Patent Description:
The welding industry has a shortage of experienced and skilled operators. Additionally, even experienced welders have difficulty maintaining important welding techniques (e.g., torch work angles, torch travel angles, contact tip-to-work distance, travel speed, aim, etc.) throughout welding processes. Weld training systems make it possible for both experienced and inexperienced weld operators to practice producing high quality welds. <CIT> describes a welding training system which includes a storage device configured to store video data corresponding to a welding training operation, and to store welding parameter data corresponding to the welding training operation.

Limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with the present disclosure as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

The present disclosure is directed to weld training systems with shared training results, substantially as illustrated by and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, and as set forth more completely in the claims.

These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present disclosure, as well as details of an illustrated example thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

Where appropriate, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the figures to refer to similar or identical elements. For example, reference numerals utilizing lettering (e.g., sensor 104a, sensor 104b) refer to instances of the same reference numeral that does not have the lettering (e.g., sensors <NUM>).

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a method of operating a weld training system, comprising transmitting weld training data pertaining to a weld training activity performed using the weld training system to a remote server via communication circuitry of the weld training system, and providing data representative of a location where the weld training data is accessible on the remote server.

In some examples, providing data representative of the location where the weld training data is accessible comprises transmitting to a user device, via the communication circuitry, the data representative of the location. In some examples, transmitting to the user device comprises transmitting via electronic mail, a messaging service, a short wavelength ultra high radio frequency protocol, or a near field communication protocol. In some examples, providing data representative of the location where the weld training data is accessible comprises generating, via control circuitry of the weld training system, a machine-readable graphical representation of the location, and displaying the machine readable graphical representation on a display screen of the weld training system. In some examples, the machine-readable graphical representation of the location comprises a barcode or matrix barcode In some examples, the method further comprises displaying the weld training data on the display screen in conjunction with the machine-readable graphical representation.

In some examples, the weld training data comprises one or more weld training parameters synchronized over a time period of the weld training activity or a score of the weld training activity. In some examples, the weld training data pertains to a plurality of operators or a plurality of welding sessions. In some examples, the method further comprises receiving supplemental data from the remote server via the communication circuitry, associating the supplemental data with the weld training data, and displaying the supplemental data in conjunction with the weld training data via a display screen of the weld training system. In some examples, the method further comprises determining the location where the data is accessible on the remote server.

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a method of operating a remote server, comprising receiving weld training data pertaining to a weld training activity from a weld training system via communication circuitry of the remote server, the weld training activity performed using the weld training system, storing the weld training data at a location where the results are accessible, and transmitting data representative of the location via the communication circuitry.

In some examples, transmitting the data representative of the location comprises transmitting the data to a user device. In some examples, transmitting the data to the user device comprises transmitting the data via electronic mail, a messaging service, a short wavelength ultra high radio frequency protocol, or a near field communication protocol. In some examples, transmitting the data representative of the location comprises transmitting the data to the weld training system. In some examples, the method further comprises providing graphical user interface (GUI) data representative of the weld training data. In some examples, providing the GUI data comprises one or more of generating the GUI data or transmitting the GUI data.

In some examples, the weld training data comprises first weld training data pertaining to a first weld training activity, the method further comprising providing, at the location, access to a comparison of second weld training data pertaining to a second weld training activity with the first weld training data. In some examples, the first weld training activity and second weld training activity are the same weld training activity or the same type of weld training activity, or the first results and second results are both associated with the same geographical area, the same training class, the same team, the same welding operator, or the same welding competition. In some examples, the method further comprises receiving supplemental data via the communication circuitry, and associating the supplemental data with the weld training data via processing circuitry of the remote server. In some examples, the method further comprises transmitting the supplemental data to the weld training system via the communication circuitry.

Conventional weld training systems may present weld training results via a display screen of the weld training system. In some examples, the weld training results show how a particular participant performed during a training activity. Participants who performed well may wish to share weld training results (e.g., with other participants, friends, family, etc.). Facilitating sharing of weld training results can increase engagement and/or increase the chances that the participant will continue progressing in training.

However, conventional weld training systems are not configured for sharing of the training results. The few means that are available to share the training results are less than ideal. For example, a participant may take a picture of the training results with a mobile camera and share the picture. However, such a picture may be less clear, lower resolution, and/or lower quality than the original training results presented via the display screen of the weld training system. Additionally, the picture may provide no way for the training results to be manipulated, reorganized, modified, etc..

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to weld training systems that facilitate sharing of weld training results. In some examples, the weld training results may be uploaded to a central training system that provides access to the weld training results at a networked location (e.g., a webpage). High quality weld training results may be more easily shared via the networked location (e.g., using the webpage address, a mobile device, and/or some other networked device). In some examples, the central training system may send data representative of the networked location to the weld training system, and/or to the participant, so that the original high quality weld training results may be viewed and/or shared via the networked location.

In some examples, the weld training results (and/or the networked location where the weld training results are accessible) may be encoded in a machine readable graphic (e.g., a one dimensional, two dimensional, and/or matrix barcode). In some examples, the machine readable graphic may be displayed via the weld training system. In some examples, a training participant may use a user device to decipher the information encoded in the machine readable graphic, so as to access, view, and/or share the weld training results.

In some examples, the weld training results may additionally, or alternatively, be uploaded to a learning management system (LMS) using the machine readable graphic. In some examples, the weld training results may be evaluated by the LMS to determine whether a learning activity of the LMS was successfully completed. In some examples, graphical user interface (GUI) data representative of the weld training results may also be provided so that a participant can interact with and/or modify certain attributes of the weld training results. In some examples, a participant may additionally provide supplemental data to be associated with the weld training results through the GUI.

<FIG> shows an example of a weld training system <NUM>. In some examples, some or all of the weld training system <NUM> may comprise a virtual, augmented, and/or mixed reality weld training system <NUM>. As shown, the weld training system <NUM> comprises a welding stand <NUM>, a welding tool <NUM>, several sensors <NUM>, and a welding-type power supply <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, an operator <NUM> wearing a welding helmet <NUM> is shown manipulating the welding tool <NUM> proximate the welding stand <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the welding helmet <NUM> includes a faceplate <NUM> through which the operator <NUM> can view the surrounding environment. In some examples, the faceplate <NUM> may include a helmet display (e.g., positioned within, behind, and/or adjacent the faceplate <NUM>), such that the helmet display may be viewable by the operator <NUM> when wearing the helmet <NUM>. In some examples, the helmet display may provide a virtual, augmented, or mixed reality experience to the operator <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the welding tool <NUM> is coupled to the welding-type power supply <NUM> via a welding cable. In some examples, the tool <NUM> may additionally, or alternatively, be coupled to the welding stand <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the welding tool <NUM> is a welding torch or gun. In some examples, the welding tool <NUM> may be live welding tool capable of generating a live welding arc. In some examples the welding tool <NUM> may be a simulation (and/or mock) welding tool that is not capable of generating a live arc. In some examples, the welding tool <NUM> may be a live or simulated electrode holder (i.e., stinger) configured for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). In some examples, the welding torch <NUM> may comprise a live or simulated torch and/or filler rod configured for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). In some examples, the welding torch <NUM> may comprise a live or simulated gun configured for flux-cored arc welding (FCAW).

