An automatic image acquisition system and method for rock cuttings

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system and method, comprising: an image acquisition mechanism for acquiring rock cuttings images of at least one rock cuttings sample within a sample container; a conveying mechanism for delivering the sample container into the image acquisition space formed by the image acquisition mechanism; a robotic arm for transporting the sample container; a control module for controlling the actions of the robotic arm, the conveying mechanism, and the image acquisition mechanism under the control of a host computer; and a host computer for acquiring rock cuttings images of wet rock cuttings within the sample container via the image acquisition mechanism when the sample container is delivered into the image acquisition space, and based on this, determining whether the current wet rock cuttings are target rock cuttings requiring dry sample image acquisition, and acquiring rock cuttings images of the dried target rock cuttings via the image acquisition mechanism when the dried target rock cuttings are delivered into the image acquisition space. This invention automatically acquires rock cuttings images.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of oil and gas and geological exploration technology, and in particular to an automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Rock cuttings are physical underground materials obtained during the drilling process, offering significant advantages for direct observation and understanding of downhole geology and oil and gas. They play an irreplaceable role in oil and gas exploration, geological understanding, stratigraphic identification, and engineering optimization. However, with advancements in drilling technology and increasingly faster drilling speeds, traditional manual rock cuttings retrieval and analysis can no longer keep pace. Furthermore, new drilling technologies result in finer and more mixed rock cuttings, presenting greater technical challenges in terms of accuracy and accuracy in manual rock cuttings collection and analysis.

[0003] With the development of electronic information technology, imaging methods have been used to acquire and analyze rock cutting images, further improving the accuracy of rock cutting identification. Current rock cutting image acquisition primarily involves placing manually collected rock cuttings into a packaged rock cutting imaging instrument, applying white light and fluorescence, and then acquiring various images of the rock cuttings through an image acquisition device. To identify fine rock cuttings, optical magnification is used to acquire magnified images of the rock cuttings, thus providing more detailed information for the description and analysis of rock cuttings.

[0004] Currently, automated rock cuttings collection technology has been developed. From rock cuttings collection to rock cuttings packaging, automated processes are used for processing. Manual rock cuttings image acquisition methods cannot adapt to automated rock cuttings collection and processing processes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to propose an automatic rock cuttings image acquisition scheme that can be linked with an automatic rock cuttings acquisition device.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides an automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system, comprising: an image acquisition mechanism for acquiring rock cuttings images of rock cuttings samples within a sample box; a conveying mechanism for conveying the sample box into the image acquisition space formed by the image acquisition mechanism; a robotic arm for transporting the sample box; a control module for controlling the actions of the robotic arm, the conveying mechanism, and the image acquisition mechanism under the control of a host computer; and a host computer for obtaining rock cuttings images of wet rock cuttings within the sample box through the image acquisition mechanism when the sample box is placed into the image acquisition space, and based on this, determining whether the current wet rock cuttings are target rock cuttings requiring dry sample image acquisition, and obtaining rock cuttings images of the dried target rock cuttings through the image acquisition mechanism when the dried target rock cuttings are placed into the image acquisition space.

[0007] Preferably, the host computer further completes the automatic acquisition of rock cutting images through the following method: Step S1, sending a first transfer command to the control module, so that the robotic arm, under the control of the first transfer command, places the sample box on the transfer platform of the conveying mechanism; Step S2, receiving a rock cutting preparation completion signal from the robotic arm, and based on this, sending a second transfer command to the control module, so that the conveying mechanism sends the sample box into the image acquisition space; Step S3, receiving an acquisition preparation completion signal from the conveying mechanism, and based on this, sending a third transfer command to the control module, so that the image acquisition mechanism acquires a wet rock cutting image of the wet rock cutting sample in the sample box; Step S4, receiving a wet rock cutting image of the wet rock cutting sample from the image acquisition mechanism; Step S5, determining whether the current wet rock cutting sample is the target rock cutting based on the wet rock cutting image of the wet rock cutting sample, so as to record the depth marker information containing the rock cutting number information of the rock cutting when it is the target rock cutting. The system proceeds to the next step; Step S6: A fourth transfer command is sent to the control module, causing the robotic arm to deliver the sample box into the drying chamber of the automatic rock cuttings collection device under the control of the fourth transfer command, so as to dry the rock cuttings sample using the drying chamber; Step S7: After drying is completed, a fifth transfer command is sent to the control module, causing the robotic arm to remove the sample box containing the dried target rock cuttings delivered in Step S6 from the drying chamber under the control of the fifth transfer command; Step S8: When the original depth information and depth mark information of the dried target rock cuttings are identified to match, a sixth transfer command is sent to the control module, causing the robotic arm to transfer the sample box currently containing the dried target rock cuttings to the transfer platform of the conveying mechanism under the control of the sixth transfer command; Step S9: Steps S2-S4 are repeated to obtain the dried rock cuttings image of the current target rock cuttings, and the dried rock cuttings image and the wet rock cuttings image of the target rock cuttings are associated and saved.

