System and method for laser in-hole extension sensing

Abstract

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a laser drilling tool assembly comprising: (i) a body including a first segment configured to receive an input beam from a laser source and combine the input beams to provide an illumination beam that irradiates a downhole target, and a second segment housing one or more purge pipes; and (ii) a tool head including a retractable nozzle and one or more optical sensing elements attached to the retractable nozzle, wherein when the downhole target is being illuminated by the illumination beam, the retractable nozzle extends toward the downhole target such that the one or more optical sensing elements are positioned proximate to the downhole target.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 328,564, filed on May 24, 2021, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to the evaluation and classification of rock properties during excavation processes.

Background Art

[0003] Rocks in geology refer to natural aggregates of one or more minerals. Such aggregates constitute the basic units that make up the solid Earth. The aggregates typically form recognizable and mappable volumes. The evaluation and classification of rock properties can reveal insights into layer formation, including fluid saturation of the solid Earth, during excavation operations in gas and oil exploration.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, some embodiments include a first segment configured to receive an input beam from a laser source and combine the input beams to provide an irradiation beam that irradiates an in-pit target, and a second segment that houses one or more purge pipes, a retractable nozzle, and one or more optical sensors attached to the retractable nozzle. When the in-pit target is irradiated by the irradiation beam, the retractable nozzle extends towards the in-pit target such that the one or more optical sensors are positioned closer to the in-pit target, including a tool head that includes the optical sensors. A laser excavation tool assembly is provided.

[0005] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features.

[0006] One or more optical sensing elements may include an optical light sensor or a spectral sensor. The optical light sensor may include at least one of a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, an avalanche photodiode (APD), or a photodiode (PD). The spectral sensor may include at least one of a scanning sensor or a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) sensor.

[0007] One or more optical sensing elements may include a coupled optical component configured to capture an optical signal emitted from a mine target. The tool head may further include a sensing cable. The optical signal may be transmitted via the sensing cable to an optical sensor, which includes at least one of a light sensor or a spectral sensor. The optical sensor may be located outside the tool head.

[0008] The tool head may further include a wheel within the retractable nozzle. The wheel may be configured to retract or extend the retractable nozzle. Furthermore, the wheel may be configured to attach a sensing cable to the retractable nozzle.

[0009] The tool head may further include a sensor positioned at the tip of the tool head. The sensor may be configured to measure the ambient temperature and the distance between the tip of the tool head and the underground target when the underground target is illuminated by the irradiation beam.

[0010] The tool head may further include a lens assembly for directing the irradiation beam to the underground target. The tool head may further include one or more internal purge nozzles mounted inside the lens assembly and configured to spray a flow of medium to merge with the irradiation beam. The tool head may further include one or more external purge nozzles mounted outside the lens assembly and configured to purge debris from the underground target being irradiated by the irradiation beam.

[0011] In another embodiment, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising the steps of: lowering a laser drilling tool assembly into a well shaft in which an underground target is located; activating an irradiation beam emanating from the tool head of the laser drilling tool assembly; and extending one or more retractable nozzles on the tool head of the laser drilling tool assembly so that an optical sensing element attached to the tool head approaches the underground target when the underground target is irradiated by the irradiation beam.

[0012] The embodiments may include one or more of the following features:

[0013] The method may further include the step of collecting an optical signal emitted from an underground target being irradiated by an irradiation beam. The method may further include the step of analyzing the optical signal to characterize the rock type in the underground target. The method may further include the step of retracting one or more retractable nozzles when the optical signal has been collected.

[0014] The method may further include the step of measuring the ambient temperature and the distance between the tip of the tool head and the underground target while the underground target is being irradiated by the irradiation beam. The method may further include the step of stopping the extension of one or more retractable nozzles in response to the ambient temperature exceeding a first threshold or the distance falling below a second threshold. The method may further include the step of stopping the irradiation beam.

[0015] The method may further include the step of activating one or more internal purge nozzles mounted inside the lens assembly of the tool head to spray a flow of medium and merge it with the irradiation beam. The method may further include the step of activating one or more external purge nozzles mounted outside the lens assembly of the tool head to purge debris from the underground target being irradiated by the irradiation beam.

