Modelling degradation of underground volumes.

Abstract

Computerized creation and visualization of a model of deterioration of an internal surface of a subsurface volume. The subsurface volume is digitally modeled by digitally modeling the internal surfaces of the subsurface volume. The computing system performs a deterioration analysis of the internal surfaces of the subsurface volume by comparison of the digital model of the internal surfaces of the subsurface volume with a digital model of a reference internal surface of the subsurface volume. The computing system then causes the results of the deterioration analysis to be visualized by causing a visualization of the digital model of deterioration relative to the internal surfaces of the subsurface volume to be displayed.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001]

[0001] Underground volumes (such as conduits, pipes, tanks, and the like) are utilized to convey or store materials so as not to interfere with above-ground activities and views. For example, municipalities typically have a network of underground utilities that provide services to their residents, businesses, and other entities within the municipal boundaries. Some of these utilities include underground facilities for conveying wastewater, such as storm water runoff or household liquid waste (collectively referred to herein as "wastewater"). Municipalities, companies, and even private landowners may also own underground volumes in the form of tanks or pipes.

[0002]

[0002] Thus, underground wastewater utilities typically have several "manholes," so named because they are large enough for a person to descend through them (after removing a protective manhole cover) to inspect or perform repairs to the underground volume. Manholes are usually in the form of vertical wells that connect the underground volume to the ground surface, such as a road. Such underground volumes are often intended not to be easily accessed, so that unqualified individuals do not enter dangerously. For this and other reasons, manholes are usually protected by heavy manhole covers. Inspecting manholes is therefore not a trivial task.

[0003]

[0003] Manhole deterioration can occur over time due to environmental factors such as corrosion, vibration, thermal stress, ground movement, chemical reactions, etc. Such deterioration can affect the safety and functionality of the underground volume, potentially resulting in interruptions in service and even leakage between the underground volume and the environment. Therefore, underground volumes should be kept in good repair.

[0004]

[0004] To assess the condition of an underground volume, and potentially make repairs, a human inspector typically physically travels to the location of the manhole, enters the manhole, observes the underground volume, notes any observed damage, and / or makes repairs. Alternatively, a camera may be lowered into the manhole to take images of the interior of the manhole.

[0005]

[0005] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any shortcomings or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006]

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007]

[0007] The embodiments described herein relate to computerized creation and visualization of models of deterioration of interior surfaces of underground volumes. By way of example, the underground volume may be a manhole, a pipe, a tank, or any other closed or open underground volume. Such underground volumes may be difficult, or perhaps even dangerous, to access for inspection. Moreover, even when accessed, it may be difficult to actually measure the deterioration of the interior surfaces (e.g., walls) of the underground volume. Excessive deterioration may cause failure of the underground volume.

[0008]

[0008] According to the principles described herein, a subsurface volume is digitally modeled by digitally modeling interior surfaces of the subsurface volume. A computing system performs a deterioration analysis of the interior surfaces of the subsurface volume by comparison of the digital model of the interior surfaces of the subsurface volume with a digital model of a reference interior surface of the subsurface volume. The computing system then causes the results of the deterioration analysis to be visualized by causing a visualization of the digital model of the deterioration to the interior surfaces of the subsurface volume to be displayed.

[0009]

[0009] Thus, the visualization of the deterioration analysis can be viewed by a human user at any time and from any location. This can be done for multiple underground volumes, allowing users to virtually inspect many underground volumes at their convenience, comfort, and safety. For example, a user can be presented with a digital map, select any of the underground volumes from the digital map, and optionally view the results of the deterioration analysis and / or a visualization of the model of deterioration. This is particularly advantageous since manual inspection of underground volumes can be difficult, unsafe, and perhaps even impossible for a user to perform. Entering some confined spaces (such as manholes) can be even more dangerous or deadly due to gases and other confined space hazards.

[0010]

[0010] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the teachings herein. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Features of the invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

[0011]

[0011] To illustrate the manner in which the foregoing and other advantages and features may be obtained, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be given by reference to specific embodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail, with the understanding that such drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and therefore should not be considered limiting in scope. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an abstract view of an environment in which the principles described herein may be implemented, including the earth's surface and a subsurface volume in which degradation is to be digitally modeled in accordance with the principles described herein. [Diagram 2] 1 is a flowchart of a computer-implemented method for allowing deterioration of an internal surface of a subsurface volume to be modeled and visualized, according to principles described herein. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows a digital model of the inner surface of an underground volume in the form of a manhole. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 shows a more detailed view of the visualization of the deterioration model superimposed on the digital model of the manhole's inner surface. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a digital map showing markers for multiple subsurface volumes. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of a method for using digital maps populated with underground volume visualization. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 shows a more detailed digital map including a map frame showing various road and underground volume locations and a control frame for controlling what is seen within the map frame. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computing system in which the principles described herein may be employed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013]