[0008] Preferably, step S4 further includes: sending a seventh transfer command to the control module so that the conveying mechanism, under the control of the seventh transfer command, sends the sample box out of the image acquisition space.

[0009] Preferably, in step S5, if the wet rock cutting sample in the current sample box is not the target rock cutting, an eighth transfer command is sent to the control module so that the robotic arm, under the control of the eighth transfer command, sends the sample box back to the automatic rock cutting collection device.

[0010] Preferably, the image acquisition mechanism includes: a housing with an opening at the bottom; a white light strip and an ultraviolet light strip located within the illumination range formed by the white light strip; the top of the housing is configured as a circuit mounting compartment, the interior of which has a shooting control circuit; a gimbal connected to the shooting control circuit, which is used to move the camera module in a horizontal plane; and a camera module connected to the gimbal.

[0011] Preferably, the camera module includes a white light camera and a fluorescent camera, the white light strip is an annular light strip arranged circumferentially around the inner wall of the housing, and the ultraviolet light strip is an annular light strip arranged circumferentially adjacent to the inner wall of the white light strip.

[0012] Preferably, the conveying mechanism includes: a lifting device with a built-in force sensor for starting to rise upon receiving the second transfer command; and a transfer platform mounted on the lifting device, wherein the size and structure of the transfer platform are matched with the size and structure of the opening to stop rising when the lifting force obtained by the lifting device reaches a threshold, thereby enabling the transfer platform to serve as the bottom of the housing and provide a sealed rock cuttings collection chamber.

[0013] Preferably, the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system further includes a data transmission module, which is used to transmit the information sent by the image acquisition mechanism, the transmission mechanism and the robotic arm to the host computer.

[0014] Preferably, the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system further includes a video monitoring module, which is used to monitor the entire workflow of the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system by controlling the start and end of video monitoring, the video angle and orientation, and the zoom in and out of the video under the control of the control module.

[0015] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention provide an automatic rock cuttings image acquisition method, which is implemented using the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system as described above.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, one or more embodiments of the above solutions may have the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0017] This invention proposes an automated rock cuttings image acquisition system and method. The system and method can automatically process and analyze rock cuttings images, and are embedded into the automated rock cuttings acquisition process. This achieves real-time and linear image acquisition, adapting to the rapid drilling process. Secondly, this invention uses a sample holder combined with the rock cuttings image acquisition system to construct the image darkroom, simplifying the image acquisition sample processing flow and quickly achieving white light and fluorescence image acquisition, thus improving the smoothness of the image acquisition process. Furthermore, this invention can also perform image analysis on wet rock cuttings samples. For identified key rock cuttings, dry rock cuttings image acquisition is provided based on established numbers and well depth tags, ensuring the integrity of key image acquisition data and meeting the needs of on-site analysis technology. Simultaneously, the image acquisition features magnification, automatic image analysis to locate key rock cuttings and capture images, obtaining all image data and meeting the needs of new on-site drilling technologies for fine and accurate rock cuttings analysis. In addition, this invention, through real-time acquisition and analysis of rock cuttings images, can promptly discover current geological and oil and gas information, guiding drilling geological steering and drilling engineering operations.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with the embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a bottom view schematic diagram of the image acquisition mechanism in the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the workflow of the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples, so that the process of how the present invention uses technical means to solve technical problems and achieve technical effects can be fully understood and implemented accordingly. It should be noted that, as long as there is no conflict, the various embodiments and features in the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, and the resulting technical solutions are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0025] Furthermore, the steps illustrated in the flowcharts of the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions. Also, although a logical order is shown in the flowcharts, in some cases the steps shown or described may be performed in a different order than that shown here.

[0026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” as used herein are also intended to include the plural. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used herein specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, units, and / or components, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, units, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0027] To address the problems mentioned above, this invention provides an automated rock cuttings image acquisition system and method. This system and method can automatically acquire and analyze white light and fluorescence images of dry and wet rock cuttings samples during automated drilling rock cuttings acquisition, improving the timeliness, automation, and informatization of rock cuttings analysis.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system of the present invention includes at least: an image acquisition mechanism 12, a transmission mechanism, a robotic arm 15, a control module 16, and a host computer 19.

[0029] The image acquisition mechanism 12 has an image acquisition space inside. The image acquisition mechanism 12 is used to acquire at least one image of the rock cuttings sample in the sample box 14.