[0016] Embodiments relating to this disclosure may be realized in computer implementation methods, hardware computing systems, and tangible computer-readable media. For example, one or more computer systems may be configured to perform a particular operation by installing software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof on the system that causes or performs an operation on the system during operation. One or more computer programs may be configured to perform a particular operation by including instructions that cause a data processing device to perform an operation when executed by the device.

[0017] Details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of this specification are described in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of a laser drilling tool.

[0019] [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration and operation of a laser drilling tool.

[0020] [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a laser drilling tool designed to target an object.

[0021] [Figure 4] This figure shows the configuration of a laser drilling tool having a retractable nozzle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 5A] This figure shows a retractable nozzle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] An embodiment of the present disclosure shows a retractable nozzle. [Figure 5C]Shows a retractable nozzle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 6] It is a figure which shows the laser excavation tool which has the retractable nozzle which exists in the extended position in order to collect the reflected light which concerns on embodiment of this indication.

[0024] [Figure 7] It is a figure which shows an example of the real - time on - site reflectance data collected by the laser excavation tool during the expansion operation which concerns on embodiment of this indication.

[0025] [Figure 8] It is a block diagram which shows an example of the computer system used in order to provide the computer function which concerns on the algorithm, method, function, process, flow, and procedure which were demonstrated which concerns on embodiment of this indication.

[0026] Like reference numerals and names in the various drawings indicate like elements.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] The disclosed technology concerns the real-time, in-situ acquisition of reflectivity and spectral data during laser drilling operations using high-power lasers (HPLs). Such data can characterize the interaction between the HPL and subsurface materials, and its analysis can lead to the classification of rock types. The interaction between the HPL and subsurface materials is complex, very strong, and rapid. Various subsurface properties can influence the process. Real-time sensing tools can be configured to evaluate the performance of laser drilling and characterize the target and environment. The operating principle of the sensing tools is based on broadband spectroscopy and intensity characterization of backscattered lasers and blackbody radiation. Spectroscopy can identify fluids and rocks, similar to fingerprints, and can also measure the temperature of the laser drilling process. Intensity (brightness) analysis can reveal information about the laser drilling process and the coupling between the laser and the substrate.

[0028] The tool assembly according to this embodiment of the Disclosure incorporates various subsystems for analyzing light, including sensor modules and edge computing. In some embodiments, the tool assembly also hosts several acquisition systems to collect light from multiple points (multipoint) (e.g., different points near and far from the interaction). In a multipoint acquisition configuration, light collected near the interaction can provide information about the geological formation and temperature, while light collected at different points far from the sample provides information about the environment due to absorption by the well fluid.

[0029] The terms used in this disclosure include the following terms:

[0030] The term "HPL" refers to a high-power laser. An HPL can include pulsed lasers, continuous-wave (CW) lasers, or multiple high-energy lasers. The term "high-power" refers to a laser with a peak output of 100 watts or more. A typical HPL for underground work has a peak output of 10 kW or more. HPLs can be in the visible and infrared regions, for example, with wavelengths ranging from 600 nm to 10000 nm.

[0031] The term "process status" refers to the state of the laser drilling process. Examples may include glass forming, process failure / success / completion, etc.

[0032] The term "machine learning analysis" refers to the use of machine learning and applied statistics to predict unknown states based on available data. Two common areas of machine learning analysis are classification and regression. Classification means predicting categorical values, while regression means predicting sequential numerical values. One embodiment of machine learning is also known as "supervised learning," where a "correct" target value or y-value is available. For illustrative purposes, the objective of some embodiments is to learn from available data to predict unknown values ​​using some defined error metrics. For example, in supervised learning, there are known predictor variables (features) x1, x2, ..., xm known to the system, and target values ​​y1, y2, ..., yn to be inferred. The objective of the system is to train a machine learning model to predict new target values ​​y1, y2, ..., yn by observing new feature points.

[0033] In this embodiment, various machine learning algorithms can be employed. For classification, examples of prediction algorithms include logistic regression, decision trees, nearest neighbors, support vector machines, K-means clustering, boosting, and neural networks. For regression, examples of prediction algorithms include least squares regression and Lasso. The performance of the algorithm may depend on several factors, such as the selected set of feature points, the training / validation method, and hyperparameter tuning. Therefore, machine learning analysis can be described as an iterative approach to knowledge discovery, including trial and error. The iterative approach allows for iterative modification of data preprocessing and model parameters until the results achieve the desired characteristics.

