SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A COMPUTERIZED EYEWEAR DEVICE TO ASSIST WELDING - Patent application

Abstract

A system and method for providing a computerized eyewear device for assisting welding is provided. A system for facilitating communication and control in a welding environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform configured to provide scalable, interoperable, and secure communication connectivity between multiple heterogeneous devices in the welding environment. The system also includes a welding power source configured to communicate with the IoT technology platform. The system further includes a computerized eyewear device. The computerized eyewear device includes control and communication circuitry configured to communicate with the welding power source via the IoT technology platform. The computerized eyewear device also includes a transparent display configured to display information received from the welding power source via the IoT technology platform while allowing a user to view the periphery of the welding environment through the transparent display.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 245,535, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS PROVIDING A COMPUTERIZED EYEWEAR DEVICE TO AID IN WELDING," filed August 24, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 105,758, filed December 13, 2013, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 827,248, filed May 24, 2013. The aforementioned application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. Patent No. 9,285,592, filed August 18, 2011, and issued March 15, 2016, entitled "WEARABLE DEVICE WITH INPUT AND OUTPUT STRUCTURES," is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. Patent No. 8,747,116, filed July 10, 2009, and issued June 10, 2014, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING ARC WELDING TRAINING IN A REAL-TIME SIMULATED VIRTUAL REALITY ENVIRONMENT USING REAL-TIME WELD PUDDLE FEEDBACK," is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to welding, and more particularly, to systems and methods that provide visualization and communication capabilities to a welder using a welding system through a computerized eyewear device. [Background technology]

[0003] Providing information to a welding student in real time during the welding process (whether a real-world welding process or a simulated welding process) is important to aid the welding student in the learning process. Similarly, providing information to an expert welder in real time during a real-world welding process may aid the expert welder in the welding process. Additionally, providing a welding student or expert welder with the ability to easily communicate (e.g., provide instructions) with a welding system (real or simulated) may enable a more efficient and user-friendly welding experience. Today, welding helmets may be equipped with simple light indicators that display welding information. The light indicator may be within an inch of the welder's eye, so it does not require the welder to be able to precisely focus on the light indicator. It is made easy to see that the color of the light indicator is, for example, red, green, or yellow. Thus, there is a continuing need to improve how a welder or welding student interacts with a welding system and how information is provided and viewed in real time.

[0004] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional, traditional, and proposed approaches will become apparent to those skilled in the art through comparison of such systems and methods with the embodiments of the present invention described in the remainder of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes an internet-of-things (IoT) technology platform including at least one server computer having a connection server application. The IoT technology platform is configured to be implemented as part of a real-world welding environment. The IoT technology platform is also configured to provide scalable, interoperable, and secure wireless communication connectivity between a plurality of heterogeneous devices in the real-world welding environment. The IoT technology platform is further configured to enable protocol-independent deployment of a plurality of heterogeneous devices in the real-world welding environment. The system also includes at least one welding power source, at least one of a plurality of heterogeneous devices, configured to bidirectionally wirelessly communicate with the IoT technology platform by using the connection server application. The system further includes at least one computerized eyewear device, at least one of the plurality of heterogeneous devices. The computerized eyewear device includes control and communication circuitry having a processor and a memory. The control and communication circuitry is configured to bidirectionally wirelessly communicate with the welding power source via the IoT technology platform by using the connection server application. The computerized eyewear device also includes a transparent display configured to display information received by the control and communication circuitry from the welding power source via the IoT technology platform by using a connectivity server application. A user can view the periphery of the real-world welding environment through the transparent display. In one embodiment, the IoT technology platform is configured to provide scalable, interoperable, and secure communication connectivity between the multiple heterogeneous devices via WebSockets. The IoT technology platform is configured to handle message routing and translation between the multiple heterogeneous devices. The IoT technology platform is configured to enable developers to build, run, and develop applications that control and report data to and from any of the multiple heterogeneous devices.The information displayed by the transparent display may be in the form of at least one of text, graphics, or images, and may include at least one welding parameter received from the welding power source via the IoT technology platform. In one embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes a microphone operably connected to the control and communication circuitry. The microphone operably connected to the control and communication circuitry is configured to receive voice-activated user command information from a user and communicate the information to the welding power source via the IoT technology platform. In one embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes a camera operably connected to the control and communication circuitry. The camera operably connected to the control and communication circuitry is configured to capture at least one still image (picture) or video of the real-world welding environment, from the user's perspective, during a welding operation and communicate the still image (picture) or video to the IoT technology platform for recording and storage. In one embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes a touch-sensitive user interface operably connected to the control and communication circuitry. The touch-sensitive user interface operably connected to the control and communication circuitry is configured to enable a user to select command information and provide the command information to the welding power source via the IoT technology platform for controlling the welding power source. The welding power source can be an inverter-based welding power source that supports at least one of gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), or shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) operations.