While one welding tool <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, in some examples, the weld training system <NUM> may include multiple welding tools <NUM>. In some examples, the welding tool <NUM> may include one or more displays and/or indicators to provide data to the welding operator <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, a sensing device <NUM> (e.g., accelerometer) is further integrated with the welding tool <NUM> to facilitate tracking of the position, orientation, and/or movement of the welding tool <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the welding tool <NUM> is coupled to the welding-type power supply <NUM>. As shown, the welding-type power supply <NUM> is also coupled to a clamp <NUM> that is attached to a support platform <NUM> of the welding stand <NUM>. During live welding, the support platform <NUM>, workpiece(s) <NUM>, clamp <NUM>, welding tool <NUM>, and/or cables connecting the clamp <NUM> and/or welding tool <NUM> to the welding-type power supply <NUM> may form a closed circuit through which welding-type output power may be routed.

In the example of <FIG>, the welding-type power supply <NUM> includes (and/or is coupled to) a wire feeder <NUM>. In some examples, the wire feeder <NUM> houses a wire spool that is used to provide the welding tool <NUM> with a wire electrode (e.g., solid wire, cored wire, coated wire). In some examples, the wire feeder <NUM> further includes motorized rollers configured to feed the wire electrode to the tool <NUM> (e.g., from the spool) and/or retract the wire electrode from the tool <NUM> (e.g., back to the spool).

In the example of <FIG>, the welding-type power supply <NUM> also includes (and/or is coupled to) a gas supply <NUM>. In some examples, the gas supply <NUM> supplies a shielding gas and/or shielding gas mixtures to the welding tool <NUM>. A shielding gas, as used herein, may refer to any gas (e.g., CO2, argon) or mixture of gases that may be provided to the arc and/or weld pool in order to provide a particular local atmosphere (e.g., shield the arc, improve arc stability, limit the formation of metal oxides, improve wetting of the metal surfaces, alter the chemistry of the weld deposit, and so forth).

In the example of <FIG>, the welding-type power supply <NUM> also includes an operator interface <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the operator interface <NUM> comprises one or more adjustable inputs (e.g., knobs, buttons, switches, keys, etc.) and/or outputs (e.g., display screens, lights, speakers, etc.) on the welding-type power supply <NUM>. In some examples, the operator <NUM> may use the operator interface <NUM> to enter and/or select one or more weld parameters (e.g., voltage, current, gas type, wire feed speed, workpiece material type, filler type, etc.) and/or weld operations (e.g., GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, live, simulated, etc.) for the welding-type power supply <NUM>. In some examples, the operator interface <NUM> may further include one or more receptacles configured for connection to (and/or reception of) one or more external memory devices (e.g., floppy disks, compact discs, digital video disc, flash drive, etc.). In some examples, the operator <NUM> may additionally, or alternatively, use one or more input devices <NUM> of the welding stand <NUM> instead of the operator interface <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the welding-type power supply <NUM> includes power conversion circuitry <NUM> configured to receive input power (e.g., from mains power, a generator, etc.) and convert the input power to welding-type output power. As shown, the welding-type power supply <NUM> further includes control circuitry <NUM> electrically coupled to and /or configured to control the power conversion circuitry <NUM>. In some examples, the control circuitry <NUM> may include processing circuitry (and/or one or more processors) as well as analog and/or digital memory. In some examples, the control circuitry <NUM> is configured to control the power conversion circuitry <NUM>, so as to ensure the power conversion circuitry <NUM> generates the appropriate welding-type output power for carrying out the desired welding-type operation.

In some examples, the control circuitry <NUM> is also electrically coupled to and/or configured to control the wire feeder <NUM> and/or gas supply <NUM>. In some examples, the control circuitry <NUM> may control the wire feeder <NUM> to output wire at a target speed and/or direction. For example, the control circuitry <NUM> may control the motor of the wire feeder <NUM> to feed the wire electrode to (and/or retract the wire electrode <NUM> from) the tool <NUM> at a target speed. In some examples, the welding-type power supply <NUM> may control the gas supply <NUM> to output a target type and/or amount gas. For example, the control circuitry <NUM> may control a valve in communication with the gas supply <NUM> to regulate the gas delivered to the welding tool <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the welding-type power supply <NUM> further includes several detectors <NUM>. In some examples, the detectors <NUM> may be configured to sense, detect, and/or measure various welding data of the welding-type power supply <NUM>. For example, the detectors <NUM> may sense, detect, and/or measure a voltage and/or current of the power received by the welding-type power supply <NUM>, power conversion circuitry <NUM>, and/or welding torch, and/or the voltage and/or current of the power output by the welding-type power supply <NUM> and/or power conversion circuitry <NUM>. As another example, the detectors <NUM> may sense, detect, and/or measure a velocity (e.g., speed and/or feed direction) of the wire feeder <NUM> and/or type of wire being fed by the wire feeder <NUM>. As another example, the detectors <NUM> may sense, detect, and/or measure a gas type and/or gas flow (e.g., through a valve) from the gas supply <NUM> to the welding tool <NUM>. As another example, the detectors <NUM> may sense, detect, and/or measure a trigger signal (e.g., pull, release, etc.) of the welding tool <NUM>, and/or a clamping signal (e.g., clamp, unclamp, etc.) of the clamp <NUM>.

In some examples, a welding operation (and/or welding process) may be initiated when the operator <NUM> activates the trigger <NUM> of the welding tool <NUM> (and/or otherwise activates the welding tool <NUM>). During a live welding operation, the welding-type power provided by the welding-type power supply <NUM> may be applied to the electrode (e.g., wire electrode) of the welding tool <NUM> in order to produce a welding arc between the electrode and the one or more workpieces <NUM>. The heat of the arc may melt portions of a filler material (e.g., wire) and/or workpiece <NUM>, thereby creating a molten weld pool. Movement of the welding tool <NUM> (e.g., by the operator) may move the weld pool, creating one or more welds <NUM>. During a simulated welding operation, the weld training system <NUM> may simulate the welding-type power, welding arc, molten weld pool, and/or other aspects of the welding operation.

When the welding operation is finished, the operator <NUM> may release the trigger <NUM> (and/or otherwise deactivate the welding tool <NUM>). In some examples, the control circuitry <NUM> may detect that the welding operation has finished. For example, the control circuitry <NUM> may detect a trigger release signal via detector(s) <NUM>. As another example, the control circuitry <NUM> may receive a torch deactivation command via the operator interface <NUM> (e.g., where the tool <NUM> is maneuvered by a robot and/or automated welding machine).

In some examples, the control circuitry <NUM> may detect (e.g., via sensing device <NUM> and/or detectors <NUM>) certain welding data pertaining to the welding-type power supply <NUM>, clamp <NUM>, and/or welding tool <NUM> during a welding process. In some examples, the control circuitry <NUM> is configured to communicate this welding data to the welding stand <NUM>. In some examples, the control circuitry <NUM> may be configured to communicate the welding data to the welding stand <NUM> in real time, periodically during a welding operation, and/or after a welding operation.

