g., fillet, butt, T, lap, etc.), a welding position (e.g., flat, vertical, overhead, etc.), a type of metal used, a type of filler metal, and so forth. 
     The welding software  244  may associate an operator with welding data (e.g., arc parameters, welding parameters) acquired during a welding session (e.g., live arc welding assignment, simulated welding assignment, and so forth). For example, the welding software  244  may identify the welding operator by an operator name  291 , an operator registration number  293 , an operator photograph  295 , and so forth. For example, the operator identification system  43  discussed above with  FIG. 1  may be utilized to determine the operator registration number  293 . That is, each operator registration number  293  may correspond to the operator name  291  and a set of identification information (e.g., resettable information  45 , biometric information  47 , token  49 ). In some embodiments, the registration number  293  may be reset or reassigned to another operator after a period (e.g., 1, 3, 5, 10, or more years) of inactivity associated with the registration number  293 . The registration number  293  may be unique for each operator. In some embodiments, the registration number  293  may be retained by the operator for an extended period of time (e.g., career, life) regardless of activity level associated with the registration number  293 . That is, the registration number  293  may be a permanent identifier associated with each operator across one welding system  10  or a network of welding systems  10  coupled via the network  38 . Welding data associated with the registration number  293  may be maintained locally or within one or more data storage systems, such as a cloud storage system or database of the network  38  coupled to the welding system  10 . The data storage system  318  (e.g., cloud storage system) of the network  38  may be maintained by the manufacturer or another party, thereby enabling the welding data associated with a certain registration number  293  to be retained independent of an employment status of the operator with the certain registration number  293 . For example, the operator registration number  293  and the data storage system (e.g., cloud storage system) may facilitate the retention of welding data associated with the operator from weld processes performed during training, during a simulation, during a first employment, during a second employment, during personal time, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, welding data stored within the memory  22  or the storage  24  of the computer  18  of the welding system  10  for a particular welding operator (e.g., operator registration number  293 ) may be selectively or automatically synchronized with the data storage system (e.g., cloud storage system). 
     Weld history data, such as the data of the chart  285 , is associated with each registration number  293 . In some embodiments, the weld history data is automatically acquired and stored in the data storage system (e.g., cloud storage system) by the welding software  244  of the welding system  10 . Additionally, or in the alternative, weld history data may be loaded directly to the data storage system (e.g., cloud storage system) of the network  38  via a remote computer  44 . The welding software  244  may facilitate access to the welding history data via a welding history control  297 . Additionally, the welding software  244  may enable the operator to associate personal information with the registration number  293  via a personal user control  299 . The operator associated with the registration number  293  may input one or more organizations (e.g., training center, school, employer, trade organization) with which the operator is affiliated, experience, certifications for various welding processes and/or welding positions, a résumé, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the registration umber  293  may remain associated with the operator despite changes in affiliated organizations, experience, certifications, or any combination thereof. 
       FIG. 18  is an embodiment of a chart  305  illustrating welding data for a welder compared to welding data for a class. For example, the chart  305  illustrates a score  306  of a welding operator compared to a score  308  (e.g., average, median, or some other score) of a class for a first assignment. Furthermore, a score  310  of the welding operator is compared to a score  312  (e.g., average, median, or some other score) of the class for a second assignment. Moreover, a score  314  of the welding operator is compared to a score  316  (e.g., average, median, or some other score) of the class for a third assignment. As may be appreciated, scores from one or more welding operators may be compared to scores of the entire class. Such a comparison enables a welding instructor to assess the progress of individual welding students as compared to the class of welding students. Furthermore, scores from one or more welding operators may be compared to scores of one or more other welding operators. In certain embodiments, scores from one class may be compared to scores of another class. Moreover, scores from the first assignment, the second assignment, and/or the third assignment may be selected for comparison. 
       FIG. 19  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a data storage system  318  (e.g., cloud storage system) for storing welding data  327 , such as certification status data  326 . The data storage system  318  may include, but is not limited to, the computer  18  of the welding system  10 , a remote computer  44  (e.g., server) coupled to the welding system  10  via the internet or a network  38 , or any combination thereof. The certification status data may be produced as a welding operator completes various assignments in the welding system  10 . For example, a predetermined set of assignments may certify a welding operator for a particular welding device and/or welding process. The data storage system  318  (e.g., cloud storage system) includes control circuitry  320 , one or more memory devices  322 , and one or more storage devices  324 . The control circuitry  320  may include one or more processors, which may be similar to the processor(s)  20 . Furthermore, the memory device(s)  322  may be similar to the memory device(s)  22 , and the storage device(s)  324  may be similar to the storage device(s)  24 . The memory device(s)  322  and/or the storage device(s)  324  may be configured to store certification status data  326  corresponding to a welding certification (e.g., welding training certification) of a welding operator. 
     The welding data  327  may include any data acquired by the welding system  10  associated with the registration number  293  of the welding operator (e.g., any data that is related to the assignments to certify the welding operator, training welding data, simulated welding data, virtual reality welding data, live welding data), any data related to an actual certification (e.g., certified, not certified, qualified, not qualified, etc.), a quantity of one or more welds performed by the welding operator, a timestamp for one or more welds performed by the welding operator, a location and/or facility that the welding operator performs the one or more welds, the components of the welding system utilized by the welding operator for the one or more welds, the organization with which the welding operator is affiliated, the organization for whom the welding operator is performing the one or more welds, welding parameter data for one or more welds performed by the welding operator, a quality ranking of the welding operator, a quality level of the welding operator, a history of welds performed by the welding operator, a history of production welds performed by the welding operator, a first welding process (e.g., a metal inert gas (MIG) welding process, a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process, a stick welding process, etc.) certification status (e.g., the welding operator is certified for the first welding process, the welding operator is not certified for the first welding process), a second welding process certification status (e.g., the welding operator is certified for the second welding process, the welding operator is not certified for the second welding process), a first welding device (e.g., a wire feeder, a power supply, a model number, etc.) certification status (e.g., the welding operator is certified for the first welding device, the welding operator is not certified for the first welding device), and/or a second welding device certification status (e.g., the welding operator is certified for the second welding device, the welding operator is not certified for the second welding device). 
     The control circuitry  320  may be configured to receive a request for the first welding process certification status, the second welding process certification status, the first welding device certification status, and/or the second welding device certification status of the welding operator. Furthermore, the control circuitry  320  may be configured to provide a response to the request. The response to the request may include the first welding process certification status, the second welding process certification status, the first welding device certification status, and/or the second welding device certification status of the welding operator. In certain embodiments, the welding operator may be authorized to use a first welding process, a second welding process, a first welding device, and/or a second welding device based at least partly on the response. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first welding process, the second welding process, the first welding device, and/or the second welding device of a welding system may be enabled or disabled based at least partly on the response. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the first welding process, the second welding process, the first welding device, and/or the second welding device of a welding system may be enabled or disabled automatically. Thus, a welding operator&#39;s certification data may be used to enable and/or disable that welding operator&#39;s ability to use a particular welding system, welding device, and/or welding process. For example, a welding operator may have a certification for a first welding process, but not for a second welding process. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, a welding operator may verify their identity at a welding system (e.g., by logging in, by utilizing the operator identification system  43 , providing the registration number  293 , or some other form of authentication). After the identity of the welding operator is verified, the welding system may check the welding operator&#39;s certification status. The welding system may enable the welding operator to perform operations using the first welding process based on the welding operator&#39;s certification status, but may block the welding operator from performing the second welding process based on the welding operator&#39;s certification status. 
     The storage  324  of the data storage system  318  (e.g., cloud storage system) may have welding data  327  of multiple operators. The data storage system  318  may be a database that retains welding data  327  associated with registration numbers  293  to enable analysis and tracking of the weld history of the operator over extended durations (e.g., career, lifetime), even across one or more organizations. As may be appreciated, the data storage system  318  (e.g., cloud storage system) may facilitate aggregation of certification status data  326  and/or welding data  327  to identify usage trends, anticipate supply or maintenance issues, and so forth. Moreover, coupling the data storage system  318  to the internet or other network  38  enables instructors or managers to monitor and analyze weld data remote from the operator and the respective welding system  10 . 
       FIG. 20  is an embodiment of a screen illustrating data corresponding to a weld by an operator identified on the screen by the registration number  293 . In some embodiments, each weld session (e.g., weld test, assignment) performed by an operator and monitored by the welding system  10  is assigned a unique serial number  329 . The serial number  329  may be associated with the registration number  293  within one or more local and/or remote data storage systems, such as a cloud storage system or database of the network  38  coupled to the welding system  10 . The serial number  329  may be used to associate the physical weld sample with the captured weld test results. The format of the serial number  329  may include, but is not limited to a decimal number, a hexadecimal number, or a character string. Moreover, the serial numbers  329  for the same assignment may be different for each operator. In some embodiments, the serial number  329  is affixed to the workpiece  82 . For example, the serial number  329  may attached to, stamped, etched, engraved, embossed, or printed on the workpiece  82 . In some embodiments, the serial number  329  is encoded as a barcode affixed to the workpiece  82 . Additionally, or in the alternative, the operator may write the serial number  329  on the workpiece  82 . 
     As discussed below, a search feature enables an instructor to enter the serial number  329  to recall the test results for the associated weld session (e.g., weld test, assignment) without the instructor needing to know the user (e.g., registration number  293 ), the assignment, or any other details about the weld. Accordingly, the instructor may review the data corresponding to each serial number  329 , then provide feedback to the respective operator. Furthermore, an inspector or technician may review the serial number  329  of a workpiece  82  to aid in a quality review of the performed weld relative to welding procedure specifications (WPS) and/or to determine a maintenance schedule related to the workpiece  82 . That is, the serial number  329  may be utilized to track the workpiece  82 , the welding data, the arc data, and the operator (e.g., registration number  293 ) through a life of the respective workpiece  82 . In some embodiments, the serial number  329  may be stored within one or more local and/or remote data storage systems, such as a cloud storage system or database of the network  38  coupled to the welding system  10 . The screen may be produced by the welding software  244  and may be displayed on the display  32 . The screen illustrates parameters that may be graphically displayed to a welding operator before, during, and/or after performing a welding operation. For example, the parameters may include a work angle  328 , a travel angle  330 , a contact tip to workpiece distance  332 , a welding torch travel speed  334 , an aim of the welding torch in relation to the joint of the workpiece  336 , a welding voltage  337 , a welding current  338 , a welding torch orientation, a welding torch position, and so forth. 
     As illustrated, graphically illustrated parameters may include an indication  339  of a current value of a parameter (e.g., while performing a welding session). Furthermore, a graph  340  may show a history of the value of the parameter, and a score  341  may show an overall percentage that corresponds to how much time during the welding session that the welding operator was within a range of acceptable values. In certain embodiments, a video replay  342  of a welding session may be provided on the screen. The video replay  342  may show live video of a welding operator performing a real weld, live video of the welding operator performing a simulated weld, live video of the welding operator performing a virtual reality weld, live video of the welding operator performing an augmented reality weld, live video of a welding arc, live video of a weld puddle, and/or simulated video of a welding operation. 
     In certain embodiments, the welding system  10  may capture video data during a welding session (e.g., welding assignment), and store the video data on the storage device  24  and/or the data storage system  318  (e.g., cloud storage system) via the network  38 . Moreover, the welding software  244  may be configured to retrieve the video data from the storage device  24  or the data storage system  318 , to retrieve welding parameter data from the storage device  24  or the data storage system  318 , to synchronize the video data with the welding parameter data, and to provide the synchronized video and welding parameter data to the display  32 . 
     In some embodiments, the welding system  10  may receive test data from previously performed welds. Test results  343  based at least in part on the test data may be displayed on the screen. Test data may include properties of the performed welding session (e.g., welding assignment), such as strength, porosity, penetration, hardness, heat affected zone size, appearance, and contamination, or any combination thereof. The test data may be obtained via destructive or non-destructive testing performed after completion of the welding session. For example, strength of a weld may be determined via a destructive test, whereas the porosity and penetration may be obtained via non-destructive testing, such as x-ray or ultrasonic inspection. 
     In some embodiments, the welding system  10  may determine the test data (e.g., properties of the welding assignment) based at least in part on welding parameter data. Additionally, or in the alternative, the welding system  10  may utilize arc parameter data to determine the test data. The test data (e.g., properties of the welding assignment) may be associated with the welding parameter data and any arc parameter data, such that the test data, welding parameter data, and arc parameter data corresponding to the same welding session (e.g., welding assignment) are stored together. Where the welding session (e.g., welding assignment) is a live welding assignment, the arc parameters (e.g., weld voltage, weld current, wire feed speed) may include measured arc parameters and/or set arc parameters. Where the welding session is a simulated, virtual reality, or augmented reality welding assignment, the arc parameters may include simulated arc parameters. In some embodiments, the arc parameters associated with non-live welding sessions (e.g., simulated, virtual reality, augmented reality) may include a null set stored in the data storage. 
     In some embodiments, the determined properties of the welding session (e.g., welding assignment) are based at least in part on a comparison with welding data (e.g., welding parameters, arc parameters) corresponding to previously performed welding sessions. The welding data corresponding to previously performed welding sessions may be stored in the data storage system  318 . The welding system  10  may determine (e.g., estimate, extrapolate) properties of a simulated welding assignment, a virtual reality welding assignment, or an augmented reality welding assignment through comparison with welding data (e.g., welding parameters, arc parameters) and associated test data corresponding to previously performed live welding session (e.g., live welding assignments). For example, the welding system  10  may determine the penetration of a virtual reality welding assignment through comparison of the welding parameters (e.g., contact tip to work distance, travel speed) of the virtual reality welding assignment to the welding parameters associated with previously performed live welding assignments. Accordingly, the welding system  10  may facilitate training an operator through providing determined one or more properties of the welding assignment despite the welding assignment (e.g., simulated, virtual reality, augmented reality) being performed without a tangible workpiece produced to test. 
     The computer  18  of the welding system  10  may determine one or more properties of the welding session (e.g., welding assignment) via executing processor-executable instructions to compare the received welding data with welding data corresponding to previously performed welding sessions. In some embodiments, the one or more properties of the welding session are determined remotely from the welding system  10 , such as on a remote computer  44  or data storage system  318  coupled to the welding system  10  via the network  38 . Additionally, or in the alternative, the one or more determined properties may be transmitted to the data storage system  318 , such as via the network  38 . In some embodiments, the computer  18  may determine properties of the welding session (e.g., welding assignment) while receiving the welding data associated with the welding session. That is, the computer  18  may determine properties (e.g., penetration, porosity, strength, appearance) substantially in real-time while the operator is performing the welding session. The determined properties may be displayed via the display  32  as test results. As may be appreciated, the determined properties may be adjusted upon obtaining results from testing (e.g., destructive testing, non-destructive testing) of the welding session (e.g., welding assignment). 
     The welding software  244  may analyze welding parameter data to determine a traversed path  344  that may be shown on the display  32 . In some embodiments, a time during a weld may be selected by a welding operator, as shown by an indicator  346 . By adjusting the selected time indicator  346 , the welding operator may view the video replay  342  and/or the traversed path  344  in conjunction with the welding parameters as they were at the selected time in order to establish a correlation between the welding parameters, the video replay  342 , and/or the traversed path  344 . Additionally, or in the alternative, the welding operator may select (e.g., via a cursor on the display  32 ) a location of the traversed path  344  displayed to review the welding data  327  corresponding to the one or more times the welding torch  14  traversed the selected location. Moreover, the video replay  342  may show frames of video (e.g., captured images, pictures) corresponding to the selected time  346  and/or selected location. As may be appreciated, a selected location may correspond to multiple frames or captured images when the welding operator utilized a weaving or whipping technique and/or when the welding session includes multiple passes. Accordingly, the display  32  may show the multiple frames (e.g., captured images, pictures), and the welding operator may select one or more for additional review. In some embodiments, the test results  343  (e.g., one or more determined properties of the welding assignment) displayed may correspond to the selected time shown by the indicator  346  and/or to one or more locations along the traversed path  344 . That is, the test results  343  may display tested characteristics (e.g., porosity, penetration) of the weld corresponding to the selected time indicator  346  and/or the selected location along the traversed path  344 . The welding software  244  may be configured to recreate welding data based at least partly on welding parameter data, to synchronize the video replay  342  with the recreated welding data, and to provide the synchronized video replay  342  and recreated welding data to the display  32 . In certain embodiments, the recreated welding data may be weld puddle data and/or a simulated weld. In some embodiments, the welding software  244  may correlate various aspects (e.g., determined properties, video, non-destructive test results, destructive test results) of the weld data acquired for positions along the traversed path  344  of the weld and/or for selected times during the weld process. The welding software  244  may facilitate correlation of the welding parameters (e.g., work angle  328 , travel angle  330 , CTWD  332 , travel speed  334 , and aim  336  of the welding torch in relation to the joint of the workpiece, a welding torch orientation, a welding torch position) with arc parameters (e.g., voltage  337 , current  338 , wire feed speed), the video replay  342 , and test results  343 , or any combination thereof. The weld data associated with the registration number  293  for an operator may enable the operator, the instructor, or a manager, to review the welding parameters, the arc parameters, the video replay  342 , and the test results  343  (e.g., determined properties) corresponding to the selected time indicator  346  and/or position along the traversed path  344  of the weld process. For example, the operator may review the weld data to identify relationships between changes in the welding parameters (e.g., work angle  328 , CTWD  332 ) and changes to the arc parameters (e.g., current, voltage) at the selected time shown by the indicator  346  or a selected position. Moreover, the operator may review the weld data to identify relationships between changes in the welding parameters and changes to the test results  343  of the weld. 
     In some embodiments, the welding torch  14  (e.g., MIG welding torch, stick electrode holder, TIG torch) may be utilized as a pointer, where pointing the welding torch  14  at a specific location of the weld displays weld data  327  on the display  32  corresponding to the specific location. In some embodiments, the welding torch  14  may contact the workpiece  82  at the specific location. Moreover, the welding software  244  may determine the specific location from the operator based on the point along the weld that is nearest to where the operator is pointing the welding torch  14  (e.g., electrode). The welding software  244  may produce a location bar  346  (e.g., indicator) to be displayed along the weld data  327  when the welding torch  14  is pointed at locations along the weld upon completion of the session. That is, the location bar may extend across the graphs of the welding parameters (e.g., work angle  328 , travel angle  330 , CTWD  332 , travel speed  334 , and aim  336  of the welding torch in relation to the joint of workpiece) in a similar manner as the selected time line  346  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 20 . The welding software  244  may be configured to display the video replay  342  (e.g., one or more video frames, captured images) that was captured when the welding torch  14  was at the specific location. For example, the welding software  244  may display between 0 to 30 frames before and/or after when the welding torch  14  was at the specific location. Additionally, or in the alternative, the welding software  244  may display a cross-sectional view of the weld at the specific location. The cross-sectional view may be based on one or more sets of data including, but not limited to, an x-ray scan, an ultrasonic scan, a generated model based at least in part on the welding data  327 , or any combination thereof. Moreover, the cross-sectional view may enable the welding operator or an instructor to review various quality characteristics of the weld at the specific location, including, but not limited to, porosity, undercut, spatter, underfill, and overfill. While the welding torch  14  may be readily used to point to and select specific locations of the weld before the workpiece  82  is moved upon completion of the session, the welding torch  14  may be used as a pointer for previously completed sessions with moved workpieces  82  upon recalibration of respective workpieces  82 . 
     In certain embodiments, the storage device  24  may be configured to store a first data set corresponding to multiple welds performed by a welding operator, and to store a second data set corresponding to multiple non-training welds performed by the welding operator. Furthermore, the control circuitry  320  may be configured to retrieve at least part of the first data set from the storage device  24 , to retrieve at least part of the second data set from the storage device  24 , to synchronize the at least part of the first data set with the at least part of the second data set, and to provide the synchronized at least part of the first data set and at least part of the second data set to the display  32 . 
       FIG. 21  is an embodiment of a screen  347  illustrating a discontinuity analysis  348  of a weld. The discontinuity analysis  348  includes a listing  350  that may itemize potential issues with a welding operation. The discontinuity analysis  348  provides feedback to the welding operator regarding time periods within the welding operation in which the weld does not meet a predetermined quality threshold. For example, between times  352  and  354 , there is a high discontinuity (e.g., the welding quality is poor, the weld has a high probability of failure, the weld is defective). Furthermore, between times  356  and  358 , there is a medium discontinuity (e.g., the welding quality is average, the weld has a medium probability of failure, the weld is partially defective). Moreover, between times  360  and  362 , there is a high discontinuity, and between times  364  and  366 , there is a low discontinuity (e.g., the welding quality is good, the weld has a low probability of failure, the weld is not defective). With this information a welding operator may be able to quickly analyze the quality of a welding operation. 
