Automated Sample Imaging System

Abstract

Automated Sample Imaging System The present invention relates to a geological sample imaging system comprising an enclosure (22, 27) defining an internal volume (24, 29) in which are housed: an image recording unit (40) configured to image geological samples (15) in a given field of view, and a geological sample support tray (15), the tray comprising at least one compartment for receiving a geological sample (15), characterized in that at least one of the tray and the image recording unit (40) is movable relative to the other of the image recording unit (40) and the tray, so as to place at least a part of the one or more compartments within the field of view of the image recording unit (40). Figure for the abstract: 3

Description

Title of the invention: Automated sample imaging system

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging system of the type comprising an enclosure defining an internal volume in which are housed:

[0002] -an image recording unit configured to image geological samples in a given field of view, and

[0003] -a geological sample support tray, the tray comprising at least one compartment intended to receive a geological sample.

[0004] During the drilling of an oil well or a well for another effluent (in particular gas, steam, water), it is known to recover geological samples contained in the drilling mud exiting the well, for the purpose of their analysis.

[0005] These geological samples are visually analyzed to determine information on the nature of the soils through which the well passes. For example, analyses are carried out to determine the physicochemical properties, including composition, of the samples.

[0006] For this purpose, it is known to use a geological sample imaging system, aimed at imaging the samples to then allow an operator to analyze the images taken and determine the composition of the soil.

[0007] This solution is nevertheless cumbersome when the operator wishes to analyze a large number of samples. Indeed, the operator must place the geological samples one by one into the imaging system, record one or more images for each sample, and then move on to the next sample.

[0008] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to propose a geological sample imaging system that accelerates sample analysis and facilitates image acquisition of samples for an operator.

[0009] For this purpose, the invention relates to a geological sample imaging system in which at least one of the platform and the image recording unit is movable relative to the other of the image recording unit and the platform, in order to place at least a part of the or each compartment in the field of vision of the image recording unit.

[0010] One of the platform and the image recording unit being movable relative to the other of the image recording unit and the platform, in order to place at least a part of the or each support area in the field of vision of the image recording unit, it is possible to scroll, for example automatically, the samples in front of the field of vision of the image recording unit and / or to scroll the image recording unit in front of the samples.

[0011] Thus, such an imaging system makes it possible to increase the frequency of image recording of samples. A large number of samples can then be imaged quickly, while also facilitating image recording for the operator.

[0012] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the geological sample imaging system comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0013] - the tray comprises a plurality of separate compartments, each compartment being configured to contain a geological sample, the movement of one among the tray and the image recording unit relative to the other of the image recording unit and the tray being configured to successively and individually place each compartment opposite the field of view of the image recording unit;

[0014] - the imaging system includes a lighting system arranged in the internal volume, the lighting system being configured to illuminate the compartment or each compartment within the field of vision of the image recording unit;

[0015] - the lighting system includes at least one visible light source and / or infrared and / or ultraviolet, and at least one movable filter in a shutter position, in which the filter blocks one or more wavelength ranges of the light source(s);

[0016] - the movement of one and / or the other of the platter and the recording unit image acquisition is automated;

[0017] - the image recording unit is mounted on a longitudinal axis, the unit image recording unit being mobile in translation along a longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis, and being fixed in each transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the field of vision of the image recording unit extending along the longitudinal direction;

[0018] - the platform is movable in at least one transverse plane in order to place at least a portion of the compartment(s) within the field of view of the image recording unit; and

[0019] - the imaging system comprises at least two actuators operating perpendicularly, each actuator causes the platform to move in a direction of movement perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0020] The invention also relates to a method for recording images of geological samples implemented using such an imaging system, the method comprising the following steps:

[0021] - displacement of the image generation unit and / or the support platform in order to place at least part of at least one compartment within the field of view of the image recording unit, and

[0022] - acquisition of one or more images of at least a part of a sample geological data located in said part of said compartment, using the image recording unit.

