Apparatus and method for object tracking in welding process

A tracking controller tracking predetermined, at least one object in a welding image obtained using a camera, the tracking controller comprising:

• a user input unit receiving an input for a welding environment from a user;
• a camera controller setting or changing at least one camera control parameter of the camera according to the welding environment received by the user, controlling the camera to a plurality of images based on the at least one camera control parameter, and receiving the captured images from the camera;
• a learning unit designating the at least one object in a plurality of welding images and generating learning data based on feature information about the at least one object;
• a memory storing the at least one camera control parameter according to the welding environment and the plurality of welding images by which the learning unit is able to generate the learning data;
• and
• an object tracking unit identifying the at least one object from the plurality of images received by the camera controller from the camera and generating an object tracking image including coordinates or a trajectory of the at least one object, wherein the controller identifies coordinates of a first object of the at least one object according to first settings of the at least one camera control parameter, identifies coordinates of a second object of the at least one object according to second settings of the at least one camera control parameter, and identifies coordinates of a third object of the at least one object according to third settings of the at least one camera control parameter.

An object tracking method in a welding process to track and output predetermined, at least one object in a welding image, the object tracking method comprising:

• capturing the welding image using a camera device, the welding image including a base material and a welding torch for welding the base material;
• setting or changing at least one camera control parameter of the camera device according to a welding environment input by a user;
• controlling the camera device to capture a plurality of images based on the at least one camera control parameter;
• receiving the captured images from the camera device;
• identifying the at least one object from the plurality of received images and generating an object tracking image including coordinates or a trajectory of the at least one object;
• and
• outputting the captured images, the received images, or the generated object tracking image, wherein the controller identifies coordinates of a first object of the at least one object according to first settings of the at least one camera control parameter, identifies coordinates of a second object of the at least one object according to second settings of the at least one camera control parameter, and identifies coordinates of a third object of the at least one object according to third settings of the at least one camera control parameter.