       FIG. 22  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a welding instructor screen  368  of the welding software  244 . The welding software  244  is configured to provide training simulations for many different welding configurations. For example, the welding configurations may include a MIG welding process  370 , a TIG welding process  372 , a stick welding process  374 , the live-arc welding mode  346 , the simulation welding mode  248 , the virtual reality welding mode  250 , and/or the augmented reality welding mode  252 . 
     The welding instructor screen  368  may be configured to enable a welding instructor to restrict training of a welding operator  376  (e.g., to one or more selected welding configurations), to restrict training of a class of welding operators  378  (e.g., to one or more selected welding configurations), and/or to restrict training of a portion of a class of welding operators  380  (e.g., to one or more selected welding configurations). Moreover, the welding instructor screen  368  may be configured to enable the welding instructor to assign selected training assignments to the welding operator  382 , to assign selected training assignments to a class of welding operators  384 , and/or to assign selected training assignments to a portion of a class of welding operators  386 . Furthermore, the welding instructor screen  368  may be configured to enable the welding instructor to automatically advance the welding operator (or a class of welding operators) from a first assignment to a second assignment  388 . For example, the welding operator may advance from a first assignment to a second assignment based at least partly on a quality of performing the first assignment. Moreover, the welding instructor screen  368  may be configured to verify the identity of an operator  389  (e.g., to ensure welding data is associated with the proper registration number  293 ). In some embodiments, the operator identification system  43  identifies the operator, and the instructor verifies the identity of the operator via the welding instructor screen  368 . For example, the instructor may provide a verification input (e.g., resettable identifier, biometric identifier, physical identifier) to the operator identification system  43  to authorize that the identity of the operator is properly recognized by the operator identification system  43 . In some embodiments, the instructor (e.g., second operator) provides a second identifier input (e.g., resettable identifier, biometric identifier, token) to the welding system  10 , such as via the operator identification system  43 , thereby verifying the identity of the operator that provided a first identifier input to the operator identification system  43 . The second identifier input may be stored with the welding data (e.g., identity of operator performing the welding session), such as in the memory  56  of the computer  18  or the data storage system  318 ). Additionally, or in the alternative, the welding instructor may verify the identity of an operator  389  via a two-step identification process in which the operator identification system  43  separately identifies both the operator and the instructor prior to ensure that welding data is associated with the proper registration number  293 . 
       FIG. 23  is an embodiment of a method  389  for weld training using augmented reality. A welding operator may select a mode of the welding software  244  (block  390 ). The welding software  244  determines whether the augmented reality mode  252  has been selected (block  392 ). If the augmented reality mode  252  has been selected, the welding software  244  executes an augmented reality simulation. It should be noted that the welding operator may be wearing a welding helmet and/or some other headgear configured to position a display device in front of the welding operator&#39;s view. Furthermore, the display device may generally be transparent to enable the welding operator to view actual objects; however, a virtual welding environment may be portrayed on portions of the display device. As part of this augmented reality simulation, the welding software  244  receives a position and/or an orientation of the welding torch  14 , such as from the sensing device  16  (block  394 ). The welding software  244  integrates the virtual welding environment with the position and/or the orientation of the welding torch  14  (block  396 ). Moreover, the welding software  244  provides the integrated virtual welding environment to the display device (block  398 ). For example, the welding software  244  may determine where a weld bead should be positioned within the welding operator&#39;s field of view, and the welding software  244  may display the weld bead on the display device such that the weld bead appears to be on a workpiece. After completion of the weld, the augmented reality simulation may enable the welding operator to erase a portion of the virtual welding environment (e.g., the weld bead) (block  400 ), and the welding software  244  returns to block  390 . 
     If the augmented realty mode  252  has not been selected, the welding software  244  determines whether the live-arc mode  246  has been selected (block  402 ). If the live-arc mode  246  has been selected, the welding software  244  enters the live-arc mode  246  and the welding operator may perform the live-arc weld (block  404 ). If the live-arc mode  246  has not been selected and/or after executing block  404 , the welding software  244  returns to block  390 . Accordingly, the welding software  244  is configured to enable a welding operator to practice a weld in the augmented reality mode  252 , to erase at least a portion of the virtual welding environment from the practice weld, and to perform a live weld in the live-arc mode  246 . In certain embodiments, the welding operator may practice the weld in the augmented reality mode  252  consecutively a multiple number of times. 
       FIG. 24  is an embodiment of another method  406  for weld training using augmented reality. A welding operator may select a mode of the welding software  244  (block  408 ). The welding software  244  determines whether the augmented reality mode  252  has been selected (block  410 ). If the augmented reality mode  252  has been selected, the welding software  244  executes an augmented reality simulation. It should be noted that the welding operator may be wearing a welding helmet and/or some other headgear configured to position a display device in front of the welding operator&#39;s view. Furthermore, the display device may completely block the welding operator&#39;s field of vision such that images observed by the welding operator have been captured by a camera and displayed on the display device. As part of this augmented reality simulation, the welding software  244  receives an image of the welding torch  14 , such as from the sensing device  16  (block  412 ). The welding software  244  integrates the virtual welding environment with the image of the welding torch  14  (block  414 ). Moreover, the welding software  244  provides the integrated virtual welding environment with the image of the welding torch  14  to the display device (block  416 ). For example, the welding software  244  may determine where a weld bead should be positioned within the welding operator&#39;s field of view and the welding software  244  displays the weld bead on the display device with the image of the welding torch  14  and other objects in the welding environment. After completion of the weld, the augmented reality simulation may enable the welding operator to erase a portion of the virtual welding environment (e.g., the weld bead) (block  418 ), and the welding software  244  returns to block  408 . 
     If the augmented realty mode  252  has not been selected, the welding software  244  determines whether the live-arc mode  246  has been selected (block  420 ). If the live-arc mode  246  has been selected, the welding software  244  enters the live-arc mode  246  and the welding operator may perform the live-arc weld (block  422 ). If the live-arc mode  246  has not been selected and/or after executing block  422 , the welding software  244  returns to block  408 . Accordingly, the welding software  244  is configured to enable a welding operator to practice a weld in the augmented reality mode  252 , to erase at least a portion of the virtual welding environment from the practice weld, and to perform a live weld in the live-arc mode  246 . In certain embodiments, the welding operator may practice the weld in the augmented reality mode  252  consecutively a multiple number of times. 
       FIG. 25  is a block diagram of an embodiment of the welding torch  14 . The welding torch  14  includes the control circuitry  52 , the user interface  60 , and the display  62  described previously. Furthermore, the welding torch  14  includes a variety of sensors and other devices. The welding torch  14  may include a temperature sensor  424  (e.g., thermocouple, thermistor, etc.), a motion sensor  426  (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, etc.), a vibration device  428  (e.g., vibration motor), a microphone  429 , one or more visual indicators  61  (e.g., LEDs  64 ), or any combination thereof. In addition, in certain embodiments, the welding torch  14  may include a voltage sensor  425  and/or a current sensor  427  to sense voltage and/or current, respectively, of the arc produced by the welding torch  14 . As discussed in detail below, one or more sets of LEDs  64  may be arranged about the welding torch  14  to enable the sensing device  16  to detect the position and orientation of the welding torch  14  relative to the training stand  12  and the workpiece  82 . For example, sets of LEDs  64  may be arranged on a top side, a left side, and a right side of the welding torch  14  to enable the sensing device  16  to detect the position and orientation of the welding torch  14  regardless of which side of the welding torch  14  is facing the sensing device  16 . In certain embodiments, the welding torch  14  may include more than one temperature sensor  424 , motion sensor  426 , vibration device  428 , voltage sensor  425 , current sensor  427 , and/or microphone  429 . 
     During operation, the welding torch  14  may be configured to use the temperature sensor  424  to detect a temperature associated with the welding torch  14  (e.g., a temperature of electronic components of the welding torch  14 , a temperature of the display  62 , a temperature of a light-emitting device, a temperature of the vibration device, a temperature of a body portion of the welding torch  14 , etc.). The control circuitry  52  (or control circuitry of another device) may use the detected temperature to perform various events. For example, the control circuitry  52  may be configured to disable use of the live-arc mode  246  (e.g., live welding) by the welding torch  14  if the detected temperature reaches and/or surpasses a predetermined threshold (e.g., such as 85° C.). Moreover, the control circuitry  52  may also be configured to disable various heat producing devices of the welding torch  14 , such as the vibration device  428 , light-emitting devices, and so forth. The control circuitry  52  may also be configured to show a message on the display  62 , such as “Waiting for torch to cool down. Sorry for the inconvenience.” In certain embodiments, the control circuitry  52  may be configured to disable certain components or features if the detected temperature reaches a first threshold and to disable additional components or features if the detected temperature reaches a second threshold. 
     Moreover, during operation, the welding torch  14  may be configured to use the motion sensor  426  to detect a motion (e.g., acceleration, etc.) associated with the welding torch  14 . The control circuitry  52  (or control circuitry of another device) may use the detected acceleration to perform various events. For example, the control circuitry  52  may be configured to activate the display  62  (or another display) after the motion sensor  426  detects that the welding torch  14  has been moved. Accordingly, the control circuitry  52  may direct the display  62  to “wake up,” such as from a sleep mode and/or to exit a screen saver mode to facilitate a welding operator of the welding torch  14  using a graphical user interface (GUI) on the display  62 . Furthermore, the control circuitry  52  may utilize feedback from the one or more motion sensors  426  to determine the position of the welding torch  14  in the welding environment and/or the movement of the welding torch  14  within the welding environment. As discussed in detail below, the sensing devices  16  (e.g., camera) may utilize markers  474  on the torch to determine the position, orientation, and/or movement of the welding torch  14  in the welding environment. In some embodiments, the control circuitry  52  (or control circuitry of another device) may utilize the feedback from the one or more motion sensors  426  to augment the determination with the sensing devices  16  of the position, orientation, and/or movement of the welding torch  14 . That is, the control circuitry  52  may determine the position and orientation of the welding torch  14  based on the feedback from the one or more motion sensors  426  when the workpiece  82  or the operator obscures (e.g., blocks) one or more markers  474  of the welding torch  14  from the view of the sensing device  16 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 21  for an example, the one or more motion sensors  426  may enable the control circuitry  52  to determine the work angle  328 , the travel angle  330 , and the travel speed  334  for an interval between times  360  and  362  when other sensing devices  16  may be unable to monitor the position and orientation of the welding torch  14  for any reason. The control circuitry  52  may determine the work angle  328 , the travel angle  330 , and the travel speed  334  based at least in part on the feedback from the one or more motion sensors  426  of the welding torch  14  with the assumption that the CTWD  332  and the aim of the welding torch  14  relative to the joint of the workpiece  82  are approximately constant for the interval. 
     Returning to  FIG. 25 , in certain embodiments, the control circuitry  52  may be configured to determine that a high impact event (e.g., dropped, used as a hammer, etc.) to the welding torch  14  has occurred based at least partly on the detected motion. Upon determining that a high impact event has occurred, the control circuitry  52  may store (e.g., log) an indication that the welding torch  14  has been impacted. Along with the indication, the control circuitry  52  may store other corresponding data, such as a date, a time of day, an acceleration, a user name, welding torch identification data, and so forth. The control circuitry  52  may also be configured to show a notice on the display  62  to a welding operator requesting that the operator refrain from impacting the welding torch  14 . In some embodiments, the control circuitry  52  may be configured to use the motion detected by the motion sensor  426  to enable the welding operator to navigate and/or make selections within a software user interface (e.g., welding software, welding training software, etc.). For example, the control circuitry  52  may be configured to receive the acceleration and to make a software selection if the acceleration matches a predetermined pattern (e.g., the acceleration indicates a jerky motion in a certain direction, the acceleration indicates that the welding torch  14  is being shaken, etc.). 
     The vibration device  428  is configured to provide feedback to a welding operator by directing the welding torch  14  to vibrate and/or shake (e.g., providing vibration or haptic feedback). The vibration device  428  may provide vibration feedback during live welding and/or during simulated welding. As may be appreciated, vibration feedback during live welding may be tuned to a specific frequency to enable a welding operator to differentiate between vibration that occurs due to live welding and the vibration feedback. For example, vibration feedback may be provided at approximately 3.5 Hz during live welding. Using such a frequency may enable a welding operator to detect when vibration feedback is occurring at the same time that natural vibration occur due to live welding. Conversely, vibration feedback may be provided at approximately 9 Hz during live welding. However, the 9 Hz frequency may be confused with natural vibration that occurs due to live welding. 
     The one or more microphones  429  are configured to facilitate determination of the position of the welding torch  14  with a local positioning system. The one or more microphones  429  of the welding torch  14  receive emitted signals (e.g., ultrasonic, RF) from beacons disposed at known locations about the welding environment. As may be appreciated, a local positioning system enables the determination of a location of an object when the object receives the emitted signals (i.e., via unobstructed line of sight) from three or more beacons at known positions. The control circuitry  52  (or control circuitry of another device) may determine the position of the welding torch  14  from the received signals via triangulation, trilateration, or multilateration. In some embodiments, the microphones  429  may facilitate the determination of the position of the welding torch  14  during welding when one or more of the sensing devices  16  (e.g., cameras) are obstructed by the workpiece  82  and/or the operator. 
       FIG. 26  is an embodiment of a method  430  for providing vibration feedback to a welding operator using the welding torch  14 . The control circuitry  52  (or control circuitry of another device) detects a parameter (e.g., work angle, travel angle, travel speed, tip-to-work distance, aim, etc.) corresponding to a welding operation (block  432 ). As may be appreciated, the welding operation may be a live welding operation, a simulated welding operation, a virtual reality welding operation, and/or an augmented reality welding operation. The control circuitry  52  determines whether the parameter is within a first predetermined range (block  434 ). As may be appreciated, the first predetermined range may be a range that is just outside of an acceptable range. For example, the parameter may be work angle, the acceptable range may be 45 to 50 degrees, and the first predetermined range may be 50 to 55 degrees. Accordingly, in such an example, the control circuitry  52  determines whether the work angle is within the first predetermined range of 50 to 55 degrees. 
     If the parameter is within the first predetermined range, the control circuitry  52  vibrates the welding torch at a first pattern (block  436 ). The first pattern may be a first frequency, a first frequency modulation, a first amplitude, and so forth. Moreover, if the parameter is not within the first predetermined range, the control circuitry  52  determines whether the parameter is within a second predetermined range (block  438 ). The second predetermined range may be a range that is just outside of the first predetermined range. For example, continuing the example discussed above, the second predetermined range may be 55 to 60 degrees. Accordingly, in such an example, the control circuitry  52  determines whether the work angle is within the second predetermined range of 55 to 60 degrees. If the parameter is within the second predetermined range, the control circuitry  52  vibrates the welding torch at a second pattern (block  440 ). The second pattern may be a second frequency, a second frequency modulation, a second amplitude, and so forth. It should be noted that the second pattern is typically different than the first pattern. In certain embodiments, the first and second patterns may be the same. Furthermore, audible indications may be provided to the welding operator to indicate whether the parameter is within the first predetermined range or within the second predetermined range. In addition, audible indications may be used to indicate a parameter that is not within an acceptable range. In such embodiments, vibration may be used to indicate that a welding operator is doing something wrong, and audible indications may be used to identify what the welding operator is doing wrong and/or how to fix it. The parameter may be any suitable parameter, such as a work angle, a travel angle, a travel speed, a tip-to-work distance, and/or an aim.  FIGS. 27 through 29  illustrate embodiments of various patterns. 
       FIG. 27  is a graph  442  of an embodiment of two patterns each including a different frequency for providing vibration feedback to a welding operator. A first pattern  444  is separated from a second pattern  446  by time  448 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first pattern  444  is a first frequency and the second pattern  446  is a second frequency that is different from the first frequency. The first and second frequencies may be any suitable frequency. As may be appreciated, the first and second frequencies may be configured to be different than a natural frequency produced during live welding to facilitate a welding operator differentiating between the natural frequency and the first and second frequencies. Although the illustrated embodiment shows the first frequency being lower than the second frequency, in other embodiments, the second frequency may be lower than the first frequency. 
       FIG. 28  is a graph  450  of an embodiment of two patterns each including a different modulation for providing vibration feedback to a welding operator. A first pattern  452  is separated from a second pattern  454  by time  456 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first pattern  452  is a first modulation and the second pattern  454  is a second modulation that is different from the first modulation. The first and second modulation may be any suitable modulation. For example, the first modulation may include a first number of vibration pulses (e.g., two pulses) and the second modulation may include a second number of vibration pulses (e.g., three pulses). Moreover, the modulation may vary a number of pulses, a time between pulses, etc. In certain embodiments, a number of vibration pulses and/or a time between pulses may be configured to gradually increase or decrease as a parameter moves toward or away from acceptable parameter values. Although the illustrated embodiment shows the first modulation as having fewer pulses than the second modulation, in other embodiments, the second modulation may have fewer pulses than the first modulation. 
       FIG. 29  is a graph  458  of an embodiment of two patterns each including a different amplitude for providing vibration feedback to a welding operator. A first pattern  460  is separated from a second pattern  462  by time  464 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first pattern  460  is a first amplitude and the second pattern  462  is a second amplitude that is different from the first amplitude. The first and second amplitudes may be any suitable amplitude. Although the illustrated embodiment shows the first amplitude being lower than the second amplitude, in other embodiments, the second amplitude may be lower than the first amplitude. 
     The welding torch  14  may provide varied levels of vibration and visual feedback to the operator during simulated welding or live welding. For example, a first feedback mode of the welding torch  14  may provide visual feedback (e.g., via display  62 ) and vibration feedback to the operator until the operator initiates a simulated or live welding process, and the welding torch  14  may not provide visual or vibration feedback during the simulated or live welding process. A second feedback mode of the welding torch  14  may provide visual and vibration feedback to the operator both prior to and during the simulated or live welding process. A third feedback mode of the welding torch may provide visual and vibration feedback to the operator both prior to and during only simulated welding processes. As may be appreciated, some modes may provide only visual feedback prior to or during a simulated welding process, and other modes may provide only vibration feedback prior to or during a simulated welding process. In some embodiments, an instructor may specify the level of feedback that may be provided to the operator during simulated or live welding sessions to be evaluated. Moreover, the operator may selectively disable vibration and/or visual feedback provided by the welding torch prior to and during simulated or live welding. 
       FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the welding torch  14  having markers that may be used for tracking the welding torch  14 . In some embodiments, the position of the welding torch  14  may be tracked prior to live welding to determine (i.e., calibrate) the shape of the welding joint. For example, the welding torch  14  may be utilized to trace the shape of a workpiece  82  in various positions including, but not limited, to welding positions  1 G,  2 G,  3 G,  4 G,  5 G,  6 G,  1 F,  2 F,  3 F,  4 F,  5 F, or  6 F. The determined shape of the welding joint may be stored in the data storage system  318  for comparison with a subsequent live welding process along the welding joint. In some embodiments, the position of the welding torch  14  may be tracked during live welding and compared with the shape of the welding joint stored in the data storage system  318 . The control circuitry  52  of the welding torch  14  and/or any other component of the training system  10  may provide approximately real-time feedback to the operator regarding the position (e.g., location) and/or orientation of the welding torch  14  relative to the welding joint. The welding torch  14  includes a housing  466  that encloses the control circuitry  52  of the welding torch  14  and/or any other components of the welding torch  14 . The display  62  and user interface  60  are incorporated into a top portion of the housing  466 . 
     As illustrated, a neck  470  extends from the housing  466  of the welding torch  14 . Markers for tracking the welding torch  14  may be disposed on the neck  470 . Specifically, a mounting bar  472  is used to couple markers  474  to the neck  470 . The markers  474  are spherical markers in the illustrated embodiment; however, in other embodiments, the markers  474  may be any suitable shape (e.g., such as a shape of an LED). The markers  474  are used by the sensing device  16  for tracking the position and/or the orientation of the welding torch  14 . As may be appreciated, three of the markers  474  are used to define a first plane. Moreover, the markers  474  are arranged such that a fourth marker  474  is in a second plane different than the first plane. Accordingly, the sensing device  16  may be used to track the position and/or the orientation of the welding torch  14  using the four markers  474 . It should be noted that while the illustrated embodiment shows four markers  474 , the mounting bar  472  may have any suitable number of markers  474 . 
     In certain embodiments, the markers  474  may be reflective markers, while in other embodiments the markers  474  may be light-emitting markers (e.g., light-emitting diodes LEDs). In embodiments in which the markers  474  are light-emitting markers, the markers  474  may be powered by electrical components within the housing  466  of the welding torch  14 . For example, the markers  474  may be powered by a connection  476  between the mounting bar  472  and the housing  466 . Furthermore, the control circuitry  52  (or control circuitry of another device) may be used to control powering on and/or off (e.g., illuminating) the markers  474 . In certain embodiments, the markers  474  may be individually powered on and/or off based on the position and/or the orientation of the welding torch  14 . In other embodiments, the markers  474  may be powered on and/or off in groups based on the position and/or the orientation of the welding torch  14 . It should be noted that in embodiments that do not include the mounting bar  472 , the connection  476  may be replaced with another marker  468  on a separate plane than the illustrated markers  468 . Embodiments of the welding torch  14  are described herein relative to a consistent set of coordinate axes  780 . An X-axis  782  is a horizontal direction along a longitudinal axis of the welding torch  14 , a Y-axis  784  is the vertical direction relative to the longitudinal axis, and a Z-axis  786  is a horizontal direction extending laterally from the welding torch  14 . 