[0023] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the image recording method comprises the following feature:

[0024] - the tray comprises a plurality of separate compartments, each compartment being configured to contain a geological sample, the method includes a step of moving one of the tray and the image recording unit relative to the other of the image recording unit and the tray to successively and individually place each compartment opposite the field of view of the image recording unit.

[0025] Finally, the invention also relates to a subsurface exploitation installation comprising an imaging system as described above, and at least one geological sample, the geological sample being taken from the subsurface.

[0026] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the installation comprises the following feature:

[0027] - the installation includes at least one subsurface drilling station and one subsurface drilling station collection of geological samples from the drilling station.

[0028] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0029] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of an imaging kit assembled in a second configuration in which an imaging module, an automation module, and an extension module are reversibly assembled on top of each other.

[0030] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partially exploded perspective view of the necessary imaging of the [Fig.1],

[0031] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an internal view of an imaging module, and

[0032] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of an expansion module.

[0033] A necessary 10 for imaging geological samples is shown in [Fig.1].

[0034] The kit 10 is intended to be used for analyzing geological samples 15.

[0035] In a particular embodiment, the set 10 is used at an oil site, where a subsurface drilling installation, not shown, is installed. In order to optimize drilling, it is important to know the soil conditions in which the installation is located and the type of rock it penetrates. For this purpose, geological samples 15, for example, debris from the subsurface, are collected and analyzed by an operator, in order to determine, among other things, the chemical composition of the samples.

[0036] It is understood that the necessary 10 can be used for the purpose of analyzing samples from any type of installation, petroleum, mining or otherwise, and is not reserved exclusively for geological samples from the subsoil.

[0037] The necessary 10 includes at least one geological sample imaging module 20 configured to image geological samples 15, at least one automation module 25 and at least one extension module 30 configured to be assembled or not with the imaging module 20 and the automation module 25, as will be described in detail below.

[0038] Each module 20, 25, 30 includes an enclosure 22, 27, 32 defining an internal volume 24, 29, 34 containing at least one piece of equipment configured to be moved together with the enclosure 22, 27, 32.

[0039] Each automation module 25 is, for example, configured to supply power to and connect the imaging module 20 to an image control and storage unit, not shown. For this purpose, each automation module 25 comprises, for example, at least one electronic control unit and one power supply unit, not shown.

[0040] As will be described later, each extension module 30 offers optional additional functionalities for the operation of the necessary 10.

[0041] In a particular embodiment, the necessary 10 is configured to be assembled in at least a first configuration in which the imaging module 20 and the automation module 25 are reversibly assembled on top of each other without the extension module 30, and a second configuration, shown in [Fig.1], in which the imaging module 20, the automation module 25, and the extension module 30 are reversibly assembled on top of each other.

[0042] By "reversibly", it is meant that each module 20, 25, 30 is mounted in a detachable manner on a neighboring module 20, 25, 30, as shown in [Fig.2].

[0043] For this purpose, each module 20, 25, 30 includes a reversible fastening system 35, visible in [Fig.2], intended to be fixed to a complementary reversible fastening system of a separate module.

[0044] Each reversible fastening system 35 includes, for example, a snap-on system, a magnetic fastening system, or a removable screwing system.

[0045] At least one of the reversible fastening systems 35 is, for example, configured to electrically connect two modules 20, 25, 30 together. For example, the reversible fastening system 35 of the automation module 25 is configured to connect electrically the imaging module 20, and optionally the extension module 30, to the automation module 25.

[0046] The kit 10 includes, for example, a container, not shown, configured to contain and transport together each imaging module 20, each automation module 25 and each extension module 30. The container is, for example, configured to contain and transport the kit 10 in the first configuration and / or in the second configuration, and / or to contain and transport the modules 20, 25, 30 separately and disassembled from each other.

[0047] The container is for example a suitcase or a trunk.

[0048] In a particular embodiment, the necessary 10 comprises a plurality of imaging modules 20, a plurality of automation modules 25 and a plurality of extension modules 30.

