Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
IN 4 CA 02549553 2007-04-04
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Virtual simulator method and system for neuromuscular training and
certification
via a communication network
Field of the invention
The field of the invention is related to professional work, labour or craft
activities, sport
or even physical rehabilitation requirements where the skills, dexterity or
neuromuscular
ability is required to performed physical activities in a precise environment
with
electronic tutoring systems and methods, and more particularly, to an
interactive
computer-based training system and method operable over an Internet Protocol
(IP)-
based public computer network such as the Internet, a corporate Intranet, and
the like.
This precise environment can be located in a online database for code of
conduct,
state-of-the-art, physic laws or technical code for physical activities
requiring training
and certification.
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Summary of the invention
By practicing online virtual certification over the Internet and the World
Wide Web, it has
become obvious that a technological gap exists between traditional
certification and
online certification. This gap is related to the fact that there is no
available technology in
the Internet Protocol (IP)-based public computer network such as the Internet,
corporate
Intranet or the like for the physical and cerebral training to accomplish a
minimum
dexterity required by code, rule of the art or any physical function requiring
minimum
requirements related to neuromuscular activities.
For example, an online 2D, 3D, near 3D visual multimedia signal and auditory
signal
can create an environment that could easily simulate visual inspection, non-
destructive
examination or destructive examination to ensure neuromuscular workmanship or
craftsmanship requirements or skill training dexterity. Instead of learning by
traditional
manual approach, a simulator method develops all the minimum requirements
needed
in profession, industry, field, sport or rehabilitation activities.
The implementation of virtual simulator method and system are also intended to
help
the trainee to learn a technique and not to cope with difficult environment.
For example,
in a traditional welding training center, the welder trainee has first to
compose with the
difficult environment of the welding electric arc (eye protection and gaseous
emanations
and other complex technical considerations). Also in a typical approach, a
trainee can
easily spare a very considerable amount of money before handling very
expensive
material and technology.
According to the present invention, there is provided a virtual simulator
system for
neuromuscular training and certification via a communication network,
comprising:
a database connectable to the communication network, the database storing data
relative to a code of conduct, state-of-the-art, physics law equations,
technical code and
technique for physical activities requiring training and certification for a
user, and
training scenarios complying with the code of conduct, state-of-the-art,
physics law
equations, technical code and technique;
a multimedia device connectable to the communication network, the multimedia
device having a stopwatch circuit and an input device for interaction with a
user; and
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an on-line simulator processor connectable to the communication network, the
on-line simulator processor performing operations comprising:
retrieving data representative of one of the training scenarios from the
database in response to a user selection on the multimedia device;
generating test elements, parameters and controls based on the data;
monitoring online use of the input device by the user;
performing calculations of a simulated environment on time and online in
response to the use of the input device by the user and management of the test
elements, parameters and controls by the user;
generating real time images on the multimedia device replicating the simulated
environment according to the management of the test elements by the user as a
function of run-time data provided by the stopwatch circuit; and
recording the test elements in the database.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a virtual simulator
method for
neuromuscular training and certification via a communication network,
comprising the
steps of:
storing data relative to a code of conduct, state-of-the-art, physics law
equations, technical code and technique for physical activities requiring
training and
certification for a user, and training scenarios in a database connectable to
the
communication network;
providing a multimedia device connectable to the communication network, the
multimedia device having a stopwatch circuit and an input device for
interaction with a
user; and
through an on-line simulator processor connectable to the communication
network, performing operations comprising:
retrieving data representative of one of the training scenarios from the
database
in response to a user selection on the multimedia device;
generating test elements, parameters and controls based on the data;
monitoring online use of the input device by the user;
performing calculations of a simulated environment on time and online in
response to the use of the input device by the user and management of the test
elements, parameters and controls by the user;
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generating real time images on the multimedia device replicating the simulated
environment according to the management of the test elements by the user as a
function of run-time data provided by the stopwatch circuit; and
recording the test elements in the database.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a multimedia device
connectable to a virtual simulator system having an on-line simulator
processor and a
database for neuromuscular training and certification via a communication
network,
comprising:
a stopwatch circuit;
an input device;
a user interface;
a port for communication with the on-line simulator processor through the
communication network; and
a processor connected to the stopwatch circuit, the input device, the user
interface and the port, the processor comprising means for:
transmitting data produced by use of the input device on the user interface to
the on-line simulator processor via the port;
receiving test elements, parameters and controls and simulated environment
data from the on-line simulator processor via the port;
monitoring a management of the test elements, parameters and controls by the
user as a function of run-time data provided by the stopwatch circuit; and
displaying real time images on the user interface replicating a simulated
environment using the simulated environment data according to the management
by the
user.