       FIG. 31  is an embodiment of a neck  800  of the welding torch  14 , taken along line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 30 . Visual markers  802  are arranged at predefined locations on the neck  800  to facilitate detection of the position and orientation of the welding torch  14  by the sensing device  16 . In some embodiments, the visual markers  802  are LEDs  64 . Additionally, or in the alternative, the visual markers  802  are directional, such that the sensing device  16  detects visual markers  802  that are oriented toward the sensing device  16  more readily than visual markers  802  that are less oriented toward the sensing device  16 . For example, LEDs  64  arranged on a surface may be directed to emit light primarily along an axis substantially perpendicular to the surface. In some embodiments, multiple sets of visual markers  802  are arranged on the neck  800 . 
     The visual markers  802  of each set may be oriented in substantially the same direction as the other visual markers  802  of the respective set. In some embodiments, a first set  804  of visual markers  802  is directed substantially vertically along the Y-axis  784 , a second set  806  of visual markers  802  is directed in a second direction  808 , and a third set  810  of visual markers  802  is directed in a third direction  812 . That is, the visual markers  802  of each set are oriented to emit light in substantially parallel directions as other visual markers  802  of the respective set. The second direction  808  is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis  782  along the welding torch  14 , and is offset a second angle  814  from the Y-axis  784 . The third direction  812  is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis  782  along the welding torch  14 , and is offset a third angle  816  from the Y-axis  784 . In some embodiments, the second angle  814  and the third angle  816  have approximately the same magnitude. For example, the second set  806  of visual indicators  802  may be offset from the Y-axis  784  by 45°, and the third set  810  of visual indicators  802  may be offset from the Y-axis  784  by 45°, such that the second angle  814  is substantially perpendicular with the third angle  816 . The second angle  814  and the third angle  816  may each be between approximately 5° to 180°, 15° to 135°, 25° to 90°, or 30° to 75°. As may be appreciated, the neck  800  may have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more sets of visual markers  802 , with each set oriented in a particular direction to facilitate detection by the sensing device  16 . 
     The visual markers  802  of each set may be arranged on the same or substantially parallel planes. For example, the first set  804  of visual markers  802  may be arranged on a first plane  818  or a plane substantially parallel to the first plane  818  that is perpendicular to the Y-axis  784 . The second set  806  of visual markers  802  may be arranged on a second plane  820  or a plane substantially parallel to the second plane  820  that is perpendicular to the second direction  808 . The third set  810  of visual markers  802  may be arranged on a third plane  822  or a plane substantially parallel to the third plane  822  that is perpendicular to the third direction  812 . As used herein, the term “substantially parallel” includes orientations within 10 degrees of parallel, and the term “substantially perpendicular” includes orientations within 10 degrees of perpendicular. The arrangements of the visual markers  802  of each set may facilitate tracking the welding torch  14  during simulated and/or live out of position welding processes including, but not limited to, vertical or overhead welding positions. 
     Structures  824  of the neck  800  may facilitate the orientation of the sets of the visual markers  802 . For example, a mounting surface of each structure  824  may be substantially parallel to a respective plane for the corresponding set of visual markers  802 . Moreover, the structures  824  may reduce or eliminate the detection of the respective visual marker  802  by the sensing device  16  when the respective visual marker  802  is oriented relative to the sensing device  16  at an angle greater than a threshold angle. For example, the second set  806  of visual markers  802  may be configured to be detected by the sensing device  16  when the operator holds the welding torch  14  with the sensing device  16  to the left of the operator (i.e., a left-handed operator), and the third set  810  of visual markers  802  may be configured to be detected by the sensing device  16  when the operator holds the welding torch  14  with the sensing device  16  to the right of the operator (i.e., a right-handed operator). The neck  800  and/or the structures  824  for the second set  806  of visual markers  802  may reduce or eliminate the detection of the second set  806  of visual markers  802  when a right-handed operator uses the welding torch  14 , and vice versa for the third set  810  of visual markers when a left-handed operator uses the welding torch  14 . 
       FIG. 32  is a top view of an arrangement of visual markers  80  on the neck  800  of the welding torch  14 , similar to the embodiment of the neck  800  illustrated in  FIG. 31 . The visual markers  802  of the first set  804  (e.g., “A”), the second set  806  (e.g., “B”), and the third set  810  (e.g., “C”) are arranged at different predefined positions on the neck  800  that enable the sensing device  16  to determine which side of the welding torch  14  is most directed towards the sensing device  16  via detecting a distinct pattern or arrangement that corresponds to each side (e.g., top, left  826 , right  828 , bottom, front) of the welding torch  14 . Additionally, or in the alternative, the visual markers  802  (e.g., LEDs  64 ) of each set may be respectively colored, thereby enabling the sensing device  16  to determine which side of the welding torch  14  is most directed towards the sensing device  16  via color detection. 
     The sensing device  16  may track the position and orientation of the welding torch  14  relative to the training stand  12  and the workpiece  82  when the sensing device  16  detects a threshold quantity of visual markers  802  of a set. The threshold quantity of visual markers  802  of a set may be less than or equal to the quantity of visual markers  802  of the respective set. For example, the sensing device  16  may detect the right side of the welding torch  14  when detecting the four visual markers  802  of the third set  810 , the sensing device  16  may detect the top side of the welding torch  14  when detecting the five visual markers  802  of the first set  804 , and the sensing device  16  may detect the left side of the welding torch when detecting the four visual markers  802  of the second set. In some embodiments, each set of visual markers  802  may have redundant visual markers, such that sensing device  16  may track the position and the orientation of the welding torch  14  when one or more of the redundant visual markers are obscured from view. The sensing device  16  may track the position and the orientation with substantially the same accuracy, regardless of which set is detected by the sensing device  16 . 
     The visual markers  802  may be arranged on the neck  800  of the welding torch  14  at positions relative to the X-axis  782  along the welding torch  14 , and relative to a baseline  830 . For example, the first set  804  may have five visual markers  802 : two visual markers  802  along the baseline  830  near a first end  832  of the neck  800  and spaced a first offset  831  from the X-axis  782 , a visual marker  802  spaced a first distance  834  from the baseline  830  in a midsection  836  of the neck  800  and spaced a second offset  838  from the X-axis  782  to the left side  826 , a visual marker  802  spaced a third distance  840  from the baseline  830  in the midsection  836  and spaced the second offset  838  to the right side  828 , and a visual marker  802  near a second end  842  of the neck  800  along the X-axis  782  and spaced a fourth distance  844  from the baseline  830 . The second set  806  may have four visual markers  802 : a visual marker  802  along the baseline  830  and spaced a third offset  846  from the X-axis  782  on the left side  826 , a visual marker  802  spaced a fifth distance  848  from the baseline  830  along the X-axis  782  in the midsection  836 , a visual marker  802  spaced a sixth distance  850  from the baseline  830  in the midsection  836  and spaced the second offset  838  from the X-axis  782  on the right side  828 , and a visual marker  802  near the second end  842  of the neck  800  spaced the fourth distance  844  from the baseline  830  and spaced the second offset  838  on the left side  826 . The third set  810  may have four visual markers  802 : a visual marker  802  along the baseline  830  and spaced the third offset  846  from the X-axis  782  on the right side  828 , a visual marker  802  spaced a seventh distance  852  from baseline  830  along the X-axis  782  in the midsection  836 , a visual marker  802  spaced an eighth distance  854  from the baseline  830  in the midsection  836  and spaced the second offset  838  from the X-axis  782  on the left side  826 , and a visual marker  802  near the second end  842  of the neck  800  spaced the fourth distance  844  from the baseline  830  and spaced the second offset  838  on the right side  828 . 
     The arrangements (e.g., distances and offsets relative to the baseline  830  and X-axis  782 ) of the visual markers  802  for each set  804 ,  806 ,  810  may be stored in a memory of the welding system  10 . For example, the arrangements may be stored in a memory as calibrations corresponding to a particular welding torch coupled to the welding system  10 . As discussed in detail below, the welding system  10  may detect the arrangement of the visual markers  802  directed to the sensing device  16 , and determine the position and orientation of the welding torch  14  relative to the training stand  12  and the workpiece  82  based at least in part on a comparison of the detected arrangement and the arrangements stored in memory. Each set of visual markers  802  may be calibrated, such as prior to an initial use, after reconnecting the welding torch  14 , or at a predetermined maintenance interval. To calibrate a set of visual markers  802 , the welding torch  14  may be mounted to the training stand  12  in a predetermined position and orientation such that the respective set of visual markers  802  is substantially directed toward the sensing device  16 . For example, the first set  804  may be calibrated when the welding torch  14  is mounted such that the Y-axis  784  of the welding torch  14  is generally directed toward the sensing device  16 , the second set  806  may be calibrated when the welding torch  14  is mounted such that the second direction  808  is generally directed toward the sensing device  16 , and the third set  810  may be calibrated when the welding torch  14  is mounted such that the third direction  812  is generally directed toward the sensing device  16 . In some embodiments, the sets of visual markers  802  are calibrated when a calibration tool (e.g., calibration tool  610  discussed below) is coupled to the welding torch  14 . The operator may verify the calibrations by moving the welding torch  14  about the welding environment relative to the training stand  12  and the sensing device  16 . 
       FIG. 33  is an embodiment of a method  478  for displaying on a display of a welding torch a welding parameter in relation to a threshold. In the illustrated embodiment, the control circuitry  52  (or control circuitry of another device) receives a selection made by a welding operator of a welding parameter associated with a position, an orientation, and/or a movement of the welding torch  14  (block  480 ). For example, the welding operator may select a button on the user interface  60  of the welding torch  14  to select a welding parameter. The welding parameter may be any suitable welding parameter, such as a work angle, a travel angle, a travel speed, a tip-to-work distance, an aim, and so forth. As may be appreciated, the welding system  10  may select the welding parameter automatically without input from a welding operator. After the selection is made, the display  62  of the welding torch  14  displays or shows a representation of the welding parameter in relation to a predetermined threshold range and/or target value for the welding parameter (block  482 ). The displayed welding parameter is configured to change as the position of the welding torch  14  changes, as the orientation of the welding torch  14  changes, and/or as movement of the welding torch  14  changes. Thus, the welding operator may use the welding torch  14  to properly position and/or orient the welding torch  14  while performing (e.g., prior to beginning, starting, stopping, etc.) a welding operation, thereby enabling the welding operator to perform the welding operation with the welding parameter within the predetermined threshold range or at the target value. 
     For example, the welding operator may desire to begin the welding operation with a proper work angle. Accordingly, the welding operator may select “work angle” on the welding torch  14 . After “work angle” is selected, the welding operator may position the welding torch  14  at a desired work angle. As the welding operator moves the welding torch  14 , a current work angle is displayed in relation to a desired work angle. Thus, the welding operator may move the welding torch  14  around until the current work angle matches the desired work angle and/or is within a desired range of work angles. As may be appreciated, the display  62  may be turned off and/or darkened so that it is blank during a welding operation. However, a welding operator may select a desired welding parameter prior to performing the welding operation. Even with the display  62  blank, the control circuitry  52  may be configured to monitor the welding parameter and provide feedback to the welding operator during the welding operation (e.g., vibration feedback, audio feedback, etc.). 
       FIG. 34  is an embodiment of a set of screenshots of the display  62  of the welding torch  14  for showing a welding parameter in relation to a threshold. The set of screenshots illustrate various ways that welding parameters are displayed for a welding operator for performing a welding operation. As may be appreciated, in certain embodiments, the welding parameters may be displayed to the welding operator before, during, and/or after the welding operation. Screen  484  illustrates a work angle that is not within a predetermined threshold range. A parameter portion  486  of the display  62  indicates the selected parameter. Moreover, a range section  488  indicates whether the selected parameter is within the predetermined threshold range. Furthermore, a parameter value section  490  indicates the value of the selected parameter. On the screen  484 , the work angle of 38 is out of range as indicated by the arrow extending outward from the central circle. Screen  492  illustrates a work angle of 45 that is within the predetermined threshold range as indicated by no arrow extending from the central circle. 
     As may be appreciated, the sensing device  16  may be configured to detect whether the travel angle is a drag angle (e.g., the travel angle is ahead of the welding arc) or a push angle (e.g., the travel angle follows behind the welding arc). Accordingly, screen  494  illustrates a drag travel angle of 23 that is outside of a predetermined threshold range as indicated by an arrow extending outward from a central circle. Conversely, screen  496  illustrates a push travel angle of 15 that is within the predetermined threshold range as indicated by no arrow extending from the central circle. Furthermore, screen  498  illustrates a travel speed of 12 that is within of a predetermined threshold range as indicated by a vertical line aligned with the central circle. Conversely, screen  500  illustrates a travel speed of 18 that is outside of (i.e., greater than) the predetermined threshold range as indicated by the vertical line to the right of the central circle. As may be appreciated, a travel speed that is less than a predetermined threshold range may be indicated by a vertical line to the left of the central circle. The travel speed indicator may dynamically move relative to the central circle in real-time during a weld process based at least in part on the determined travel speed, thereby guiding the operator to perform the weld process with a travel speed within the predetermined threshold range. 
     Screen  502  illustrates a tip-to-work distance of 1.5 that is greater than a predetermined threshold range as indicated by a small circle within an outer band. Moreover, screen  504  illustrates the tip-to-work distance of 0.4 that is less than a predetermined threshold range as indicated by the circle outside of the outer band. Furthermore, screen  506  illustrates the tip-to-work distance of 1.1 that is within the predetermined threshold range as indicated by the circle substantially filling the area within the outer band. Moreover, screen  508  illustrates an aim of 0.02 that is within a predetermined threshold range as indicated by a line  509  aligned with a central circle. Conversely, screen  510  illustrates an aim of 0.08 that is not within the predetermined threshold range as indicated by the line  509  toward the top part of the central circle. In some embodiments, the line  509  of screens  508  and  510  represents the joint relative to the tip of the welding torch  14 . For example, screens  508  and  510  illustrate the aim of the welding torch  14  when the welding torch  14  is oriented substantially perpendicular to the joint (as illustrated by the line  509 ). Screen  511  illustrates the aim of the welding torch  14  when the welding torch  14  is at least partially angled relative to the joint, as indicated by the line  509  and the tilted orientation of the welding torch  14 . That is, while the positions of the welding torch  14  relative to the joint (e.g., line  509 ) corresponding to screens  508  and  511  are substantially the same, the orientation of the line  509  of screen  508  on the display corresponds to a perpendicular orientation of the welding torch  14  relative to the joint and the orientation of the line  509  of screen  511  on the display  62  corresponds to a non-perpendicular orientation of the welding torch  14  relative to the joint. The orientation of the range section  488  (e.g., aim indicator, angle indicator, CTWD indicator) may be rotated on the display by a rotation angle defined as the angle difference between a front edge  513  of the display  62  and the joint. The graphical representations on the display  62  may correspond to the orientation of the welding torch  14  to the joint rather than to the orientation of the display  62  relative to the operator. For example, when the welding torch  14  is positioned near a vertical joint such that the welding torch  14  is substantially parallel with the joint, the line  509  on the display  62  may be oriented vertically. The joint indicator line  509  may be substantially perpendicular to the travel speed indicator discussed above with screens  498  and  500 . 
     While specific graphical representations have been shown on the display  62  in the illustrated embodiment for showing a welding parameter in relation to a threshold, other embodiments may use any suitable graphical representations for showing a welding parameter in relation to a threshold. Moreover, in certain embodiments individual parameter visual guides may be combined so that multiple parameters are visually displayed together. 
     Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the welding system  10  may detect if the welding torch  14  is near and/or far from a welding joint. Being near the welding joint is a function of the contact tip-to-work distance (CTWD) and aim parameters. When both the CTWD and aim parameters are within suitable predetermined ranges, the welding system  10  may consider the welding torch  14  near the welding joint. Furthermore, the control circuitry  52  of the welding torch  14  or another device may determine the work angle, the travel angle, and the travel speed based at least in part on the position of the welding torch  14  relative to a known (e.g., calibrated) welding joint of the workpiece  82  when the CTWD and the aim are substantially constant along the welding joint. As may be appreciated, the position and orientation of the welding torch  14  may be determined via the sensing devices  16  and the markers  474 , the one or more motion sensors  426 , and/or the one or more microphones  429  of the welding torch  14 . Moreover, when the welding torch  14  is near the welding joint, the visual guides may be displayed on the welding torch  14 . When the welding torch  14  is near the welding joint and in the live welding mode, a message (e.g., warning message) may be displayed on a display indicating that proper welding equipment (e.g., welding helmet, etc.) should be in place as a safety precaution for onlookers. However, an external display may continue to display the real-time data at a safe distance from the welding operation. Moreover, in some embodiments, when the welding torch  14  is near the welding joint and in the live welding mode, the display of the welding torch  14  may be changed (e.g., to substantially blank and/or clear, to a non-distracting view, to a predetermined image, etc.) while a welding operator actuates the trigger of the welding torch  14 . When the welding torch  14  is far from the welding joint, actuating the trigger of the welding torch  14  will not perform (e.g., begin) a test run. Furthermore, when the welding torch  14  is far from the welding joint, actuating the welding torch  14  will have no effect in a non-live welding mode, and may feed welding wire in the live welding mode without beginning a test run. 
       FIG. 35  is an embodiment of a method  512  for tracking the welding torch  14  in the welding system  10  using at least four markers. One or more cameras (e.g., such as one or more cameras of the sensing system  16 ) are used to detect the markers of the welding torch  14  (block  514 ). As discussed above, the markers may be reflective markers and/or light-emitting markers. Furthermore, the markers may include four or more markers to facilitate determining an accurate position and/or orientation of the welding torch  14 . One or more processors  20  of the computer  18  (or other processors) may be used with the sensing system  16  to track the position of the welding torch  14  and/or the orientation of the welding torch  14  based on the detected markers (block  516 ). If the one or more cameras are unable to detect one or more of the markers, the one or more processors  20  (or control circuitry, such as the control circuitry  52 ) may be configured to block live welding while the one or more cameras are unable to detect the markers (block  518 ). However, in some embodiments of the welding system  10 , one or more cameras integrated with the helmet  41  may enable detection of four or more markers to facilitate determining an accurate position and/or orientation of the welding torch  14  with respect to the welding helmet  41 . Thus, one or more cameras integrated with the helmet  41  may facilitate detection of the position and/or orientation of the welding torch  14  for welding processes that would otherwise obscure the one or more markers from cameras mounted to the stand  12 . As may be appreciated, the position and/or orientation of the welding helmet  41  in the welding environment may be determined via the one or more sensing devices  16  of the welding system  10  in a similar manner as described above for the welding torch  14  where the markers are observable. In some embodiments, the display  62  of the welding torch  14  may be configured to display a message indicating that the markers are not detected while the one or more cameras are unable to detect the markers of the welding torch  14  (block  520 ). Accordingly, live welding using the welding torch  14  may be blocked if the welding torch  14  is unable to be tracked by the sensing system  16 . 
     Some embodiments of the welding system  10  may track the welding torch  14  in the welding environment during periods where one or more of the markers  474  are obscured and not detected. As described above, the welding system  10  may track the position and/or the orientation of the welding torch  14  based at least in part on feedback from one or more motion sensors  426  (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes) of the welding torch  14 . Moreover, embodiments of the welding system  10  with beacons of a local positioning system and one or more microphones  429  on the welding torch  14  may determine a position of the welding torch  14  within the welding environment when the portions (e.g., markers  474 ) of the welding torch  14  are obscured from the line of sight of some sensing devices  16  (e.g., cameras). Accordingly, block  518  of method  512  (to block live welding while the markers are not detected) may be optional during intervals when the control circuitry  52  may otherwise determine the position of the welding torch  14  within the welding environment. Additionally, or in the alternative, the welding system  10  may track the welding torch  14  in the welding environment when the welding torch  14  does not have markers  474  as described above. Therefore, in some embodiments, the control circuitry  52  permits live welding while the markers are not detected or not present on the welding torch  14 . 
       FIG. 36  is an embodiment of a method  522  for detecting the ability for the processor  20  (or any other processor) to communicate with the welding torch  14 . The welding torch  14  is configured to detect a signal from the processor  20  (block  524 ). The signal is provided from the processor  20  to the welding torch  14  at a predetermined interval. In certain embodiments, the signal may be a pulsed signal provided from the processor  20  to the welding torch  14  at the predetermined interval. Moreover, the signal is provided to the welding torch  14  so that the welding torch  14  is able to determine that the welding torch  14  is able to communicate with the processor  20 . If the welding torch  14  does not receive the signal from the processor  20  within the predetermined interval, control circuitry  52  (or control circuitry of another device) is configured to block live welding using the welding torch  14  while the signal is not detected (block  526 ). Moreover, the display  62  may be configured to display a message indicating that the signal from the processor  20  is not detected while the live welding is blocked (block  528 ). Accordingly, the welding torch  14  may detect the ability for the processor  20  to communicate with the welding torch  14 . 
       FIG. 37  is an embodiment of a method  530  for calibrating a curved weld joint that may be used with the welding system  10 . One or more cameras (e.g., such as one or more cameras of the sensing system  16 ) are used to detect a first position (e.g., first calibration point) of the curved weld joint (block  532 ). For example, a calibration tool and/or the welding torch  14  may be used to identify the first position of the curved weld joint to the one or more cameras (e.g., such as by touching a tip of the calibration tool and/or the welding torch  14  to the first position). In addition, the one or more cameras may be used to track the calibration tool and/or the welding torch  14  to determine a position and/or an orientation of the calibration tool and/or the welding torch  14  for detecting the first position of the curved weld joint. 