[0006] In another embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a plurality of heterogeneous devices in a real-world welding environment having heterogeneous wireless communication capabilities. The system also includes an IoT technology platform including at least one server computer having a connection server application. The IoT technology platform is configured to provide scalable, interoperable, and secure wireless communication connectivity between the plurality of heterogeneous devices. The IoT technology platform is also configured to enable protocol independent deployment of the plurality of heterogeneous devices in the real-world welding environment. The plurality of heterogeneous devices includes at least one welding power source configured to bidirectionally wirelessly communicate with the IoT technology platform by using the connection server application. The plurality of heterogeneous devices further includes at least one computerized eyewear device. The computerized eyewear device includes control and communication circuitry having a processor and a memory. The control and communication circuitry is configured to bidirectionally wirelessly communicate with the welding power source via the IoT technology platform by using the connection server application. The computerized eyewear device also includes a transparent display configured to display information received by the control and communication circuitry from the welding power source via the IoT technology platform by using the connection server application. A user can view the periphery of the real-world welding environment through the transparent display. In one embodiment, the computerized eyewear device is configured to provide an augmented reality capability through at least the transparent display. The plurality of heterogeneous devices may include, for example, at least one of at least one welding wire feeder, at least one welding torch or gun, at least one gas meter / sensor operably connected to at least one shielding gas tank, at least one mobile phone device (e.g., a "smart" phone), at least one welding helmet, or at least one welding fume extractor.In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of heterogeneous devices includes at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter associated with the at least one of the plurality of heterogeneous devices and communicate the at least one parameter to the IoT technology platform using the connectivity server application. The at least one parameter may include, for example, at least one of a temperature parameter, a pressure parameter, a humidity parameter, a voltage parameter, a current parameter, a wire feed speed parameter, a flow rate parameter, a spatial position parameter, a spatial orientation parameter, or a movement speed parameter.

[0007] In one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a welding power source of an arc welding system and a computerized eyewear device having a head-up display (HUD). The computerized eyewear device is configured to be worn as glasses by a user such that glasses are worn while the user is also wearing a protective welding helmet. The computerized eyewear device is further configured to wirelessly communicate with the welding power source of the arc welding system. The computerized eyewear device may receive information from the welding power source and display the information on the HUD. Additionally, the user may provide instructions to the welding power source via the computerized eyewear device (e.g., via voice activation). The welding power source and the computerized eyewear device may be cooperatively configured to provide, for example, one or more augmented indicators indicative of the user's welding technique and a sequencer function that indicates the next weld to be made on the HUD.

[0008] In another embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a programmable processor-based subsystem of a virtual reality welding simulation system and a computerized eyewear device having a head-up display (HUD). The computerized eyewear device is configured to be worn by a user as glasses such that the glasses are worn while the user is also wearing a protective welding helmet. The computerized eyewear device is further configured to wirelessly communicate with the programmable processor-based subsystem of the virtual reality welding simulation system. The computerized eyewear device may receive information from the programmable processor-based subsystem and display the information on the HUD. Additionally, the user may provide instructions to the programmable processor-based subsystem via the computerized eyewear device (e.g., via voice activation). The programmable processor-based subsystem and the computerized eyewear device may be cooperatively configured to provide, for example, one or more virtual reality images related to a virtual reality welding process and virtual cues and indicators related to the virtual reality welding process on the HUD.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes a frame configured to be worn on a user's head, the frame including a bridge configured to be supported on the user's nose, a brow section coupled to the bridge and extending from the bridge to a first end remote therefrom, the brow section configured to be positioned on a first side of the user's brow, and a first arm having a first end coupled to the first end of the brow section and extending to a free end, the first arm having a free end positioned near a first ear of the user, the bridge being adjustable for selective positioning of the brow section relative to the user's eye. The computerized eyewear device also includes a transparent display (HUD) secured to the frame and movable relative to the frame through rotation about a first axis extending parallel to the first brow section. The computerized eyewear device also includes a housing including control and communication circuitry secured to the frame. As an example, the computerized eyewear device can be a Google Glass™ device configured to operate with an arc welding system or a virtual reality arc welding simulation system.

[0010] The details of the illustrated embodiments of the invention will be more fully understood from the following description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a diagram of an example embodiment of an arc welding system and a computerized eyewear device configured to communicate with the arc welding system. [Diagram 2] 2 shows a diagram of an example embodiment of the computerized eyewear device of FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a diagram of an example embodiment of a virtual reality welding system and a computerized eyewear device configured to communicate with the virtual reality welding system. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of an arc welding system and a computerized eyewear device configured to communicate with each other via an Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an example embodiment of an Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform having multiple server computers. [Figure 6] 6 illustrates a diagram of an example embodiment of a server computer of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform of FIG. 5 having a connection server application. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a welding environment having multiple welding power sources and multiple computerized eyewear devices configured to communicate with each other via an Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Below are definitions of exemplary terms that may be used within this disclosure. Both singular and plural forms of all terms are included in each meaning.

[0013] As used herein, "software" or "computer program" includes, but is not limited to, one or more computer-readable and / or executable instructions that cause a computer or other electronic device to function, act, and / or behave in a desired manner. The instructions may be embodied in various forms, such as routines, algorithms, modules, or programs, including separate applications or code from dynamically linked libraries. Software may also be implemented in various forms, such as stand-alone programs, function calls, servlets, applets, applications, instructions stored in memory, part of an operating system, or other types of executable instructions. It is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the form of software depends on, for example, the requirements of a desired application, the environment in which it is executed, and / or the desires of a designer / programmer, etc.

[0014] As used herein, a "computer" or "processing element" or "computerized device" includes, but is not limited to, any programmed or programmable electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data. A "non-transitory computer-readable medium" includes, but is not limited to, CD-ROMs, removable flash memory cards, hard disk drives, magnetic tapes, and floppy disks.

[0015] As used herein, "computer memory" refers to storage devices configured to store digital data or information that can be retrieved by a computer or processing element.

[0016] As used herein, a "controller" refers to logic circuitry and / or processing elements and associated software or programs involved in controlling a device, system, or part of a system.

[0017] The terms "signals," "data," and "information" may be used interchangeably herein and may be in either digital or analog form.

[0018] The term "welding parameters" is used broadly herein and may refer to some characteristics of a welding output current waveform (e.g., amplitude, pulse width, duration, slope, electrode polarity), a welding process (e.g., a short arc welding process or a pulsed welding process), wire feed speed, modulation frequency, weld travel speed, or some other parameter associated with real-world welding or simulated welding.

[0019] As used herein, the term "head-up display" refers to a transparent display that presents information (eg, high quality images) without requiring a user to look away from the user's normal point of view.