[0030] In this embodiment of the invention, the rock cuttings sample box 14 contains rock cuttings sorted by the front-end automatic rock cuttings collection device according to depth requirements. These sorted rock cuttings to be photographed are placed inside the rock cuttings sample box 14. In practical applications, the automatic rock cuttings collection device will transport a series of rock cuttings sample boxes 14 carrying rock cuttings samples in a queue. The identification information of the rock cuttings samples in the rock cuttings sample box 14 is established by a tag on the rock cuttings sample box 14. The tag records the original depth information, including the rock cuttings number information (i.e., the original depth information is the depth information of the rock cuttings in the formation corresponding to the rock cuttings collected during the drilling and runoff process). Thus, a one-to-one correspondence is established between the sample box 14, the rock cuttings samples in the sample box 14, and the original depth information of the rock cuttings samples through the tag.

[0031] The conveying mechanism is used to send the sample box 14 carrying the rock cuttings sample into the image acquisition space formed by the image acquisition mechanism 12.

[0032] The robotic arm 15 is used to transfer the sample box 14 (or the dry rock cuttings that need to be transferred) according to the instructions under the control of the control module 16. For example, it can transfer the sample box 14 between the automatic rock cuttings collection device and the conveying mechanism by gripping, or transfer the sample box 14 or the dry rock cuttings that need to be transferred between the conveying mechanism and the drying chamber.

[0033] The control module 16 is used to control the transfer action of the robotic arm, the transmission action of the conveying mechanism, and the acquisition action of the image acquisition mechanism 12 under the control of the host computer 19.

[0034] Furthermore, the host computer 19 is used to obtain at least one image of wet rock fragments in the sample box after the sample box 14 is sent into the image acquisition space by controlling the image acquisition mechanism 12, and to identify whether the wet rock fragments in the current sample box are the target rock fragments that need to be dry sample image acquisition based on the wet rock fragment images. In the case that the target rock fragments after drying are sent into the image acquisition space by the transfer operation of the robotic arm 15, the host computer 19 again obtains at least one image of the current dry target rock fragments by controlling the image acquisition mechanism 12.

[0035] In determining whether the current wet rock fragments are the target rock fragments, if the current rock fragments are identified from the wet sample rock fragment images as having oil and gas fluorescence, or having special lithology or minerals, or having rock fragments that require special photography, then the rock fragments are considered target rock fragments; otherwise, the rock fragments are considered not target rock fragments.

[0036] In this embodiment of the invention, the image acquisition mechanism 12 is further configured to, when acquiring at least one image of rock cuttings in the sample box, include at least one image of dried rock cuttings: a multifunctional rock cuttings image for the rock cuttings.

[0037] Furthermore, the multifunctional rock cuttings images include, but are not limited to: multi-region images of the current rock cuttings, images of multiple key details within the current rock cuttings, images for supplementing at least one area of ​​insufficient clarity in the current rock cuttings, and images for supplementing at least one fluorescently displayed area in the current rock cuttings. Each single-function image further includes white-light rock cuttings images and fluorescent rock cuttings images. Each rock cuttings image contains a label within its field of view indicating the original depth information of the rock cutting sample.

[0038] Furthermore, for the target rock fragments, there are both dried rock fragments in a dry state (i.e., dry rock fragments) and wet rock fragments that have not undergone drying treatment. Therefore, the host computer described in this embodiment of the invention will associate and save the images of dried rock fragments and wet rock fragments corresponding to the same target rock fragments, that is, associate and save the images of wet rock fragments with different light sources and different functions under wet conditions with the images of dry rock fragments with different light sources and different functions under dry conditions.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the image acquisition mechanism 12 is mounted on the mounting bracket 10 and includes at least: a housing, a white light strip 1202, an ultraviolet light strip 1203, a circuit mounting compartment 1206, a pan-tilt unit 1204, and a camera module 1205.

[0040] The bottom of the housing has an opening of a preset size. The ultraviolet light strip 1203 is positioned within the illumination range formed by the white light strip 1202. The top of the housing is a circuit mounting compartment 1206, which houses the imaging control circuitry. A gimbal 1204 is connected to the imaging control circuitry. This gimbal 1204 is used to move the camera module 1205 horizontally and adjust the shooting angle, allowing the camera module 1205 to acquire at least one image of the rock fragments (wet sample) or at least one image of the dried target rock fragments from the sample container. The camera module 1205 is also connected to the gimbal 1204. The imaging control circuitry is primarily used to control the switching and brightness of the two light strips, control the camera's shooting, and adjust the direction and amount of movement of the gimbal 1204.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a bottom view schematic diagram of the image acquisition mechanism in the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the camera module 1205 has a dual-camera mode. The camera module 1205 includes a white light camera and a fluorescence camera to acquire white light images and fluorescence images of each functional image of different rock cuttings under the control of the shooting control circuit.