     Moreover, the one or more cameras are used to detect a second position (e.g., second calibration point) of the curved weld joint (block  534 ). For example, the calibration tool and/or the welding torch  14  may be used to identify the second position of the curved weld joint to the one or more cameras. In addition, the one or more cameras may be used to track the calibration tool and/or the welding torch  14  to determine a position and/or an orientation of the calibration tool and/or the welding torch  14  for detecting the second position of the curved weld joint. Furthermore, the one or more cameras are used to detect a curved portion of the curved weld joint between the first and second positions of the curved weld joint (block  536 ). For example, the calibration tool and/or the welding torch  14  may be used to identify the curved weld joint between the first and second positions of the curved weld joint. In addition, the one or more cameras may be used to track the calibration tool and/or the welding torch  14  to determine a position and/or an orientation of the calibration tool and/or the welding torch  14  for detecting the curved portion of the curved weld joint. As may be appreciated, during operation, the first position may be detected, then the curved weld joint may be detected, and then the second position may be detected. However, the detection of the first position, the second position, and the curved weld joint may occur in any suitable order. In certain embodiments, a representation of the curved portion of the curved weld joint may be stored for determining a quality of a welding operation by comparing a position and/or an orientation of the welding torch  14  during the welding operation to the stored representation of the curved portion of the curved weld joint. As may be appreciated, in certain embodiments, the welding operation may be a multi-pass welding operation. 
     Moreover, calibration for some joints, such as circular weld joints (e.g., pipe joints) may be performed by touching the calibration tool to three different points around the circumference of the circular weld joint. A path of the circular weld joint may then be determined by calculating a best-fit circle that intersects all three points. The path of the circular weld joint may be stored and used to evaluate welding parameters of training welds. For a more complex geometry, the calibration tool and/or the welding torch  14  might be dragged along the entire joint in order to indicate the joint to the system so that all of the parameters may be calculated. 
     In some embodiments, the method  530  for calibrating a curved weld joint that may be used with the welding system  10  may not utilize the welding torch  14  or the calibration tool to determine the path of the weld joint. That is, the control circuitry  52  may utilize one or more images captured by cameras (e.g., such as one or more cameras of the sensing system  16 ) to detect the first position (block  532 ), the second position (block  534 ), and the curved portion (block  536 ) of the weld joint. Additionally, or in the alternative, the control circuitry  52  may utilize one or more emitters (e.g., emitters  105 ,  109 ) to emit a visible pattern (e.g., grid, point field) onto the workpiece  82  and weld joint. Cameras configured to detect the visible pattern may determine the shape of the workpiece  82  and/or the path of the weld joint based on particular features of the shape and orientation of the visible pattern on the workpiece  82  and weld joint. The control circuitry  52  may determine the shape of the weld joint and/or the workpiece  82  utilizing object recognition algorithms (e.g., edge detection) applied to the one or more captured images or visible pattern. The operator may provide input to aid the object recognition, such as selecting a type of joint (e.g., butt, tee, lap, corner, edge) and/or the shape (e.g., planar, tubular, curved) of the workpiece  82 . 
       FIG. 38  is a diagram of an embodiment of a curved weld joint  538 . Such a curved weld joint  538  may be calibrated using the method  530  described in  FIG. 37 . The curved weld joint  538  is on a workpiece  540 . Specifically, the curved weld joint  538  includes a first position  542 , a second position  544 , and a curved portion  546 . Using the method  530 , a shape of the curved weld joint  538  may be determined and/or stored for evaluating a welding operator performing a welding operation on the curved weld joint  538 . 
       FIG. 39  is a diagram of an embodiment of a complex shape workpiece  539  with a curved weld joint  541 . The curved weld joint  541  may be calibrated via markings  543  added to the workpiece  539  near the curved weld joint  541 . The markings  543  may include, but are not limited to stickers, reflectors, paints, or pigments applied to the workpiece  539  via a roller tool  545 . The operator may roll a marking wheel  547  of the roller tool  545  along the curved weld joint  541 , depositing the markings  543  on the workpiece  539 . For example, pads  549  on the marking wheel  547  may apply the markings  543  to the workpiece  539  at regular intervals along the curved weld joint  541 . Cameras of the sensing device  16  on the stand  12  and/or integrated with the helmet  41  of the welding system  10  may detect the markings  543 . Control circuitry of the welding system  10  may determine the shape of the complex shape workpiece  539  and/or the welding system  10  may determine the welding path along the curved weld joint  541  based at least in part on the detected markings  543 . The shape of the complex shape workpiece  539  and/or the welding path of the curved weld joint  541  may be stored for evaluating a welding operator performing a welding operation on the curved weld joint  541 . While the markings  543  shown in  FIG. 39  are discontinuous, some embodiments of the markings  543  may be continuous along the curved weld joint  541 . 
       FIG. 40  is an embodiment of a method  548  for tracking a multi-pass welding operation. One or more cameras (e.g., such as one or more cameras of the sensing system  16 ) are used to detect a first pass of the welding torch  14  along a weld joint during the multi-pass welding operation (block  550 ). Moreover, the one or more cameras are used to detect a second pass of the welding torch  14  along the weld joint during the multi-pass welding operation (block  552 ). Furthermore, the one or more cameras are used to detect a third pass of the welding torch  14  along the weld joint during the multi-pass welding operation (block  554 ). The control circuitry  52  (or control circuitry of another device) may be configured to store a representation of the first pass, the second pass, and/or the third pass together as a single welding operation for determining a quality of the multi-pass welding operation. As may be appreciated, the multi-pass welding operation may be a live welding operation, a training welding operation, a virtual reality welding operation, and/or an augmented reality welding operation. 
       FIG. 41  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the welding stand  12 . The welding stand  12  includes the welding surface  88  supported by the legs  90 . Moreover, the welding surface  88  includes one or more slots  91  to facilitate positioning of a workpiece on the welding surface  88 . Furthermore, the welding surface  88  includes multiple apertures  556  (e.g., holes or openings) that extend through the welding surface  88 . The apertures  556  may be used to enable the sensing device  16  to determine a position and/or an orientation of the welding surface  88 . Specifically, markers may be arranged below the apertures  556 , yet within the view of the sensing device  16  to enable the sensing device  16  to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding surface  88 . The markers may be arranged below the welding surface  88  to facilitate longer lasting markers and/or to block debris from covering the markers, as explained in greater detail in relation to  FIG. 42 . 
     Drawers  558  are attached to the welding stand  12  to enable storage of various components with the welding stand  12 . Moreover, wheels  560  are coupled to the welding stand  12  to facilitate easily moving the welding stand  12 . Adjacent to the drawers  558 , a calibration tool holder  562  and a welding torch holder  564  enable storage of a calibration tool and the welding torch  14 . In certain embodiments, the welding system  10  may be configured to detect that the calibration tool is in the calibration tool holder  562  at various times, such as before performing a welding operation. A support structure  566  extending vertically from the welding surface  88  is used to provide structure support to the sensing device  16  and the display  32 . Moreover, a tray  568  is coupled to the support structure  566  to facilitate storage of various components. 
     The protective cover  102  is positioned over the display  32  to block certain environmental elements from contacting the display  32  (e.g., weld spatter, smoke, sparks, heat, etc.). A handle  570  is coupled to the protective cover  102  to facilitate rotation of the protective cover  102  from a first position (as illustrated) used to block certain environmental elements from contacting the display  32  to a second raised position away from the display  32 , as illustrated by arrows  572 . The second position is not configured to block the environmental elements from contacting the display  32 . In certain embodiments, the protective cover  102  may be held in the first and/or the second position by a latching device, a shock, an actuator, a stop, and so forth. 
     A switch  573  is used to detect whether the protective cover  102  is in the first position or in the second position. Moreover, the switch  573  may be coupled to the control circuitry  52  (or control circuitry of another device) and configured to detect whether the protective cover  102  is in the first or the second position and to block or enable various operations (e.g., live welding, auxiliary power, etc.) while the switch  573  detects that the protective cover  102  is in the first and/or the second position. For example, if the switch  573  detects that the protective cover  102  is in the second position (e.g., not properly covering the display  32 ), the control circuitry  52  may block live welding and/or simulation welding (with the protective cover  102  in the second position the sensing device  16  may be unable to accurately detect markers). As another example, if the switch  573  detects that the protective cover  102  is in the second position, control circuitry of the welding stand  12  may block the availability of power provided to an outlet  574  of the welding stand  12 . In certain embodiments, the display  32  may show an indication that the protective cover  102  is in the first and/or the second position. For example, while the protective cover  102  is in the second position, the display  32  may provide an indication to the welding operator that live welding and/or power at the outlet  574  are unavailable. The welding stand  12  includes speakers  575  to enable audio feedback to be provided to a welding operator using the welding stand  12 . Furthermore, in certain embodiments, if the trigger of the welding torch  14  is actuated while the protective cover  102  is in the second position, the welding system  10  may provide visual and/or audio feedback to the operator (e.g., the welding system  10  may provide a visual message and an audible sound effect). 
     As illustrated, the support structure  566  includes a first arm  576  and a second arm  578 . The first and second arms  576  and  578  are rotatable about the support structure  566  to enable the first and second arms  576  and  578  to be positioned at a selected height for vertical and/or overhead welding. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second arms  576  and  578  are independently (e.g., separately) rotatable relative to one another so that the first arm  576  may be positioned at a first vertical position while the second arm  578  may be positioned at a second vertical position different from the first vertical position. In other embodiments, the first and second arms  576  and  578  are configured to rotate together. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the first and second arms  576  and  578  may be rotated independently and/or together based on a selection by a welding operator. As may be appreciated, in other embodiments, arms may not be coupled to the support structure  566 , but instead may be positioned at other locations, such as being positioned to extend vertically above one or more front legs, etc. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a structure may be coupled to the welding stand  12  to facilitate a welding operator leaning and/or resting thereon (e.g., a leaning bar). 
     Each of the first and second arms  576  and  578  includes a shock  580  (or another supporting device) that facilitates holding the first and second arms  576  and  578  in selected vertical positions. Moreover, each of the first and second arms  576  and  578  includes a braking system  582  configured to lock the first and second arms  576  and  578  individually in selected positions. In certain embodiments, the braking system  582  is unlocked by applying a force to a handle, a switch, a pedal, and/or another device. 
     The workpiece  82  is coupled to the second arm  578  for overhead and/or vertical welding. Moreover, the first arm  576  includes the welding plate  108  for overhead, horizontal, and/or vertical welding. As may be appreciated, the workpiece  82 , the welding plate  108 , and/or a clamp used to hold the welding plate  108  may include multiple markers (e.g., reflective and/or light emitting) to facilitate tracking by the sensing device  16 . For example, in certain embodiments, the workpiece  82 , the welding plate  108 , and/or the clamp may include three markers on one surface (e.g., in one plane), and a fourth marker on another surface (e.g., in a different plane) to facilitate tracking by the sensing device  16 . As illustrated, a brake release  584  is attached to each of the first and second arms  576  and  578  for unlocking each braking system  582 . In certain embodiments, a pull chain may extend downward from each brake release  584  to facilitate unlocking and/or lowering the first and second arms  576  and  578 , such as while the brake release  584  of the first and second arms  576  and  578  are vertically above the reach of a welding operator. Thus, the welding operator may pull a handle of the pull chain to unlock the braking system  582  and/or to lower the first and second arms  576  and  578 . 
     As illustrated, the second arm  578  includes a clamp assembly  588  for coupling the workpiece  82  to the second arm  578 . Moreover, the clamp assembly  588  includes multiple T-handles  590  for adjusting, tightening, securing, and/or loosening clamps and other portions of the clamp assembly  588 . In certain embodiments, the first arm  576  may also include various T-handles  590  for adjusting, tightening, securing, and/or loosening the welding plate  108 . As may be appreciated, the clamp assembly  588  may include multiple markers (e.g., reflective and/or light emitting) to facilitate tracking by the sensing device  16 . For example, in certain embodiments, the clamp assembly  588  may include three markers on one surface (e.g., in one plane), and a fourth marker on another surface (e.g., in a different plane) to facilitate tracking by the sensing device  16 . It should be noted that the welding system  10  may include the clamp assembly  588  on one or both of the first and second arms  576  and  578 . 
     The sensing device  16  includes a removable cover  592  disposed in front of one or more cameras of the sensing device  16  to block environmental elements (e.g., spatter, smoke, heat, etc.) or other objects from contacting the sensing device  16 . The removable cover  592  is disposed in slots  594  configured to hold the removable cover  592  in front of the sensing device  16 . In certain embodiments, the removable cover  592  may be inserted, removed, and/or replaced without the use of tools. As explained in detail below, the removable cover  592  may be disposed in front of the sensing device  16  at an angle to facilitate infrared light passing therethrough. 
     As illustrated, a linking assembly  596  may be coupled between the first and/or second arms  576  and  578  and the sensing device  16  to facilitate rotation of the sensing device  16  as the first and/or second arms  576  and  578  are rotated. Accordingly, as the first and/or second arms  576  and  578  are rotated, the sensing device  16  may also rotate such that one or more cameras of the sensing device  16  are positioned to track a selected welding surface. For example, if the first and/or second arms  576  and  578  are positioned in a lowered position, the sensing device  16  may be configured to track welding operations that occur on the welding surface  88 . On the other hand, if the first and/or second arms  576  and  578  are positioned in a raised position, the sensing device  16  may be configured to track vertical, horizontal, and/or overhead welding operations. In some embodiments, the first and/or second arms  576  and  578  and the sensing device  16  may not be mechanically linked, yet rotation of the first and/or second arms  576  and  578  may facilitate rotation of the sensing device  16 . For example, markers on the first and/or second arms  576  and  578  may be detected by the sensing device  16  and the sensing device  16  may move (e.g., using a motor) based on the sensed position of the first and/or second arms  576  and  578 . 
     In some embodiments, movement of the first and/or second arms  576 ,  578  may at least partially invalidate previous calibrations of the sensing device  16  with components of the training stand  12 . For example, after the sensing device  16  is calibrated with the main (e.g., horizontal) welding surface  88  of the training stand  12 , subsequent movement of the first and second arms  576 ,  578  may invalidate the calibration of the main welding surface  88  based at least in part on movement of the sensing device  16 . Accordingly, the sensing device  16  may be recalibrated with the main welding surface  88  after the operator performs welding sessions that utilize the first and/or second arms  576 ,  578 . In some embodiments, the computer  18  notifies the operator via the display  32  and/or audible notifications when the sensing device  16  is to be recalibrated based on detected movement of the sensing device  16  relative to the welding surface  88 . Additionally, or in the alternative, the display  62  of the welding torch  14  may notify the operator when the sensing device  16  is to be recalibrated. 
       FIG. 42  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the welding surface  88  of the welding stand  12  of  FIG. 41 . As illustrated, the welding surface  88  includes multiple apertures  556  extending therethrough between an upper plane  597  of the welding surface  88  and a lower plane  598  of the welding surface  88 . A bracket  599  is positioned beneath each aperture  556 . The brackets  599  may be coupled to the welding surface  88  using any suitable fastener or securing means. In the illustrated embodiment, the brackets  599  are coupled to the welding surface  88  using fasteners  600  (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.). In other embodiments, the brackets  599  may be welded, bonded, or otherwise secured to the welding surface  88 . Moreover, in certain embodiments, the brackets  599  may be mounted to a lateral side of the welding stand  12  rather than the welding surface  88 . Markers  602  are coupled to the brackets  599  and positioned vertically below the apertures  556 , but the markers  602  are horizontally offset from the apertures  556  to block dust and/or spatter from contacting the markers  602  and to enable the sensing device  16  to sense the markers  602 . In some embodiments, the markers  602  may be positioned within the apertures  556  and/or at any location such that the motion tracking system is positioned on one side of the upper plane  597  and the markers  602  are positioned on the opposite side of the upper plane  597 . As may be appreciated, the markers  602  may be light reflective and/or light-emissive. For example, in certain embodiments, the markers  602  may be formed from a light reflective tape. In some embodiments, the markers  602  may be spherical markers. Accordingly, the sensing device  16  may detect the markers  602  to determine a position and/or an orientation of the welding surface  88 . 
       FIG. 43  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the sensing device  16  having the removable cover  592 . As illustrated, the removable cover  592  is disposed in the slots  594 . The sensing device  16  includes a camera  604  (e.g., infrared camera) having a face  605  on a side of the camera  604  having a lens  606 . The removable cover  592  is configured to enable infrared light to pass therethrough and to block environmental elements (e.g., spatter, smoke, heat, etc.) or other objects from contacting the lens  606  of the camera  604 . As may be appreciated, the camera  604  may include one or more infrared emitters  607  configured to emit infrared light. If the removable cover  592  is positioned directly in front of the face  605 , a large amount of the infrared light from the infrared emitters  607  may be reflected by the removable cover  592  toward the lens  606  of the camera  604 . Accordingly, the removable cover  592  is positioned at an angle  608  relative to the face  605  of the camera  604  to direct a substantial portion of the infrared light from being reflected toward the lens  606 . Specifically, in certain embodiments, the removable cover  592  may be positioned with the angle  608  between approximately 10 to 60 degrees relative to the face  605  of the camera  604 . Moreover, in other embodiments, the removable cover  592  may be positioned with the angle  608  between approximately 40 to 50 degrees (e.g., approximately 45 degrees) relative to the face  605  of the camera  604 . The removable cover  592  may be manufactured from any suitable light-transmissive material. For example, in certain embodiments, the removable cover  592  may be manufactured from a polymeric material, or any other suitable material. 
       FIG. 44  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a calibration tool  610 . As may be appreciated, the calibration tool  610  may be used to calibrate a workpiece, a work surface, a weld joint, and so forth, for a welding operation. The calibration tool  610  includes a handle  612  to facilitate gripping the calibration tool  610 . Moreover, the calibration tool  610  is configured to be detected by the sensing device  16  for determining a spatial position that a tip  614  of the calibration tool  610  is contacting. In certain embodiments, the computer  18  coupled to the sensing device  16  may be configured to determine a calibration point merely by the tip  614  contacting a specific surface. In other embodiments, the computer  18  is configured to determine a calibration point by a welding operator providing input indicating that the tip  614  is contacting a calibration point. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the computer  18  is configured to detect a calibration point by the tip  614  contacting the calibration point while a downward force is applied to the calibration tool  610  via the handle. The downward force directs a distance between two adjacent markers to decrease below a predetermined threshold thereby indicating a selected calibration point. The sensing device  16  is configured to detect the change in distance between the two adjacent markers and the computer  18  is configured to use the change in distance to identify the calibration point. 
     The handle  612  is coupled to a light-transmissive cover  616 . Moreover, a gasket  618  is coupled to one end of the light-transmissive cover  616 , while an end cap  620  is coupled to an opposite end of the light-transmissive cover  616 . During operation, as a downward force is applied to the calibration tool  610  using the handle  612 , a distance  622  between the tip  613  and the gasket  618  decreases. 
       FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the calibration tool  610  of  FIG. 43  having the outer cover  616  removed. The calibration tool  610  includes a first portion  624  having a first shaft  626 . Moreover, the first shaft  626  includes the tip  614  on one end, and a bearing  628  (or mounting structure) on an opposite end. In certain embodiments, the bearing  628  has a cup like structure configured to fit around a contact tip of the welding torch  14 . Furthermore, the first shaft  626  includes a first marker  630  and a second marker  632  coupled thereto. The calibration tool  610  also includes a second portion  634  having a second shaft  636  with a third marker  638  coupled thereto. A spring  640  is disposed around the second shaft  636  between the third marker  638  and the bearing  628 . As may be appreciated, the spring  640  facilitates the third marker  638  being directed toward the second marker  632 . For example, as a downward force is applied to the calibration tool  610  using the handle  612 , the spring  640  is compressed to decrease a first distance  642  between the second and third markers  632  and  638 . In contrast, as the downward force is removed from the calibration tool  610 , the spring  640  is decompressed to increase the first distance  642  between the second and third markers  632  and  638 . A second distance  644  between the first and second markers  630  and  632  is fixed, and a third distance  646  between the first marker  630  and the tip  614  is also fixed. 
     In certain embodiments, the welding system  10  uses the calibration tool  610  to detect calibration points using a predetermined algorithm. For example, the third distance  646  between the tip  614  and the closest marker to the tip  614  (e.g., the first marker  630 ) is measured. The third distance  646  is stored in memory. The second distance  644  between two fixed markers (e.g., the first marker  630  and the second marker  632 ) is measured. The second distance  644  is also stored in memory. Furthermore, a compressed distance between the markers (e.g., the second and third markers  632  and  638 ) with the spring  640  disposed therebetween is measured. A line is calculated between the two fixed markers using their x, y, z locations. The line is used to project a vector along that line with a length of the third distance  646  starting at the first marker  630  closest to the tip  614 . The direction of the vector may be selected to be away from the compressed markers. Accordingly, the three dimensional location of the tip may be calculated using the markers. In some embodiments, only two markers may be used by the calibration tool  610 . In such embodiments, an assumption may be made that the marker closest to the tip  614  is the marker closest to the work surface (e.g., table or clamp). Although the calibration tool  610  in the illustrated embodiment uses compression to indicate a calibration point, the calibration tool  610  may indicate a calibration point in any suitable manner, such as by uncovering a marker, covering a marker, turning on an LED (e.g., IR LED), turning off an LED (e.g., IR LED), enabling and/or disabling a wireless transmission to a computer, and so forth. 
     The first, second, and third markers  630 ,  632 , and  638  are spherical, as illustrated; however, in other embodiments, the first, second, and third markers  630 ,  632 , and  638  may be any suitable shape. Moreover, the first, second, and third markers  630 ,  632 , and  638  have a reflective outer surface and/or include a light-emitting device. Accordingly, the first, second, and third markers  630 ,  632 , and  638  may be detected by the sensing device  16 . Therefore, the sensing device  16  is configured to detect the first, second, and third distances  642 ,  644 , and  646 . As the first distance  642  decreases below a predetermined threshold, the computer  18  is configured to identify a calibration point. As may be appreciated, the first, second, and third distances  642 ,  644 , and  646  are all different to enable the sensing device  16  and/or the computer  18  to determine a location of the tip  614  using the location of first, second, and third markers  630 ,  632 , and  638 . 