[0020] In one embodiment, an arc welding system is provided that includes a welding power source and a computerized eyewear device having a head-up display (HUD) and control and communication circuitry (CCC) operably connected to the HUD. The computerized eyewear device is configured to be worn by a user like eyeglasses are worn while the user is also wearing a protective welding helmet and to wirelessly communicate with the welding power source. The control and communication circuitry is configured to wirelessly receive information from the welding power source and display the information on the HUD.

[0021] In one embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes a microphone operably connected to the control and communication circuitry. The microphone and control and communication circuitry are configured to receive voice-activated user command information and wirelessly transmit the information to the welding power source. In one embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes a camera operably connected to the control and communication circuitry. The camera and control and communication circuitry are configured to capture one or more still and video images. In one embodiment, the control and communication circuitry is configured to access the Internet via a wireless access point.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes a frame configured to be worn on a user's head and at least one housing secured to the frame that includes one or more of control and communication circuitry, a microphone, and a camera. The HUD is also secured to the frame and is movable relative to the frame through rotation about a first axis extending parallel to the first eyebrow region. Optionally, the computerized eyewear device may include at least one prescription optical lens held in place by the frame.

[0023] In one embodiment, the frame includes a bridge configured to be supported on a user's nose, a brow portion coupled to the bridge and extending from the bridge to a first end remote therefrom, the brow portion configured to be positioned over a first side of the user's brow, and a first arm having a first end coupled to the first end of the brow portion and extending to a free end. The first arm is configured for positioning over a first temple of the user with the free end positioned proximate a first ear of the user. In one embodiment, the bridge is adjustable for selective positioning of the brow portion relative to the user's eye.

[0024] 1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an arc welding system 100 and a computerized eyewear device 150 configured to communicate with the arc welding system 100. The arc welding system 100 includes a wire feeder 110, a welding gun or tool 120, a shielding gas supply 130 (e.g., a shielding gas tank) having a gas meter / sensor 131, and a welding power supply 140. The wire feeder 110, welding gun 120, shielding gas supply 130 and power supply 140 are operatively connected to enable a welder to generate an electric arc between a welding wire and a workpiece W to perform a weld, as is known in the art.

[0025] According to one embodiment, welding power supply 140 includes a switching power supply (not shown), a waveform generator (not shown), a controller (not shown), a voltage feedback circuit (not shown), a current feedback circuit (not shown), and wireless communication circuitry 145. Wire feeder 110 feeds a consumable wire welding electrode E towards a workpiece W through a welding gun (welding tool) 120 at a selected wire feed speed (WFS). Wire feeder 110, consumable welding electrode E and workpiece W are not part of welding power supply 140, but may be operably connected to welding power supply 140 via a welding power cable.

[0026] Computerized eyewear device 150 is configured to be worn as glasses by a user such that glasses are worn while the user is also wearing a protective welding helmet. The protective welding helmet may be a conventional welding helmet that does not need to be modified in any way to accommodate computerized eyewear device 150. Additionally, computerized eyewear device 150 is configured to communicate wirelessly with welding power source 140 via wireless communication circuitry 145 of welding power source 140. Wireless communication circuitry 145 may include a processor, computer memory, a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna according to one embodiment.

[0027] 1 and 2, Fig. 2 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the computerized eyewear device 150 of Fig. 1, the computerized eyewear device 150 including a frame 151 configured to be worn on the head of a user. The frame 151 includes a bridge 152 configured to be supported on the user's nose and a brow portion 153 coupled to the bridge 152 and extending from the bridge 152 to first and second ends distal thereto, the brow portion 153 configured to be positioned on the user's brow.

[0028] The frame also includes a first arm 154 having a first end coupled to a first end of the brow portion 153 and extending to a free end configured for placement on a first temple of the user with the free end positioned proximate a first ear of the user. The frame 151 also includes a second arm 155 having a first end coupled to a second end of the brow portion 153 and extending to a free end configured for placement on a second temple of the user with the free end positioned proximate a second ear of the user. The bridge 152 may be adjustable for selective positioning of the brow portion 153 relative to the eye of the user, according to one embodiment.

[0029] The computerized eyewear device 150 includes a transparent display (e.g., HUD) 156 secured to the frame 151. The HUD 156 may be movable relative to the frame 151 through rotation about a first axis extending parallel to the eyebrow 153, according to one embodiment, and may be configured to display text, graphics, and images, according to one embodiment. The computerized eyewear device 150 also includes control and communication circuitry (e.g., a computer) 157 enclosed within a housing 162 and secured to the frame 151. The control and communication circuitry 157 may include, for example, a processor and memory. The memory may be coupled to the processor and may store software that may be accessed and executed by the processor. The processor may be, for example, a microprocessor or a digital signal processor. Optionally, the computerized eyewear device 150 may include a camera 158. The HUD 156 and the control and communication circuitry 157 (and optionally the camera 158) are operatively connected to provide the functionality described herein. According to one embodiment, the camera 158 is configured to capture still images (images) and video. In this way, a user may record a welding scenario as viewed by the user from inside the welding helmet.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the control and communication circuitry 157 provides bidirectional communication with the wireless communication circuitry 145 of the welding power source 140. Information may be provided from the welding power source 140 to the computerized eyewear device 150 and displayed on the HUD 156. Additionally, according to one embodiment, the control and communication circuitry 157 is configured to receive voice-activated commands from a user and transmit the commands to the welding power source 140. Communication between the welding power source 140 and the computerized eyewear device 150 may be accomplished, for example, by Bluetooth wireless technology, a communication protocol described in IEEE 802.11 (including any IEEE 802.11 revisions), cellular technology (such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, EVDO, WiMax, or LTE), or ZigBee technology, among other possibilities. According to one embodiment, the computerized eyewear device may also include at least one optical lens 163 that matches the user's corrective vision prescription. According to another embodiment, the computerized eyewear device may be modular and attachable to regular prescription eyeglasses.