[0042] Furthermore, the white light strip is a ring-shaped light strip, which is arranged around the inner wall of the housing in the circumferential direction. Similarly, the ultraviolet light strip is also a ring-shaped light strip, and an annular gap is formed between the ultraviolet light ring-shaped light strip and the white light ring-shaped light strip, so that the ultraviolet light ring-shaped light strip is arranged close to the inner wall of the white light strip in the circumferential direction.

[0043] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the conveying mechanism includes a lifting device 11 and a transfer platform 13. The transfer platform 13 is mounted on the lifting device 11. The lifting device 11 has a built-in force sensor. The lifting device 11 is used to begin rising upon receiving the second transfer command sent from the host computer 19 via the control module 16. Additionally, the lifting device 11 is also used to begin descending upon receiving the sixth transfer command sent from the host computer 19 via the control module 16, so as to descend to the initial position under the control of the host computer 19.

[0044] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the size and structure of the transfer platform 13 are matched with the size and structure of the bottom opening of the housing, so that when the lifting force measured by the lifting device 11 reaches the threshold, the lifting stops and a signal indicating that the acquisition preparation is complete is sent. Thus, the transfer platform 13, as the bottom of the housing, provides a sealed rock cuttings acquisition darkroom, i.e. a sealed image acquisition space, through the fit between the transfer platform 13 and the housing, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the image acquisition instrument.

[0045] A lifting device 11 is also installed on the mounting bracket 10, and a transfer slide 13 is mounted on the lifting device 11. The transfer slide 13 can move up and down in a controlled manner. The lifting device 11 has a built-in force sensor. When the lifting force reaches a set threshold, the lifting device stops rising. Its main function is to ensure that the transfer slide 13 fits well with the image acquisition mechanism 12 and achieves safety protection by not exceeding the threshold lifting force. The host computer 19 also records the movement position information of the transfer slide 13 and can lower the transfer slide 13 to its initial position when the lifting device 11 descends.

[0046] The housing of the image acquisition mechanism 12 is sealed on all sides except for the lower end, which matches the transfer slide 13 to form a darkroom for detecting rock cuttings samples. The image acquisition mechanism 12 consists of a sealing elastic strip 1201, a white light ring lamp 1202, an ultraviolet ring lamp 1203, a pan-tilt unit 1204, a camera module 1205, and a circuit mounting compartment 1206. After the transfer slide 13 rises, the sealing elastic strip 1201 forms a tight connection with it, buffering the instrument and creating a more secure connection, thus forming a good darkroom environment within the image acquisition mechanism 12. The white light ring lamp 1202 and the ultraviolet ring lamp 1203 provide white light and ultraviolet light fields, respectively, and the ring-shaped light strip can create a more uniform and intense light field for image acquisition in the image acquisition area. The camera module 1205 is the rock cuttings image imaging unit, responsible for rock cuttings imaging. The camera module 1205 features dual camera modes: a white light camera and a fluorescence camera. Both have autofocus and optical magnification functions, enabling it to capture overall images of the rock fragments within the rock fragment sample container 14. Under automatic image analysis, it can magnify and capture key areas of the rock fragments, satisfying the image acquisition needs for important and fine rock fragments. The camera module 1205 is mounted on the pan-tilt unit 1204, which can move horizontally to ensure the camera module 1205 can capture more relevant images. The circuit mounting compartment 1206 houses various circuits, including power supply circuits, imaging control circuits, and data transmission connection circuits. These circuit modules transmit images and image analysis data to the host computer 19 via the control module 16 and the data transmission module 17.

[0047] In one embodiment, the host computer 19 also completes the fully automated acquisition of rock cuttings images using the following method. Furthermore, the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system also includes a data transmission module 17. In this embodiment, the data transmission module 17 is used to transmit information sent by the image acquisition mechanism 12, the transmission mechanism, and the robotic arm 15 to the host computer 19.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, in step S1, the host computer 19 obtains the original depth information of the rock cuttings sample in the current sample box 14 from the automatic rock cuttings collection device, and sends a first transfer command to the control module 16, so that the robotic arm 15, under the control of the first transfer command forwarded by the control module 16, places the current sample box 14 onto the transfer platform 13 of the conveying mechanism. At this time, the robotic arm 19 sends a signal indicating that the rock cuttings preparation of the sample box 14 has been completed and placed on the transfer platform 13 to the host computer 19 via the data transmission module 17.