     To calibrate a workpiece, the workpiece may first be clamped to the welding surface  88 . After the workpiece is clamped to the welding surface  88 , a welding operator may provide input to the welding system  10  to signify that the workpiece is ready to be calibrated. In certain embodiments, the clamp used to secure the workpiece to the welding surface  88  may include markers that facilitate the welding system  10  detecting that the workpiece is clamped to the welding surface  88 . After the welding system  10  receives an indication that the workpiece is clamped to the welding surface  88 , the welding operator uses the calibration tool  610  to identify two calibration points on the workpiece  82 . Where the clamp assembly  588  securing the workpiece has markers (e.g., visual markers  802 ), the measurements of the joint calibration tool  610  may be relative to the markers of the clamp assembly  588 . Accordingly, the computer  18  may compensate for movement of the workpiece  82  and/or clamp assembly  588  after the joint has been calibrated based on identification of the clamp markers. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the welding operator touches the tip  614  to a first calibration point and applies downward force using the handle  612  until the welding system  10  detects a sufficient change in distance between adjacent markers, thereby indicating the first calibration point. Furthermore, the welding operator touches the tip  614  to a second calibration point and applies downward force using the handle  612  until the welding system  10  detects a sufficient change in distance between adjacent markers, thereby indicating the second calibration point. In certain embodiments, the welding system  10  will only detect a calibration point if the calibration tool  610  is pressed and held at the calibration point for a predetermine period of time (e.g., 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 seconds, and so forth). The welding system  10  may be configured to capture multiple calibration points (e.g., 50, 100, etc.) over the predetermined period of time and average them together. If movement of the multiple calibration points greater than a predetermined threshold is detected, the calibration may be rejected and done over. Furthermore, if a first point is successfully calibrated, a second point may be required to be a minimum distance away from the first point (e.g., 2, 4, 6 inches, etc.). If the second point is not the minimum distance away from the first point, calibration of the second point may be rejected and done over. The welding system  10  uses the two calibration points to calibrate the workpiece. 
     In certain embodiments, the welding system  10  may determine a virtual line between the first and second calibration points. The virtual line may be infinitely long and extend beyond the first and second calibration points. The virtual line represents a weld joint. Various welding parameters (e.g., work angle, travel angle, contact tip-to-work distance (CTWD), aim, travel speed, etc.) may be in reference to this virtual line. Accordingly, the virtual line may be important for calculating the various welding parameters. 
     It should be noted that in certain embodiments the first, second, and third markers  630 ,  632 , and  638  are all disposed vertically above the handle  612 , while in other embodiments, one or more of the first, second, and third markers  630 ,  632 , and  638  are disposed vertically below the handle  612  to enable a greater distance between adjacent markers. In certain embodiments, the first portion  624  may be removed from the calibration tool  610  and coupled to a contact tip of the welding torch  14  for calibrating the welding torch  14 . As may be appreciated, the tip  614  of the calibration tool  610  may be any suitable shape.  FIGS. 46 through 48  illustrate a few embodiments of shapes the tip  614  may have. 
     Specifically,  FIG. 46  is a side view of an embodiment of a pointed tip  648  of the calibration tool  610 . Using the pointed tip  648 , the calibration tool  610  may be used for calibrating various joints on the workpiece  82 , such as the illustrated fillet joint, a lap joint, a butt joint with no root opening, and so forth. Moreover,  FIG. 47  is a side view of an embodiment of a rounded tip  650  of the calibration tool  610 . Using the rounded tip  650 , the calibration tool  610  may be used for calibrating various joints on the workpiece  82 , such as the illustrated fillet joint, a butt joint with a root opening, a lap joint, and so forth. Furthermore,  FIG. 48  is a side view of an embodiment of the rounded tip  650  of the calibration tool  610  having a small pointed tip  652 . Using the small pointed tip  652  on the end of the rounded tip  650 , the calibration tool  610  may be used for calibrating various joints on the workpiece  82 , such as the illustrated butt joint with no root opening, a filled joint, a lap joint, and so forth. In certain embodiments, the tip of the calibration tool  610  may be removable and/or reversible, such that the tip includes two different types of tips (e.g., one type of tip on each opposing end). Accordingly, a welding operator may select the type of tip used by the calibration tool  610 . In certain embodiments, one or more markers may be coupled to the calibration tool  610  if the calibration tool  610  is reversible. The one or more markers may be used to indicate which side of the tip is being used so that the welding system  10  may use a suitable marker-tip distance for calibration calculations. 
       FIG. 49  is an embodiment of a method  654  for detecting a calibration point. The sensing device  16  (or another component of the welding system  10 ) detects a first marker of the calibration tool  610 , a second marker of the calibration tool  610 , and/or a third marker of the calibration tool  610  (block  656 ). Moreover, the welding system  10  determines a first distance between the first marker and the second marker and/or a second distance between the second marker and the third marker (block  658 ). 
     Furthermore, the welding system  10  detects whether the first distance or the second distance is within a predetermined distance range (e.g., signifying a compressed distance) (block  660 ). 
     The welding system  10  determines a position of a calibration point if the first distance or the second distance is within the predetermined distance range (e.g., signifying a compressed distance) (block  662 ). In addition, the welding system  10  determines a location of a calibration tip of the calibration tool  610  relative to at least one of the first, second, and third markers to determine the spatial position of the calibration point (block  664 ). 
       FIG. 50  is an embodiment of a method  666  for determining a welding score based on a welding path. Accordingly, the method  666  may be used for evaluating a welding operation. The sensing device  16  (or any suitable motion tracking system) detects an initial position of the welding operation (block  668 ). Moreover, the sensing device  16  detects a terminal position of the welding operation (block  670 ). In addition, the sensing device  16  detects a spatial path of the welding operation between the initial position and the terminal position (block  672 ). For example, the sensing device  16  tracks a position and/or an orientation of the welding operation. The welding system  10  determines a score of the welding operation based at least partly on the spatial path of the welding operation (e.g., whether the welding operation receives a passing score based on the spatial path of the welding operation) (block  674 ). For example, in certain embodiments, the spatial path of the welding operation may alone be used to determine whether a welding score fails. In some embodiments, the sensing device  16  may be used to detect a calibration point that corresponds to the initial position and/or a calibration point that corresponds to the terminal position. 
     For example, in certain embodiments, the welding system  10  determines whether the welding operation receives a passing score by determining whether: a distance of the path of the welding operation is greater than a predetermined lower threshold, the distance of the path of the welding operation is less than the predetermined lower threshold, the distance of the path of the welding operation is greater than a predetermined upper threshold, the distance of the path of the welding operation is less than the predetermined upper threshold, the path of the welding operation deviates substantially from a predetermined path of the welding operation, the path of the welding operation indicates that multiple welding passes occurred at a single location along a weld joint, a time of welding along the path of the welding operation is greater than a predetermined lower threshold, the time of welding along the path of the welding operation is less than the predetermined lower threshold, the time of welding along the path of the welding operation is greater than a predetermined upper threshold, and/or the time of welding along the path of the welding operation is less than the predetermined upper threshold. 
     Moreover, in some embodiments, for the welding system  10  to determine a score, the welding system  10  may disregard a first portion of the path adjacent to the initial position and a second portion of the path adjacent to the terminal position. For example, the first portion of the path and the second portion of the path may include a distance of approximately 0.5 inches. Moreover, in other embodiments, the first portion of the path and the second portion of the path may include portions of the path formed during a time of approximately 0.5 seconds. 
       FIG. 51  is an embodiment of a method  676  for transitioning between welding modes using a user interface of the welding torch  14 . The control circuitry  52  of the welding torch  14  (or control circuitry of another device) detects a signal produced by a user interface of the welding torch  14  indicating a request to change the welding mode (e.g., welding training mode) (block  678 ). Moreover, the control circuitry  52  determines a length of time that the signal is detected (block  680 ). The control circuitry  52  is configured to change the welding mode from a simulation mode (e.g., virtual reality mode, augmented reality mode, etc.) to a live welding mode if the length of time that the signal is detected is greater than a predetermined threshold (block  682 ). Conversely, the control circuitry  52  is configured to change the welding mode from the live welding mode to the simulation mode merely if the signal is detected (block  684 ) (e.g., there is no length of time that the signal is to be detected before a transition from the live welding mode is made). The control circuitry  52  is configured to direct the welding torch  14  to vibrate after changing to the live welding mode (block  686 ). For example, the control circuitry  52  may be configured to direct the welding torch  14  to vibrate two or more times (e.g., vibration pulses) to indicate a change to the live welding mode. 
     Moreover, the control circuitry  52  may be configured to direct the welding torch  14  to vibrate any suitable number of times (e.g., predetermined number of times) to indicate a change to the live welding mode. As may be appreciated, the signal indicating the request to change the welding mode may be produced by pressing a button on the user interface of the welding torch  14 . As such, the welding mode may be changed from the live welding mode by pressing and releasing the button (e.g., the button does not have to be held down for a predetermined period of time). In contrast, the welding mode may be changed from the simulation mode to the live welding mode by pressing and holding the button for a predetermined period of time. In certain embodiments, an audible sound may be produced after changing welding modes. Furthermore, in some embodiments an audible sound and a vibration may accompany any change between welding modes. In addition, a display of the welding torch  14  may show the welding mode after changing the welding mode. In some embodiments, the display may flash the welding mode on the display a predetermined number of times. 
       FIG. 52  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a remote training system, such as a helmet training system  41 . In some embodiments, the helmet training system  41  facilitates acquisition of welding parameters (e.g., a work angle, a travel angle, a contact tip to workpiece distance, a welding torch travel speed, a welding torch orientation, a welding torch position, an aim of the welding torch relative to the joint of the workpiece, and so forth) of a weld process and/or arc parameters (e.g., a welding voltage, a welding current, wire feed speed) without utilizing the stand  12  described above. As may be appreciated, operators utilize helmets during welding, and the helmet training system  41  integrates the one or more sensing devices  16  (e.g., emitters, receivers) into the helmet. Various embodiments of the helmet  41  may incorporate the computer  18  (e.g., as a controller), couple to the computer  18  via a wired connection, or couple to the computer via a wireless connection. In some embodiments, the helmet training system  41  utilizes a lens  700  to shield the operator from the arc during a weld process. In some embodiments, the display  32  is disposed within the helmet training system  41  such that the operator may view the display  32  and the lens  700  in preparation for or during a weld process. The display  32  may be a heads-up display that is at least partially overlaid with the operator&#39;s view through the helmet training system  41 . As may be appreciated, the welding software may utilize the display  32  disposed within the helmet training system  41  to present information to the operator in a similar manner as described above with the display  32  external to the helmet  41 . For example, the display  32  of the helmet  41  may shows a visual representation (e.g., number, text, color, arrow, graph) of one or more arc parameters, one or more welding parameters, or any combination thereof. That is, the display  32  of the helmet  41  may display a visual representation of a welding parameter in relation to a predetermined threshold range and/or to a target value for the welding parameter according to a selected welding assignment. In some embodiments, the display  32  may show a graphical representation of a welding parameter or an arc parameter in relation to a threshold similar to the displays  62  of the torch  14  described above with  FIG. 34 . Additionally, the display  32  of the helmet  41  may show one or more parameters (e.g., arc parameters, welding parameters) before, during, or after the operator using the helmet  41  performs a welding session (e.g., welding assignment). 
     The helmet training system  41  utilizes one or more integrated sensing devices  16  to determine the welding parameters from observations of the welding torch  14  and the workpiece  82 . The one or more sensing devices  16  of the helmet training system  41  may include one or more receivers  702  including, but not limited to, microphones, cameras, infrared receivers, or any combination thereof. Moreover, in some embodiments, one or more emitters  704  may emit energy signals (e.g., infrared light, visible light, electromagnetic waves, acoustic waves), and reflections of the energy signals may be received by the one or more receivers  702 . In some embodiments, fiducial points  706  (e.g., markers) of the welding torch  14  and/or the workpiece  82  are active markers (e.g., LEDs) that emit energy signals, as discussed above with  FIGS. 31 and 32 . Accordingly, the one or more receivers  702  of the helmet training system  41  may receive energy signals emitted from active markers. In particular, the receivers  702  may identify fiducial points (e.g., markers)  706  disposed on the workpiece  82 , the work environment  708 , and/or the welding torch  14 , and the receivers  702  may send feedback signals to the computer  18  (e.g., controller) that correspond to the identified fiducial points. As discussed above, arrangements of the identified fiducial points  706  may enable the sensing device  16  to determine the position and orientation of the welding torch  14  in the work environment  708 . The computer  18  (e.g., controller) may determine the distances between the fiducial points  706  and may determine the welding parameters based at least in part on the feedback from the receivers  702 . Additionally, the computer  18  (e.g., controller) may be coupled to sensors within the welding power supply  28 , the wire feeder  30 , and/or the welding torch  14  to determine the arc parameters of the welding process. 
     In some embodiments, the helmet training system  41  may determine the types of components of the welding system  10  from the identified fiducial points. For example, the fiducial points of a TIG welding torch are different than the fiducial points of a MIG welding torch. Moreover, the welding software  244  executed by the computer  18  may control the welding power supply  28  and/or the wire feeder  30  based at least in part on the determined types of components of the welding system  10 . For example, the helmet training system  41  may control the arc parameters (e.g., weld voltage, weld current) based on the type of welding torch  14 , the welding position of the workpiece  82 , and/or the workpiece material. The helmet training system  41  may also control the arc parameters based on the experience or certification status of the operator associated with the registration number  293 . For example, the helmet training system  41  may control the welding power supply  28  to reduce the weld current available for selection by an operator with less than a predetermined threshold of experience with weld processes on relatively thin workpieces or in the overhead welding position. In some embodiments, the one or more sensing devices  16  of the helmet training system  41  include motion sensors  709  (e.g., gyroscopes and accelerometers) that are coupled to the computer  18 . The motion sensors  709  may enable the computer  18  to determine the orientation and relative movement of the helmet training system  41  within the environment. 
     In some embodiments, the helmet training system  41  includes the operator identification system  43 . The operator identification system  43  may utilize a scanner  710  (e.g., fingerprint scanner, retinal scanner, barcode scanner) or an input/output device  712  (e.g., keyboard, touch screen) to receive the identification information from the operator. As discussed above, the identification information may be associated with the registration number  293  unique to the operator. Welding data received by the computer  18  (e.g., controller) may be stored in the memory  22  or storage  24 , as discussed above. The computer  18  (e.g., controller) may associate the received and stored welding data with the registration number  293  of the identified operator. The network device  36  couples to the network  38  via a wired or wireless connection to store the welding data  327  from the helmet training system  41  in the data storage system  318  (e.g., cloud storage system). In some embodiments the helmet training system  41  may store welding data locally within the storage  24  of the computer  18  while the helmet training system  41  is operated remotely (e.g., production floor, worksite). The helmet training system  41  may be configured to upload stored welding data to the data storage system  318  (e.g., cloud storage system) upon connection with the network  38 , such as when the operator stows the helmet training system  41  at the end of a shift or at the end of a work week. In some embodiments, the network device  36  of the helmet training system  41  may stream welding data to the data storage system  318  (e.g., cloud storage system) via the network  38  during and/or after the operator performs a welding session. 
     As may be appreciated, using the systems, devices, and techniques described herein, a welding system  10  may be provided for training welding operators. The welding system  10  may be cost efficient and may enable welding students to receive high quality hands on training. While the welding systems  10  described herein may be utilized for receiving and correlating weld data  327  for training and educational purposes, it may be appreciated that the welding systems  10  described herein may be utilized to monitor operators and obtain weld data  327  from non-training weld processes. That is, weld data obtained from non-training weld processes may be utilized to monitor weld quality and/or weld productivity of previously trained operators. For example, the weld data  327  may be utilized to verify that welding procedures for a particular weld process were executed. As illustrated in  FIG. 52 , multiple welding systems  10  may be coupled to the data storage system  318  (e.g., cloud storage system) via the network  38 . Accordingly, the data storage system  318  may receive welding data  327  associated with registration numbers  293  from multiple welding systems  10  (e.g., systems with training stands  12 , helmet training systems  41 ). Moreover, welding data associated with each registration number  293  may include serial numbers  329  corresponding to other welding sessions performed by the respective operator. Moreover, as utilized herein, the term “assignment” is not to be limited to weld tests performed by the operator for training and educational purposes. That is, assignments may include non-training weld processes, training simulated weld processes, and training live weld processes, among others. Moreover, the term “welding session” may include, but is not limited to, welding assignments, welds performed on a production floor, welds performed at a worksite, or any combination thereof. 
     The welding data  327  of the data storage system  318  (e.g., cloud storage system) may be monitored and/or managed via a remote computer  44  coupled to the network  38 . The stored welding data  327  corresponds to weld processes (e.g., live, simulated, virtual reality) performed by various operators at one or more locations.  FIG. 53  illustrates an embodiment of a user viewable dashboard screen  720  that may be utilized by a manager or instructor to monitor and/or analyze the stored welding data  327  in the data storage system  318 . The welding data  327  may be organized by characteristics (e.g., filter criteria) of the welding data  327 . Characteristics of the welding data  327  that may be utilized for sorting the welding data  327  may include, but are not limited to, one or more organizations  722  (e.g., training center, employer, work site), one or more groups  724  (e.g., shift) within the organization, one or more registration numbers  726  of operators within the selected organizations  722  or groups  724 , time (e.g., dates  728 , time of day) welding processes were performed, systems  725 , and weld identifications  730  (e.g., particular welding assignments, unique identifier associated with a welding session, workpiece part number, or types of welds). For example, welding data  327  associated with one or more registration numbers  293  over a period of time (e.g., dates  728 ) and across different organizations  722  or different groups  724  may be displayed on the dashboard screen  720 . Accordingly, the manager or instructor may track the progress of an operator over time across different organizations via welding data associated with the registration number  293  of the operator. In some embodiments, a welding data type  732  (e.g., live training, live non-training, simulated, virtual reality) may be used to filter the viewed welding data. Moreover, a welding process type  735  (e.g., GMAW, TIG, SMAW) may be used to filter the viewed welding data in some embodiments. As may be appreciated, welding data for each welding session (e.g., welding assignment) may be sorted (e.g., filtered) into various subsets. As illustrated in  FIG. 53 , live, non-training welds performed by an operator with registration number 58,794 on Jun. 25, 2014 with system I may be displayed on the dashboard screen  720  via selection of one or more of the appropriate fields for registration numbers  726 , systems  725 , dates  728 , and welding data types  732 . 
     Additionally, or in the alternative, the instructor may utilize a search control  733  to search for welding data  327  associated with various parameters (e.g., serial numbers  329 , organization  722 , group  724 , operator name, registration number  726 , time, welding data type) corresponding to welding sessions performed by operators. Upon selection of a set of welding data, a section  734  of the dashboard screen  720  may display graphical indicia (e.g., a score) associated with the selected welding data and/or at least a portion of the welding data. Moreover, details of the welding data  327  may be viewed upon selection of the welding data  327  and a user control  736 . The dashboard screen  720  may enable the manager or instructor to save or edit the arrangement of the welding data on the dashboard screen  720 . Furthermore, the dashboard screen  720  may enable the manager or instructor to export at least a portion of the welding data  327 . For example, the manager may export the welding data  327  corresponding to the sessions performed by a set of operators over the course of a day or a week. The dashboard screen  720  may enable the manager or instructor to export the welding data  327  in various formats, including but not limited to a comma-separated values (CSV) file, a spreadsheet file, and a text file. In some embodiments, the manager or instructor may remove a subset of welding data (e.g., demonstration welding data) from the data storage system (e.g., cloud storage system). Additionally, or in the alternative, the manager or instructor may edit the welding data type  732 , such as to revise training weld data as non-training weld data, revise the operator associated with welding data, revise the time associated with welding data, and so forth. 
     As may be appreciated, the dashboard screen  720  may enable the manager or instructor to monitor, compare, and analyze the welding data associated with one or more registration numbers  726 . In some embodiments, the performance, experience, and historical data of welding operators may be compared across organizations or groups via the registration numbers  726 . In some embodiments, the dashboard screen  720  may enable the manager or instructor to set goals or provide assignments to desired registration numbers  726 . Furthermore, the manager or instructor may monitor and adjust previously established goals. The dashboard screen  720  may enable notes or comments regarding the welding performance associated with one or more registration numbers to be entered and stored with the welding data. 
       FIG. 54  illustrates an embodiment of the welding system  10  in the welding environment  11  that may track the position and/or orientation of the welding torch  14  without utilizing the markers  474  on the welding torch  14  discussed above in  FIGS. 30-32 . The welding system  10  of  FIG. 54  may track the position and/or orientation of the welding torch  14  prior to conducting a welding process. In some embodiments, the welding system  10  of  FIG. 54  may track the position and/or orientation of the welding torch  14  during the welding process. One or more depth sensors  750  are arranged at various positions in the welding environment  11 , such as a first depth sensor  752  above the workpiece  82 , a second depth sensor  754  integrated with the welding helmet  41  (e.g., helmet training system), or a third depth sensor  756  horizontal with the workpiece  82 , or any combination thereof. Each depth sensor  750  may have an emitter configured to emit a visible pattern at a desired wavelength and a camera configured to monitor the visible pattern in the welding environment  11 . The visible pattern emitted by each depth sensor  750  may be the same or different than the visible pattern emitted by other depth sensors  750 . Moreover, the desired wavelength of the visible pattern for each depth sensor  750  may be the same or different among the depth sensors  750 .  FIG. 54  illustrates respective emitted visible patterns from each depth sensor  750  with solid arrows, and  FIG. 54  illustrates the patterns reflected toward each depth sensor  750  with dashed arrows. The wavelength of the visible patterns may be within the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet spectrum (e.g., approximately 1 mm to 120 nm). The emitter of each depth sensor emits the respective visible pattern into the welding environment  11  onto the welding surface  88 , the workpiece  82 , the welding torch  14 , or the operator, or any combination thereof. By observing the visible pattern reflected in the welding environment  11 , the computer  18  may track objects (e.g., welding torch  14 , operator) moving within the welding environment. Additionally, the computer  18  may identify the shape of the workpiece  82  or a welding joint path on the workpiece  82  based upon observations of the visible pattern in the welding environment  11 . 