In the example of <FIG>, the welding stand <NUM> includes a support platform <NUM> to provide support for one or more workpieces <NUM> and/or various training devices. In some examples, the support platform <NUM> may include slots and/or apertures to aid in positioning and/or orienting the workpiece(s) <NUM>. In some examples, the workpiece(s) <NUM> may include an extension configured to extend into one or more of the slots and/or apertures for alignment of the workpiece <NUM> with the one or more slots and/or apertures. In some examples, the position and/or orientation of the workpiece(s) <NUM>, slots, and/or apertures may be used to calibrate the weld training system <NUM>. For example, a calibration device configured to be sensed by the one or more sensors <NUM> may be inserted into an aperture and/or slot, while user input provided to the weld training system <NUM> indicates that the calibration device is inserted into the aperture and/or slot. In some examples, the welding platform <NUM> may additionally, or alternatively, include one or more emitters configured to emit a pattern onto the support platform <NUM>, the workpiece <NUM>, the welding tool <NUM>, and/or the operator <NUM>. The emitters may emit the pattern in the infrared, visible, and/or ultraviolet light spectrum for detection by the one or more sensors <NUM> to calibrate the position and/or the orientation of the support platform <NUM> relative to the one or more sensors <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the welding stand <NUM> further includes an arm <NUM> connected to and extending vertically from the support platform <NUM>. A display monitor <NUM> having a display screen <NUM> is connected to the arm <NUM>. In some examples, the display screen <NUM> may be configured for displaying data and/or screens associated with welding (e.g., to display data corresponding to a weld training system <NUM>). In some examples, a protective cover may be positioned over the display screen to block certain environmental elements from contacting the display screen <NUM> (e.g., weld spatter, smoke, sparks, heat, etc.). In some examples, the display monitor <NUM> may include additional output mechanisms, such as audio speakers, for example.

In the example of <FIG>, a shelf <NUM> is also attached to the arm <NUM>. The shelf <NUM> supports several input devices <NUM> of the welding stand <NUM>. As shown, the input devices <NUM> comprise a mouse, keyboard, and short range scanner. In some examples, the scanner may be configured for retinal, fingerprint, palm print, face, and/or voice scanning. In some examples, the scanner may be configured as a short range radio transceiver for communication via near field communication (NFC), ultra high frequency radio wave (commonly known as Bluetooth), Zigbee, Rubee, and/or other protocols. In some examples, additional input devices <NUM> may be provided, such as, for example, one or more microphones. In some examples, the display screen <NUM> may be a touch screen, and may be further considered an input device <NUM>. In some examples, the welding tool <NUM> may be considered an input device <NUM>, and be configured with one or more buttons, screens, switches, knobs, and/or other mechanisms to provide input. In some examples, one or more of the input devices <NUM> may also be used as an output device (e.g., outputting data using NFC and/or Bluetooth communication).

In the example of <FIG>, the welding stand <NUM> further includes a sensor assembly <NUM> attached to the arm <NUM>. As shown, the sensor assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of sensors 104a oriented towards the platform <NUM>. In some examples, the sensor assembly <NUM> may be adjustable, such as via one or more knobs and/or other adjustment mechanisms. In some examples, the senor assembly <NUM> (and/or sensors 104a) may be configured to track, detect, and/or record positions, orientations, and/or movement of objects in the welding environment during a welding operation.

In the example of <FIG>, the weld training system <NUM> also includes several other sensors <NUM> configured to track, detect, and/or record positions, orientations, and/or movement of objects in the welding environment during a welding operation. In some examples, the objects the sensors <NUM> are configured to track, detect, and/or record may include the welding tool <NUM>, workpiece(s) <NUM>, welding stand <NUM>, and/or operator <NUM>. As shown, in addition to sensors 104a, the weld training system <NUM> includes sensors 104b attached to the welding helmet <NUM>, and sensors 104c positioned around the welding environment. This arrangement of sensors <NUM> may enable some sensors <NUM> to monitor the welding environment (e.g., track movement of an object) when other sensors <NUM> are obscured. The sensors <NUM> may comprise, for example, motion sensors, depth sensors, cameras (e.g., infrared cameras, visible spectrum cameras, high dynamic range cameras, etc.), acoustic sensors, optical sensors, and/other appropriate sensors.

In the example of <FIG>, the welding tool <NUM> and workpieces <NUM> include markers <NUM> configured to be detected by the one or more sensors <NUM>. In some examples, the support platform <NUM> may also include one or more markers built into and/or attached to the support platform to calibrate a position and/or an orientation of the support platform <NUM> relative to one or more sensors without a separate calibration device. In some examples, the markers <NUM> may be passive markers, such as, for example, reflective markers. In some examples, the markers <NUM> may be active markers, such as, for example, light-emitting markers (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs)). In examples, in which the markers <NUM> are active markers, the markers <NUM> may be powered by electrical components within the welding tool <NUM>. In some examples, the markers <NUM> may assist the weld training system <NUM> (e.g., via sensors <NUM>) in tracking the welding tool <NUM> and/or workpiece(s) <NUM>, and/or determining position and/or orientation of the welding tool <NUM> and/or workpiece(s) <NUM>.

In some examples, the sensors <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to a computing system <NUM>. For example, the sensors <NUM> may comprise communication circuitry to facilitate wired and/or wireless communication with the computing system <NUM>. In some examples, the sensors <NUM> are configured to provide data (e.g., image data, acoustic data, sensed data, six degrees of freedom (6DOF) data, etc.) to the computing system <NUM>, such as via one or more signals, for example. In some examples, the sensors <NUM> are further configured to receive data (e.g., configuration data, setup data, commands, register settings, etc.) from the computing system <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the computing system <NUM> is disposed within a cabinet <NUM> of the welding stand <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the computing system <NUM> is coupled to and/or in communication with the sensors <NUM>, welding tool <NUM>, display monitor <NUM>, welding-type power supply <NUM>, and input devices <NUM>. In some examples, the computing system <NUM> may additionally be coupled to and/or in communication with a helmet display of the welding helmet <NUM>. As shown, the computing system <NUM> includes memory circuitry <NUM>, processing circuitry <NUM>, and input/output (I/O) circuitry <NUM>.

In some examples, the I/O circuitry <NUM> may comprise communication circuitry for communicating with other systems over one or more networks (e.g., the Internet). In some examples, the communication circuitry may include one or more wireless adapters, wireless cards, cable adapters, wire adapters, dongles, radio frequency (RF) devices, wireless communication devices, Bluetooth devices, IEEE <NUM>-compliant devices, WiFi devices, cellular devices, GPS devices, Ethernet ports, network ports, lightning cable ports, cable ports, etc. In some examples, the communication circuitry may be configured to facilitate communication via one or more wired media and/or protocols (e.g., Ethernet cable(s), universal serial bus cable(s), etc.) and/or wireless mediums and/or protocols (e.g., near field communication (NFC), ultra high frequency radio waves, IEEE <NUM>. 11x, Zigbee, HART, LTE, Z-Wave, WirelessHD, WiGig, etc.). In some examples, the I/O circuitry <NUM> may additionally comprise circuitry for interfacing with the various devices coupled to and/or in communication with the computing system <NUM>, such as, for example, the sensors <NUM>, welding torch <NUM>, display monitor <NUM>, power supply <NUM>, and/or input devices <NUM>.

In some examples, the processing circuitry <NUM> comprises one or more processors used to execute machine readable instructions stored in memory <NUM>. In some examples, the memory <NUM> stores machine readable instructions that drive some or all of the functions of the various devices coupled to and/or in communication with the computing system <NUM>. In some examples, some or all of the data stored in the memory <NUM> of the computing system <NUM> may additionally, or alternatively, be stored in an external and/or remote memory (e.g., a remote server, the cloud, an external hard drive, etc.).

