System and method providing combined virtual reality arc welding and three-dimensional (3D) viewing

A method comprising:

• generating simulation data corresponding to a simulated weld bead generated in real time, in virtual reality space, having real-time weld bead wake characteristics, wherein simulation of the weld bead includes simulating a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics providing a real-time fluidity-to-solidification transition of the simulated weld puddle as the simulated weld puddle is moved to form the weld bead;
• converting the simulation data, representative of the weld bead, to 3D data in a stereoscopic 3D transmission format in real time;
• and
• displaying a stereoscopic representation of the 3D data in a stereoscopic display format in real time.

A method comprising:

• generating simulation data corresponding to a virtual welding environment in virtual reality space, wherein the virtual reality environment includes the simulation of a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics providing a real-time fluidity-to-solidification transition of the simulated weld puddle as the simulated weld puddle is moved to form weld bead;
• converting a portion of the simulation data, representative of a portion of the virtual welding environment, to 3D data in a stereoscopic 3D transmission format in real time;
• and
• displaying a stereoscopic representation of the 3D data in a stereoscopic display format in real time.

A system comprising:

• a programmable processor-based subsystem configured to generate simulation data corresponding to a virtual weldment generated in real time, in virtual reality space;
• a three-dimensional (3D) conversion unit operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem and configured to convert at least a portion of the simulation data, representative of at least a portion of the virtual weldment, to 3D data in a stereoscopic 3D transmission format;
• and
• a 3D display-facilitating device operatively connected to the 3D conversion unit and configured to receive the 3D data, in the stereoscopic 3D transmission format, from the 3D conversion unit and facilitate displaying of a stereoscopic representation of the 3D data in a stereoscopic display format in real time,
• wherein a weld bead portion of the virtual weldment results from a simulated weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics providing a real-time fluidity-to-solidification transition of the simulated weld puddle as the simulated weld puddle is moved to form the weld bead portion of the virtual weldment,
• and wherein said real-time fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics of said simulated weld puddle are illustrated on a texture map having a plurality of defined locations with each defined location comprising channels of information which comprise at least
• a first channel which stores a displacement value for any liquefied metal at the defined location,
• a second channel which stores a value giving the magnitude of heat at the defined location,
• a third channel which stores a displacement value for a solidified metal at the defined location, and
• a fourth channel which stores logical information, including a representation regarding slag, at the defined location.