     As may be appreciated, an arc  758  struck by the welding torch  14  with the workpiece  82  emits electromagnetic radiation. The wavelengths and the intensity of the emissions at each wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the arc may be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the workpiece material, the electrode material, the shielding gas composition, the weld voltage, the weld current, the type of welding process (e.g., SMAW, MIG, TIG). In some embodiments, the sensing device  16  includes a light sensor configured to detect the wavelengths electromagnetic radiation of the welding environment  11  prior to and during welding processes. The computer  18  of the welding system  10  may determine the emitted wavelengths and the intensity of the emitted wavelengths from the emitted based on feedback received from the sensing device  16 . Additionally, or in the alternative, the computer  18  may determine the emitted wavelengths and the intensity of the emitted wavelengths from data stored in memory of the computer  18  or the data storage system  318 , the welding parameters, and the arc parameters. For example, the computer  18  may determine that the arc for steel MIG welding has different predominant wavelengths than the arc for aluminum TIG welding. 
     In some embodiments, the wavelengths of the one or more visible patterns emitted by the depth sensors  750  may be selected to reduce noise from the arc  758  during welding processes. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the depth sensors  750  can vary the wavelength of the emitted visible pattern. Accordingly, the computer  18  may adaptively control the wavelengths of the emitted visible patterns to improve the accuracy of the position and orientation determinations from the depth sensor feedback. That is, the computer  18  may control the depth sensors  750  to emit the visible pattern in a first range for steel MIG welding, and to emit the visible pattern in a different second range for aluminum TIG welding. Additionally, or in the alternative, the computer  18  may filter the signals received by the depth sensors  750  to reduce or eliminate the effects of the emissions by the arc  758 . 
     Furthermore, the arc  758  may not be continuous during the weld formation for some welding processes (e.g., short circuit MIG). The emitted electromagnetic radiation when the arc  758  is out (e.g., during a short circuit phase of the welding process) may be substantially less than the emitted electromagnetic radiation when the arc  758  is live. The computer  18  may control the depth sensors  750  to emit the respective visible patterns when the arc  758  rather than when the arc  758  is live, thereby enabling the depth sensors  750  to track the position and/or orientation of the welding torch  14  during the weld process. That is, the computer  18  may synchronize the emitted visible patterns to substantially coincide with the short circuit phases of the welding process. The short circuit frequency may be greater than 30 Hz, thereby enabling the computer  18  to determine the position and/or the orientation of the welding torch  14  in the welding environment  11  at approximately 30 Hz or more. 
     Additionally, or in the alternative to the depth sensors  750 , the welding system  10  may utilize a local positioning system  762  to determine the position of the welding torch  14  within the welding environment  11 . Beacons  764  of the local positioning system  762  are arranged at known locations about the welding environment and emit signals  766  (e.g., ultrasonic, RF) received via one or more microphones  429  on the welding torch. The computer  18  coupled to the one or more microphones  429  may determine the location of the welding torch  14  within the welding environment  11  based at least in part on received signals from three or more beacons  764 . The computer may determine the position of the welding torch  14  via triangulation, trilateration, or multilateration. More than three beacons  764  of the local positioning system  762  distributed about the welding environment  11  increase the robustness of the local positioning system  762  and increase the likelihood that the welding torch  14  is within a line of sight of at least three beacons  764  at any point along a workpiece  82  having a complex shape (e.g., pipe). In some embodiments, beacons  764  may be positioned with depth sensors  750  or components of the welding system  10 , such as the welding power supply  28 . 
     Returning to  FIGS. 31 and 32 , embodiments of the welding torch  14  may have multiple sets of visual markers  802  to facilitate detection of the position and the orientation of the welding torch  14  relative to the training stand  12  and to the workpiece  82 . In some embodiments, the visual markers  802  are LEDs  64  that may be independently controlled. For example, each set (e.g., first set  804 , second set  806 , third set  810 ) of LEDs  64  may be separately controlled so that only one set is turned on and emits light at a time. Reducing the quantity of visual markers  802  detectable by the sensing device  16  may reduce the complexity of the determination of the position and the orientation of the welding torch  14 . That is, the sensing device  16  may readily determine which side (e.g., top, left, right) of the welding torch  14  is facing the sensing device  16  based on the arrangement of the detected LEDs  64  when only one set of LEDs  64  is turned on at a time. The control circuitry  52  of the welding torch  14  may control the LEDs  64  so that at least one set of the LEDs  64  is detectable by the sensing device  16  during a simulated or live welding session (e.g., live welding assignment). 
     The processor  20  coupled to the sensing device  16  and/or the control circuitry  52  may determine which set of LEDs  64  to turn on to track the movement and position of the welding torch  14  utilizing a method  860  illustrated in  FIG. 55 . As may be appreciated, the method  860  may be performed by a controller, which includes, but is not limited to the processor  20 , the control circuitry  52 , or a combination thereof. Generally, the controller may turn on each set of LEDs  64  sequentially for a detection interval, then compare the response detected by the sensing device  16  from each set to determine which set of LEDs  64  enables better tracking data. For example, the controller may turn on (block  862 ) the left set (e.g., second set  806 ) of LEDs  64 . The controller determines (node  864 ) whether the left set of LEDs  64  is detected within the detection interval (e.g., approximately 50 to 500 ms). If the left set of LEDs  64  is not detected at node  864 , the controller may turn on (block  866 ) the top set (e.g., first set  802 ) of LEDs  64 . The controller then determines (node  868 ) whether the top set of LEDs  64  is detected. If the top set of LEDs  64  is not detected at node  868 , the controller may turn on (block  870 ) the right set (e.g., third set  810 ) of LEDs  64 . The controller then determines (node  872 ) whether the right set of LEDs  64  is detected. If the right set of LEDs  64  is not detected at node  872 , then the controller may return to the start of the method  860 , and turn on (block  862 ) the left set of LEDs  64 . In some embodiments, the controller may repeat method  860  to turn on each set of LEDs  64  in sequence until at least one set of LEDs  64  is detected during the detection interval. 
     As discussed herein, when the controller determines whether a set of LEDs  64  is detected (e.g., nodes  864 ,  868 ,  872 ), the controller may determine whether the threshold quantity of LEDs  64  for the respective set is detected. As discussed above, the threshold quantity may be less than or equal to the total quantity of visual markers (e.g., LEDs  64 ) of a respective set. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine a rigid body (RB) model of the welding torch  14  upon detection of the threshold quantity of LEDs  64 . The controller determines (nodes  874 ) which rigid body model corresponding to tracked sets of LEDs  64  is the closest to an ideal model. As may be appreciated, the ideal model may correspond to when a set of LEDs  64  is directed directly towards the sensing device  16  within a predetermined range of angles (e.g., approximately 20, 30, 45, or 60 degrees). Furthermore, each set of LEDs  64  side may have its own predetermined range of angles, such as approximately 45 degrees for the top set of LEDs  64  and approximately 30 degrees for the left and right sets of LEDs  64 . In some embodiments, the first set  802  of LEDs  64  may approximate the ideal model when the Y-axis  784  relative to the welding torch  14  is directed to the sensing device  16 . If the determined rigid body model of the welding torch  14  corresponding to one set of LEDs  64  (e.g., second set  806 ) does not approximate the ideal model, the controller may turn off the one set and turn on the next set (e.g., first set  802 ) of LEDs  64  to determine if an approximately ideal rigid body model may be detected with the next set. Additionally, or in the alternative, the controller may utilize the detected non-ideal angle of one set (e.g., first set  804 ) of LEDs  64  and the predetermined relative angles of the other sets (e.g., second set  806 , third set  810 ) of LEDs  64  to determine which set (e.g., third set  810 ) of LEDs  64  corresponds closest to the ideal model, thereby enabling the controller to turn on that set (e.g., third set  810 ) of LEDs  64  directly without turning on other sets (e.g., second set  806 ). The controller may be configured to latch to a set of turned on LEDs  64  when the determined rigid body model approximates the ideal model. 
     In some embodiments, a set of LEDs  64  may approximate the ideal model when LEDs  64  are oriented within approximately 20 to 60 degrees or approximately 30 to 50 degrees of the sensing device  16 . Accordingly, based on the orientation of the sets of LEDs  64 , some embodiments of the controller may be able to determine a rigid body model corresponding to more than one set of LEDs  64  at a time. Where multiple rigid body models may be determined, the controller may determine which set of LEDs  64  is most oriented toward the sensing device  16 . Moreover, the controller may utilize a hysteresis control when the welding torch orientation fluctuates near an angle threshold where multiple rigid body models may be determined respective sets of LEDs  64 . As discussed above, the first set  802  of LEDs  64  may be oriented approximately along the Y-axis  784 , and the second set  806  of LEDs  64  may be oriented so that the second direction  808  is offset approximately 45 degrees from the Y-axis  784 . In some embodiments, rigid body models may be determined for each respective set of LEDs  64  oriented within approximately 30° of the sensing device  16 , such that rigid body models for each respective set may be determined for an overlapping range of approximately 15°. Utilizing the hysteresis control, the controller may remain latched to the first set  802  of LEDs  64  when the first set  802  is oriented within approximately 25° offset from the Y-axis  784  and within approximately 20° offset from the second direction  808 . That is, the hysteresis control may reduce the turning off and on sets of LEDs  64  when multiple sets of LEDs  64  may be detectable by the sensing device  16  and prevents rapid oscillation between sets of LEDs  64  when the welding torch  14  is oriented near the threshold between sets of LEDs  64 . 
     Upon latching to a set of LEDs  64  that approximate the ideal model, the controller (blocks  876 ) may update the items displayed on the display  32  of the welding system  10 , the display  32  of the helmet  41 , and/or the display  62  of the welding torch  14  based at least in part on the position and orientation determined from the tracked set of LEDs  64 . The controller may maintain the status (e.g., on, off) of each set of LEDs  64  while the determined rigid body model approximates the ideal model. In some embodiments, the controller may repeat method  860  at intervals during operation, thereby turning on each set of LEDs  64  sequentially to verify that the determined rigid body model of the latched set of LEDs  64  most approximates the ideal model. For example, the controller may repeat method  860  every 1, 5, or 15 minutes. Additionally, or in the alternative, the controller may repeat method  860  upon receipt of an assignment, selection of an assignment, upon lifting the welding torch  14  from the training stand  12 , or any combination thereof. 
     As discussed above, various elements of the welding system  10  may have markers that for utilization to track movement of the respective element within the welding environment in real-time and/or to calibrate the position and orientation of the element relative to the training stand  12  or to the workpiece  82 . For example, the training stand  12  of  FIG. 4  may have the first and second markers  95 ,  96 , the welding surface  112  may have the markers  116 ,  118 , the calibration tool  120  of  FIG. 5  may have the markers  130 , the fixture assembly  132  of  FIG. 6  may have the first and second markers  134 ,  136 , the welding torch  14  of  FIG. 30  may have the markers  474 , and the welding torch  14  of  FIG. 31  may have the visual markers  802 .  FIG. 56  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a base component  880  that may be provided with visual markers  882 . The base component  880  may include, but is not limited to, the training stand  12 , the workpiece  82 , the welding surface  112 , the calibration tool  120 , the fixture assembly  132 , the welding torch  14 , the clamp assembly  588 , or any combination thereof. 
     The base component  880  may be coated with a thermally insulating layer  884  (e.g., plastic, fabric, ceramic, resin, glass). The thermally insulating layer  884  may be wrapped about, molded to, mechanically fastened to, or bonded to the base component  880 . As may be appreciated, the base component  880  may receive or conduct thermal heat from the welding process. The visual markers  882  may be positioned at distinct locations on the insulating layer  884  of the base component  880 . The visual markers  882  may be readily detectable by the sensing device  16 . For example, the visual markers  882  may be reflective to one or more electromagnetic waves. For example, the visual markers  882  may reflect visible and/or infrared (IR) light. The position of the each visual marker  882  may be configured to enable the sensing device  16  to determine the position and the orientation of the base component  880  within the welding environment. The visual markers  882  may be positioned on one or more faces of the base component  880 . Different quantities and/or arrangements of the visual markers  882  on each side of the base component  880  may facilitate identification of the respective sides based on detection of the arrangement of the visual markers  882 . 
     A cover layer  886  (e.g., cover plate) is coupled to the insulating layer  884  and to the visual markers  882 . The cover layer  886  may cover the visual markers  882 , thereby shielding the visual markers  882  from some environmental factors, such as spatter, dust, unintentional removal, and so forth. In some embodiments, the cover layer  886  does not cover or only partially covers the visual markers  882 . In some embodiments, the cover layer  86  is a plastic, such as polycarbonate. The cover layer  886  may be a material that is not substantially reflective of one or more electromagnetic waves that are reflected by the markers  882 . Additionally, or in the alternative, the cover layer  886  may be conditioned to reduce or eliminate reflections of electromagnetic waves. For example, the cover layer  886  may be painted, coated, or roughened (e.g., sandblasted), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cover layer  886  is substantially non-reflective except in an area immediately covering the visual markers  882 . 
       FIG. 57  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the welding stand  12 , the arms  576 ,  578 , and the clamp assembly  588 . As discussed above, the first and second arms  576 ,  578  are rotatable about the support structure  566  to enable the first and second arms  576 ,  578  to be positioned at a selected height for vertical and/or overhead welding. As illustrated, the second arm  578  includes a clamp assembly  588  for coupling the workpiece  82  to the second arm  578 . The second arm  578  and the clamp assembly  588  may be positioned at various heights relative the training stand  12 . Additionally, or in the alternative, the clamp assembly  588  may be coupled to each arm  576 ,  578 , and the clamp assembly  588  may be oriented in various directions relative to the sensing device  16 . As may be appreciated, the clamp assembly  588  may include multiple visual markers  802  markers (e.g., reflective and/or light emitting) to facilitate tracking by the sensing device  16 . For example, in certain embodiments, the clamp assembly  588  may include three markers on one surface (e.g., in one plane) of a clamp body  889 , and a fourth marker on another surface (e.g., in a different plane) to facilitate tracking by the sensing device  16 . A clamp face  890  of the clamp body  889  may be substantially parallel to the sensing device  16 , or oriented at an offset angle from the sensing device  16 . A mount  892  couples the clamp assembly  588  to the second arm  578 . 
       FIG. 58  is a top view of an embodiment of the mount  892  of the clamp assembly  588  of  FIG. 57 , taken along line  58 - 58 . A clamp axle  900  couples the mount  892  to the clamp body  889 . In some embodiments, a retaining feature  902  of the clamp axle  900  may limit the movement of the clamp axle  900  along a clamp axis  904  in at least one direction. Furthermore, a clamp fastener  906  may interface with the retaining feature  902  and the mount  892  to retain the clamp axle  900  in a desired position along the clamp axis  904 . The mount  892  may rotate about an axis  908 , thereby adjusting the orientation of the clamp body  889  and the clamp face  890  relative to the sensing device  16 . In some embodiments, a fastener  910  (e.g., pin) may couple the mount  892  to the second arm  578  at a desired orientation. The fastener  910  may be fixedly coupled to the mount  892 , thereby preventing removal of the fastener  910  from the welding system  10 . In some embodiments, the retaining feature  902  and/or the fastener  910  may be biased (e.g., spring loaded) with respect to the clamp assembly  588 , thereby enabling automatic engagement with the clamp assembly  588  in one or more predetermined positions. For example, inserting the fastener  910  into a first recess  912  orients the clamp face  890  in a first direction  914  substantially parallel to sensing device  16 , inserting the fastener  910  into a second recess  916  orients the clamp face  890  in a second direction  918 , and inserting the fastener  910  into a third recess  920  orients the clamp face  890  in a third direction  922 . The second and third directions  918  and  922  may be oriented within approximately 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 degrees of direction  914  (e.g., towards the sensing device  16 ). The second and third directions  918  and  922  of  FIG. 58  are approximately 30° offset from the first direction  914 . When the clamp assembly  588  is mounted on the second arm  578  and the clamp face is oriented in the second direction  918 , the clamp assembly  588  may be configured for welding in positions in which a portion of the workpiece  82  may obscure part of the joint from view of the sensing device  16 . For example, welds performed in the  3 F position (e.g., vertical fillet welds of T and lap joints) may be readily observed by the sensing device  16  when the workpiece  82  is coupled to the clamp assembly  588  on the second arm  578  such that the clamp face  890  is oriented in the second direction  918 . 
     The position and the orientation of the arms and respective clamp assemblies are calibrated to enable the sensing device  16  to track the movement of the welding torch  14  relative to a joint of the workpiece  82  coupled to the clamp assembly  588 . As illustrated in  FIG. 59 , a calibration block  930  may be coupled to the clamp assembly  588  to facilitate the calibration of the clamp assembly  588 . In some embodiments, the calibration tool  610  of  FIGS. 44 and 45  is coupled to the calibration block  930  such that the calibration tool  610  extends from the calibration block  930  at a predefined angle (e.g., perpendicular). The calibration block  930  and the calibration tool  610  may enable the sensing device  16  to calibrate the normal vector of the clamp assembly  588 , to calibrate the normal vector of workpieces  82  secured to the clamp assembly  588 , and/or to calibrate the true vertical (i.e., zenith) vector relative to the floor. The sensing device  16 , via the computer  18 , may determine a rigid body model and/or a centroid of clamp markers for the clamp assembly  588  when mounted to each arm  576 ,  578 , during which different sides of the clamp assembly  588  are in view of the sensing device  16  where each side of the clamp assembly  588  has a unique configuration of markers. The sensing device  16  may be coupled to the arms  576 ,  578  so that as each arm is raised and lowered, a y-value of a centroid of the clamp markers of the respective side changes. As discussed above, movement of each arm  576 ,  578  may adjust the orientation of the sensing device  16 . Accordingly the sensing device  16  may determine the y-value of the centroid of clamp markers for the clamp assembly  588  at multiple heights of the respective arms  576 ,  578 . The computer  18  may determine the zenith vector for each of the centroids at the respective heights, thereby enabling the computer  18  to determine (e.g., interpolate) the zenith vector for any height using the y-value of the centroid of clamp markers when the clamp assembly  588  is coupled to each arm  576 ,  578 . A level may be utilized with the clamp calibration block  930  during calibration at each height to ensure the orientation of calibration tool  610  accurately represents the zenith vector. The y-value of the centroid of clamp markers can also be used to determine the height of the clamp and to provide the operator with feedback on correct height positioning for welding session. The height of the clamp assembly  588  during a welding session may be stored with the welding data  327  for each welding session. In some embodiments, the welding system  10  may determine the orientation of the clamp assembly  588  relative to the sensing device  16 , thereby enabling the welding system  10  to notify the operator if the workpiece  82  is in an improper orientation for the welding session. For example, the welding system  10  may notify the operator when the clamp assembly  588  and workpiece  82  are oriented such that the visual markers  802  of the welding torch  14  would be at least partially obscured from view of the sensing device  16  during the welding session, thereby enabling the operator to adjust the clamp assembly  588  so that all of the visual markers  802  may be observed. 
       FIG. 60  is a flowchart  940  that illustrates the set up and execution of assignment welding session utilizing one of the arms for a vertical or overhead (e.g., out of position) session. The operator selects (block  942 ) an out of position session (e.g.,  2 G,  3 G,  3 F,  4 G,  4 F) and tacks (block  944 ) the workpiece together. The operator then sets up (block  946 ) the desired arm to the height corresponding to the session and adjusts the clamp assembly for calibration with the sensing device. Upon setup of the arm and clamp assembly, the operator couples (block  948 ) the workpiece to the clamp assembly. Then the operator may adjust (block  950 ) the clamp orientation, such as if the workpiece at least partially obscures the joint from the sensing device, if markers of the workpiece or clamp assembly are obscured from the sensing device, or if the clamp assembly is not substantially perpendicular to the ground, or any combination thereof. After adjusting the clamp orientation, the operator, an instructor, or an administrator may calibrate (block  952 ) the clamp assembly. In some embodiments, the calibration may be performed once for each occasion that the arm is moved or for each occasion that the clamp assembly is attached to the arm, such that the clamp assembly may not calibrated prior to each session. The calibration of the clamp assembly may validate that the clamp assembly is detected in the configuration and/or orientation specified for the session. The operator calibrates (block  954 ) the joint ends, thereby establishing the 2 points in a line representing the joint. In some embodiments, such as for welding sessions in the  3 F position, the operator calibrates (block  954 ) the joint ends utilizing the calibration tool  610  described above with  FIGS. 44 and 45 , where an axis of the calibration tool is held within approximately 5° of parallel to the sensing device. As may be appreciated, welding sessions in other positions may be calibrated with the calibration tool having other orientations relative to the sensing device. Additionally, or in the alternative, the computer may compensate for orientations of the calibration tool during calibrations where the markers of the calibration tool are observed at a skewed angle. For example, the computer may determine the angle of the calibration tool relative to the clamp assembly, then utilize the determined angle to adjust calibration values of the joint ends. After the calibration of the joint ends, then the operator performs (block  956 ) the welding session and reviews (block  958 ) the results. In some embodiments, the display of the training stand and/or the display of the welding torch may provide instructions to the operator to guide the setup for the welding session. 
     The sensing device  16  may track the position and orientation of the clamp assembly  588 , the workpiece  82 , and the welding torch  14  prior to performing assignment welding session, during the welding session, and after performing the welding session. As discussed above, the sensing device  16  may include a camera that detects visual markers  802 , such as visual markers of the clamp assembly  588 , the workpiece  82 , and the welding torch  14 . In some embodiments, the computer  18  may utilize data corresponding to the visual markers  802  of fixed surfaces (e.g., the clamp assembly  588 , the workpiece  82 ) for reference with respect to other tracked objects in the welding environment whenever the visual markers  802  of the fixed surfaces are detectable. That is, the visual markers  802  of the fixed surfaces facilitate real-time tracking of other objects (e.g., welding torch  14 , calibration tool  610 ) within the welding environment. The visual markers  802  detected by the camera of the sensing device  16  may include passive markers (e.g., stickers, reflectors, patterns) and/or active markers (e.g., lights, LEDs). The passive markers may be best observed with a first exposure setting of the camera of the sensing device  16 , and the active markers may be best observed with a second exposure setting of the camera, which may be different than the first exposure setting. In some embodiments, the visual markers  802  of the clamp assembly  588  and the workpiece  82  may be passive markers, and the visual markers  802  of the welding torch  14  may be active markers (e.g., LEDs  64 ). Moreover, the passive markers may be illuminated by lights (e.g., LEDs  64 ) of the sensing device  16 , where light (e.g., infrared light) from the lights reflects off the passive markers and is observed by cameras of the sensing device  16 . Accordingly, the exposure setting of the camera may be adjusted based at least in part on the type of visual marker to be observed. As may be appreciated, the second exposure setting for sampling the active markers that emit light may be less than the first exposure setting for sampling the passive markers that reflect light. 