[0020] The embodiments described herein relate to computerized creation and visualization of models of deterioration of interior surfaces of underground volumes. By way of example, the underground volume may be a manhole, a pipe, a tank, or any other closed or open underground volume. Such underground volumes may be difficult, or perhaps even dangerous, to access for inspection. Moreover, even when accessed, it may be difficult to actually measure the deterioration of the interior surfaces (e.g., walls) of the underground volume. Excessive deterioration may cause the underground volume to fail.

[0014]

[0021] According to the principles described herein, a subsurface volume is digitally modeled by digitally modeling interior surfaces of the subsurface volume. A computing system performs a deterioration analysis of the interior surfaces of the subsurface volume by comparison of the digital model of the interior surfaces of the subsurface volume with a digital model of a reference interior surface of the subsurface volume. The computing system then causes the results of the deterioration analysis to be visualized by causing a visualization of the digital model of the deterioration to the interior surfaces of the subsurface volume to be displayed.

[0015]

[0022] Thus, the visualization of the deterioration analysis can be viewed by a human user at any time and from any location. This can be done for multiple underground volumes, allowing users to virtually inspect many underground volumes at their convenience, comfort, and safety. For example, a user can be presented with a digital map and can select any of the underground volumes from the digital map and optionally view the results of the deterioration analysis and / or a visualization of the model of deterioration. This is particularly advantageous since manual inspection of underground volumes can be difficult, unsafe, and perhaps even impossible for a user to perform. Entering some confined spaces (such as manholes) can be even more dangerous or deadly due to gases and other confined space hazards.

[0016]

[0023] 1 illustrates, abstractly, an environment 100 in which the principles described herein may be implemented. The environment 100 includes an earth's surface 101 and a subsurface volume 102. The principles described herein are not limited to the nature of the subsurface volume 102. The subsurface volume 102 can be of any shape suitable for the purpose, but is shown as cylindrical for illustrative purposes only.

[0017]

[0024] The underground volume 102 may be a closed volume, such as a tank. Alternatively, the underground volume 102 may be an open volume, such as a manhole, viaduct, pipe, or a combination thereof. The underground volume 102 has walls 103 that define the underground volume 102 and operate to keep materials (e.g., soil) outside the walls from entering the underground volume and to keep materials (e.g., water, solids, and / or gas) contained within the underground volume from entering the surrounding environment. The walls 103 are subject to degradation over time, such as dynamic movement (e.g., soil movement or erosion), chemical reactions (e.g., corrosion, oxidation, or buildup), or structural problems (e.g., liner delamination). There may be a way to access the underground volume 102, by a person or a sensor, to allow inspection or repair of the underground volume 102. This access is represented by dashed line 104.

[0018]

[0025] 2 shows a flowchart of a computer-implemented method 200 for creating and visualizing a model of interior surface deterioration of a subsurface volume according to principles described herein. As an example, the method 200 may be used to create and visualize a model of interior surface deterioration of a wall 103 of the subsurface volume 102 of FIG. 1. Accordingly, the method 200 of FIG. 2 and subsequent figures will be described below, in some cases, with reference to the subsurface volume 102 of FIG. 1.

[0019]

[0026] Method 200 includes digitally modeling a subsurface volume (operation 201). The digital model is a three-dimensional representation of the subsurface volume. Digital modeling is performed by digitally modeling the interior surfaces of the subsurface volume (operation 211). By way of example only, a tool may be lowered into the subsurface volume 102 (e.g., through access 104) to obtain a three-dimensional topographical scan of at least a portion of the interior surfaces of the walls 103 of the subsurface volume 102. Thus, the digital model created in operation 201 models the interior surfaces of the subsurface volume as if a subsurface, including deterioration, were present.

[0020]

[0027] Additionally, a digital model of a reference interior surface of the subsurface volume is accessed (operation 202). This digital model of the reference interior surface represents a three-dimensional model of an example of an undegraded shape of the interior surface of the subsurface volume. For example, perhaps the digital model of the reference interior surface is a predefined shape selected from a library of shapes. Alternatively, perhaps the digital model of the reference interior surface is a digital model of the interior surface as it existed immediately after the subsurface volume was installed. Alternatively, perhaps the digital model of the reference interior surface models an initial design of the subsurface volume.