According to the present invention, there is also provided an apparatus for
neuromuscular training and certification on a multimedia device via a
communication
network, comprising
a database connectable to the communication network, the database storing data
relative to a code of conduct, state-of-the-art, physics law equations,
technical code and
technique for physical activities requiring training and certification for a
user, and
training scenarios complying with the code of conduct, state-of-the-art,
physics law
equations, technical code and technique; and
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an on-line simulator processor connectable to the communication network, the
on-line simulator processor performing operations comprising:
retrieving data representative of one of the training scenarios from the
database
in response to a request received from the multimedia device representing a
user
selection;
generating test elements, parameters and controls based on the data;
communicating the test elements, parameters and controls to the multimedia
device;
monitoring user activity data received from the multimedia device;
performing calculations of a simulated environment on time and online in
response to the user activity data in relation with the test elements,
parameters and
controls;
transmitting simulation data to the multimedia device causing the multimedia
device to generate real time images replicating the simulated environment
according to
the user activity data; and
recording the test elements in the database.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a computer readable
memory
having recorded thereon statements and instructions for execution by a
computer
system to carry out the above method.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a computer program
product,
comprising:
a memory having computer readable code embodied therein, for execution by
an on-line simulator processor, for neuromuscular training and certification
via a
communication network, said code comprising:
code means for storing data relative to a code of conduct, state-of-the-art,
physics law equations, technical code and technique for physical activities
requiring
training and certification for a user, and training scenarios in a database
connected to
the communication network; and
code means for retrieving data representative of one of the training scenarios
from the database in response to a user selection on a multimedia device
connected to
the communication network;
,
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code means for generating test elements, parameters and controls based on
the data;
code means for monitoring online use of an input device on the multimedia
device by the user;
code means for performing calculations of a simulated environment on time and
online in response to the use of the input device by the user and management
of the
test elements, parameters and controls by the user;
code means for generating real time images on the multimedia device
replicating the simulated environment according to the management of the test
elements by the user as a function of run-time data provided by a stopwatch
circuit of
the multimedia device; and
code means for recording the test elements in the database.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a carrier wave
embodying a
computer data signal representing sequences of statements and instructions
which,
when executed by an on-line simulator processor, cause the on-line simulator
processor
to perform a virtual simulation for neuromuscular training and certification
via a
communication network, the statements and instructions comprising the steps
of:
storing data relative to a code of conduct, state-of-the-art, physics law
equations, technical code and technique for physical activities requiring
training and
certification for a user, and training scenarios in a database connected to
the
communication network; and
retrieving data representative of one of the training scenarios from the
database
in response to a user selection on a multimedia device connected to the
communication
network;
generating test elements, parameters and controls based on the data;
monitoring online use of an input device on the multimedia device by the user;
performing calculations of a simulated environment on time and online in
response to the use of the input device by the user and management of the test
elements, parameters and controls by the user;
generating real time images on the multimedia device replicating the simulated
environment according to the management of the test elements by the user as a
function of run-time data provided by a stopwatch circuit of the multimedia
device; and
recording the test elements in the database.