[0031] Additionally, according to one embodiment, welding power source 140 may be accessible by computerized eyewear device 150 via the Internet. For example, control and communications circuitry 157 may be configured to access the Internet via a wireless hotspot (e.g., a smartphone or a wireless router) and access welding power source 140 through the Internet. Alternatively, welding power source 140 may be configured to access the Internet and provide information obtained from the Internet to computerized eyewear device 150.

[0032] Information that may be displayed on the HUD 156 during a real-world welding scenario that may be useful to a welder may be in the form of text, images, or graphics. Such information may include, for example, arc welding process, welding tool travel angle, welding tool travel speed, tip-to-work distance, wire feed speed, welding polarity, output voltage level, output current level, arc length, dime spacing, whip time, paddle time, weave width, weave spacing, tolerance window, numerical score, and welding sequence steps. According to other embodiments, other information may be displayed as well. For example, in an augmented mode, operational indicators used in the virtual reality training environment may be overlaid on top of the actual welding environment using the HUD 156. In this way, a welding student trained on a virtual reality welding system may transition to an actual welding scenario and have the same operational indicators provided via the HUD. If a particular parameter (e.g., welding tool travel angle) is within an acceptable range or not, a visual cue or indicator may be displayed to the welder on the HUD of the computerized eyewear device to instruct the welder. Such visual cues or indicators may aid in training by helping inexperienced welders or welding students improve their welding techniques.

[0033] Acquisition of some of the information (e.g., travel angle, travel speed, nozzle height) may rely on the welding tool being spatially tracked. According to one embodiment, the welding tool may include an accelerometer device operably connected to the welding power source to provide spatial position or movement information. Other methods of tracking the welding tool are possible as well, such as magnetic tracking techniques.

[0034] According to one embodiment, computerized eyewear device 150 includes a microphone 159 for receiving voice-activated commands from a user. Welder-initiated voice-activated commands that may be addressed by computerized eyewear device 150 in communication with welding power source 140 may include commands to change welding parameters such as wire feed speed, welding polarity, and welding output current level. According to other embodiments, other types of commands may be possible as well.

[0035] According to one embodiment, computerized eyewear device 150 and / or welding power source 140 may be programmed with one or more welding software applications configured to regulate the use of computerized eyewear device 150 by arc welding system 100. For example, one welding software application embodiment may provide a "good weld" recognition capability. Similar to the facial recognition capability, the "good weld" recognition capability may use camera 158 to capture an image of a weld generated by a user, analyze the image, and provide feedback to the user on HUD 156 regarding the overall external quality of the weld. For example, the text "bad weld," "fair weld," or "good weld" may be displayed to the user. The user may need to remove their welding helmet or lift a sun visor on the welding helmet to capture an image of the weld. The welding software application may reside in computerized eyewear device 150, welding power source 140, or a combination of both, according to various embodiments.

[0036] As another example, an embodiment of the welding software application may provide a weld sequencing capability. When welding a portion of an assembly having many weld locations, it is undesirable for the welder to miss a weld. The welding software application may pause the welder across multiple weld locations for the portion. For example, when the welder finishes a current weld on a portion of an assembly that requires multiple weld locations, the welder may give a voice command for "next weld." As a result, the welding software application may display an image or graphic (e.g., a 3D representation of the portion) on the HUD 156 that provides the location of the next weld to be made. The type of weld and other information related to the weld may also be displayed. According to an embodiment in which the computerized eyewear device 150 is spatially tracked, discussed later herein, the welding software application may display a graphic on the HUD such that a graphic indicator is overlaid on the assembly at the next location to be welded. According to other embodiments, other types of welding software applications operating with the computerized eyewear device are possible as well.

[0037] In one embodiment, a virtual reality welding system is provided. The virtual reality welding system includes a programmable processor-based subsystem and a computerized eyewear device having a head-up display (HUD) and control and communication circuitry (CCC) operably connected to the HUD. The computerized eyewear device is configured to be worn by a user like eyeglasses are worn and to communicate wirelessly with the programmable processor-based subsystem. The control and communication circuitry is configured to wirelessly receive information from the programmable processor-based subsystem and display the information on the HUD.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the computerized eyewear device further includes a microphone operably connected to the control and communications circuitry and configured to receive voice-activated user command information and transmit this information wirelessly to the programmable processor-based subsystem. Alternatively or in addition, the computerized eyewear device may include a touch-sensitive user interface operably connected to the control and communications circuitry and configured to enable a user to select command information and transmit this information wirelessly to the programmable processor-based subsystem.

[0039] In one embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes a camera operably connected to control and communications circuitry. The camera and control and communications circuitry are configured to capture one or more still and video images. In one embodiment, the control and communications circuitry is configured to access the Internet via a wireless access point.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes a frame configured to be worn on a user's head and at least one housing secured to the frame that includes one or more of control and communication circuitry, a microphone, and a camera. The HUD is also secured to the frame and is movable relative to the frame through rotation about a first axis extending parallel to the first eyebrow region. Optionally, the computerized eyewear device may include at least one prescription optical lens held in place by the frame.

[0041] In one embodiment, the frame includes a bridge configured to be supported on a user's nose, a brow portion coupled to the bridge and extending from the bridge to a first end remote therefrom, the brow portion configured to be positioned over a first side of the user's brow, and a first arm having a first end coupled to the first end of the brow portion and extending to a free end. The first arm is configured for positioning over a first temple of the user with the free end positioned proximate a first ear of the user. In one embodiment, the bridge is adjustable for selective positioning of the brow portion relative to the user's eye.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the computerized eyewear device includes at least one motion sensing device operably connected to control and communication circuitry and configured to provide spatial information to a programmable processor-based subsystem as a user moves his or her head.