In the example of <FIG>, the memory <NUM> of the computing system <NUM> stores a weld training program <NUM> and training results <NUM> of the weld training program <NUM>. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example weld training program <NUM> of the computing system <NUM>. In some examples, the weld training program <NUM> may be implemented in machine readable (and/or processor executable) instructions stored in memory <NUM> of the computing system <NUM> and/or executed by the processing circuitry <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the weld training program <NUM> begins at block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the weld training program <NUM> performs certain setup and/or calibration operations. For example, the weld training program <NUM> may use data from the sensors <NUM> to track one or more markers and/or calibration tools and perform necessary calibrations for the welding stand <NUM>. As another example, the weld training program <NUM> may receive one or more signals from the input devices <NUM> indicative of a selection of a simulation or live arc mode. As another example, the weld training program <NUM> may receive one or more signals from the input devices <NUM> indicative of a selection of one or more welding operations, weld training activities, settings, and/or parameters. As another example, the weld training program <NUM> may receive one or more signals from the input devices <NUM> indicative of a user login and/or user credentials.

In the example of <FIG>, the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> after block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the weld training program <NUM> determines whether a welding session should begin and/or has begun. In some examples, a welding session may comprise one or more welding operations. In some examples, the welding session may be part of a weld training activity. In some examples, the determination at block <NUM> may comprise determining whether there has been a selection to begin a welding session, weld training activity, and/or welding operation (e.g., via the input devices <NUM> and/or operator interface <NUM>). In some examples, the determination may comprise determining whether block <NUM> has been satisfactorily completed. In some examples, the determination may comprise determining whether the welding tool <NUM> has been activated (e.g., via trigger <NUM>). If the weld training program <NUM> determines that the welding session should not begin or has not begun, then the weld training program <NUM> returns to block <NUM>. If the weld training program <NUM> determines that the welding session should begin or has begun, the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the weld training program <NUM> tracks objects (e.g., the welding tool <NUM>, workpiece(s) <NUM>, welding stand <NUM>, operator <NUM>, etc.) in the nearby welding environment, as well as the welding parameters of the welding-type power supply <NUM>, at block <NUM>. In some examples, the weld training program <NUM> may use data received from the sensors <NUM>, detectors <NUM>, input devices <NUM>, control circuitry <NUM>, and/or other components of the weld training system <NUM> to perform this tracking. For example, the weld training program <NUM> may determine one or more positions and/or orientations of the welding tool <NUM>, workpiece(s) <NUM>, and/or operator <NUM> relative to the support platform <NUM> and/or other elements of the weld training system <NUM> based on data captured by the sensors <NUM>. Additionally, the weld training program <NUM> may determine one or more relevant welding parameters based on data received from the detectors <NUM> of the welding-type power supply <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> after block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the weld training program <NUM> determines one or more weld training parameters based on the data received and/or tracking performed at block <NUM>. In some examples, the weld training parameters may include, for example, work angle, travel angle, aim, contact to work distance, arc length, travel speed, voltage, current, amperage, wire feed speed, gas disbursement, deposition amount, porosity, penetration, and/or other parameters that may be relevant and/or helpful to evaluating performance. In some examples where the weld training system <NUM> is a simulated (e.g., virtual, augmented, and/or mixed reality) weld training system, the training parameters may include simulation parameters (e.g., simulation images, audio, video, etc.).

In the example of <FIG>, the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> after block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the weld training program <NUM> determines whether the welding session has or should be ended. In some examples, this determination may comprise determining whether there has been a selection to end the welding session and/or welding operation (e.g., via the input devices <NUM> and/or operator interface <NUM>). In some examples, the determination may comprise determining whether the welding tool <NUM> has been deactivated (e.g., via trigger <NUM>). If the weld training program <NUM> determines that the welding session has not or should not be ended, then the weld training program <NUM> returns to block <NUM>. If the weld training program <NUM> determines that the welding session has or should be ended, the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the weld training program <NUM> determines a package of training results <NUM> based on the training parameters of block <NUM> (and/or the data received and/or tracking performed at block <NUM>). In some examples, the training results <NUM> may comprise one or more scores, grades, ratings, collections of training parameters, summaries of welding sessions (and/or welding operation, training activity, etc.), user (and/or operator <NUM>, participant, etc.) information, and/or other weld training data pertaining to the welding session(s) (and/or welding operation(s), training activities, etc.). In some examples, one or more of the collections of training parameters may be synchronized over time and/or packaged in a format that may be viewed and/or manipulated via a GUI that is displayed via the display screen <NUM> (and/or helmet display). In some examples, the scores, grades, and/or ratings may be based at least in part on a comparison of the welding parameters, training parameters, and/or training results <NUM> with one or more prior welding parameters, training parameters, and/or training results <NUM> (e.g., stored in memory <NUM>). In some examples, the computing system <NUM> may associate the training results <NUM> and/or training parameters with the identity of the operator <NUM>, such as via a unique number associated with the operator <NUM>, the name of the operator <NUM>, and/or other identification information of the operator <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the weld training program <NUM> additionally outputs the training results <NUM>. In some examples, outputting the training results <NUM> may comprise outputting to the display screen <NUM> and/or other output mechanism of the weld training system <NUM>. In some examples, outputting the training results <NUM> may comprise sending the training results <NUM> to a central training system <NUM> and/or LMS <NUM>, as further discussed below. While shown as executing following the end of the welding session at block <NUM>, in some examples block <NUM> may execute prior to the end of the welding session. For example, the weld training program <NUM> may continuously determine and/or output the training results <NUM> in real time during the welding session, so as to enable live streaming. In the example of <FIG>, the weld training program <NUM> ends after block <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example training results screen <NUM> that might be shown to a user (e.g., via the display monitor <NUM>) at block <NUM> of the weld training program <NUM>. As shown, the training results screen <NUM> shows visual representations (e.g., graphs) of work angle, travel angel, arc length, travel speed, voltage, and amperage training parameters over a time period of the welding session. Additionally, a score <NUM> is provided.

Participants who wish to share weld training results (e.g., with other participants, friends, family, etc.) using conventional weld training systems may take a picture of the training results screen <NUM>, such as with a mobile camera, for example. However, the training results <NUM> in such a picture may be less clear, lower resolution, and/or lower quality than the training results <NUM> presented via the training results screen <NUM>. The present disclosure therefore contemplates sending the weld training results <NUM> to a central training system <NUM> that provides access to the weld training results <NUM> at a networked location (e.g., a webpage). In some examples, high quality weld training results <NUM> may be more easily shared via the networked location (e.g., using the webpage address, a mobile device, and/or some other networked device).

<FIG> is a block diagram showing an example shared weld training system <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the shared weld training system <NUM> includes the weld training system <NUM> of <FIG> in communication with a central training system <NUM> and a learning management system (LMS) <NUM> through a network <NUM> (e.g., a private internal network, a local area network, the Internet, etc.). In some examples, the LMS <NUM> may be part of the central training system <NUM>, or vice versa. In some examples, the LMS <NUM> and/or central training system <NUM> may comprise one or more servers. As shown, the shared weld training system <NUM> also includes a user device <NUM> (e.g., mobile phone, laptop, desktop, tablet, etc.). In some examples, the user device <NUM> may be in communication with the LMS <NUM> and/or central training system <NUM> over the network <NUM>. In some examples, the user device <NUM> may also be in communication with the weld training system <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the central training system <NUM> comprises central communication circuitry <NUM>, central processing circuitry <NUM>, and central memory circuitry <NUM> coupled together via a common electrical bus. As shown, the LMS <NUM> comprises LMS communication circuitry <NUM>, LMS processing circuitry <NUM>, and LMS memory circuitry <NUM> coupled together via a common electrical bus. As shown, the user device <NUM> comprises a camera <NUM>, as well as device I/O circuitry <NUM>, device processing circuitry <NUM>, and device memory circuitry <NUM> coupled together via a common electrical bus. In some examples, the device I/O circuitry <NUM> may comprise device communication circuitry configured for communication with external systems, as well as circuitry that operates a user interface (e.g., touchscreen, keys, microphone, speakers, buttons, switches, knobs, lights, etc.) and camera <NUM> of the user device <NUM>.