     The computer  18  may alternately track the visual markers  802  of the welding torch  14  and the fixed surfaces of the welding environment prior to performing and during performance of a welding session (e.g., simulated welding assignment, live welding assignment). Accordingly, the computer  18  may track in real-time the position and the orientation of the welding torch  14 , the clamp assembly  588 , and the workpiece  82  relative to each other and to the training stand  12 . Prior to live welding, the computer  18  may primarily track the visual markers  802  of welding torch  14  when detecting the position and orientation of objects in the welding environment about the training stand  12 , and the computer  18  may secondarily track the visual markers  802  of the fixed surfaces (e.g., main welding surface  88 , clamp assembly  588 , clamped workpiece  82 ). The active markers of the welding torch  14  may be turned on substantially continuously before, during, and after a simulated or live welding session (e.g., welding assignment). The computer  18  may control the exposure setting of the camera of the sensing device  16  to control the respective sampling rates of the fixed surfaces and the welding torch  14 . For example, the visual markers  802  of the welding torch  14  may be sampled 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more times than the visual markers  802  of the fixed surfaces are sampled. That is, the computer  18  cycles the exposure setting of the camera between the second exposure setting (e.g., low exposure value to track the active markers of the welding torch  14 ) and the first exposure setting (e.g., high exposure value to track the passive markers of the fixed surfaces). 
     Prior to initiating a simulated welding session (e.g., welding assignment), the computer  18  may control the lights of the sensing device  16  (e.g., LEDs  64 ) to be turned on, thereby enabling the computer  18  to track the passive markers of the fixed surface and the active markers of the welding torch  14  prior to initiating the simulated welding session, during the simulated welding session, and after the simulated welding session. As described above, the computer  18  may cycle the exposure setting of the camera to sample the passive markers with the first exposure setting and to sample the active markers with the second exposure setting. During live welding (e.g., while the trigger of the welding torch  14  is actuated), the computer  18  may control the lights of the sensing device  16  to pulse at an increased brightness level, thereby cyclically increasing the reflected light from the passive markers. Pulsing the lights may enable the camera of the sensing device to readily track the passive markers with a reduced exposure setting during live welding with the bright arc and spatter. The computer  18  may control the exposure setting of the camera to be synchronized with the pulsing of the lights of the sensing device, such that the lights pulse more brightly when the exposure setting is at the first (e.g., high) exposure setting, and the lights dim when the exposure setting is at the second (e.g., low) exposure setting. Additionally, or in the alternative, the computer  18  may control the lights of the sensing device  16  to turn off during calibration of the clamp assembly  588 , thereby distinguishing the active markers of the welding torch  14  from the passive markers of the clamp assembly  588 . In some embodiments, a pulsed brightness level of the lights of the sensing device  16  may be greater than when the lights turned on substantially continuously. The sensing device  16  may more readily detect the passive markers at the greater brightness level of the lights than at the lower brightness level. However, pulsing the lights of the sensing device  16  during a simulated weld may unintentionally activate an auto-darkening circuit of a welding helmet. Accordingly, the lights of the sensing device  16  may be pulsed during live welding when the welding helmet is darkened due to the arc, yet the lights of the sensing device are turned continuously on during simulated welding when the welding helmet is not darkened. 
     In some embodiments, the welding system  10  may track a multi-pass (e.g., multi-run) session, thereby recording welding data  327  for each pass (e.g., run) of the multi-pass session. As discussed above with  FIG. 40 , the control circuitry  52  of the welding system  10  may record the welding data  327  for each run of the multi-run session as a single welding operation for determining a quality of the multi-run session or for otherwise reviewing the multi-run session. In some embodiments, the control circuitry  52  of the welding system  10  may record welding data  327  for a multi-run session as a group of runs that correspond to a serial number or other identifier for the multi-run session. That is, the welding data  327  for a multi-run session may be reviewed and evaluated as a group, or each run of the multi-run session may be reviewed and evaluated separately. Multi-run sessions may include, but are not limited to a live process, a simulated process, a virtual reality process, or any combination thereof. 
       FIG. 61  is a flowchart  970  that illustrates the selection and execution of a multi-pass (e.g., multi-run) welding session (e.g., welding assignment). The operator selects (block  972 ) a multi-run session and sets up (block  974 ) the workpiece  82  together on the training stand  12 . Set up of the workpiece  82  may include clamping the workpiece  82  to the training stand  12 . The operator calibrates (block  976 ) the joint, such as by utilizing the joint calibration tool  610  to calibrate the position of a first end of the joint and the second end of the joint. As may be appreciated, the joint calibration tool  610  may directly interface with the workpiece  82  for the calibration (block  976 ) prior to the first run of the multi-run session. The operator selects (node  978 ) whether to perform the next (i.e., first) run of the multi-run session in a simulated welding mode or a live welding mode. In some embodiments, the selected welding session (e.g., welding assignment) may prohibit or limit the quantity of simulated welds that may be performed prior to live welds. In some embodiments, the selected session may prohibit the live welding mode until completion (e.g., satisfactory completion) of a simulated weld. When the simulated weld mode is selected, the operator performs (block  980 ) the simulated run. The control circuitry  52  may display (block  982 ) the results of the simulated run via the display  32  of the training stand  12  and/or the display  62  of the welding torch  14 . For example, the control circuitry  52  may display the weld data  327  from the simulated run and the target specifications for the simulated run. Additionally, or in the alternative, the control circuitry may display the weld score for the simulated run. After completing the simulated run, the operator again selects (nodes  978 ) whether to perform the next run in the simulated welding mode or in the live welding mode. 
     When the live welding mode is selected, the operator performs (block  984 ) the live weld run on the calibrated joint. The control circuitry  52  may display (block  986 ) the results of the live run via the display  32  of the training stand  12  and/or the display  62  of the welding torch  14 . For example, the control circuitry  52  may display the weld data  327  from the live run and the target specifications for the live run. Additionally, or in the alternative, the control circuitry  52  may display the weld score for the live run. The displayed results for the live run may be displayed with results of any previous simulated runs for the same joint. 
     Each run (e.g., simulated or live) of the multi-run welding session (e.g., welding assignment) may be evaluated separately based at least in part on target specifications (e.g., minimum, goal, maximum) for torch position parameters (e.g., work angle, travel angle, CTWD, travel speed, aim) and/or electrical parameters (e.g., weld voltage, weld current, wire feed speed). For example, a rootpass run may have different specification parameters than subsequent runs. After a run of the multi-run session is completed, the control circuitry  52  may determine whether the completed run of the session satisfies the target parameter values for the respective run. For example, the welding data  327  for a run of the multi-run session may be compared with the target parameter values to generate a score for each parameter and/or a total score for the respective run. The control circuitry  52  may determine whether the run passes the target specifications for the respective run. 
     The control circuitry  52  determines (node  988 ) whether all of the runs of the selected welding session (e.g., welding assignment) have been completed. If all of the runs of the selected multi-run session have not been completed, then the operator selects (block  990 ) the next run. In some embodiments, the operator may proceed to the next run of the multi-run session regardless of whether the previous run passes the target specifications. Additionally, or in the alternative, the operator may proceed to the next run of the multi-run session regardless of whether the weld data  327  for the previous run is complete. For example, if the sensing device  16  cannot track the position and the orientation of the welding torch  14  for at least a portion of a run of the multi-run session, the operator may continue performing each run of the multi-run session. The operator calibrates (block  976 ) the joint for each run of a multi-run session, such as by utilizing the joint calibration tool  610  to calibrate the position of a first end of the joint and the second end of the joint. As may be appreciated, joint calibration tool  610  may have directly interfaced with the workpiece  82  for the initial calibration of the joint prior to the first run. Subsequent calibrations may directly interface the joint calibration tool  610  with the previously formed weld bead of one or more previous runs. Accordingly, the calibrated ends of the joint for each run may have a different position relative to the sensing device  16  of the welding system  10 . When the subsequent calibration for the next run is completed, the operator again selects (nodes  978 ) whether to perform the next run in the simulated welding mode or in the live welding mode. 
     If all of the runs of the selected multi-run session have been completed, then the control circuitry  52  may display (block  992 ) the results of each of the live runs via the display  32  of the training stand  12  and/or the display of the welding torch  14 . For example, the control circuitry  52  may display the weld data  327  from each of the live runs and the target specifications for each of the live runs. Additionally, or in the alternative, the control circuitry  52  may determine whether the group of runs passes the target specifications for the multi-run session based on one or more evaluations of the runs. For example, the control circuitry  52  may evaluate the group of runs based on a geometric mean of the scores for each run, an arithmetic mean of the scores for each run, whether each run was completed with a passing score, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a threshold quantity (e.g., 1, 2, or 3) of runs with untracked welding torch position and orientation may not affect the evaluation of the multi-run session. That is, the one or more runs with untracked welding torch position and orientation may not be counted in the geometric and/or arithmetic mean. Upon display of the session results (block  992 ), the operator may select (block  994 ) to retest with selected session. The operator removes the previously tested joint, and sets up (block  974 ) a new joint for the retest. The control circuitry  52  may assign a different serial number to the new joint for the retest than the serial number of the previously tested joint, thereby enabling the operator and an instructor to review and evaluate the weld data  327  from each joint. 
     As described herein, various parameters may be tracked (e.g., detected, displayed, and stored) during operation of the welding system  10  (e.g., in real-time while the welding system  10  is being used) including, but not limited to, torch position parameters (e.g., work angle, travel angle, CTWD, travel speed, aim) and arc parameters (e.g., weld voltage, weld current, wire feed speed). The arc parameters, for example, may be detected in the welding torch  14  (e.g., using the voltage sensor  425 , the current sensor  427 , or other sensors, as illustrated in  FIG. 25 ), converted using analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) circuitry, and communicated to the computer  18  via a communication interface  68  (e.g., RS-232 communication channel), as discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 1 . Alternatively to, or in addition to, being detected in the welding torch  14  (e.g., in the handle of the welding torch  14  illustrated in  FIG. 5 ), the arc parameters may be detected in the weld cable  80 , the welding power supply  28 , the wire feeder  30 , or some combination thereof, each of which are illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The welding system  10  may detect and display (e.g., numerically, graphically, and so forth) the arc parameters via a screen viewable on the display  32  of the welding system  10  similar to the screens illustrated in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , for example. An exemplary screen  996  having a weld mode indicator  998  that indicates that the welding system  10  is in a live-arc weld mode may be displayed on the display  32  is illustrated in  FIG. 62 . As illustrated in  FIG. 62 , the arc parameters may be displayed on the screen  996 . For example, in the illustrated screen  996 , a voltage graph  340  may display a time series of voltage  337  of the arc produced by the welding torch  14 , and an amperage graph  340  may display a time series of the current  338  produced by the welding torch  14 . In certain embodiments, filters may be applied to at least some of the arc parameters and the torch position parameters to smooth out noise in the time series graphs  340  of the values detected by the welding torch  14 . 
     It will be appreciated that the arc parameters may be time synchronized by the welding software  244  in real-time with the torch position parameters that is captured through the motion tracking system (e.g., the sensing device  16 ). In other words, the arc parameters and the torch position parameters may all be graphed on their respective graphs  340  such that data points for each of the time series are vertically aligned with data points from each of the other time series that are captured at approximately the same time (e.g., within 100 milliseconds, within 10 milliseconds, or even closer in time, in certain embodiments). This enables the user to correlate the arc parameters with the torch position parameters. Although not illustrated in  FIG. 62 , in certain embodiments, wire feed speed may also be detected in real-time in the same manner as voltage and current. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 62 , in certain embodiments, each arc parameter (as well as each torch position parameter) may be individually scored in relation to a pre-defined upper limit, lower limit, and/or target value, and the scores  341  may be depicted on the screen  996 . In addition, in certain embodiments, a total score  1000  may be determined by the welding software  244  and depicted on the screen  996 . In addition, in certain embodiments, the total score  1000 , indications of target total scores  1002  and high total scores  1004  (for example, of an entire class) may be determined by the welding software  244  and depicted on the screen  996 . In addition, in certain embodiments, an indication  1006  of whether the test was successful or not successful may also be determined by the welding software  244  and depicted on the screen  996 . In certain embodiments, the total score  1000  may be based on the individual scores  341  for the torch position parameters, but not based on the individual scores  341  for the arc parameters. 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 62 , in certain embodiments, an overall status bar  1008  may be depicted on the screen  996 . The overall status bar  1008  may include indications of whether all of the torch position parameters are within their respective upper and lower limits or not. For example, if one of the torch position parameters are not within their respective upper and lower limits, the overall status bar  1008  may indicate, at the same vertical position on the screen  996  as the corresponding torch position parameter values, a red status. Conversely, if all of the torch position parameters are within their respective upper and lower limits, the overall status bar  1008  may indicate, at the same vertical position on the screen  996  as the corresponding torch position parameter values, a green status. It will be appreciated that other status colors may be used in other embodiments. 
     As illustrated, in certain embodiments, the value  339  for each of the parameters (e.g., the torch position parameters and the arc parameters) may be displayed as an average value over the course of a test period. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 62 , the average voltage and amperage over the test period depicted are 18.7 volts and 146 amps, respectively.  FIG. 63  is another illustration of the screen  996  depicted in  FIG. 62 . In this instance, the average voltage and amperage is depicted as being 0.1 volts and 2 amps, respectively, which are on the order of noise, indicating that an actual welding arc is not being detected. In such a situation, the amperage and voltage can be used by the welding software  244  to determine whether or not welding took place during a given “weld mode” test period. If the value of either voltage or amperage is below a certain predetermined threshold (e.g., the average voltage is less than 10 volts) or between a certain predetermined minimum and maximum threshold (e.g., the average voltage is between −8 volts and +10 volts), the welding software  244  may determine that a weld actually did not take place during the time period. In such a scenario, the welding software  244  may automatically mark a test as failed (or “unsuccessful”) and/or the test may be flagged by the welding software  244  as having no welding detected. For example, as illustrated, in certain embodiments, if the average voltage and/or the average amperage for a given test period do not meet certain predetermined threshold(s) or fall within certain predetermined range(s), the indication  1006  of whether the test was successful or not successful may depict that the test was “Unsuccessful” (which may also be displayed for other reasons, such as the total score does not meet a specific requirement, for example). In addition, as also illustrated, in certain embodiments, when the average voltage and/or the average amperage for a given test period do not meet certain predetermined threshold(s) or fall within certain predetermined range(s), instead of depicting the total score  1000  on the screen  996 , an “Arc Not Detected” message  1010  may be depicted instead. 
       FIG. 64  illustrates an exemplary screen  1012  that may be displayed as part of the assignment development routines of the welding software  244 . In particular,  FIG. 64  illustrates a screen  1012  that enables input of completion criteria for a series of weld tests and length requirements associated with the testing. As illustrated, the screen  1012  is displayed when the Completion Criteria/Length Requirements tab  1014  of the assignment development routines is selected (and, therefore, highlighted on screen  1012 ). As illustrated, other tabs associated with configuration settings of the assignment development routines of the welding software  244  may include, but are not limited to, an Assignment Name tab  1016  that causes a screen to be displayed where the assignment name and other general information relating to the assignment may be entered; a Joint Design tab  1018  that causes a screen to be displayed where properties of the joint to be welded upon (e.g., type of joint, length, etc.) may be entered; a Base Metals tab  1020  that causes a screen to be displayed where properties related to the base metals to be welded upon may be entered; a Filler Metals/Shielding tab  1022  that causes a screen to be displayed where properties relating to the filler metals (e.g., of the welding electrode) and shielding gas(es) may be entered; a Position/Electrical Char. tab  1024  that causes a screen to be displayed where properties (e.g., upper limits, lower limits, target values, etc.) of the torch position parameters and the arc parameters, respectively, may be entered; a Preheat/Postweld Heat Tr. tab  1026  that causes a screen to be displayed where properties relating to preheating and postweld heating, respectively, may be entered; a Welding Procedure/1 Pass tab  1028  that causes a screen to be displayed where properties relating to the welding procedure (e.g., process type, etc.) and the number of passes in the test (e.g., one pass or more than one pass); and a Real-Time Feedback tab  1030  that causes a screen to be displayed where properties relating to real-time feedback may be entered. It will be appreciated that, in certain embodiments, all of the properties relating to an assignment may be entered on the described screens, may be automatically detected by the welding software  244  (e.g., based on specific equipment of the welding system  10 , based on other properties that are set, and so forth), or some combination thereof. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 64 , the screen  1012  relating to the Completion Criteria/Length Requirements tab  1014  includes a first section  1032  specifically dedicated to the completion criteria properties and a second section  1034  specifically dedicated to length requirements associated with the testing. In certain embodiments, in the completion criteria section  1032  of the screen  1012 , a series of inputs  1036  enables a target score (e.g.,  90  as illustrated), a number of weld tasks in a set of weld tasks (e.g.,  5  as illustrated), a number of successful weld test required per weld set (e.g.,  3  as illustrated), and whether a weld test will be failed if an arc is not detected (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 63 ) to be entered. In addition, as illustrated, in certain embodiments, a depiction  1038  of what these selections of completion criteria will look like to the user (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 62  in the Actions section  1040  of the screen  996 ). In addition, in certain embodiments, in the length requirements section  1034  of the screen  1012 , a series of inputs  1042  enables a length of a start section (A) of a weld that will be ignored in the score compilations, an end section (B) of a weld that will be ignored in the score compilations, and a maximum length (C) of the test, which may be less than the coupon length (which may, for example, be entered via the screen relating to the Joint Design tab  1018 ) to be entered. In addition, in certain embodiments, respective illustrations  1044  of relative dimensions of the entered properties relating to the length requirements may also be depicted to aid the user in setting the length requirements. 
       FIG. 65  illustrates an exemplary screen  1046  that may be displayed when the Welding Procedure/1 Pass tab  1028  is selected. As described above, this screen  1046  enables properties relating to the welding procedure and the number of passes in the test (e.g., one pass or more than one pass) to be entered. As illustrated, in certain embodiments, a first series of inputs  1048  enables a process type (e.g., FCAW-G as illustrated), a class and diameter of the filler metals (e.g., the welding electrode) (e.g., E71T-8JD H8 and 0.072 inches, respectively, as illustrated), a weld pattern (e.g., stringer vs. weave; stringer as illustrated), a vertical progression (e.g., up vs. down; up as illustrated), and any comments related to the welding procedure to be entered. In addition, as illustrated, in certain embodiments, a second series of inputs  1050  enables minimum, target, and maximum values for the arc parameters (e.g., volts, wirefeed speed, and amps), labeled as Welding Power Source Settings, and the torch position parameters (e.g., work angle, travel angle, CTWD, travel speed, and aim), labeled as Torch Technique Parameters, to be entered. Also as illustrated, in certain embodiments, a third series of inputs  1052  enable more detailed input relating to minimum, target, and maximum values (e.g., relating to how much deviation from target values are allowed for the upper and lower limits, and so forth) for a highlighted arc parameter or torch position parameter (e.g., volts as illustrated). In certain embodiments, when more than one pass is selected for a given assignment, the minimum, target, and maximum values for the arc parameters and/or the torch position parameters may be individually set for each pass within the assignment. In certain embodiments, entry of properties for multiple passes for a given assignment may be enabled via an Add Pass button  1054 , as illustrated. 
     As discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 62 and 63 , the arc parameters may be displayed when the welding software  244  is in a live-arc weld mode. Conversely,  FIG. 66  illustrates an exemplary screen  1056  that depicts the welding software  244  when in a simulated weld mode, as indicated by the weld mode indicator  998 . As illustrated, when the welding software  244  is in a simulated weld mode, the arc parameters are not displayed since actual welding is disabled in this mode, and a message indicating as much may be displayed instead. 
     In certain embodiments, the arc parameters are not displayed by default below the torch position parameters, such as illustrated in  FIGS. 62 and 63 . Rather,  FIG. 67  illustrates an exemplary screen  1058  that is depicted by default (i.e., before a weld test has been initiated). As illustrated, instead of the arc parameters, a welding procedure summary pane  1060  is illustrated to summarize for the user what the overall properties (e.g., target properties) for a given test weld are. In certain embodiments, from the welding procedure summary pane  1060 , a user may select a View WPS button  1062 , which will cause the screen  1064  illustrated in  FIG. 68  to be displayed. As illustrated,  FIG. 68  is a summary of all of the information relating to all of the parameters of a weld test session or a weld test assignment (e.g., which may be entered via selection of the various assignment development tabs  1014 - 1030  illustrated in  FIGS. 64 and 65 ). 
     Returning now to  FIG. 67 , once the user has completed pre-test procedures and is prepared to begin a weld test, upon activation of the trigger  70  of the welding torch  14  to start a weld test, the welding procedure summary pane  1060  is replaced by the information relating to the arc parameters to display the real-time graphing of the arc parameters during performance of the weld test (see, e.g.,  FIG. 69 ), allowing the user to view all graphs relating to the torch position parameters and the arc parameters in real-time during the weld test. Indeed, in certain embodiments, upon activation of the trigger  70  of the welding torch  14  to start a weld test, whatever screen is currently being displayed may be replaced with, for example, the screen  996  illustrated in  FIG. 69  such that all of the torch position parameters and arc parameters may be graphically displayed in real-time. 
       FIG. 70  illustrates an alternative screen  1066  that may be displayed following the performance of a test weld. As illustrated, in certain embodiments, in addition to the arc parameters (e.g., voltage, amperage, wire feed speed), heat input  1068  may be displayed and, as with all of the other torch position parameters and the arc parameters, is time synchronized along their respective time series. In general, the detected voltage and amperage data and the detected travel speed data may be used to compute the heat input in real-time for each point in time along the time series (e.g., time-based) or at each location along the weld joint (e.g., distance-based). In particular, in certain embodiments, the heat input (in kilojoules) may be calculated as a function of the voltage, the amperage, and the travel speed (in inched per minute) as: 
     