[0021]

[0028] This digital model of the interior surface of the subsurface volume is then used to perform a deterioration analysis of the interior surface of the subsurface volume (operation 203) by comparing the digital model of the interior surface of the subsurface volume to a digital model of a reference interior surface of the subsurface volume (operation 213).

[0022]

[0029] This deterioration analysis results in a digital model of the deterioration of the interior surfaces of the subsurface volume (operation 204). The results of the deterioration analysis may then be visualized to a user (operation 205). In particular, this may be achieved by causing a visualization of the digital model of the deterioration to be displayed on the interior surfaces of the subsurface volume (operation 215).

[0023]

[0030] Method 200 may be performed by a computing system, such as computing system 800 described below with respect to Figure 8. Thus, the visualization of the deterioration analysis may be viewed by a human user at any time and from any location, so long as the user has access to the visualization produced by computing system 800. As an example, a user may sit within a comfortable space in front of a computing system and review the deterioration of a subsurface volume from their comfortable and safe space above ground, such as within the user's office or home.

[0024]

[0031] Furthermore, the visualization is of a deterioration model for the interior surface of the underground volume. Such deterioration model can be made to give a much clearer view of the deterioration than the naked eye. Thus, users can actually get a better idea of ​​the deterioration from the comfort and safety of their space than if they were to physically enter and observe the interior surface of the underground volume with their naked eyes.

[0025]

[0032] From a comfortable and safe location, the user can further use a virtual reality device (e.g., a headset) that allows the user to virtually enter the subsurface volume and make observations of the digital model of the deterioration relative to a digital model of the subsurface volume's interior surfaces. For example, the digital model of the deterioration can be a colorized pattern that exhibits different colors depending on the extent to which the deterioration has removed or added material from or displaced material (e.g., due to liner delamination) from the interior surfaces of the subsurface volume.

[0026]

[0033] In one exemplary implementation, the underground volume 102 is a manhole. Furthermore, the interior surface of the underground volume 102 is modeled by a point cloud generated from sensor measurements, with each point representing a location of the interior surface of the underground volume. A digital model of the surface can then be created by forming triangles between each set of three nearest points in the point cloud.

[0027]

[0034] For example, FIG. 3 shows a digital model 300 of the inner surface of an underground volume in the form of a manhole. The digital model 300 is an example of a digital model created in operation 201 of FIG. 2. Such a manhole typically allows a person to enter and descend vertically downwards (using a ladder) to access a horizontal flow path of a network (such as a wastewater network). This digital model 300 was generated using a point cloud, which includes points arranged to represent the positions of relevant points of the inner surface of the manhole. The modeled manhole includes portions of a manhole stack 301, a conical section 302, a cylindrical section 303, a benched section 304, and a flow path section 305. It is noted that there are smooth sections of the manhole and rougher sections of the manhole, reflecting a good approximation of the actual conditions of the inner surface of the manhole.

[0028]

[0035] In this example, only a portion of the flowpath section 305 is modeled due to the limited reach of the sensors that generated the point cloud samples. However, the principles described herein are not limited to the geometry or identity of the subsurface volume, nor are they limited to which portions of the subsurface volume are digitally modeled. The principles described herein are also not limited to the resolution or accuracy of the digital model in representing the actual interior surface at a particular time. Nevertheless, the greater the fidelity of the digital model to the actual interior surface that existed at a particular time, the more accurate the degradation model can be.

[0029]

[0036] FIG. 4 shows a more detailed view of a visualization 400 of a deterioration model 410 superimposed on a digital model of the inner surface of a manhole. Specifically, the deterioration model 410 is superimposed on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion of the manhole. The deterioration model 410 is an example of a deterioration model generated in act 204 of FIG. 2. Additionally, FIG. 4 shows an example of a visualization that may become displayed in act 205 of FIG. 2. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows a visualization of the digital model of deterioration for the inner surface of the manhole, the visualization being an example of a visualization displayed in act 215 of FIG. 2.

[0030]

[0037] The degradation model is a three-dimensional model of the depth of material removal / addition due to degradation. If a digital model of the interior surface was generated from the point cloud, the point cloud may be used as a basis for generating the degradation model. Specifically, comparing the digital model of the interior surface of the subsurface volume to the digital model of the reference interior surface of the subsurface volume (operation 213) may include measuring the distance between points in the point cloud with the reference interior surface of the subsurface volume. Thus, each point in the point cloud may have an associated spatial difference that represents the depth of degradation at that point. The triangular surfaces of three nearby points in the point cloud may then be colored corresponding to the associated spatial depths of the three nearby points.