[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a virtual reality arc welding system 300 and a computerized eyewear device 150 configured to communicate with the virtual reality welding system 300. The virtual reality arc welding (VRAW) system includes a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operably connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool that can be spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operably connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. According to an embodiment, the computerized eyewear device 150 can also be spatially tracked by the spatial tracker. The system can simulate a weld puddle in virtual reality space with real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system can also display the simulated weld puddle on the display device in real time.

[0044] The system 300 includes a programmable processor-based subsystem (PPS) 310. The system 300 further includes a spatial tracker (ST) 320 operably connected to the PPS 310. The system 300 also includes a physical welding user interface (WUI) 330 operably connected to the PPS 310, and a computerized eyewear device 150 in wireless communication with the PPS 310 via wireless communication circuitry 145 of the PPS 310. The system 300 further includes an observer display device (ODD) 340 operably connected to the PPS 310. The system 300 also includes at least one mock welding tool (MWT) 350 operably connected to the ST 320 and the PPS 310. System 300 further includes a table / stand (T / S) 360 and at least one welding coupon (WC) 370 that can be attached to T / S 360. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a mock gas bottle is provided (not shown) that simulates a source of shielding gas and has an adjustable flow regulator.

[0045] According to one embodiment, computerized eyewear device 150 is configured as previously described herein. However, in this embodiment, control and communication circuitry 157 provides bidirectional communication with wireless communication circuitry 145 of PPS 310. Information may be provided from PPS 310 to computerized eyewear device 150 and displayed on HUD 156. Additionally, according to one embodiment, control and communication circuitry 157 is configured to receive voice-activated commands from a user and transmit the commands to PPS 310. Communication between PPS 310 and computerized eyewear device 150 may be accomplished, for example, via Bluetooth wireless technology, a communication protocol described in IEEE 802.11 (including any IEEE 802.11 revisions), cellular technology (such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, EVDO, WiMax, or LTE), or ZigBee technology, among other possibilities.

[0046] Additionally, according to one embodiment, PPS 310 may be accessible by computerized eyewear device 150 via the Internet. For example, control and communications circuitry 157 may be configured to access the Internet via a wireless hotspot (e.g., a smartphone or a wireless router) and to access PPS 310 through the Internet. Alternatively, PPS 310 may be configured to access the Internet and provide information obtained from the Internet to computerized eyewear device 150.

[0047] As before, the user may wear a conventional welding helmet over computerized eyewear device 150. However, because the welding scenario is a simulated welding scenario, the conventional welding helmet may be fitted with a clear lens instead of a protective lens that would protect against light and other radiation emitted by a real arc. Thus, the user may look through the clear lens to view, for example, welding coupon 370 and mock welding tool 350.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the computerized eyewear device 150 is configured with an accelerometer device 160 operably connected to the control and communication circuitry 157. As the user moves his / her head, spatial information provided by the accelerometer device is communicated to the PPS 310 and then to the spatial tracker 320. In this manner, the spatial relationship between the surrounding environment and what the user sees through the HUD 156 of the computerized eyewear device 150 can be correlated. As the user uses the system 300 to proceed through a virtual welding process, anything displayed on the HUD 156 (e.g., a virtual welding paddle) will appear overlaid on, for example, the welding coupon 370 as the user views the welding coupon through the clear lenses of a conventional welding helmet. According to other embodiments, other motion sensing devices besides the accelerometer device can be used. According to one embodiment, a calibration procedure can be initially performed to correlate the user's view through the HUD with the surrounding environment.

[0049] The real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics of the simulated weld puddle, when displayed, provide real-time visual feedback to a user of the mock welding tool (e.g., on a HUD of computerized eyewear device 150 tracked by spatial tracker 320), allowing the user to adjust or maintain their welding technique in real-time in response to the real-time visual feedback (i.e., helping the user learn to weld correctly). When computerized eyewear device 150 is spatially tracked, the weld puddle will appear in the correct position relative to the welding coupon viewed through the HUD.

[0050] The displayed weld puddle represents a weld puddle that would be formed in the real world based on the user's welding technique and the selected welding process and parameters. By viewing the puddle (e.g., shape, color, slag, size, stacked dimes), the user can modify their technique and determine the type of weld to make a good weld. The shape of the puddle corresponds to the gun or stick motion.

[0051] The term "real-time" as used herein with respect to a virtual reality or simulated environment means that a user perceives and experiences in the virtual or simulated environment in a timely manner in the same way that the user would perceive and experience in a real-world welding scenario. Additionally, the welding puddle responds to the effects of the physical environment, including gravity, allowing the user to realistically perform welding exercises in a variety of positions, including overhead welding and various pipe welding angles (e.g., 1G, 2G, 5G, 6G).

[0052] Information that may be useful to a welding student to display on the HUD 156 during a virtual or simulated welding scenario may be in the form of text, images or graphics. Such information may include, for example, the arc welding process, welding tool travel angle, welding tool travel speed, nozzle height, set wire feed speed, set welding polarity, simulated output voltage level, set output current level, simulated arc length, dime spacing, whip time, paddle time, weave width, weave spacing, tolerance window, numeric score and weld sequence process. According to other embodiments, other information may be displayed as well.

[0053] According to one embodiment, computerized eyewear device 150 includes a microphone 159 operably connected to control and communications circuitry 157 for receiving voice-activated commands from a user. Welder-initiated voice-activated commands that may be addressed by computerized eyewear device 150 in communication with PPS 310 may include commands to change welding parameters such as simulated wire feed speed, simulated weld polarity, and simulated weld output current level. According to other embodiments, other types of commands may be possible as well.