[0034] Referring to Figure 1, an example of a tool assembly 100 for real-time evaluation of laser drilling processes and downhole target characterization using a high-power laser (HPL) is shown. The HPL laser source may have its power and spectral signature. As shown, the tool assembly 101 includes a first segment which includes coupling optical fiber components for receiving the input laser beam. The input laser beam may be generated from a high-power laser source located at ground level. The input laser beam can propagate inside a conduit cavity located inside the main body 102. In some cases, the input laser beam can also propagate along a fiber medium inside the main body to reach the downhole target as an irradiation beam.

[0035] In some embodiments, the tool assembly 100 also includes a second segment 103 for spectral and light intensity (luminosity), as shown in Figure 1. For example, the sensors for spectral and light intensity may be housed inside the second segment 103. Examples of spectral sensors include scanning and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

[0036] The tool assembly 100 may further include a sensing cable 104 extending from segment 103 into the tool head 106. The sensing cable can supply optical signals collected from the tool head 106 to a sensor housed in segment 103. In some cases, the sensing cable is connected to a sensing element 107 in the head. The sensing element can collect optical signals for spectroscopy and brightness during the laser drilling process. Furthermore, sensors for temperature and distance measurement can also be housed in the tool head to measure the distance from the tool head to the borehole target. The tool assembly 100 may also include a purge supply pipe 105 that discharges the flow of medium to ensure a path for the input laser beam to reach the borehole target as an irradiation beam. The purge supply pipe can also cool the tool head during the laser drilling process. In particular, the transmission of the HPL beam for irradiation is achieved using a special optical fiber cable that can effectively transmit high energy with minimal loss. Reflections, on the other hand, are captured by different optical fibers, such as the sensing cable 104. Since the reflected energy is relatively low, it may not be necessary to handle it using special optical cables.

[0037] This configuration includes sensors to capture optical signals for characterizing rock during the laser drilling process, but the challenge is that when subsurface material is exposed to HPL energy, interactions generate debris, gases, and vapors. Depending on the laser power, the debris absorbs reflected light energy and contaminates the reflected light, making it difficult, if not impossible, for the sensor and sensing cable to capture the reflected light, for example, when the sensor is attached to the tool assembly itself, i.e., when it is located far from the target.

[0038] For additional context, Figure 2 shows an example 200 of operating a tool assembly 101 to irradiate a borehole target. Once the tool assembly 101 is positioned in the borehole 202 and transported to the borehole target, the laser beam 208 can be guided downwards from the body of the tool assembly 100 so as to exit the tool head 106. This high-power laser can then interact with the subsurface material. Laser drilling can heat the subsurface material to extreme temperatures, allowing the material to be removed for penetration. The reflected light 209 can propagate in all directions, accompanied by debris, gases, fluids, and other by-products, which can make it difficult, if not impossible, to capture the reflected light to assess the quality of the light interaction and characterize the subsurface material based on this reflected light. For example, impurities can lead to misinterpretation or misinterpretation of the data. In conventional, normal operation, the laser tool may be positioned so that the tool head is at a distance from the borehole target.

[0039] Figure 3 shows an example 300 in which a laser drilling tool assembly is used to direct a laser beam onto a target. As shown, the laser beam exits the tool head 106. The laser beam is directed onto a spot on the target 301. As shown, the tool head 106 is separated from the target 301 by a certain distance. If an optical sensing element is placed on the tool head 106, that distance may allow laser drilling debris and other by-products to contaminate the path of the laser beam, for example, due to absorption. This contamination may affect spectral or brightness measurements.