[0049] The necessary 10 can then be assembled in a plurality of configurations, in which an imaging module 20 is chosen from the plurality of imaging modules, an automation module 25 is chosen from the plurality of automation modules, and, optionally, an extension module 30 is chosen from the plurality of extension modules.

[0050] When at least two modules 20, 25, 30 are assembled one on top of the other, the at least two enclosures 22, 27, 32 assembled together define an overall internal volume 38 of the required 10.

[0051] The overall volume 38 of the set 10 depends on the arrangement of the modules 20, 25, 30 with each other. For example, the set 10 can be made more compact if it is intended to be used in a space with limited volume.

[0052] At least one of the automation modules 25 further comprises an automation sub-module, selected from a communication unit, and a human-machine interface.

[0053] Such a sub-module then makes it possible to transfer information from, for example, the imaging module 20 to a remote operator or to the site of the installation.

[0054] For example, each automation module 25 of the plurality of automation modules is distinguished from the other automation modules 25 by the sub-module it comprises.

[0055] It is understood that an automation module 25 may include several of the sub-modules described above.

[0056] With reference to [Fig.3], the imaging module 20 will now be described in detail.

[0057] Each imaging module 20 includes an image recording unit 40 configured to image the geological samples 15 in a given field of view.

[0058] The image recording unit 40 is, for example, a camera operating in the visible and / or infrared and / or ultraviolet range.

[0059] In the example shown in [Fig.3], the image recording unit 40 is mounted on an elevation axis 44, and is advantageously movable in translation along an elevation direction L along the elevation axis 44.

[0060] For example, the field of view of the image recording unit 40 extends along the elevation direction L. Thus, by translating the image recording unit 40 along the elevation direction L, it is possible to move an object, such as a geological sample 15, closer to or further from the focal plane of the image recording unit 40.

[0061] Each imaging module 20 also includes a lighting system 46 comprising at least one light source 48.

[0062] The lighting system 46 is arranged in the internal volume 24 of the imaging module 20 and is configured to illuminate the geological samples 15 in a stable and repeatable manner.

[0063] The light source 48 is a visible light source, for example a broadband light source or a narrowband light source. It is, for example, of the annular type in order to limit the formation of shadow areas on the illuminated geological samples 15, or of the standard linear type.

[0064] The imaging module 20 further includes a base 50 for supporting at least one geological sample 15.

[0065] The base 50 includes, for example, a compartment 53 defining a housing for receiving the geological sample 15 to be analyzed. The compartment 53 is arranged in the field of view of the image recording unit 40 along the elevation direction L, within the internal volume 24 of the enclosure 22 of the imaging module 20.

[0066] At least one of the imaging modules 20 further comprises an imaging sub-module, selected from a filter blocking one or more wavelength ranges of the light source 48, a calibration tool for the image recording unit 40, a sensor and / or a device for measuring physical and / or chemical parameters of the geological samples 15, an ambient environment control unit in the imaging module 20, and a geological sample preparation unit 15.

[0067] For example, each imaging module 20 of the plurality of imaging modules is distinguished from the other imaging modules 20 by the sub-module it comprises.

[0068] It is understood that an imaging module 20 may comprise several of the sub-modules described above.

[0069] When the imaging sub-module is a blocking filter, the filter is, for example, movable in a shutter position, in which the filter blocks one or several wavelength ranges of the light source 48 of the corresponding module, and a free position, in which the filter is not placed in front of the light source 48 and does not interfere with the light rays from the light source 48.

[0070] Such a filter offers the possibility of acquiring one or more images of a sample 15 representative only of the light reflected by the samples 15 in specific ranges of wavelengths, for example under red, blue or green lighting.

[0071] When the imaging sub-module is a calibration tool for the image recording unit 40, it is configured, for example, to adjust parameters of the image recording unit 40 such as the color of the recorded image, the position and distance of the image recording unit 40 relative to the geological sample 15.