[0054] According to one embodiment, computerized eyewear device 150 and / or PPS 310 may be programmed with one or more welding training software applications configured to coordinate the use of computerized eyewear device 150 with virtual reality arc welding system 300. For example, one welding software application embodiment may provide a "good weld" recognition capability. Similar to the face recognition capability, the "good weld" recognition capability may use an image of a simulated weld generated by a user, analyze the image, and provide feedback to the user on HUD 156 regarding the overall external quality of the weld. For example, the text "bad weld," "fair weld," or "good weld" may be displayed to the user. The welding software application may reside within computerized eyewear device 150, PPS 310, or a combination of both, according to various embodiments.

[0055] As another example, an embodiment of a welding software application may provide a weld sequencing capability. When a welder finishes a current mock weld on a welding coupon that requires multiple weld locations, the welder may give a voice command for "next weld." As a result, the welding software application may display an image or graphic on the HUD 156 providing the location of the next weld to be made. The type of weld and other information related to the weld may also be displayed. According to an embodiment in which the computerized eyewear device 150 is spatially tracked as discussed herein, the welding software application may display a graphic on the HUD such that the graphic is overlaid on the welding coupon at the next location to be welded. According to other embodiments, other types of welding software applications operating with the computerized eyewear device are possible as well.

[0056] The computerized eyewear device 150 may be configured to be used with other welding simulation systems according to other embodiments. For example, a welding simulation performed on a personal computer (PC) or tablet computer may be communicatively and functionally integrated with the computerized eyewear device 150 to assist the welding student in learning how to weld. In some simulated and / or virtual welding environments, the welding student may not need to wear a welding helmet of any kind. Instead, the computerized eyewear device may be the only head gear worn. One optional embodiment of the computerized eyewear device may provide a touch-sensitive user interface (TSUI) 161 that the welding student may use instead of or in addition to voice-activated commands. Such a TSUI may be accessible to the welding student, for example, when not wearing a welding helmet. According to one embodiment, the TSUI 161 is operably connected to the control and communication circuitry 157.

[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the arc welding system 100 of FIG. 1 and the computerized eyewear device 150 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 configured to communicate with each other, for example, via an Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform 400. The arc welding system 100 with the welding power source 140 and the computerized eyewear device 150 may exist in a real-world welding environment (e.g., a manufacturing facility). The term "real-world" is used herein to refer to an actual welding environment as opposed to a virtual welding environment. The IoT technology platform 400 may also exist in the real-world welding environment with the welding power source 140, the computerized eyewear device 150, and possibly other devices (e.g., other welding power sources, other computerized eyewear devices, etc.). In an alternative embodiment, a portion of the IoT technology platform 400 exists in the welding environment and another portion of the IoT technology platform 400 exists outside the welding environment (e.g., as part of a server farm located away from the welding environment). That is, the IoT technology platform 400 may be distributed across several real-world environments.

[0058] The IoT technology platform 400 provides scalable, interoperable, and secure wired and / or wireless communication connectivity (e.g., via web sockets) between multiple heterogeneous devices in a real-world welding environment. The IoT technology platform 400 enables protocol-agnostic deployment of multiple heterogeneous devices in a real-world welding environment. That is, devices that may communicate using various communication protocols can be accommodated by the IoT technology platform 400, allowing the heterogeneous devices to communicate with each other via the IoT technology platform 400. The IoT technology platform 400 is configured to handle message routing and translation between multiple heterogeneous devices and enable developers to build, run, and develop applications to control and report data to and from any of the multiple heterogeneous devices. An example of an IoT technology platform is provided by ThingWorx®.

[0059] 4, the welding power source 140 of the arc welding system 100, which is one of the plurality of disparate devices, is configured to communicate wirelessly (bidirectionally) with the IoT technology platform 400. In one embodiment, the welding power source 140 may be an inverter-based welding power source supporting at least one of a gas metal arc welding (GMAW) operation, a gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) operation, or a shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) operation. The computerized eyewear device 150, which is one of the plurality of disparate devices, includes control and communication circuitry 157 and a transparent display 156.

[0060] In one embodiment, the control and communication circuitry 157 is configured to communicate wirelessly (bidirectionally) with the welding power source 140 via the IoT technology platform 400. The transparent display 156 is configured to display information received by the control and communication circuitry 157 from the welding power source 140 via the IoT technology platform 400 while allowing a user to view the surroundings of the real-world welding environment through the transparent display. That is, the computerized eyewear device 150 is configured to provide an augmented reality capability at least through the transparent display. For example, the information displayed by the transparent display 156 may be in any form of text, graphics, or images and may include welding parameters received from the welding power source 140 via the IoT technology platform 400.

[0061] In one embodiment, computerized eyewear device 150 includes a microphone 159 (see FIG. 2 ) operably connected to control and communications circuitry 157. Together, microphone 159 and control and communications circuitry 157 are configured to receive voice-initiated user command information from a user and communicate the voice-initiated user command information to welding power source 140 via Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform 400.

[0062] In one embodiment, computerized eyewear device 150 includes a camera 158 operably connected to control and communications circuitry 157. Together, camera 158 and control and communications circuitry 157 are configured to capture at least one still image or video of the real-world welding environment from the perspective of a user during a welding operation and communicate the at least one still image or video to Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform 400 for recording and storage.

[0063] In one embodiment, computerized eyewear device 150 includes a touch-sensitive user interface 161 (see FIG. 2 ) operably connected to control and communications circuitry 157. Together, touch-sensitive user interface 161 and control and communications circuitry 157 are configured to enable a user to select and provide command information to welding power source 140 via Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform 400 to control welding power source 140.