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According to the present invention, there is also provided a memory for
storing data for
access by an application program being executed on a data processing system,
comprising:
a data structure stored in the memory, the data structure including
information
resident in a database used by the application program and including:
code of conduct data;
state-of-the-art data;
physics law equation data;
technical code and technique data for physical activities requiring training
and
certification for a user; and
training scenarios complying with the code of conduct, state-of-the-art,
physics
law equations, technical code and technique, to be used by the application
program to
generate test elements, parameters and controls for neuromuscular training and
certification via a communication network.
The following provides a non-restrictive outline of certain features of the
invention more
fully described herein after.
The present invention relates to a virtual simulator method and system for
neuromuscular training and certification of profession, trade, craft, sport or
rehabilitation
activities via a communication network and more particularly to an online
multifunctional
virtual training platform which implements certain predefined certification
neuromuscular
standards. Such method and system, which can be viewed as a service, are
particularly
useful for enhancing communication and exchanges between trainer and trainee
seeking training with third party witnessing services for certification
purposes.
Any physical activities that require a minimal dexterity requirement can
benefit from this
invention. For example it is common knowledge that neuromuscular skills (by
opposition
of neurocerebral skills) are essential for basic requirement of specialized
physical
activities for a professional work, labour or craft activities, sport or even
physical
rehabilitation.
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Neuromuscular virtual online training or certification can be simulated, for
example, for
speed control, acceleration, strength, precision or any neuromuscular
abilities related to
a direct relation with physical action and neurological responses.
For example, skill ability for a profession, trade, craft or sport example
could be welding.
The welding ability to perform a sound weld according to code requirement is
of a
particular interest since it could involve safety, liability and life duration
of assembled
material. In the field of welding, many scientific relations between welding
variables are
known by experts but no relation between welder dexterity and state-of-the-art
equations have been documented yet. This approach can minimize physical test
cost.
These costs could increase easily when the test material is technological
(welding
station, welding consumables and metal plates and specialist's time). One
prototype of
such a Web site is under confidential research and development in the online
virtual
certification site of WWW.EDUWELDING.COM, for the assignee of the present
application. This site provides an example of one possible implementation of
this
invention. The site is used as an online training tool by school, association,
certification
bureau, consumable or equipment supplier, plant or shop. Such organisms can
access
updated information about the trainee member status and related information
about all
the steps involved in the training and certification of this welding process
trainee. The
member can disclose some of this information to a third party in the course of
their
technical or business relationship with that member. This Web site contains a
welding
virtual simulator method and system able to demonstrate to a trainer or a
third party the
ability of a trainee. This virtual simulator method and system are also able
to help the
trainer to isolate the specialized neuromuscular skills that the trainee has
to practice to
insure himself of good results when over a demonstration of his skills is
required.
With the help of physic laws equation such as dynamic, mechanic of fluid and
thermodynamic, the dexterity of the welder can be demonstrated by an online
virtual
simulator method and system to a trainer, immediate superior or certification
representative for learning curve demonstration or for code minimum
requirements.
Prior to a physical test or to an online third party witnessing operation, a
database
configuration with the processor is performed to ensure sound weld, weld size,
maximum root penetration with metal transfer mode used in conjunction will the
welding
parameter settings.
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This virtual simulator method and system can enable any weld assembly and
fulfills all
criteria of a welder test such as defined by a welding code by simply
activating a
computer screen signal by the multimedia device. A good example of this online
neuromuscular virtual simulator method and system applied in the field of
welding is a
traditional T joint assembly of a weld assembly (fig. 12) to insure efficient
weld
penetration and weld size achievement without other code defect such as
porosity,
cracks or undercut. Code compliance and trainee, trainer and/ or third party
witnessing
expert receives information from the virtual simulator method and system
according to
authorized request.
This above example of neuromuscular training for welder is described hereafter
with the
help of the drawings.
It also serves to structure steps and processes implemented by companies for
quality,
cost and delay controls and other purposes. This leads to more efficient
dissemination
of information about the qualifications and competencies of persons being
certified with
the present invention. It therefore leads to a wider recognition of trainees
for companies
and other organizations using the invention.