       
         
           
             HeatInput 
             = 
             
               
                 Amps 
                 × 
                 Volts 
                 × 
                 60 
               
               
                 1000 
                 × 
                 TravelSpeed 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     In addition, although not illustrated in  FIG. 70 , in certain embodiments, the weld size (fillet size; in millimeters) can be computed in real-time using the wire feed speed (WFS; in inches per minute), which may either be detected or specified by a user, travel speed (in meters per minute), and a predetermined value for efficiency (%), and wire diameter (in millimeters) as: 
     
       
         
           
             FilletSize 
             = 
             
               
                 
                   
                     ( 
                     
                       
                         π 
                         4 
                       
                       × 
                       
                         WireDiameter 
                         2 
                       
                     
                     ) 
                   
                   × 
                   
                     ( 
                     
                       25.4 
                       × 
                       WFS 
                     
                     ) 
                   
                   × 
                   Efficiency 
                 
                 
                   ( 
                   
                     
                       1000 
                       × 
                       TravelSpeed 
                     
                     2 
                   
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     In certain embodiments, the predetermined value for efficiency may take into account any detected spatter, which may be determined using the techniques disclosed in “Devices and Methods for Analyzing Spatter Generating Events”, U.S. Patent Application No. 2013/0262000, filed on Mar. 30, 2012 in the name of Richard Martin Hutchison et al., which is hereby incorporated into its entirety. For example, the predetermined value of efficiency may be adjusted to, for example, lower the predetermined value of efficiency when more spatter generating events are determined to occur, increase the predetermined value of efficiency when fewer spatter generating events are determined to occur, and so forth. 
     As used herein, the term “predetermined range” may mean any of the following: a group of numbers bounded by a predetermined upper limit and a predetermined lower limit, a group of number greater than a predetermined limit, and a group of numbers less than a predetermined limit. Moreover, the range may include numbers equal to the one or more predetermined limits. 
     While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.