[0049] After the rock cuttings sample is loaded into the rock cuttings sample box 14, the rock cuttings sample is transferred to the transfer slide 13 by the robotic arm 15. After it is ready, it sends a signal information that the rock cuttings are ready (i.e., the rock cuttings preparation completion signal) to the data transmission module 17. The rock cuttings preparation completion signal is uploaded to the host computer 19 via the data transmission module 17.

[0050] In step S2, the host computer 19 receives a rock cuttings preparation completion signal from the robotic arm and sends a second transfer command to the control module 16 based on the signal, so that the conveying mechanism sends the current sample box 14 into the image acquisition space. After receiving the rock cuttings preparation completion signal, the host computer 19 sends a second transfer command to the control module 16 to control the lifting device 11 to drive the transfer slide 13 to rise until it reaches the image acquisition mechanism 12. The transfer slide 13 is tightly connected to the bottom opening of the image acquisition mechanism 12 to form a rock cuttings detection dark chamber (dashed lines in the figure: transfer slide 13 and rock cuttings sample box 14).

[0051] At this time, the lifting device 11 sends a signal indicating that image acquisition is ready to be performed to the host computer 19 via the data transmission module 17. When the transfer slide 13 rises to its position, it sends information to the data transmission module 17 that the rock cuttings are ready for image acquisition (i.e., a signal indicating that image acquisition is ready to be performed). This signal is then uploaded to the host computer 19 via the data transmission module 17. After receiving the signal, the host computer 19 sends a signal indicating that image acquisition is ready to be performed to the control module 16.

[0052] In step S3, the host computer 19 receives a signal indicating that the acquisition preparation is complete from the transmission mechanism, and sends a third transfer command to the control module 16 based on the acquisition preparation completion signal, so that the image acquisition mechanism 13 acquires at least one wet rock fragment image of the wet rock fragment sample in the sample box.

[0053] The control module 16 controls the white light ring lamp 1202 and the ultraviolet ring lamp 1203 of the image acquisition mechanism 12, and performs white light and fluorescence image acquisition, thereby uploading at least one wet rock fragment image of the wet rock fragment sample in the sample box 14 to the host computer 19 through the data transmission module 17.

[0054] In step S4, the host computer 19 receives at least one wet rock cuttings image from the image acquisition unit 12. The host computer 19 stores and analyzes the rock cuttings image and sends subsequent instructions based on the analysis results.

[0055] In addition, in this embodiment of the invention, in step S4, in addition to receiving and storing at least one rock debris image corresponding to the wet rock debris sample collected in step S3, the host computer 19 will continue to send a seventh transfer command to the control module 16 so that the conveying mechanism will send the current sample box 14 out of the image acquisition space under the control of the seventh transfer command.

[0056] In other words, after the image acquisition mechanism 12 successfully acquires the image, it sends the image acquisition success and acquisition completion information, and uploads this information to the host computer 19 via the data transmission module 17. After receiving the information, the host computer 19 sends a seventh transfer command to the control module 16 to control the lifting device 11 to descend to the initial position.

[0057] In step S5, the host computer 19 determines whether the wet rock debris sample in the current sample box is the target rock debris based on at least one wet rock debris image of the wet rock debris sample in the same batch of sample boxes 14 received in step S4. When the wet rock debris sample is detected as the target rock debris, the host computer 19 identifies and records the label on the current rock debris sample box 14, and records the original depth information containing the rock debris number as the depth mark information, thereby proceeding to step S6.

[0058] The host computer 19 analyzes all rock fragment images of the wet rock fragment sample using computer image analysis technology to determine the lithology and oil and gas properties of the rock fragment sample. It then diagnoses whether each rock fragment sample needs to undergo dry sample image detection. The rock fragment samples that need to undergo dry sample image detection are designated as target rock fragments. Based on all rock fragment images corresponding to the target rock fragments, the depth marking information containing the rock fragment number information of the target rock fragment is recorded.

[0059] In step S5, if the host computer 19 detects that the wet rock cutting sample in the current sample box 14 is not the target rock cutting, it sends an eighth transfer command to the control module 16 so that the robotic arm 15, under the control of the eighth transfer command, sends the current sample box 14 back to the rock cutting automatic collection device, and does not record the depth marking information in the host computer 19.

[0060] Further, in step S6, when the host computer 19 detects that the rock cutting sample in the current sample box is the target rock cutting, it continues to send a fourth transfer command to the control module 16, so that the robotic arm 15, under the control of the fourth transfer command, sends the current sample box into the drying chamber in the rock cutting automatic collection device. At this time, the robotic arm 15 sends, for example, the target coordinate information sent in, to the host computer 19 via the data transmission module 17, so that the host computer 19 records the placement position number of the sample box sent into the drying chamber, so as to use the drying chamber to dry the rock cutting sample in the sample box.