Preferably, the manual dexterity virtual simulator method and system with the
third party
witnessing method involve the use of a system as described in Can. Pat. No.
2,311,685
issued to Choquet. Such a manual training is advantageous in that it permits a
controlled input of essential variables to required tasks with third party
witnessing
certification.
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Background of the present invention
Training method or simulator devices are in the art. There is a wide list of
methods and
devices reproducing a physical activity where human skills are of main
concerns. But
they are all related to an hardware simulator. The term hardware simulator is
commonly
used in the trade because the vast majority of simulators require hardware
tools
associated software to accurately help a user to perform his/her physical
activities and
an object to complete the simulated task . Typical simulators of this type are
shown, for
example, in the following patents documents:
FR 2 827 066 Dasse Michel & Streib Dominique
US 6 477 665 Bowman-Amuah; Michel K.
US 6 371 765 Wall et al
US 6 222 523 Harvill Young L et Al
US 6 190 178 Oh Min Seok
US 6 104 379 Kramer James F et Al
US 6 098 458 French & Ferguson
US 6 056 556 Braun et al
US 6 035 274 Kramer James F et Al
US 6 033 226 Bullen et al
US 5 986 643 Harvill Young L et Al
US 5 727 950 Padwa David J et Al
US 5 320 538 Baum; David R.
US 4 931 018 Herbst et al
US 4 680 014 Paton et al
US 4 124 944 Blair; Bruce A.
CA 2 311 685 Choquet Claude
US 2001/023059 Toki Nozomi
ISBN : 0-7803-243-5 Gomez D et Al
ISBN : 0-201-94687-4 Zhai S et Al
Though such simulators have achieved considerable popularity and possibly
commercial success, there has been a continuing need for improvement. Summary
of
the present invention does not need any particular hardware simulator to
reproduce the
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training environment. Its interest resides in the software control and
management of
neuromuscular data collected over image collection simulating environment
where the
skill or dexterity is of major concern to accomplish a minimum requirement by
code, rule
of the art or any physical function requiring minimum requirements related to
neuromuscular activities.
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Description of the preferred embodiments
Referring to Figure 1, training scenarios are retrieve from the information
system
database 2 and then processed by the neuromuscular simulator processor 1 to
the
required trainee level. The vitual database of skills activities 3 is maintain
up to date
thanks to the virtual reality dexterity (VDS) and the virtual process data
sheet (PDS) 7.
More details for the VDS are avalaible in figure 11 while more details of PDS
are
avalaible in figure 10 . This training scenario is related to Choquet
(2311685), and is
related to the fact that certification is possible if the third party witness
8 is auditing the
activities between the member 4 and the expert 10 in this VDS third party loop
with the
related link 12 in order to get an agreement of professional responsibility
11. All
activities are monitored and the monitor 9 required to perform such
certification is
avalaible through the complete process.
The data storage item 3 fig. 1 will be kept in virtual database 36 referring
to figure 3.
The member site 31 access by external link network via communication network
32 to a
detailed open training database center site 36. The administrator/ controller
33 gives
members access to a process report data base for audits steps 34, to an
authentification database 35, to a main process database, to a notorization
database,
38 and to a member information database 39.
A description will now be given, in detail, of an embodiment in accordance
with the
present invention. The present invention is not restricted to this embodiment.
Referring to figure 4, there is shown a welding scenario flowchart detailing a
general
training process followed by the system according to the present invention.
After log in
information 41, the member acess the retrieved welding scenario 43 is
processed
online to ensure code and trainee accurate revision status. When confirmed
positive,
the submitted welding request informations 42 from the customer are updated
from
existing welding scenarios. Welding training scenarios are multimedia
information. An
validation of conformity will then be processed via the main process database
45 to
confirm welding configuration validity. Specific information about the input
of welding
training scenarios is shown in figure 10 and 11.
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Looping step 44 is responsible to verify the welding configuration validation
with code
requirement and state-of-the-art physical activities. Welding configuration,
code
requirements are manage in this loop until scientific and code requirements
are met.
