01
Capture
The helmet-mounted module films the work zone and the torch position during the pass, without changing the workstation or the process.
ARCHITECTURE
Technology
A mixed-reality module mounted on the helmet, a computer-vision pipeline and feedback displayed in the welder's field of view.
TECHNICAL CHAIN
From capture to consolidation
The full chain, from the welding scene to the recorded gesture. Each link is described as currently designed: some are validated in a virtual environment, others still have to be proven in real conditions.
02
Pre-processing
Luminance range correction, image stabilisation and filtering of the noise caused by fumes and spatter, before any analysis.
03
Computer vision
Detection of the torch, the workpiece and the weld pool, then reconstruction of the trajectory in the workpiece frame of reference.
04
Analysis
Computation of gesture parameters — travel speed, arc height, angles, regularity — and comparison with the ranges expected for the procedure.
05
Feedback
Visual feedback displayed in the field of view during the pass, kept minimal so it never pulls attention away from the pool.
06
Consolidation
Session recording, per-learner history and a workshop-level view for the instructor.
How these steps are split between on-board and off-board computing is still an open design decision.
The helmet module
The module mounts on the welder's helmet without changing the station or the torch.
The optical assembly
Cameras capture the weld zone and its immediate surroundings, despite the arc's extreme light dynamics.
Trajectory analysis
Algorithms reconstruct the torch trajectory and compare the performed gesture with the expected one.
DATA AND COMPLIANCE
The principles we apply
These principles describe our design intent. They are not a contractual commitment: exact terms will be formalised with each partner organisation.
- Educational purpose
- Gesture data serves training and learner progress. It is not designed as a tool for individual monitoring of employees.
- Minimisation
- We aim to collect only what the gesture analysis requires, for as long as needed, and to limit directly identifying data.
- Hosting
- The target is hosting within the European Union, with restricted and logged access.
- Models and annotated datasets
- Models and annotated datasets produced within the project remain the intellectual property of ARC FRANCE, unless a specific agreement is signed with a partner.
COLLABORATION
We are looking for TRAINING partners
Partner centres
Training centres and workshops willing to host supervised trials in real conditions.