[0031]

[0038] The visualization of the degradation model 410 shown in FIG. 4 uses colors to represent the depth of material removal, addition, and / or movement due to degradation. In FIG. 4, those colors are represented by fill patterns, as represented by legend 420. In the example of FIG. 4, areas of significant removal are represented by a crosshatched fill pattern 421 (which may be red in color). Areas of moderate removal are represented by a right-hatched fill pattern 422 (which may be yellow in color). Areas of no significant degradation are represented by no fill pattern 423 (which may be green in color). Areas of moderate addition (e.g., material added or caused by the movement of material such as a liner) are represented by a light dot fill pattern (which may be blue in color). Areas of large amounts of addition are represented by a dark dot fill pattern 425. Although the diagram is limited to black and white, it is useful to indicate the colors discretely by number (five fill patterns in FIG. 4). However, on a computing system, the removal and addition of degradation can be further represented as a color gradient ranging from deep red to deep purple, allowing further information to be conveyed about the depth of the removal or addition.

[0032]

[0039] To complement the digital model, a deterioration score may also be generated to represent the deterioration of the interior surface of the subsurface volume as a single score. This score may be, for example, some statistical value (e.g., standard deviation) of the spatial difference between the points in the point cloud of the interior surface of the subsurface volume and the corresponding locations of the reference interior surface. The deterioration score may also be generated by applying the deterioration criteria to a machine learning model that predicts the state of deterioration.

[0033]

[0040] As previously mentioned, causing the visualization of the digital model of the deterioration on the interior surface of the underground volume to be displayed (operation 215) may be done by visualizing the deterioration model superimposed on another digital model of the interior surface of the underground volume. That digital model of the interior surface may be the digital model generated in operation 201. In this case, the visualization may be viewed using a computing system or a virtual reality device. Additionally, although FIG. 4 shows the visualization as viewed from outside the manhole, a virtual reality device may allow a user to view the visualization from a virtual position inside the manhole.

[0034]

[0041] Alternatively, causing the visualization of the digital model of the deterioration on the internal surfaces of the subsurface volume to be displayed (operation 215) may be done by visualizing the deterioration model superimposed on the digital model of the reference internal surfaces of the subsurface volume, which may be useful when the focus is on the deterioration model rather than on the visualization of the actual deterioration.

[0035]

[0042] As another alternative, the user can actually enter the underground volume, and then the deterioration model can be visually superimposed on the actual inner surface itself. Thus, in this case, causing the visualization of the digital model of deterioration on the inner surface of the underground volume to be displayed (operation 215) can be done by visualizing the deterioration model superimposed on the actual inner surface of the underground volume, rather than superimposed on the digital model. Thus, a mixed reality device can be used to supplement the sensation of an inspector who physically enters the underground volume. After all, even an experienced inspector cannot get a completely correct sense of the amount of deterioration on the walls of the underground volume. The underground inspector may have limited lighting and may not have a correct sense of what level the original walls were at, or may have inaccurate estimates of what level the depth was relative to the removal or addition of material.

[0036]

[0043] As previously mentioned, the deterioration analysis can be performed by comparing a digital model of the interior surface of the subsurface volume with a digital model of a reference interior surface of the subsurface volume. This will give an accurate indication of the deterioration present at a particular point in time. However, the principles described herein allow an indication of how fast the deterioration is occurring. This can be achieved by generating multiple digital models of the interior surface of the subsurface volume, each representing the state of the interior surface at a different point in time. This allows an indication of how fast the deterioration is occurring.

[0037]

[0044] For example, operation 201 may occur multiple times at different times. Thus, there may be a first digital model of the interior surface as it existed at a first time, a second digital model of the interior surface as it existed at a second time, as well as potentially additional digital models of the interior surface as it existed at other times, etc. In this case, the deterioration analysis may alternatively or additionally include the generation of deterioration rate criteria at multiple points on the interior surface. This can be used to determine the rate of deterioration at each surface area, and also allows that rate of deterioration to be visualized. The rate of deterioration may be very important for determining when the underground volume may fail and therefore how urgent repairs are.

[0038]

[0045] To complement the digital model, a deterioration rate score may also be generated to represent the rate of deterioration of the interior surface as a single score. This score may be, for example, some statistic (e.g., standard deviation) of the rate of deterioration between the points in the point cloud of the interior surface and the corresponding location of the reference interior surface. A deterioration urgency score may also be calculated that is a function of both the static deterioration score and the deterioration rate score. After all, the deepest and fastest deterioration may mean that the wall failure is imminent. The deterioration urgency score may also be generated by applying the deterioration criteria to a machine learning model that predicts the imminence of failure.