Referring to figure 5, there is shown a sequence for updating a welding
training scenario
(figure 4 item 42). The virtual dexterity simulator (VDS) inputs 51 are
processed with a
code of conduct, physics law equations, technical code and technique from 37
to
produce a test result according to welding variables (PDS or VDS) result 52.
These
tests results could then be notarized 54 to ensure proper consultation in the
notorization
databse 38. When this loop is positive, it is possible to add a third party
seal of approval
to insure that the information is conform to code regulations 55.
Referring to figure 6, there is shown an operation flow of the training/
certification
method for the welding scenario, an operation flow of accepting or registering
a new
member site and a layout example of the authentification database 35. In this
welding
certification example, to ensure access to his personnalized information 61,
the member
have access to his own data 64 and a third party 63 is also able to audit the
information
when required in this loop.
Referring to figure 7, there is shown an operation flow of training/
certification steps and
interface display for the welding scenario. Once identification fig. 6 is
completed, the
member have access to his welder's current certification, its update, the
proof of that
update and its tracking 71. An update of his competency card 72 can be
obtained and
addressed 73 to the proper Authority or any party responsible for an action. A
report for
third party 74 is also avalaible. This report will always be monitored 75 for
proper
actions.
Referring to figure 8, there is shown an example of a welding card holder. The
welder's
name 81 and the emission date 82 are related to a qualification assessment
that a third
party 84 or 85 are auditing for a list of essential variables 83 required to
identify the
welder's ability to perform his workmanship.
Referring to figure 9, there is shown an example of online welding
certification checklist
tracability of welder test scheduling of qualification of the welder/ welding
operation,
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machine welders and welding operator qualification test planning sheet item
91. The
responsible are shown on item 92 and the retracability of their
acknowledgement 93 is
avalaible online on time. The legend gives the possible level of Authorized
Individuals
an example of specialist in the field of welding are as shown. Per example a
Welder 94
can participate in a self evaluation of some steps that an authorized worker
96 would be
able to approve prior to the welding engineer 95. If required an independant
laboratory
97 could also be part of this Certification.
Figure 10 to 20 show the virtual simulator method and system method interface
according to a preferred embodiment related to welding training. The system
has client
stations connected to a server station. Referring to figure 2, each work
station may
comprise a computer, a monitor and one or many input devices. These input
devices
will allows the trainee to increase realism of his operation by capturing
displacement
and orientation information. Examples of such motion capture input device
known are
conventional mouse, 3D mouse, touch screen, keyboard, electronic pencil or
even bend
and twist sensitive input strip. These input devices are examples but this
invention is not
limited to those. The client station may be used for different purposes,
according to the
access rights allocated to the user. For example, a trainee will have rights
for
performing various tests but will of course have no rights to change some data
like
his/her test results, his/her skill level. Such rights will possibly be
granted to the trainer.
Other rights will be granted to the certifying third party.
Welding data sheets such as figure 10 help welding trainee to set-up their
work
environment to perform optimize weld results. For example this welding data
sheet will
be used to configure the online virtual simulator system (figure 11).
Referring to figure 11, the simulator has an interface for interaction with
the trainee. The
interface can be conveniently provided by the monitor of the computer used by
the
trainee.
Referring to figure 10, a Process Data Sheet (PDS) is shown as an example of
weld
transverse cut 102. These cuts vary according to the weld preparation. A
double U
groove weld preparation 101 is shown. A list of welding essential variables
are shown
103 and 104. Different shapes can be simulated by this Process Data Sheet
(PDS). A
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list of simulation shapes possibilities can be identified in reference named
"ANSI/AWS
D2.4, Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Non-destructive Examination".
This
PDS is an equivalent of a frame taken out from a animation movie such as a
multimedia
video. In other words, this PDS image is an animation picture extract shot
representation of a weld transversal cut with the list of essentials variables
that defined
it.