[0072] When the imaging submodule is a sensor and / or a device for measuring physical and / or chemical parameters of geological samples 15, the submodule includes, for example, a color, brightness, temperature, pressure sensor, and / or a device for measuring X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), plasma atomic emission spectrometry (LIBS), and / or a device for manipulating chemical compounds, or others.

[0073] When the imaging sub-module is an ambient environment control unit in the imaging module 20, it includes, for example, a set of temperature sensors, heating and / or air conditioning and / or ventilation system, etc.

[0074] Such a diversity of imaging sub-modules available to assemble the necessary 10 offers an operator a wide choice of functionalities depending on the type of samples 15 to be analyzed, the type of installation from which the samples 15 come, the specific needs of the operator, etc.

[0075] With reference to [Fig.4], the expansion module 30 will now be described in detail.

[0076] Each extension module 30 includes an extension sub-module selected from a geological sample handling device, and a calibration tool for the imaging module 20.

[0077] For example, each extension module 30 of the plurality of extension modules is distinguished from the other extension modules 30 by the sub-module it comprises.

[0078] It is understood that an extension module 30 may include several of the sub-modules described above.

[0079] When the expansion module 30 is assembled onto the imaging module 20 and the expansion sub-module is a calibration tool for the imaging module 20, the sub-module is for example configured to adjust parameters of the image recording unit 40 such as the color of the recorded image, the position and distance of the image recording unit 40 relative to the geological sample 15.

[0080] When the extension sub-module is a geological sample handling device, it includes for example a support tray 60 for geological samples 15.

[0081] The support platform 60 includes, for example, at least one compartment 62 intended to receive a geological sample 15.

[0082] The support platform 60 is for example divided into two sub-platforms, one comprising at least one compartment 62 intended to receive a geological sample 15 of a given size, and the other defining a flat surface intended to receive a sample 15 of a larger dimension.

[0083] The two sub-plates are for example superimposed one on top of the other, and movable relative to each other in order to place each plate successively in the field of vision of the image recording unit 40, when the extension module 30 is assembled with the imaging module 20.

[0084] According to the invention, at least one of the tray 60 and the image recording unit 40 is movable relative to the other of the image recording unit 40 and the tray 60, in order to place at least a part of the or of each compartment 62 in the field of vision of the image recording unit 40.

[0085] Advantageously, the movement of one and / or the other of the plate 60 and the image recording unit 40 is automated.

[0086] For example, the necessary 10 includes a motor integrated into the extension module 30, not shown, capable of generating the movement of the plate 60 and / or the image recording unit 40.

[0087] Thus, when a geological sample 15, placed in a compartment 62, is too large to fit entirely within the field of vision of the image recording unit 40, the movement of the image recording unit 40 and / or the platform 62 allows the entire geological sample 15 to be placed successively within the field of vision of the image recording unit 40 in order to acquire at least one image for each part of the geological sample 15.

[0088] The plurality of images recorded per sample is, for example, then processed by software or computer program, not shown, in order to recreate an image of the entire sample.

[0089] In one embodiment, the tray 60 also contains a set of calibration cards (color / scale), so as to automate the calibration of the image recording unit 40.

[0090] In another particular embodiment, the platform 60 comprises a plurality of separate compartments 62, each compartment 62 being configured to contain a geological sample 15. The movement of one of the platform 60 and the image recording unit 40 relative to the other of the image recording unit 40 and the platform 60 is configured to place successively and individually each compartment 62 in view of the field of vision of the image recording unit 40.

[0091] Thus, the precise location of each geological sample 15 in a dedicated compartment 62 allows the platform 60 and / or the image recording unit 40 to be moved precisely from one sample 15 to another, in order to acquire one or more images of each sample successively.

[0092] In the example shown in the figures, the plate 60 is movable relative to the image recording unit 40.