[0039]

[0046] Thus far, the generation of a visualization of deterioration for a single underground volume has been described. However, the principles described herein are not so limited and may be performed for multiple, and possibly many, underground volumes. As an example, the principles described herein may be used to digitally model deterioration for most or all of the underground volumes (e.g., manholes) within a particular municipality. The principles described herein are also directed to organizing such models of deterioration.

[0040]

[0047] By way of example only, the models can be organized on a digital map, allowing a user to select a particular underground volume for virtual inspection and / or perhaps view further information about the deterioration of that underground volume. Priority of the underground volumes can also be rendered to show which underground volumes have the most urgent repairs. Thus, the principles described herein become a powerful tool for owners of many underground volumes (such as municipalities or large landowners) to prioritize and schedule repairs.

[0041]

[0048] Municipalities are not always fully aware of the condition of their underground volumes (e.g., manholes), and in particular the resources available to inspect manholes are not well aligned with the number of manholes in a municipality. Even if a sufficient number of human inspectors are available to inspect each manhole with an adequate frequency, these human inspectors make subjective judgments about the condition of the manhole and whether repair is recommended. Thus, it can be difficult for municipalities to know which manholes are suffering from the greatest deterioration and need to be prioritized for repair.

[0042]

[0049] In one embodiment, the digital model of the subsurface volume includes a representation of the geographic location of the subsurface volume. A visualization of the subsurface volume is then represented on a digital map. The location of the visualization in the digital map corresponds to the geographic location of the subsurface volume. The visualization of the subsurface volume on the digital map may also represent the generated degradation score of the subsurface volume.

[0043]

[0050] In this way, a municipal representative can view a digital map of the geographic locations of manholes present within the municipality. The visualizations of the manholes can be visually highlighted based on their respective deterioration scores. Thus, the municipality can more easily prioritize which manholes are most in need of repair based on their deterioration scores or based on the visual highlighting of the visualizations of the manholes on the digital map. In some embodiments, a user can select the visualization of the underground volume on the digital map to see a visualization of the deterioration model for the interior surface.

[0044]

[0051] 5 illustrates abstractly a digital map 500 having markers 501 for multiple subsurface volumes, each potentially including a deterioration model and / or deterioration score (e.g., a static deterioration score, a deterioration rate score, and / or a deterioration urgency score). Each marker is placed on the digital map 500 at a location corresponding to the geographic location of the respective subsurface volume.

[0045]

[0052] Digital map 500 shows that there are eight markers 501, including markers 501A-501H. However, this is again for illustrative purposes only and is kept simple for purposes of explanation. The precise location of manholes is a matter of municipal design. Additionally, the number of manholes is often very large for large municipalities, even into the thousands for larger municipalities. Thus, the principles described herein are not limited to the location and number of markers within a municipality. Markers can represent the same type of underground volume (e.g., only manholes) or can represent a combination of volume types (e.g., manholes, pipes, tanks, etc.).

[0046]

[0053] 6 shows a flow chart of a method 600 of using a digital map populated with a visualization of a subsurface volume. The method 600 may be performed using the digital map 500 of FIG. 5, as an example. The method 600 may be performed using a computing system, such as the computing system 800 of FIG. 8.

[0047]

[0054] Method 600 begins upon detecting a user selection (operation 601) of a visual representation of a particular subsurface volume. As an example, the user may select one of the markers 501 from the digital map. In response, a deterioration score is displayed (operation 602). Alternatively, or additionally, in response to the user selection, a visualization of a deterioration model for the particular subsurface interior surface is caused to be displayed (operation 603). Thus, a user can quickly and conveniently assess the deterioration of any subsurface volume represented on the digital map.

[0048]

[0055] The markers of the digital map can be decorated to show further information about the deterioration of the associated underground volume. For example, the color of the marker can represent a deterioration score. Thus, for example, the marker can be red to highlight that the deterioration is significant in the associated underground volume. Other decorations can be used for specific events that have occurred with respect to the underground volume, such as the most recent last modeling, whether seepage has occurred (e.g., due to wall failure), etc.