Referring again to figure 11, the interface has a first window section in
which the
elements 105 to 128 used in the test are displayed. Another window section
displays
test parameters and controls 129 to 134 for interactively adjusting them if
necessary.
The simulator generates these elements based on preset data retrieved from 36
(shown
in figure 3) item 36 database. The neuromuscular processor simulator does the
required
calculation on time and online in response to the starting procedure set in
motion by the
trainee with an input device (e.g. a mouse) and produces an image e.g.
elements 135 to
138 that replicates a weld bead according to the welding parameter management
by the
trainee.
For example, two part of metal 135 and 136 are assembled in a proper position
and
essentials variables 105 to 134 are set in a proper manner to produce sound
welds
according to code criteria. When these essential variables are used in
conjunction with
a multimedia device that will allow a computer screen to receive signal 137 a
virtual
image of a weld 138 is obtained. This image can be processed to certify code
and rule-
of-the-art compliance. An unlimited application possibility of this method can
be
developed for any neuromuscular activities.
The objective of the trainee is to obtain a sound weld with a good management
of his
welding parameters. Sound weld are defined in welding code or handbook. An
example
of a good weld can be visualized in macrographic cut as shown in figure 12.
This result
can only be viewed after destructive test and cannot be monitored during
welding with
conventional welding technology.
Referring to figure 13, there is shown that the essential variables of the
simulator
system are adequately configured with the motion capture input device cursor
help si
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that is set in motion by the motion capture input device such as a computer
mouse.
For example, figure 13 illustrates a simulation of the figure 12. This case is
the welding
set-up of 2 6"X6"X 3/8" alloy 6061-T6 aluminum plates aluminum with 0.045"
diameter
filler aluminum alloy 4043 in the horizontal position. The generally
recognized
dimensional code requirement size of the weld is 6mm (1/4") minimum with a
convexity
of 3 mm (1/8") maximum and a minimal penetration of 2 mm (1/16"). Therefore
with the
:'kv)
motion capture input device cursor si , the trainee adjusts the current source
to a wire
speed adjustment, just like in real situation. In the illustrated example, the
current
source is activated for 250 amps.
The trainee test acceptance criteria will be in accordance with the generally
recognized
code requirements.
When the trainee considers that the test set-up is adequate, he/ she must
affix the
mouse cursor at the starting point of the assembly as shown in figure 14 for
the tool
positioning process. As soon as the trainee clicks on the motion capture input
device, in
this case a computer mouse, the neuromuscular simulator processor is started
and
activates a time calculation required for result output. In this patent
application, this
operation is visually shown by the build-up of an virtual hot-spot 141 (fig.
14). The
trainee then must move the hot-spot created by the mouse cursor on the plates
to join
contact axis to demonstrate a sound weld. This kinematic translation operation
from a
start to a stop with the mouse cursor 4 leave a virtual metal deposition 151
(fig. 15)
similar as in a real time welding operation. Kinematic law equations such as
displacement, speed and acceleration are of the important criteria but the
straightness
of the cursor motion is also. This precision is in the millimeter range.
As soon as the trainee clicks on the motion capture input device, in this case
on the
computer mouse, an instruction is given to the neuromuscular simulator
processor to
calculate a material deposition rate which coincides with an image simulating
the real
aluminum weld deposition. For example, this processor calculates the liquid
state
aluminum flow rate as long as the welder trainee will not have release the
input device
trigger which in this particular case is the computer mouse. If the trainee
operates in a
variable bracket combination which allows him/ her to deliver a welded zone
according
p if 1
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to the training requirements, then the result will be a sound weld and
considered without
defect. If he does not operate according to the ideal training requirements or
according
to the rules of the art or the codes foreseen for that purpose, this deposited
metal mass
in the operating zone will have the consequence to create defects which will
be visible
as shown in Figure 15.