[0093] The image recording unit 40 is, for example, fixed in each transverse plane perpendicular to the elevation direction L. In other words, the image recording unit 40 is mobile only along the elevation axis 44 according to the elevation direction L.

[0094] In particular, the platform 60 is movable in at least one transverse plane, perpendicular to the elevation direction L, in order to place at least a part of the or each compartment, and / or in order to place successively and individually each compartment 62 in the field of vision of the image recording unit 40.

[0095] For this purpose, the geological sample handling device includes, for example, at least two actuators 65 operating perpendicularly, each actuator 65 causing the movement of the platform 60 in a direction of movement perpendicular to the direction of elevation L.

[0096] Thus, the actuators 65 allow the movement of the plate 60 in said transverse plane, so as to move successively each part of each compartment 62 in relation to the field of vision of the image recording unit 40.

[0097] Each actuator 65 is, for example, a linear actuator such as a cylinder. Each actuator 65 is, for example, actuated by the motor mentioned above.

[0098] The control of the position of the plate 60 (for example the calibration of the motor(s) operating the actuators 65 to reach a certain position) is for example automated.

[0099] In a first variant, not shown, each imaging module 20 comprises a camera or lens operating in the visible and / or infrared and / or ultraviolet range. Each imaging module 20 may then comprise a sub-module including an image recording unit for the images viewed by the camera or lens, the image recording unit being configured to image the geological samples 15 in a given field of view and to store such images.

[0100] In another variant, not shown, only the image recording unit 40 is mobile relative to the platform 60. For this purpose, the lighting system 46 is for example configured to move with the image recording unit 40 in order to illuminate in a stable and repeatable manner each sample 15 or part of a sample 15 located in the field of vision of the image recording unit 40.

[0101] In yet another variant, not shown, the geological sample handling device is integrated into the imaging module 20, for example replacing the support base 50. In such a configuration, it is possible to use such an imaging module 20, equipped with the geological sample handling device, with the automation module 30, independently, without necessarily having the other imaging modules 20 and / or the other automation modules 25 and / or the other extension modules 30 that are part of the required set 10.

[0102] A method for imaging geological samples implemented with such a necessary 10 will now be described.

[0103] A first step consists of reversibly assembling at least the automation module 25 and the imaging module 20 one on top of the other.

[0104] For this purpose, an operator chooses, for example, an automation module 25 from among the plurality of automation modules and an imaging module 20 from among the plurality of imaging modules, and fixes the chosen automation module 25 with the chosen imaging module 20 using the reversible fixing systems 35.

[0105] During this step, the operator can also choose to reversibly assemble an extension module 30, chosen for example from the plurality of extension modules, on the automation module 25 and the imaging module 20.

[0106] The process then includes a step of loading one or more geological samples 15 from the subsoil into the tray 60, in particular into compartment(s) 62 when the extension module 30 is assembled, and / or into compartment 53 when the extension module 30 is not assembled.

[0107] A second step consists of acquiring one or more images of a geological sample 15 using the imaging module 20.

[0108] For this purpose, an optional step of moving, automatic or manual, the image generation unit 40 and / or the platform 60 can be provided before the acquisition in order to place at least part of at least one compartment 53 or 62 in the field of vision of the image recording unit 40.

[0109] For example, the tray 60 is moved using the actuators 65 in order to place at least a part of at least one compartment 53 or 62 in the field of vision of the image recording unit 40.

[0110] The image recording unit 40 then acquires one or more images of the part of the geological sample 15 being disposed in said part of the at least one compartment 53 or 62 being in the field of view of the image recording unit 40.

[0111] During this image acquisition step, the extension module 30 is disassembled from the automation module 25 and the imaging module 20 or is assembled onto the automation module 25 and the imaging module 20, depending on the operator's needs.

[0112] When several samples 15, each arranged in a separate compartment 62 of the tray 60, are to be imaged, the method includes a step of moving one of the tray 60 and the image recording unit 40 relative to the other of the image recording unit 40 and the tray 60 to successively and individually place each compartment 62 opposite the field of vision of the image recording unit 40.