[0064] FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of an example embodiment of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform 400 of FIG. 4 having multiple server computers 410. The multiple server computers 410 support communication and interaction between multiple heterogeneous devices in a welding environment. FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of an example embodiment of one server computer 410 (of the multiple server computers) of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform 400 of FIG. 5 having a connection server application 420. In one embodiment, the connection server application 420 is configured to support scalable, interoperable, and secure communication connections between multiple heterogeneous devices, enabling protocol-independent deployment of multiple heterogeneous devices in a real-world welding environment. The connection server application 420 may include, for example, software or a combination of software and hardware, according to various embodiments.

[0065] FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of an example embodiment of a real-world welding environment 700 having multiple heterogeneous devices (e.g., multiple welding power sources 140 and multiple computerized eyewear devices 150) configured to communicate with each other via an Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform 400. As shown in FIG. 7, communication between the IoT technology platform 400 and any of the multiple heterogeneous devices is via wireless means. In alternative embodiments, wired means and / or a combination of wired and wireless means may be employed. The IoT technology platform 400 facilitates communication between the multiple heterogeneous devices. For example, in one embodiment, any heterogeneous device may communicate with any other heterogeneous device in the welding environment 700 via the IoT technology platform.

[0066] The heterogeneous devices in the real-world welding environment 700 have heterogeneous wireless communication capabilities. Wireless communication supported by the heterogeneous devices and the IoT technology platform 400 may be via, for example, any of the following: Bluetooth® wireless technology, communication protocols as set forth in IEEE 802.11 (including any IEEE 802.11 revisions), cellular technologies (such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, EVDO, WiMax, or LTE), or ZigBee® technology, among other possibilities. Again, the IoT technology platform 400 is configured to enable protocol-agnostic deployment of the heterogeneous devices in the real-world welding environment by at least handling message routing and translation between the heterogeneous devices.

[0067] The heterogeneous devices in the real-world welding environment 700 may also include one or more welding wire feeders 110 (see FIG. 1), one or more welding guns or torches 120 (see FIG. 1), one or more gas meters / sensors 131 operably connected to one or more shielding gas tanks 130 (see FIG. 1), one or more mobile phone devices 710 ("smart" phones), one or more welding helmets 720 ("smart" welding helmets), and one or more welding fume extractors 730 ("smart" gas extractors). The term "smart" is used herein to refer to devices that have data communication capabilities and at least some limited ability to process and / or analyze communicated data. According to other embodiments, other types of heterogeneous devices in the real-world welding environment 700 are possible as well.

[0068] Any of the multiple disparate devices in the real-world welding environment 700 may include one or more sensors (e.g., gas meter / sensor 131) to sense one or more corresponding parameters associated with the multiple disparate devices. The parameters may be communicated to the IoT technology platform 400 (e.g., using the connectivity server application 420). The parameters may include, for example, a temperature parameter, a pressure parameter, a humidity parameter, a voltage parameter, a current parameter, a wire feed speed parameter, a flow rate parameter, a spatial position parameter, a spatial orientation parameter, or a travel speed parameter. According to other embodiments, other types of sensors and corresponding parameters are possible as well.

[0069] In summary, a system and method are provided for assisting a welder or welding student. The system may include a real-world arc welding system or a virtual reality arc welding system along with a computerized eyewear device having a head-up display (HUD). The computerized eyewear device may be worn by a user under a traditional welding helmet like eyeglasses are worn, and may wirelessly communicate with a welding power source of the real-world arc welding system or a programmable processor-based subsystem of the virtual reality arc welding system.

[0070] A system for facilitating communication and control within a welding environment is also disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform configured to provide a scalable, interoperable, and secure communication connection between multiple disparate devices within the welding environment. The system also includes a welding power source configured to communicate with the IoT technology platform. The system further includes a computerized eyewear device. The computerized eyewear device includes control and communication circuitry configured to communicate with the welding power source via the IoT technology platform. The computerized eyewear device also includes a transparent display configured to display information received from the welding power source via the IoT technology platform while allowing a user to view the periphery of the welding environment through the transparent display.

[0071] In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "having" are used as the plain-language equivalents of the term "comprising," and the term "in which" is equivalent to "wherein." Moreover, in the appended claims, the terms "first," "second," "third," "upper," "lower," "bottom," "top," and the like, are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on their objects. Moreover, the limitations of the appended claims are not written in "means-plus-function" format, and such claim limitations are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, unless and until a statement of function devoid of separate structure explicitly uses the phrase "means for." As used herein, elements or steps recited in the singular and preceded by an article should be understood not to exclude a plurality of said elements or steps, unless expressly stated. Moreover, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless expressly stated to the contrary, an embodiment "including" or "having" an element or elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not have that characteristic. Moreover, while some embodiments may be shown as having the same or similar elements, this is for illustrative purposes only and such embodiments do not necessarily have the same elements unless otherwise specified in the claims.

[0072] As used herein, the terms "may," "could," and "might" indicate the possibility of occurrence within a set of circumstances, the possession of a specified property, characteristic, or function, and / or modify another verb by expressing one or more of the capabilities or possibilities associated with the modified verb. Thus, use of the terms "may," "could," and "might" indicates that the modified term is clearly appropriate, capable, or suitable for the indicated capability, function, or use, while also contemplateing that in some circumstances the modified term may not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capability may be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capability may not occur; i.e., this distinction is captured by the terms "may," "could," and "might."

[0073] This specification uses several examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated methods. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. The scope of the invention may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal words of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that have insubstantial differences from the literal words of the claims.