Referring to figure 15, there is shown a start-and-stop half-distance which is
known in
the field of welding as the compulsory stop-departure in the middle of the
weld of an
assembly test. This stop-and-start zone is always a potential zone of defects
and the
restart has to be in accordance with the code currently recognized in the
field. The
trainee handles the motion capture input device cursor quite like he would
handle a
welding gun trigger. The trainee has to maintain a constant speed and aim to
maintain
the straightness of the path to deliver a sound weld. His/ her 2nd start on
the stop will
be also visually inspected. It's because the demonstration of a stop-and-stop
is also a
factor of success or failure during a welder test.
Referring to figure 16, there is shown that during the welding when the speed
is too big
or small or when the cursor is not well positioned, error messages appear
"Incorrect
deposition" or "insufficient penetration". These error messages are examples
of the
possible monitoring with the neuromuscular simulator. Others on-time process
monitoring during welding are possible such as "Undercut", "Porosity" or "Cold
lap".
Referring to figure 17, when the weld is completed the neuromuscular simulator
processor stops the stopwatch and allows then to compare the speed with the
real case
which is required according to the data banks which are available to this
neuromuscular
simulator processor. A trainee auto-evaluation is always possible and if he/
she requires
it, a virtual non-destructive or destructive visual exam is then possible by
the trainer or
any other online third party required to ensure welding code requirement
compliance.
The trainee can then repeat as often as he/ she wishes it or as often as he/
she is
allowed in the training environment by pushing button 172 (fig. 17) for a
complete visual
inspection. Non-destructive examination or destructive examination result of a
neuromuscular test is also avalaible by clicking button 171. Referring to
figure 18, the
various results obtained allow the trainer and the third party witness or the
certification
11=004. = = 111=======0101.4...s. =
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= CA 02549553 2007-04-04
-18-
representative to observe a detailed quality and defects retracability report
obtained
according to build-up of his training program. Referring to figure 20, by
experimenting
several times the welding parameters, the trainee builds-up a learning curve.
The
trainee can re-experiment the weld deposition as often as he/ she wants and a
learning
curve file built-up as much as he/ she builds-up results.
The trainee will also see the visual test results or defects not usually
available as soon
as the weld is completed. For example, the trainee will see the weld bead with
root lack
of penetration, insufficient weld side or weld bead convexity not according to
code.
A learning curve is also available to the trainee, for the trainer or for the
third party
witnessing auditor if required. All or only the decision-making person will
decide if the
trainee is then capable to switch to the stage of the practical tests with
real welding
equipments and consumables.
Referring to figure 19, the produced mathematical curves allow to generate a
big
number of images or numeric signals which shall be use to improve the training
program and generate also more complex functions such as the examples
described
below.
= Visual exams (according to acceptance criteria code)
= Non-destructive exams: (ultrasonic, X-rays, magnetic particle and liquid
penetrant)
= Destructive exams: (bending, tension, fracture, macrography)
= The complete path generated could be saved and be used on a welding
programmable machine for a possible repetitive use
= Ontime and online welding robot guidance with remotely located expert
using
existing vision system
== CA 02549553 2007-04-04
-19-
Brief description of the drawings
The objects and features of the present invention will become more apparent
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a simulator system according to the
present
invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a training station.
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system according to the present
invention.
Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a general process followed by the system
according to
the present invention.
Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a database consulting process followed by the
system
according to the present invention.
Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of different user
interactions in the
system according to the present invention.
Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of certification steps &
interface
display in the system according to the present invention.
Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a card holder used in the system
according to the present invention.
Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of an online certification checklist
used in the
system according to the present invention.
Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a list of essential variables for
certification use in the system according to the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a multimedia shooting view of a Virtual Dexterity Simulator (VDS).
Fig. 12 is a view illustrating a macrographic cut of a real welding assembly.
Fig. 13 ¨ 17 are schematic diagrams showing the simulation process at
different stages
according to the present invention.
Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating loop result of non-satisfactory
neuromuscular
tests.
Fig. 19 shows an example of mathematical results of a neuromuscular test
according to
the present invention.
Fig. 20 shows an example of learning curves produced with the system according
to the
present invention.