[0113] A final step of the process, implemented after image acquisition, consists of disassembling, where appropriate, each of the automation modules 25, imaging modules 20, and the extension module(s) 30, and jointly storing and transporting each imaging module 20, each automation module 25 and each extension module 30 in the container.

[0114] The imaging modules 20 and automation modules 25 are, for example, transported and stored together, in the assembled state, in the container.

[0115] The necessary 10 according to the invention has many advantages.

[0116] Initially, the modularity of the necessary 30 allows the operator to choose the modules that are useful to them and to the desired application. Thus, volumetric, temporal, or analytical constraints, for example, can be met. The study of the samples 15 is then optimized according to the needs, without increasing costs.

[0117] In a second step, the mobility between the platform 60 and the image recording unit 40 allows the samples 15 to be moved in relation to the image recording unit 40 and / or the image recording unit 40 to be moved in relation to the samples 15, in an automated, rapid, and repeatable manner. A large The number of samples 15 can then be quickly imaged and the operator's analysis task is facilitated.

Claims

Demands

1. A geological sample imaging system comprising an enclosure (22, 27) defining an internal volume (24, 29) in which are housed: - an image recording unit (40) configured to image geological samples (15) in a given field of view, and - a support tray (60) for the geological samples (15), the tray comprising at least one compartment (62) for receiving a geological sample (15), characterized in that at least one of the tray (60) and the image recording unit (40) is movable relative to the other of the image recording unit (40) and the tray (60), in order to place at least a part of the or each compartment (62) in the field of view of the image recording unit (40).

2. Imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the tray (60) comprises a plurality of separate compartments (62), each compartment (62) being configured to contain a geological sample (15), the movement of one among the tray (60) and the image recording unit (40) relative to the other of the image recording unit (40) and the tray (60) being configured to successively and individually place each compartment (62) opposite the field of view of the image recording unit (40).

3. Imaging system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a lighting system (46) disposed in the internal volume (24, 29), the lighting system (46) being configured to illuminate the or each compartment (62) in the field of view of the image recording unit (40).

4. Imaging system according to claim 3, wherein the lighting system (46) comprises at least one visible and / or infrared and / or ultraviolet light source (48), and at least one filter movable in a shutter position, wherein the filter blocks one or more wavelength ranges of the or each light source (48).

5. Imaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement of one and / or the other of the platform (60) and the image recording unit (40) is automated.

6. Imaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image recording unit (40) is mounted on a longitudinal axis (44), the image recording unit (40) being movable in translation along a longitudinal direction (L) along the longitudinal axis (44), and being fixed in each transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), the field of view of the image recording unit (40) extending along the longitudinal direction (L).

7. Imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the tray (60) is movable in at least one transverse plane in order to place at least a part of the or each compartment (62) in the field of view of the image recording unit (40).

8. Imaging system according to claim 7, comprising at least two actuators (65) operating perpendicularly, each actuator (65) causing the movement of the platform (60) in a direction of movement perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L).

9. A method for imaging geological samples implemented using an imaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: - moving the image generation unit (40) and / or the support platform (60) to place at least a part of at least one compartment (62) in the field of view of the image recording unit (40), and - acquiring one or more images of at least a part of a geological sample (15) located in said part of said compartment (62), using the image recording unit (40).

10. An imaging method according to claim 9, wherein the tray (60) comprises a plurality of separate compartments (62), each compartment (62) being configured to contain a geological sample (15), the method comprising a step of moving one of the tray (60) and the image recording unit (40) relative to the other of the image recording unit (40) and the tray (60) to successively and individually place each compartment (62) opposite the field of vision of the image recording unit (40).

11. Subsurface exploitation installation comprising an imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and at least one geological sample (15), the geological sample (15) being taken from the subsurface.

12. Installation according to claim 11, comprising at least one subsurface drilling station and a geological sample collection station (15) from the drilling station.

Images