[0074] Although the invention of this application has been described with reference to several embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 100 Arc Welding System 110 Wire Feeder 120 Welding gun or tool 130 Shielding Gas Tank 131 Gas meter / sensor 140 Welding power source 145 Wireless communication circuit system 150 Computerized eyewear device 151 Frames 152 Bridge 153 Eyebrow 154 First Arm 155 Second Arm 156 Head-up display 157 Control and communication circuits 158 Cameras 159 Microphone 160 Accelerometer device 161 Touch-Sensing User Interfaces 162 Case 163 Optical Lenses 300 Virtual Reality Arc Welding System 310 Programmable Processor-Based Subsystems 320 Spatial Tracker 330 Welding User Interface 340 Observer display device 350 Mock Welding Tool 360 Table / Stand 370 Welding Coupon 400 IoT Technology Platform 410 Server Computer 420 Connection Server Application 700 Real World Welding Environment 710 Mobile Phone Devices 720 Welding Helmet 730 Welding fume extractor CCC Control and communication circuitry E Consumable Wire Welding Electrode GMAW Gas Metal Arc Welding GTAW Gas Tungsten Arc Welding HUD Head Up Display IoT Internet of Things MWT Mock Welding Tool ODD Observer Display Device PC Personal Computer PPS Programmable Processor-Based Subsystem SMAW Shielded Metal Arc Welding ST Spatial Tracker TSUI Touch-Sensitive User Interface T / S Table / Stand VRAW Virtual Reality Arc Welding W Workpiece WC Welding Coupon WFS Wire Feed Speed WUI Welding User Interface

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising: An Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform including at least one server computer having a connectivity server application, said Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform comprising: As part of the real-world welding environment, providing scalable, interoperable, and secure wireless communication connectivity between a plurality of heterogeneous devices within the real-world welding environment; enabling protocol independent deployment of the plurality of heterogeneous devices within the real-world welding environment, the plurality of heterogeneous devices having heterogeneous or different communication protocols; configured to handle message routing and transformation between said plurality of heterogeneous devices, thereby enabling communication between said plurality of heterogeneous devices using different said communication protocols; Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform; at least one welding power source, at least one of the plurality of heterogeneous devices, configured for bidirectional wireless communication with the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform using the connectivity server application; At least one computerized eyewear device, which is at least one of the plurality of heterogeneous devices, control and communication circuitry having a processor and memory configured for bidirectional wireless communication with the at least one welding power source via the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform using the connectivity server application; the transparent display configured to display information received by the control and communication circuitry from the at least one welding power source via the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform using the connectivity server application while allowing a user to view the periphery of the real-world welding environment through the transparent display; At least one computerized eyewear device including: Including, A system, wherein at least one of the plurality of heterogeneous devices includes at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter associated with the at least one of the plurality of heterogeneous devices.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform is configured to provide the scalable, interoperable, and secure communication connections between the plurality of heterogeneous devices via WebSockets.

3. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform is configured to enable developers to build, run, and develop applications that control and report data to and from any of the plurality of heterogeneous devices.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the information displayed by the transparent display is in the form of at least one of text, graphics, images, or video.

5. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the information displayed by the transparent display includes at least one welding parameter received from the at least one welding power source via the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform.

6. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one computerized eyewear device includes a microphone operably connected to the control and communications circuitry and configured to receive voice-activated user command information from the user and to communicate the voice-activated user command information to the at least one welding power source via the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform.

7. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one computerized eyewear device includes a camera operably connected to the control and communications circuitry and configured to capture at least one still or video image of the real-world welding environment during a welding operation from the user's perspective and transmit the at least one still or video image to the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform for recording and storage.

8. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one computerized eyewear device includes a touch-sensitive user interface operably connected to the control and communication circuitry and configured to provide command information to the at least one welding power source via the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform for controlling the at least one welding power source such that a user can select the command information.

9. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one welding power source is an inverter-based welding power source supporting at least one of gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) or shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) operations.

10. A plurality of heterogeneous devices in a real-world welding environment having heterogeneous wireless communication capabilities; an Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform including at least one server computer having a connectivity server application; A system comprising: Wherein, the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform is: providing a scalable, interoperable, and secure wireless communication connection between the plurality of heterogeneous devices; enabling protocol independent deployment of the plurality of heterogeneous devices within the real-world welding environment, the plurality of heterogeneous devices having heterogeneous or different communication protocols; configured to handle message routing and translation between said plurality of heterogeneous devices, thereby enabling communication between said plurality of heterogeneous devices using different said communication protocols; wherein the plurality of heterogeneous devices includes at least one welding power source configured to bidirectionally wirelessly communicate with the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform using the connectivity server application; wherein the plurality of heterogeneous devices includes at least one computerized eyewear device, the at least one computerized eyewear device comprising: control and communication circuitry having a processor and memory configured to bidirectionally wirelessly communicate with the at least one welding power source over the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform using the connectivity server application; a transparent display configured to display information received by the control and communication circuitry from the at least one welding power source via the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform using the connectivity server application while allowing a user to view the periphery of the real-world welding environment through the transparent display; Including, A system, wherein at least one of the plurality of heterogeneous devices includes at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter associated with the at least one of the plurality of heterogeneous devices.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the at least one computerized eyewear device is configured to provide augmented reality capabilities at least through the transparent display.

12. The system of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of disparate devices includes at least one welding wire feeder.

13. The system of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of disparate devices includes at least one welding gun or torch.

14. The system of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of disparate devices includes at least one gas meter operably connected to at least one shielding gas tank.

15. The system of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of heterogeneous devices includes at least one mobile phone device.

16. The system of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of disparate devices includes at least one welding helmet.

17. The system of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of disparate devices includes at least one welding fume extractor.

18. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of heterogeneous devices includes at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter associated with the at least one of the plurality of heterogeneous devices and communicate the at least one parameter to the Internet of Things (IoT) technology platform using the connection server application.

19. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the at least one parameter comprises at least one of a temperature parameter, a pressure parameter, a humidity parameter, a voltage parameter, a current parameter, a wire feed speed parameter, a flow rate parameter, a spatial position parameter, a spatial orientation parameter, or a movement speed parameter.

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