In some examples, the central processing circuitry <NUM>, LMS processing circuitry <NUM>, and/or device processing circuitry <NUM> may comprise one or more processors. In some examples, the central communication circuitry <NUM>, LMS communication circuitry <NUM>, and/or device I/O circuitry <NUM> may comprise one or more wireless adapters, wireless cards, cable adapters, wire adapters, dongles, radio frequency (RF) devices, wireless communication devices, Bluetooth devices, IEEE <NUM>-compliant devices, WiFi devices, cellular devices, GPS devices, Ethernet ports, network ports, lightning cable ports, cable ports, etc. In some examples, the central communication circuitry <NUM>, LMS communication circuitry <NUM>, and/or device I/O circuitry <NUM> may comprise information technology equipment, telecommunication network infrastructure equipment, and/or telecommunication terminal equipment. In some examples, the central communication circuitry <NUM>, LMS communication circuitry <NUM>, and/or device I/O circuitry <NUM> may be configured to facilitate communication via one or more wired media and/or protocols (e.g., Ethernet cable(s), universal serial bus cable(s), etc.) and/or wireless mediums and/or protocols (e.g., near field communication (NFC), ultra high frequency radio waves, IEEE <NUM>. 11x, Zigbee, HART, LTE, Z-Wave, WirelessHD, WiGig, etc.). In some examples, the communication circuitry <NUM>, central communication circuitry <NUM>, LMS communication circuitry <NUM>, and/or device I/O circuitry <NUM> may coordinate communications over the network <NUM>, and/or cooperate to communicate with one another.

In the example of <FIG>, the LMS memory circuitry <NUM> stores an LMS program 1000a and LMS GUI data 558a, discussed further below. As shown, the device memory circuitry <NUM> stores a corollary LMS program 1000b and LMS GUI data 558b, as discussed further below. In the example of <FIG>, the central memory circuitry <NUM> stores a result sharing program <NUM> and web GUI data <NUM>. In some examples, the central memory circuitry <NUM> may also store training results <NUM> communicated from the computing system <NUM>.

In some examples, the result sharing program <NUM> may store the training results <NUM> (and/or data representative of the training results <NUM>) at a location (e.g., in central memory <NUM>) where they may be accessed (e.g., via the network <NUM>). In some examples, the location may be associated with a pathway and/or address. In some examples, the training results <NUM> may be publicly accessible at the location. In some examples, access to the training results <NUM> at the location may be restricted (e.g., to users associated with certain credentials, privileges, permissions, etc.). In some examples, the result sharing program <NUM> may communicate the location where the training results <NUM> are accessible to the computing system <NUM>. In some examples, the training results <NUM> may be made accessible via the web GUI data <NUM>. In some examples, the web GUI data <NUM> may provide an interface through which a user can manipulate certain parameters (e.g., time period, visible training parameters, comparative data, etc.) to gain different perspectives, views, and/or representations of the training results <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example result sharing program <NUM> of the central training system <NUM>. In some examples, the result sharing program <NUM> may be implemented in machine readable instructions stored in the central memory circuitry <NUM> of the central training system <NUM> and/or executed by the central processing circuitry <NUM>. In some examples, some portions of the result sharing program <NUM> may comprise a web based application (e.g., executed and/or interacted with through a web browser). In some examples, the result sharing program <NUM> may store the training results <NUM> (and/or some representation of the training results <NUM>) at a location where they may be accessed (e.g., via the network <NUM>), and communicate that location back to the computing system <NUM>, via the result sharing program <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the result sharing program <NUM> begins at block <NUM>, where the central training system <NUM> receives the training results <NUM> from the weld training system <NUM> (e.g., computing system <NUM>). After block <NUM>, the result sharing program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>, where the central training system <NUM> stores the training results <NUM>. In some examples, the training results <NUM> may be stored at a machine and/or network accessible location, such as, for example, a location in central memory circuitry <NUM>. In some examples, the location may comprise some other networked location, such as a memory location of a connected and/or associated server. In some examples, the location may be associated with a pathway and/or address.

In the example of <FIG>, the result sharing program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> after block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, result sharing program <NUM> provides access to the training results <NUM>. In some examples, this may involve configuring certain settings of the central training system <NUM> allow the location at which the training results <NUM> are stored to be publicly accessed and/or accessed provided one or more restrictions are met (e.g., user permissions, accessing device, etc.). In some examples, some portions of the training results <NUM> may be publicly accessible by all, while other portions may be accessible only to those with certain permissions, and/or still other portions may be accessible only to those with higher level permissions. In some examples, providing access to the training results <NUM> at block <NUM> may comprise formatting, packaging, and/or otherwise presenting the training results <NUM> so that a user may easily view the training results <NUM> when accessing. In some examples, providing access to the training results <NUM> at block <NUM> may comprise providing web GUI data <NUM> representative of the training results <NUM>, such that a user may view and/or manipulate the training results <NUM> via the web GUI data <NUM>. In some examples, providing the web GUI data <NUM> may entail generating and/or transmitting the web GUI data <NUM> (e.g., to user device <NUM>). In some examples, the training results <NUM> may be used to generate the web GUI data <NUM>. In some examples, providing access to the training results <NUM> at block <NUM> may comprise providing web GUI data <NUM> representative of multiple training results <NUM> (e.g., from multiple users, welding operations, time periods, etc.) such that a user may view a comparison of training results <NUM>. In such an example, the web GUI data <NUM> may additionally, or alternatively, allow for selection of one or more training results <NUM> for comparison based on certain criteria (e.g., geographic region, welding operation, class, instructor, user, competition, etc.). In the example of <FIG>, the result sharing program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> after block <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the result sharing program <NUM> transmits the location (and/or data representative of the location) where the training results <NUM> (and/or some representation) may be accessed. In some examples, the transmission may be to the computing system <NUM>. In some examples, the transmission may be directly to the user (and/or user device <NUM>) associated with the training results <NUM> and/or some other indicated user (and/or user device <NUM>). For example, the result sharing program <NUM> may make the transmission via electronic mail to an address associated with the user (and/or user device <NUM>). As another example, the result sharing program <NUM> may make the transmission via a messaging service (e.g., short message service, social media messaging, LMS service, instant messaging service, etc.) to an account associated with the user (and/or user device <NUM>). In some examples, the result sharing program <NUM> may additionally, or alternatively, generate a machine readable graphic (e.g., a one dimensional, two dimensional, and/or matrix barcode) encoding the location (and/or the data representative of the location), and send the machine readable graphic at block <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the result sharing program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> after block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the result sharing program <NUM> determines whether any supplementary data should be associated with the training results <NUM>. In some examples, this determination may comprise determining whether a user has indicated a desire to associate supplementary data with the training results <NUM>. In some examples, the web GUI data <NUM> may include (and/or provide) one or more mechanisms (e.g., buttons, links, etc.) through which a user may indicate their desire to associate supplementary data with the training results <NUM>. If the result sharing program <NUM> determines that no supplementary data should be associated with the training results <NUM>, the result sharing program proceeds to block <NUM>. If the result sharing program <NUM> determines that supplementary data should be associated with the training results <NUM>, the result sharing program <NUM> receives the supplementary data and associates the supplementary data with the training results <NUM> (e.g., via central memory circuitry <NUM>) at block <NUM>. In some examples, the supplementary data may comprise graphical data, audio data, textual data, video data, and/or other appropriate data. In some examples, the result sharing program <NUM> may receive the supplementary data over the network <NUM> (e.g., from the user device <NUM>). After block <NUM>, the result sharing program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>, where the supplementary data is transmitted to the computing system <NUM>, then proceeds to block <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the result sharing program <NUM> determines whether the training results <NUM> and/or supplementary data <NUM> should be shared with the LMS <NUM>. In some examples, this determination may involve determining whether one or more input mechanisms (e.g., buttons, links, etc.) indicative of a desire to share the training results <NUM> with the LMS <NUM> have been activated. In some examples, a user may indicate a desire to share the training results <NUM> with the LMS <NUM> when, for example, the training results <NUM> may be used to show completion of an assignment of the LMS <NUM>. If the result sharing program <NUM> determines the training results <NUM> and/or supplementary data should be shared not be with the LMS <NUM>, the result sharing program <NUM> ends. If the result sharing program <NUM> determines the training results <NUM> and/or supplementary data should be shared with the LMS <NUM>, the training results <NUM> (and/or data representative of the training results <NUM>) are sent to the LMS <NUM> at block <NUM>. In some examples, the result sharing program <NUM> may also prompt, identify, and/or receive information identifying the LMS <NUM>, a user account of the LMS <NUM>, and/or a learning activity of the LMS <NUM> at block <NUM>. After block <NUM>, the result sharing program <NUM> ends.