[0049]

[0056] FIG. 7 shows an example more detailed digital map 700. The digital map includes a map frame 710 showing various road and underground volume locations. A control frame 720 includes various controls and aggregated information about what is displayed in the map frame 710. For example, the control frame 720 includes a hierarchy list frame 721 with various checkboxes that indicate what underground volumes are marked in the map frame. As an example, a user may choose to hierarchy based on 1) riser material, 2) structural condition, 3) shelf / gutter condition, 4) seepage, 5) annotated volume, 6) assessed volume, 7) unassessed volume, and others. A group filter frame 722 allows criteria to be applied to filter the markers shown. An aggregate display frame 723 shows an aggregated display (in the form of a pie chart) of the condition of the underground volumes represented by the markers in the map frame 710.

[0050]

[0057] Thus, the principles described herein are useful tools for assessing degradation of subsurface volumes, whether a single subsurface volume or multiple subsurface volumes are being assessed. Because the principles described herein are implemented in the context of a computing system, some introductory discussion of a computing system is described in connection with FIG.

[0051]

[0058] Computing systems are now taking an increasingly wide variety of forms. Computing systems can be, for example, handheld devices, appliances, laptop computers, desktop computers, mainframes, distributed computing systems, data centers, and even devices not traditionally considered computing systems, such as wearables (e.g., glasses). In this description and claims, the term "computing system" is broadly defined to include any device or system (or combination thereof) that includes at least one physical, tangible processor and physical, tangible memory thereon that can have computer-executable instructions that can be executed by the processor. The memory can take any form and can depend on the nature and form of the computing system. A computing system can be distributed across a network environment and can include multiple constituent computing systems.

[0052]

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, the computing system 800, in its most basic configuration, includes at least one hardware processing unit 802 and memory 804. The processing unit 802 includes a general-purpose processor. Although not required, the processing unit 802 may also include a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other dedicated circuitry. In one embodiment, the memory 804 includes physical system memory. The physical system memory may be volatile, non-volatile, or some combination thereof. In a second embodiment, the memory is non-volatile mass storage, such as a physical storage medium. When the computing system is distributed, the processing, memory, and / or storage functions may also be distributed.

[0053]

[0060] Computing system 800 also has a number of structures thereon, often referred to as "executable components." For example, memory 804 of computing system 800 is shown to include executable component 806. The term "executable component" refers to a structure that is well understood by those skilled in the art of computing as a structure that may be software, hardware, or a combination thereof. For example, when implemented in software, those skilled in the art will understand that the executable component structure may include software objects, routines, methods (and the like) that may be executed on a computing system. Such executable components may reside in a number of computing systems, computer readable storage media, or combinations.

[0054]

[0061] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the structure of an executable component resides on a computer-readable medium such that, when interpreted by one or more processors (e.g., processor threads) of a computing system, it causes the computing system to perform a function. Such a structure may be directly computer readable by the processor (as in the case where the executable component is binary). Alternatively, the structure may be constructed to be interpretable and / or compiled (in a single stage or multiple stages) to generate a binary that is directly interpretable by the processor. Such an understanding of an exemplary structure of an executable component is well within the understanding of those skilled in the art of computing when using the term "executable component."

[0055]

[0062] The term "executable component" is also well understood by those skilled in the art to include structures such as hard-coded or hard-wired logic gates that are implemented exclusively or nearly exclusively in hardware, such as in a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other dedicated circuit. Thus, the term "executable component" is a term for structures implemented in software, hardware, or a combination that are well understood by those skilled in the art of computing. In this description, terms such as "component," "agent," "manager," "service," "engine," "module," "virtual machine," and the like may also be used. In this description, and in this case, these terms (with or without modifiers) are also intended to be synonymous with the term "executable component," and thus also have structures that are well understood by those skilled in the art of computing.

[0056]

[0063] In the following description, embodiments are described with reference to operations performed by one or more computing systems. When such operations are implemented in software, one or more processors (of the associated computing system performing the operations) direct the operation of the computing system in response to executing computer-executable instructions that constitute the executable components. For example, such computer-executable instructions may be embodied on one or more computer-readable media that form a computer program product. One example of such operations includes the manipulation of data. When such operations are implemented exclusively or nearly exclusively in hardware, such as in an FPGA or ASIC, the computer-executable instructions may be hard-coded or hard-wired logic gates. The computer-executable instructions (and the data to be manipulated) may be stored in memory 804 of computing system 800. Computing system 800 may also include a communication channel 808 that allows computing system 800 to communicate with other computing systems, for example, via network 810.

