Work piece tracking system and method
US8144193B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 2009 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30204
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method of visual monitoring of a work implement (e.g., a welding torch) while a task is being performed (e.g., forming a welding joint) to train workers (e.g., apprentices, inexperienced workers) in proper welding technique, for example) and/or to evaluate the worker's use of a particular work implement (e.g., to determine if the welding torch was held in a desired relationship to the items being welded together, determine if the welding torch formed the joint at the current speed, etc.). In general, one or more cameras may acquire images of a target secured to and/or formed on the work implement. The images may be analyzed to provide feedback to the user, to be evaluated for weld integrity purposes; and/or may be used to compare the performance of a task (e.g., forming a welding joint) with a database of one or more profiles made by experienced and/or expert craftsmen.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.