In some examples, some blocks of the result sharing program <NUM> may be skipped and/or executed in a different order. For examples, there may be times when the training results <NUM> (and/or training parameters) are determined and/or sent in real time (e.g., when setup in such a way at the setup/calibration block <NUM> of the weld training program <NUM>). In such an example, the results sharing program <NUM> may provide a location where the training results <NUM> will be stored at block <NUM> (and/or provide access at block <NUM>) prior to actually receiving and/or storing the training results <NUM> (and/or training parameters). In some examples, this may allow a user (e.g., using user device <NUM>) to view the training results <NUM> as they are compiled, in real time, from a location remote from the display monitor <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an example result sharing screen <NUM> that might be shown to a user (e.g., via the user device <NUM>) when accessing the training results <NUM> (and/or a representation thereof) at the location provided at block <NUM> of the result sharing program <NUM>. As shown, the result sharing screen <NUM> is presented via a web browser of the user device <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the result sharing screen <NUM> presents the training results <NUM> via web GUI data <NUM> that appears similar to the training results screen <NUM> of <FIG>. In some examples, the training results <NUM> shown in the result sharing screen <NUM> may be a simple image and/or screenshot, rather than an interactive interface.

In the example of <FIG>, the result sharing screen <NUM> also includes input buttons <NUM>. In some examples, user selection and/or activation of the input button 704a may result in a signal sent to the central training system <NUM> indicative of a desire to associate supplemental data with the training results <NUM>. <FIG> shows the result sharing screen <NUM> updated with supplemental data <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the supplemental data <NUM> is an image of a workpiece <NUM>, such as a workpiece <NUM> that the operator <NUM> welded when performing the welding session for which the training results <NUM> are applicable.

In some examples, user selection and/or activation of the input button 704b of the result sharing screen <NUM> may result in a signal sent to the central training system <NUM> indicative of a desire to share the training results <NUM> with the LMS <NUM>. In some examples, user selection and/or activation of the input button 704c may result in activation of a sharing feature of the user device <NUM>. In some examples, the sharing feature may allow for sharing of the location provided at block <NUM> of the result sharing program <NUM>, and/or the training results <NUM> (and/or a representation thereof) with one or more social media platforms, messaging platforms, and/or other third party platforms.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a more detailed example of the output training results block <NUM> of the weld training program <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown, the output training results block <NUM> begins at block <NUM>, where the weld training program <NUM> determines a cumulative package of training results <NUM> based on the training parameters of block <NUM>, as discussed above. After block <NUM>, the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>, where the training results <NUM> are displayed (e.g., via display screen <NUM>). After block <NUM>, the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the weld training program <NUM> determines whether the training results <NUM> should be transmitted to the central training system <NUM> at block <NUM>. In some examples, the determination may involve determining whether a user has selected to transmit the training results <NUM> to the central training system <NUM>. For example, the weld training system <NUM> may check (e.g., in memory circuitry <NUM>) whether one or more settings of the weld training system <NUM> indicate that the training results <NUM> should be automatically sent to the central training system <NUM>. In some examples, these settings might be set and/or modified at block <NUM> of <FIG>. As another example, the training results screen <NUM> may include one or more input mechanisms (e.g., buttons, links, etc.) indicative of a desire to share the training results <NUM> with the central training system <NUM>, and the weld training program <NUM> may determine whether one or more of the input mechanisms have been activated. In the example of <FIG>, the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> if the weld training program <NUM> determines that the training results <NUM> should not be transmitted to the central training system <NUM>. If the weld training program <NUM> determines that the training results <NUM> should be transmitted to the central training system <NUM>, the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the weld training program <NUM> transmits the training results <NUM> to the central training system <NUM> at block <NUM>. In some examples, the weld training program <NUM> may additionally transmit a target location to store (and/or make accessible) the training results <NUM>. In such examples, the weld training program <NUM> may determine the location at block <NUM> and/or <NUM> (e.g., by prompting user input and/or checking previous settings). In some examples, the weld training program <NUM> may transmit training results <NUM> for several users, time periods, weld training activities, and/or welding sessions. For example, where the user is associated with administrative and/or instructor privileges, the weld training program <NUM> may send training results <NUM> for multiple users (e.g., users associated with the class, section, instructor, etc.). In such an example, the weld training program <NUM> may additionally, or alternatively, transmit training results <NUM> corresponding to several different weld training activities, welding sessions, and/or time periods (e.g., corresponding to different classes, assignments, weld training activities, etc.). In such an example, the user may skip some or all other portions of the weld training program <NUM> prior to block <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> after block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, a location (and/or data representative of a location) where the training results <NUM> are accessible is received (e.g., from the central training system <NUM>). After block <NUM>, the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>, where the weld training program <NUM> determines whether the training results <NUM>, the location of where the training results <NUM> are accessible, and/or data representative of the location should be encoded. In some examples, the determination may involve determining whether a user has selected to encode (e.g., via some prior setting and/or selection of an input mechanism). If the weld training program <NUM> determines the training results <NUM>, the location of where the training results <NUM> are accessible, and/or data representative of the location should not encoded, the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>. If the weld training program <NUM> determines the training results <NUM>, the location of where the training results <NUM> are accessible, and/or data representative of the location should be encoded, the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the weld training program <NUM> encodes the training results <NUM>, the location (and/or target location) of where the training results <NUM> are accessible, and/or data representative of the location (and/or target location) at block <NUM>. In some examples, the encoding may be done via a machine readable graphic (e.g., a one dimensional, two dimensional, and/or matrix barcode). In some examples, user information (e.g., LMS and/or other account information, permissions, privileges, credentials, etc.) may also be encoded. After block <NUM>, the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> where the encoding, the training results <NUM>, the location of the training results <NUM>, and/or data representative of the location is outputted (e.g., via the display monitor <NUM> and/or one or more other output devices of the weld training system <NUM>). In some examples, the output at block <NUM> may be in the form of a graphical display (e.g., via display screen <NUM>), an audio output, a short wavelength ultra high radio frequency protocol (commonly known as Bluetooth), or a near field communication (NFC) protocol. In some examples, a user may receive the output via the user device <NUM>, and/or use the output to share a high quality version of the training results <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> after block <NUM>. At block <NUM> the weld training program <NUM> determines whether the central training system <NUM> has sent supplemental data to be associated with the training results <NUM>. If not, the output training results block <NUM> of the weld training program <NUM> ends. If so, then the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> where the supplemental data is received and associated with the training results <NUM>. In some examples, this association is such that future output of the training results <NUM> will also output the supplemental data. As shown, the weld training program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> after block <NUM>, where the supplemental data is displayed and/or otherwise outputted (e.g., via display monitor <NUM>). After block <NUM>, the output training results block <NUM> of the weld training program <NUM> ends.