[0057]

[0064] Although not all computing systems require a user interface, in some embodiments, the computing system 800 includes a user interface system 812 for use in interfacing with a user. The user interface system 812 may include an output mechanism 812A as well as an input mechanism 812B. The principles described herein are not limited to the exact output mechanism 812A or input mechanism 812B, as such will depend on the nature of the device. However, the output mechanism 812A may include, for example, a speaker, a display, a haptic output, virtual or augmented reality, a hologram, etc. Examples of the input mechanism 812B may include, for example, a microphone, a touch screen, virtual or augmented reality, a hologram, a camera, a keyboard, a mouse or other pointer input, any type of sensor, etc.

[0058]

[0065] The embodiments described herein may comprise or utilize a special-purpose or general-purpose computing system including computer hardware, such as one or more processors and system memory, as discussed in more detail below. The embodiments described herein also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computing system. Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions are physical storage media. Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way of example and not limitation, embodiments of the present invention may include at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable media: storage media and transmission media.

[0059]

[0066] Computer readable storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other physically tangible storage medium that can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computing system.

[0060]

[0067] A "network" is defined as one or more data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computing systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computing system, the computing system properly considers the connection to be a transmission medium. A transmission medium may be used to carry desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and may include a network and / or data links that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computing system. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0061]

[0068] Furthermore, when reaching various computing system components, program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures may be automatically transferred from a transmission medium to a storage medium (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received over a network or data link may be buffered in a RAM in a network interface module (e.g., a "NIC") and then ultimately transferred to the computing system's RAM and / or a less volatile storage medium of the computing system. Thus, it should be understood that storage media may be included within computing system components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmission media.

[0062]

[0069] Computer-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that, when executed by a processor, cause a general-purpose computing system, a special-purpose computing system, or a special-purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Alternatively or additionally, computer-executable instructions may configure a computing system to perform a certain function or group of functions. Computer-executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, or even intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code, instructions that have undergone some translation (such as compilation) before direct execution by a processor.

[0063]

[0070] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the described features or acts. Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0064]

[0071] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be practiced in a networked computing environment involving many types of computing system configurations including personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, cell phones, PDAs, pagers, routers, switches, data centers, wearables (such as glasses), and the like. The present invention may also be practiced in a distributed system environment where tasks are performed together by local and remote computing systems that are linked through a network (by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or a combination of hardwired and wireless data links). In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0065]

[0072] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in a cloud computing environment. A cloud computing environment may, but need not, be distributed. When distributed, a cloud computing environment may have components that are distributed internationally within an organization and / or owned across multiple organizations. In this description and in the claims that follow, "cloud computing" is defined as a model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services). The definition of "cloud computing" is not limited to any of the many other benefits that may be obtained from such a model when properly deployed.

[0066]

[0073] In the processes and methods disclosed herein, the operations performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in various orders. Moreover, the outlined operations are provided only as examples, and some of the operations are optional, may be combined into fewer steps and operations, supplemented with other operations, or expanded into additional operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.

[0067]

[0074] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments should be considered in all respects as merely illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is therefore indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the above description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. 1. A method for allowing deterioration of an internal surface of a subsurface volume to be modeled and visualized, comprising: digitally modeling a subsurface volume by digitally modeling an interior surface of said subsurface volume; - performing a deterioration analysis of the internal surface of the subsurface volume by comparing the digital model of the internal surface of the subsurface volume with a digital model of a reference internal surface of the subsurface volume; causing a visualization of the results of the deterioration analysis to be displayed by causing a visualization of the digital model of the deterioration relative to the internal surface of the subsurface volume. The method includes:

2. the digital model of the interior surface of the particular subterranean volume is a first digital model of the interior surface of the particular subterranean volume as it existed at a first time point, the particular subterranean volume also having a second digital model of the interior surface of the particular subterranean volume as it existed at a second time point, different from the first time point; the deterioration analysis includes a deterioration rate analysis comparing the digital model of the interior surface of the subsurface volume as it existed at the first time with the digital model of the interior surface of the subsurface volume as it existed at the second time, The method of claim 1.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the digital model of the interior surface of the particular subterranean volume is generated from a point cloud representing points associated with the interior surface of the particular subterranean volume.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of comparing the digital model of the interior surface of the subsurface volume to a digital model of a reference interior surface of the subsurface volume includes measuring distances between points in a point cloud using the reference interior surface of the subsurface volume.