[0061] Since the host computer 19 records the different placement positions in the drying chamber and their corresponding placement position numbers, the drying time of the target rock cuttings can be determined by the pre-recorded rock cuttings drying time corresponding to each placement position in the drying chamber. After knowing the placement position number of the rock cuttings placed in the drying chamber, the actual placement position can be associated with the original depth information of the rock cuttings sample box.

[0062] In step S7, the host computer 19 determines the drying completion time based on the drying time of the target rock fragments sent in step S6. After drying is completed, it sends a fifth transfer command to the control module 16 so that the robotic arm 15 can remove the sample box 14 containing the dried target rock fragments sent in step S6 from the drying chamber under the control of the fifth transfer command.

[0063] In step S8, the host computer 19, based on the original depth information corresponding to the rock chip box at the position of the rock chip placement in the drying chamber, when it identifies that the original depth information of the delivered target rock chip matches the depth marking information of the target rock chip recorded in step S5, continues to send a sixth transfer command to the control module 16, so that the robotic arm 15, under the control of the sixth transfer command, transfers the sample box 14 currently delivered carrying the dried target rock chip to the transfer platform 13 of the conveying mechanism.

[0064] In step S9, repeating steps S2-S4, the host computer 19 obtains the dry rock fragment image of the current target rock fragment by sequentially controlling the robotic arm 15, the conveying mechanism and the image acquisition mechanism 12, and associates and saves the dry rock fragment image and the wet rock fragment image of the target rock fragment.

[0065] Further, in step S10, after completing the acquisition and associated storage of the dried rock fragment image of the target rock fragment in the current sample box, the eighth transfer command is sent to the control module 16 so that the robotic arm 15, under the control of the eighth transfer command, sends the current sample box 14 back to the rock fragment automatic collection device.

[0066] After the host computer 19 completes the rock cuttings image analysis, the robotic arm 15 sends the rock cuttings sample box 14 on the transfer slide 13 into the drying chamber for drying in order to obtain dried rock cuttings samples. However, only samples that need to be detected by rock cuttings dried sample images (i.e. target rock cuttings) will have depth marking information recorded in the rock cuttings image automatic acquisition system so that the correct dried rock cuttings sample can be picked up and the dry and wet sample images can be placed in the same position on the host computer 19 for association and storage.

[0067] After the rock cuttings are dried, the host computer 19 detects the original depth information of the extracted rock cuttings sample. If it is consistent with the sample depth marking information of the previously detected rock cuttings sample, it proves that it is the same rock cuttings. The robotic arm 15 places the current rock cuttings sample on the transfer slide 13 and repeats the rock cuttings image acquisition steps to acquire the rock cuttings image of the dried sample. After receiving the dried rock cuttings image through the data transmission module 17, the host computer 19 places it in the same position in the host computer 19 for easy analysis and comparison later.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment of the invention, the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system further includes a video monitoring module 18. This video monitoring module 18, under the control of the control module 16, monitors the entire workflow of the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system by controlling the start and end of video monitoring, the video angle and orientation, and the zoom in and out of the video.

[0069] The control module 16 sends control signals from each module and feeds them back to the host computer 19. It also receives various instructions from the host computer 19 and controls the operation of the robotic arm and the acquisition of rock cuttings images. Each module is assigned a different address, which allows for accurate reception and issuance of control instructions. The working steps of each module are individually programmed and built into the module itself. When a module receives the step execution command forwarded by the control module 16, it completes the corresponding action according to its built-in program and returns an action completion instruction and execution data.

[0070] The data transmission module 17 receives various types of data from the lifting device 11, the automatic image acquisition module 12, the transfer slide 13, the rock cutting sample box 14, the robotic arm 15, and the video monitoring module 18, and receives and sends data according to the addresses of each module.

[0071] The video data generated by the video monitoring module 17 is transmitted to the host computer 19 by the data transmission module 17.

[0072] The host computer 19 is equipped with host computer software, which has multiple functions such as control, data transmission, data storage, and data analysis. It can receive and process instructions and data sent by various modules, and can also generate instructions based on the instruction data returned by various modules, and send them down to the control module 16 to control the operation of various modules.

[0073] In one embodiment, the camera module 1205 employs a dual-camera high-definition camera system. One camera captures color images of rock cuttings under white light, while the other captures images of oil-bearing fluorescence in the rock cuttings excited by ultraviolet light. Both cameras feature autofocus and 10x optical zoom, providing clear images of the rock cuttings. The camera module 1205 also boasts high-speed imaging capabilities, enabling rapid image capture, reducing imaging time, and meeting the technical requirements of rapid rock cuttings analysis.