<NUM> shows a training results update screen <NUM>, such as might be shown to a user (e.g., via the display monitor <NUM>) at block <NUM> of the output training results block <NUM> of the weld training program <NUM>. As shown, the training results update screen <NUM> shows visual representations of the training results <NUM>, a score <NUM>, supplemental data <NUM> received from the central training system <NUM>, and a graphical encoding <NUM>, such as might be generated at block <NUM> of <FIG>. In some examples, the user may select and/or deselect a supplemental input button <NUM> to choose whether the supplemental data <NUM> is displayed or hidden.

In some examples, a user may use a compatible reader (e.g., barcode reader) of the user device <NUM> to scan the graphical encoding <NUM>. In such an example, the reader may automatically decode the encoded information and use it to access the training results <NUM> (e.g., via a web browser, such as shown in <FIG>). Once accessed, a high quality version of the training results <NUM> may be more easily shared to other social media platforms (e.g., via input button 704c).

In some examples, the training results <NUM> may also be shared with and/or sent to the LMS <NUM>. For example, the user may receive and/or scan the output at block <NUM> using the user device <NUM> (e.g., via camera <NUM> and/or I/O circuitry <NUM>). In such an example, the user device <NUM> may decode the information in the graphical encoding <NUM> and send the information to the LMS <NUM>. Thereafter, the LMS <NUM> may access the training results <NUM> and/or associate the training results <NUM> with one or more appropriate users, welding sessions, assignments, activities etc. (e.g., based on the received information).

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of a LMS program <NUM> stored in LMS memory circuitry <NUM> of the LMS <NUM>, and/or device memory circuitry <NUM> of the user device <NUM> of <FIG>. In some examples, the LMS program <NUM> allows for training results <NUM> of the weld training system <NUM> to be associated with one or more LMS assignments via output (e.g., the graphical encoding <NUM>) from the weld training system <NUM>. In some examples, the LMS program 1000a and/or corollary LMS program 1000b may be implemented in machine readable instructions stored in LMS memory circuitry <NUM> and/or device memory circuitry <NUM> and/or executed by the LMS processing circuitry <NUM> and/or device processing circuitry <NUM>. In some examples, the LMS program 1000a of the LMS <NUM> and corollary LMS program 1000b of the user device <NUM> may communicate and/or operate in tandem. Thus, the following disclosure of the LMS program <NUM> may be descriptive of the LMS program 1000a and/or the LMS program 1000b.

In the example of <FIG>, the LMS program <NUM> begins at block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the LMS program <NUM> receives and/or retrieves user account information. In some examples, some or all of the account information may be received from the user device <NUM>. For example, the user device <NUM> may obtain the account information via manual entry, scanning and/or deciphering of the graphical encoding <NUM>, and/or some other output of the weld training system <NUM> (e.g., RFID, Bluetooth, etc.). In some examples, the account information may include a unique identifier, user credentials, and/or account privileges. In some examples, some of the account information may be retrieved based on other account information. In some examples, the LMS program <NUM> may compare the account information to user data stored in LMS memory circuitry <NUM> to determine which (if any) user is or should be logged in, and/or determine the permissions and/or privileges of the user.

In the example of <FIG>, the LMS program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> after block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the LMS program <NUM> retrieves (e.g., from LMS memory circuitry <NUM>) one or more learning activities associated with the user. In some examples, the LMS program <NUM> may provide these learning activities to the user (e.g., via the user device <NUM>). As shown, the LMS program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> after block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the LMS program <NUM> identifies a particular, applicable, learning activity. In some examples, this identification may be in response to one or more signals indicative of a user selection of the particular applicable learning activity (e.g., via the user interface of the user device <NUM>). For example, a user may manually enter and/or select the applicable learning activity from the available learning activities at block <NUM>. As another example, the user device <NUM> may receive, scan, decipher, and/or decode output from the weld training system <NUM> that includes the applicable learning activity.

In the example of <FIG>, the LMS program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> after block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the LMS program <NUM> prompts the user for input of the training results <NUM>. In some examples, the prompting may comprise providing an input field configured to receive a location (and/or data representative of a location) where the training results <NUM> are accessible. For example, the LMS program <NUM> may provide an input field where a user can input a website address where the training results <NUM> may be accessed. In some examples, this prompting may comprise initiating a companion process, program, and/or application. For example, the LMS program <NUM> may initiate a reader that can scan and/or decode a graphical encoding <NUM> output by the weld training program <NUM>. As another example, the LMS program <NUM> may initiate a Bluetooth and/or NFC application configured to pair and/or initiate communication with the weld training system <NUM> so as to receive the output of the weld training program <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the LMS program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> after block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the LMS program <NUM> receives the training results <NUM>, the location where the training results <NUM> are accessible, and/or data representative thereof. In some examples, the training results <NUM> may be communicated to the LMS system <NUM> (e.g., from the user device <NUM>) following reception. As shown, the LMS program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> after block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the training results <NUM> are associated with the identified learning activity. In some examples, the association at block <NUM> may comprise updating one or more LMS records (e.g., in LMS memory circuitry <NUM>) to include, link to, and/or otherwise reference the training results <NUM>. For example, the LMS program <NUM> may write to a database record (e.g., in LMS memory circuitry <NUM>) associated with the identified learning activity and/or user to include, link to, and/or otherwise reference the training results <NUM>. In some examples, the LMS program <NUM> may additionally, or alternatively, analyze the training results <NUM> in view of one or more requirements and/or criteria of the identified learning activity. For example, the LMS program <NUM> may determine whether the score <NUM> of the training results <NUM> is adequate to complete the learning activity. In some examples, the LMS program <NUM> may identify the learning activity as being complete or incomplete based on the determination.

In the example of <FIG>, the LMS program <NUM> proceeds to block <NUM> after block <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the LMS program <NUM> provides LMS GUI data <NUM> representative of the training results <NUM>, such that a user may view and/or manipulate the training results <NUM> via the LMS GUI data <NUM>. In some examples, providing the LMS GUI data <NUM> may entail generating and/or transmitting the LMS GUI data <NUM> (e.g., to user device <NUM>). In some examples, the training results <NUM> may be used to generate the LMS GUI data <NUM>. In some examples, the LMS GUI data <NUM> may provide an interface through which a user can manipulate certain parameters (e.g., time period, visible training parameters, comparative data, etc.) to gain different perspectives, views, and/or representations of the training results <NUM>. In some examples, providing the LMS GUI data <NUM> may entail providing LMS GUI data <NUM> representative of multiple training results <NUM> (e.g., from multiple users, welding operations, time periods, etc.) so that a user may view a comparison of training results <NUM>. In some examples, the LMS program <NUM> may generate the LMS GUI data <NUM> using multiple training results <NUM> (e.g., from multiple users, welding operations, time periods, etc.) such that a user may view a comparison of training results <NUM>. For example, where the user is associated with administrative and/or instructor privileges, the training results <NUM> may be training results <NUM> for multiple users (e.g., users associated with the class, section, instructor, etc.), or there may be training results <NUM> for one or more other users already associated with the learning activity. In such an example, the LMS GUI data <NUM> may additionally, or alternatively, allow for selection of one or more training results <NUM> for comparison based on certain criteria (e.g., geographic region, welding operation, class, instructor, user, competition, etc.).