5. Causing a visualization of the digital model of the deterioration on the internal surface of the subterranean volume to be displayed, causing a visualization of the results of the deterioration analysis to be displayed by causing a visualization of the digital model of the deterioration relative to the digital model of the internal surface of the subsurface volume. The method of claim 1 , comprising:

6. Causing a visualization of the digital model of the deterioration on the internal surface of the subterranean volume to be displayed, causing a visualization of the results of the deterioration analysis to be displayed by causing a visualization of the digital model of the deterioration relative to the digital model of the nominal inner surface of the subsurface volume. The method of claim 1 , comprising:

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the underground volume comprises at least a portion of a manhole, a pipe, or a tank.

8. The subsurface volume is a particular subsurface volume, and the method further comprises formulating a model of deterioration of a plurality of subsurface volumes including the particular subsurface volume, the method comprising: digitally representing a plurality of subsurface volumes in a computing system, the digital representation for at least some of the plurality of wells including the particular subsurface volume including: 1) a representation of a geographic location of the subsurface volume; and 2) a digital model of an interior surface of the subsurface volume; At least for said particular underground volume, generating a deterioration score for the particular subsurface volume using the representation of the interior surface of the particular well; causing a visualization of the particular subterranean volume to be displayed on a digital map such that a location of the visualization of the particular subterranean volume corresponds to the representation of the geographic location of the particular subterranean volume, the visualization of the particular subterranean volume on the digital map including a visual representation of the generated deterioration score for the particular well; The method of claim 1 , comprising the step of:

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the digital model of the interior surface of the particular subsurface volume is generated from a point cloud representing points associated with the interior surface of the particular subsurface volume, and the step of generating a deterioration score includes measuring a spatial distance between the reference interior surface on the subsurface volume and each point in the point cloud.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the degradation score is the result of applying a statistical calculation to multiple representations of spatial differences.

11. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the digital model of the interior surface of the particular subsurface volume is generated from a point cloud representing points associated with the interior surface of the particular subsurface volume, and the generation of the deterioration score is performed by applying the point cloud as input to a machine learning model configured to generate a deterioration score using the point cloud.

12. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the digital model of the interior surface of the particular subterranean volume is a first digital model of the interior surface of the particular subterranean volume as the interior surface existed at a first time point, and the particular subterranean volume also has a second digital model of the interior surface of the particular subterranean volume as the interior surface existed at a second time point, different from the first time point.

13. The deterioration score generated for the particular subsurface volume using the first digital model of the particular subsurface volume is a first deterioration, and the method further comprises: generating a second deterioration score for the particular subsurface volume using the second digital model of the interior surface of the particular subsurface volume. The method of claim 12 further comprising:

14. generating a deterioration rate score using at least the first deterioration score and the second deterioration score. The method of claim 13 further comprising:

15. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the deterioration score is a deterioration rate score, and the step of generating the deterioration score is performed using at least the first digital model and the second digital model of the interior surface of the particular subsurface volume.

16. detecting a user selection of the visual representation of the particular subsurface volume on the digital map; in response to detecting the user selection, causing the degradation score to be displayed; The method of claim 8 further comprising:

17. detecting a user selection of the visual representation of the particular subsurface volume on the digital map; in response to detecting the user selection, causing the visualization of the digital model of the deterioration on the interior surface of the subsurface volume to be displayed; The method of claim 8 further comprising:

18. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of causing the visualization of the digital model of the deterioration to the interior surface of the subsurface volume to be displayed is performed using virtual reality or mixed reality.

19. 1. A computing system comprising: one or more processors; and one or more computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions thereon, the computer-executable instructions being configured, when executed by the one or more processors, to perform operations such that the computing system is configured to create and visualize a model of deterioration of an internal surface of a subsurface volume, the operations including: digitally modeling a subsurface volume by digitally modeling an interior surface of the subsurface volume; - performing a deterioration analysis of the internal surface of the subsurface volume by comparing the digital model of the internal surface of the subsurface volume with a digital model of a reference internal surface of the subsurface volume; visualizing the results of the deterioration analysis by displaying a visualization of the digital model of the deterioration relative to the internal surface of the underground volume; A computing system comprising:

20. A computer program product comprising one or more computer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, the computer-executable instructions being configured to perform operations when executed by one or more processors of a computing system such that the computing system is configured to create and visualize a model of deterioration of an internal surface of a subsurface volume, the operations including: digitally modeling a subsurface volume by digitally modeling an interior surface of the subsurface volume; - performing a deterioration analysis of the internal surface of the subsurface volume by comparing the digital model of the internal surface of the subsurface volume with a digital model of a reference internal surface of the subsurface volume; visualizing the results of the deterioration analysis by displaying a visualization of the digital model of the deterioration relative to the internal surface of the underground volume; 2. A computer program product comprising:

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