[0074] In one embodiment, the camera module 1205 is mounted on a pan-tilt unit 1204, which moves in the X / Y directions on a horizontal plane. When the camera module images the rock cuttings, it is moved as needed to position the camera module 1205 to the coordinates requiring focused imaging. Image analysis can quickly detect whether the rock cuttings contain key imaging targets, such as fluorescence, unclear imaging due to uneven rock cutting surfaces, rock cuttings of special colors, and other key imaging rules established beforehand based on the current well rock cuttings, thereby acquiring multifunctional rock cuttings images.

[0075] In one embodiment, white light and ultraviolet light are used as light sources. In order to ensure the uniformity of light intensity in the light field, a ring-shaped light source is used to obtain a uniform light field.

[0076] In one embodiment, image information matching the corresponding dry and wet rock cuttings is searched using rock cutting depth label information, grouped into one category, and stored in the same location.

[0077] On the other hand, based on the aforementioned automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system, this embodiment of the invention also provides an automatic rock cuttings image acquisition method. This automatic rock cuttings image acquisition method utilizes the aforementioned automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system.

[0078] The automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system is mounted on a support frame with an opening at the bottom. The lower end of the support frame consists of a lifting device, on which a transfer slide for the rock cuttings sample box is mounted, allowing for controlled ascent and descent. After automatic acquisition of the rock cuttings sample at the front end, the sample is dispensed into the sample box. A robotic arm transfers the collected sample to the transfer slide, simultaneously recording the depth information label and sending a "sample ready" signal to the control system and the host computer. Upon receiving the "sample ready" signal, automatic rock cuttings image acquisition begins. The lifting device rises, along with the transfer slide, carrying the rock cuttings sample box, aligning with the lower opening of the image acquisition instrument to form a rock cuttings detection dark chamber. A "detection ready" signal is then sent back. Upon receiving the "detection ready" signal, the white light and ultraviolet lamps of the rock cuttings image acquisition instrument are activated, simultaneously acquiring white light and fluorescence images of the rock cuttings. The images are uploaded to the host computer via a data transmission system. Computer image analysis software analyzes the images to determine the lithology and hydrocarbon properties of the rock cuttings sample, thus determining whether further dry rock cuttings image acquisition is necessary. If image acquisition of dried samples is required, depth tags will be recorded on the rock cuttings samples when they are placed into the drying chamber, and the depth tags of each rock cutting sample will be read after the dried rock cuttings are removed from the drying chamber. When the read depth tag information matches the depth tag information of the sample to be dried, the robotic arm will place the dried rock cuttings of the same depth onto the transfer slide when the rock cuttings image acquisition instrument is idle, and this process will be repeated. Figure 4Steps 1-3 transmit the dried rock cuttings image to the host computer and save it in the same location as the image of the same wet rock cuttings sample. After completing the image acquisition of the dried rock cuttings sample, the dried rock cuttings sample is sent to the packaging and packing stage of the automated rock cuttings acquisition process. Then, the process continues... Figure 4 Steps 1 through 7.

[0079] This invention discloses an automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system and method. The system and method can automatically process and analyze rock cuttings images and are embedded into the automated rock cuttings acquisition process, achieving real-time and linear image acquisition, adapting to rock cuttings image acquisition during rapid drilling. Secondly, this invention uses a sample holder combined with the rock cuttings image acquisition system to construct the image darkroom, simplifying the image acquisition sample processing process, quickly achieving white light and fluorescence image acquisition, and improving the smoothness of the image acquisition process. Furthermore, this invention can also perform image analysis on wet rock cuttings samples. For identified key rock cuttings, dry rock cuttings image acquisition is provided based on established numbers and well depth tags, ensuring the integrity of key image acquisition data and meeting the technical requirements of on-site analysis. Simultaneously, the image acquisition features magnification, automatic image analysis to locate key rock cuttings and capture images, obtaining all image data and meeting the needs of new on-site drilling technologies for fine and accurate rock cuttings analysis. In addition, this invention, through real-time acquisition and analysis of rock cuttings images, can promptly discover current geological and oil and gas information, guiding drilling geological steering and drilling engineering operations.