In some examples, the LMS program <NUM> may skip some or all of the blocks of <FIG>, and/or reorder the blocks of <FIG>. For example, the user device <NUM> may receive the training results <NUM> at block <NUM> first, using a companion process, program, and/or application, as discussed above. In such an example, information output with the training results <NUM> may include user account information and/or the identified learning activity, such that blocks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM> may be implemented thereafter. As another example, the user device <NUM> may first receive the training results <NUM> at block <NUM>, skip block <NUM>, and present the training results <NUM> via the LMS GUI data <NUM> at block <NUM>. In such an example, the LMS GUI data <NUM> may thereafter provide an option to identify the learning activity. Upon selection of the option, the LMS program <NUM> may execute blocks <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example LMS screen <NUM> that might be shown to a user via the user device <NUM> at block <NUM> of the LMS program <NUM>. As shown, the LMS screen <NUM> shows several available learning activities <NUM>. Some of the learning activities <NUM> are associated with selectable buttons <NUM>. In some examples, a user may select one of the selectable buttons <NUM> to identify the particular learning activity in block <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an example LMS GUI screen <NUM> that might be shown to a user via the user device <NUM> at block <NUM> of the LMS program <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown, the LMS GUI screen <NUM> displays a graphical representation of the training results <NUM>, along with selectable options <NUM>. In some examples, selection of the option 1152a may allow for addition of supplemental data, which may be associated with the training results <NUM> and/or communicated back to the central training system <NUM> (e.g., as described above). In some examples, selection of the option 1152b may allow for identification of the particular learning activity of block <NUM> (and/or <NUM>), and subsequent association of the training results <NUM>.

The present disclosure provides a system through which high quality weld training results <NUM> may be viewed and/or shared outside of the weld training system <NUM>. Further, the training results <NUM> may be associated with and/or used to complete a learning activity <NUM> of a learning management system <NUM>. Further, supplemental data may be associated with the training results <NUM>, to provide further context and/or visual aid to the training results <NUM>. These features may help to increase user engagement with other trainees, friends, family, and/or community during training, which may help to increase engagement and/or increase the chance that the participant will continue progressing in training.

The present method and/or system may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The present methods and/or systems may be realized in a centralized fashion in at least one computing system, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computing or cloud systems. A typical combination of hardware and software may be a general-purpose computing system with a program or other code that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computing system such that it carries out the methods described herein.

While the present method and/or system has been described with reference to certain implementations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present method and/or system. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it implementations disclosed, but that the present method and/or system will include all implementations falling within the scope of the appended claims.

As used herein, "and/or" means any one or more of the items in the list joined by "and/or".

As used herein, the terms "coupled," "coupled to," and "coupled with," each mean a structural and/or electrical connection, whether attached, affixed, connected, joined, fastened, linked, and/or otherwise secured. As used herein, the term "attach" means to affix, couple, connect, join, fasten, link, and/or otherwise secure. As used herein, the term "connect" means to attach, affix, couple, join, fasten, link, and/or otherwise secure.

As used herein the terms "circuits" and "circuitry" refer to physical electronic components (i.e., hardware) and any software and/or firmware ("code") which may configure the hardware, be executed by the hardware, and or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As utilized herein, circuitry is "operable" and/or "configured" to perform a function whenever the circuitry comprises the necessary hardware and/or code (if any is necessary) to perform the function, regardless of whether performance of the function is disabled or enabled (e.g., by a user-configurable setting, factory trim, etc.).

As used herein, a control circuit may include digital and/or analog circuitry, discrete and/or integrated circuitry, microprocessors, DSPs, etc., software, hardware and/or firmware, located on one or more boards, that form part or all of a controller, and/or are used to control a welding process, and/or a device such as a power source or wire feeder.

As used herein, the term "processor" means processing devices, apparatus, programs, circuits, components, systems, and subsystems, whether implemented in hardware, tangibly embodied software, or both, and whether or not it is programmable. The term "processor" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, one or more computing devices, hardwired circuits, signal-modifying devices and systems, devices and machines for controlling systems, central processing units, programmable devices and systems, field-programmable gate arrays, application-specific integrated circuits, systems on a chip, systems comprising discrete elements and/or circuits, state machines, virtual machines, data processors, processing facilities, and combinations of any of the foregoing. The processor may be, for example, any type of general purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signal processing (DSP) processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor with an advanced RISC machine (ARM) core, etc. The processor may be coupled to, and/or integrated with a memory device.

As used, herein, the term "memory" and/or "memory device" means computer hardware or circuitry to store information for use by a processor and/or other digital device. The memory and/or memory device can be any suitable type of computer memory or any other type of electronic storage medium, such as, for example, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memory, compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-optical memory, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a computer-readable medium, or the like. Memory can include, for example, a non-transitory memory, a non-transitory processor readable medium, a non-transitory computer readable medium, non-volatile memory, dynamic RAM (DRAM), volatile memory, ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), first-in-first-out (FIFO) memory, last-in-first-out (LIFO) memory, stack memory, non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), static RAM (SRAM), a cache, a buffer, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, a flash memory, a flash card, a compact flash card, memory cards, secure digital memory cards, a microcard, a minicard, an expansion card, a smart card, a memory stick, a multimedia card, a picture card, flash storage, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a hard drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory can be configured to store code, instructions, applications, software, firmware and/or data, and may be external, internal, or both with respect to the processor.

The term "power" is used throughout this specification for convenience, but also includes related measures such as energy, current, voltage, and enthalpy. For example, controlling "power" may involve controlling voltage, current, energy, and/or enthalpy, and/or controlling based on "power" may involve controlling based on voltage, current, energy, and/or enthalpy.

As used herein, welding-type power refers to power suitable for welding, cladding, brazing, plasma cutting, induction heating, carbon arc cutting, and/or hot wire welding/preheating (including laser welding and laser cladding), carbon arc cutting or gouging, and/or resistive preheating.

As used herein, a welding-type power supply and/or power source refers to any device capable of, when power is applied thereto, supplying welding, cladding, brazing, plasma cutting, induction heating, laser (including laser welding, laser hybrid, and laser cladding), carbon arc cutting or gouging, and/or resistive preheating, including but not limited to transformer-rectifiers, inverters, converters, resonant power supplies, quasi-resonant power supplies, switch-mode power supplies, etc., as well as control circuitry and other ancillary circuitry associated therewith.

Claim 1:
A method of operating a weld training system (<NUM>), comprising:
transmitting weld training data pertaining to a weld training activity performed using the weld training system (<NUM>) to a remote server via communication circuitry of the weld training system (<NUM>); and
providing data representative of a location where the weld training data is accessible on the remote server after the weld training data has been transmitted to the remote server;
characterised in that providing data representative of a location where the weld training data is accessible comprises transmitting to a user device (<NUM>), via a short wavelength ultra high radio frequency protocol or a near field communication protocol, the data representative of the location.