[0080] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0081] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "head," "tail," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0082] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0083] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the specific structures, processing steps, or materials disclosed herein, but should be extended to equivalent substitutions of these features as understood by those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0084] The phrase "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" used in this specification means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Therefore, the phrase "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0085] While the embodiments disclosed in this invention are as described above, the content is merely for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make any modifications and changes in form and detail of the implementation without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein; however, the scope of patent protection of this invention shall still be determined by the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system, characterized in that, include: Image acquisition mechanism, used to acquire images of rock cuttings from rock cuttings samples inside the sample box; A conveying mechanism for delivering the sample box it carries into the image acquisition space formed by the image acquisition mechanism; A robotic arm for transferring the sample box; The control module is used to control the movements of the robotic arm, the conveying mechanism, and the image acquisition mechanism under the control of the host computer. The host computer is used to obtain images of wet rock fragments in the sample box through the image acquisition mechanism when the sample box is sent into the image acquisition space, and based on this, determine whether the current wet rock fragments are the target rock fragments that need to be dry sample image acquisition, and to obtain images of the dried target rock fragments through the image acquisition mechanism when the dried target rock fragments are sent into the image acquisition space.

2. The automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The host computer also completes the automatic acquisition of rock cuttings images through the following methods: Step S1: Send a first transfer command to the control module so that the robotic arm, under the control of the first transfer command, places the sample box on the transfer table of the conveying mechanism. Step S2: Receive a rock cuttings preparation completion signal from the robotic arm, and based on this, send a second transfer command to the control module so that the transfer mechanism sends the sample box into the image acquisition space; Step S3: Receive the acquisition preparation completion signal from the transmission mechanism, and based on this, send a third transfer command to the control module so that the image acquisition mechanism can acquire the wet rock fragment image of the wet rock fragment sample in the sample box. Step S4: Receive wet rock debris images from the image acquisition mechanism; Step S5: Based on the wet rock fragment image of the wet rock fragment sample, determine whether the current wet rock fragment sample is the target rock fragment. If it is the target rock fragment, record the depth marking information of the rock fragment containing the rock fragment number information, and then proceed to the next step. Step S6: Send a fourth transfer command to the control module so that the robotic arm, under the control of the fourth transfer command, delivers the sample box into the drying chamber of the automatic rock cuttings collection device, so as to use the drying chamber to dry the rock cuttings sample. Step S7: After drying is completed, a fifth transfer command is sent to the control module so that the robotic arm, under the control of the fifth transfer command, takes out the sample box containing the dried target rock fragments that was sent in in step S6 from the drying chamber. Step S8: When the original depth information of the dried target rock fragments is identified to match the depth mark information, a sixth transfer command is sent to the control module so that the robotic arm, under the control of the sixth transfer command, transfers the sample box currently carrying the dried target rock fragments to the transfer platform of the conveying mechanism. Step S9: Repeat steps S2-S4 to obtain the dry rock fragment image of the current target rock fragment, and save the dry rock fragment image and the wet rock fragment image of the target rock fragment together.

3. The automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Step S4 further includes: A seventh transfer command is sent to the control module so that the conveying mechanism, under the control of the seventh transfer command, sends the sample box out of the image acquisition space.

4. The automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, In step S5, if the wet rock cutting sample in the current sample box is not the target rock cutting, an eighth transfer command is sent to the control module so that the robotic arm, under the control of the eighth transfer command, sends the sample box back to the automatic rock cutting collection device.

5. The automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The image acquisition mechanism includes: The bottom is constructed with an opening in the shell; White light strip and ultraviolet light strip located within the illumination range formed by the white light strip; The top of the housing is a circuit mounting compartment, and the interior of the circuit mounting compartment contains a shooting control circuit. The gimbal connected to the shooting control circuit is used to move the camera module in the horizontal plane; and A camera module connected to the gimbal.

6. The automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The camera module includes a white light camera and a fluorescent camera. The white light strip is a ring-shaped light strip arranged circumferentially around the inner wall of the housing, and the ultraviolet light strip is a ring-shaped light strip arranged circumferentially adjacent to the inner wall of the white light strip.

7. The automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes: The lifting device has a built-in force sensor for starting to rise upon receiving the second transfer command; A transfer platform is installed on the lifting device, wherein the dimensions and structure of the transfer platform are matched with the dimensions and structure of the opening, so as to stop rising when the lifting force obtained by the lifting device reaches a threshold, thereby enabling the transfer platform to provide a sealed rock cuttings collection darkroom as the bottom of the housing.

8. The automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system also includes: The data transmission module is used to transmit the information sent by the image acquisition mechanism, the transmission mechanism and the robotic arm to the host computer.

9. The automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that, The automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system also includes: The video monitoring module is used to monitor the entire workflow of the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system by controlling the start and end of video monitoring, the video angle and orientation, and the zoom in and out of the video under the control of the control module.

10. A method for automatically acquiring rock cuttings images, characterized in that, The automatic rock cuttings image acquisition method is implemented using the automatic rock cuttings image acquisition system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images