[0040] Figure 4 is a diagram 400 showing an example of a laser drilling tool assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Diagram 400 shows a proposed solution to a problem that has plagued conventional systems. Specifically, the solution employs a design that includes one or more retractable nozzles. Here, the tool head includes a fiber optic cable 401, an internal purge nozzle 402, an external purge nozzle 403, and a retractable nozzle 405. The fiber optic cable 401 can provide a laser beam 404 as an irradiation beam for laser drilling operations. The internal purge nozzle 402 is configured to generate a flow of a water-containing medium that merges with the laser beam 404 and heads toward the borehole target 406. The external nozzle 403 is located outside the lens assembly 408. The external nozzle 403 can purge the borehole / target area and clear the path for the laser beam 404. This purging can also result in cooling of the lens assembly 408. The retractable nozzle 405 is located at the tip of the tool. The retractable nozzle 405 may include a sensing cable connected to a sensor 407 mounted on the tip of the retractable nozzle. The sensor 407 can capture reflected beams from the underground target 406. The sensor 407 can further capture blackbody radiation from the underground target 406. The sensor 407 can measure optical luminosity (apparent light intensity). For example, the sensor 407 may include a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, an avalanche photodiode (APD), or a photodiode (PD). The sensor 407 may also include a spectral sensor, such as a scanning sensor or a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) sensor. In addition or alternatively, the sensor 407 may include a coupled optical component that is passive and capable of capturing light from the drilling process and then transmitting that light to an optical sensor via the sensing cable 104. The toolhead may further include additional sensors for measuring ambient temperature and the distance of the retractable nozzle from the underground target.In these embodiments, the retractable nozzle is extendable so that the distance between the target from which the optical signal is collected and the fiber sensor can be substantially minimized.

[0041] Figures 5A to 5C show retractable nozzles according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, retractable nozzles are made from materials with high thermal resistance. Examples of materials with high thermal resistance include silicon carbide, aluminum, copper, and 3D-printed plastics such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and PET-G (polyethylene terephthalate glycol modified).

[0042] Figure 5A shows the retractable nozzle 405 in the folded position 501. This is the position of the retractable nozzle when the laser beam is not activated or when the tool assembly is not in acquisition mode for collecting optical signals.

[0043] Figure 5B shows an example of the internal configuration 502 of a retractable nozzle, including a sensing cable 104, a wheel 501, and a sensor 407. The sensing cable 104 can transmit collected optical signals to a segment in the main tool, in which case such optical signals may be analyzed for spectral and brightness. The wheel 501 may enable the retraction and extension of the retractable nozzle. The wheel 501 may also enable the sensing cable 104 to be attached to the nozzle and move smoothly with the retracting / extending nozzle. In some cases, these wheels 501 may be able to rotate when the tool extends or retracts.

[0044] Figure 5C shows an example of a retractable nozzle in extension mode 503, where the sensor 407 is brought closer to the underground target. The retractable nozzle is extended when the laser drilling tool assembly is in operation. In some cases, additional sensors are attached to the tip of the tool head 106 to measure temperature and distance ranges. These measurements can be used carefully to prevent the nozzle from getting too close to the target and being damaged, for example, by excessive heat.

[0045] As shown in diagram 600 of Figure 6, when the laser drilling tool assembly is in operating mode within the shaft of the well 202, the retractable nozzle extends toward the wellhead target. In this extended position, the distance between the tip of the retractable nozzle and the wellhead target is reduced. This reduced distance allows data acquisition to bypass contamination caused by debris, resulting in high-quality measurements of reflected light. The articulation of the retractable nozzle can be achieved mechanically, electrically, hydraulically, or by any other configuration. For example, Figure 5B shows the use of a wheel 501 to control the position of the retractable nozzle. Control of the retractable nozzle can be asserted from the surface (activated) or programmed by the tool assembly to determine the appropriate amount of light to be sensed and collected by the tool assembly. As shown, the distance is close enough to capture the reflected light. At the same time, the tool is kept at a safe distance to prevent damage to the retractable nozzle. In some embodiments, machine learning algorithms can be incorporated to iteratively adjust the range over which the retractable nozzle extends, taking into account the measured temperature, thereby achieving a prudent trade-off in which the tool head is not at risk of damaging sensors or optical sensing elements due to its affinity for the impact zone, and contamination by debris generation is substantially reduced. The collected measurement data can be transmitted wirelessly to the ground or stored in a memory device located on the laser drilling tool assembly. As described, the measurement data includes data from a multipoint configuration. For example, the measurement data may include spectral and lightness data based on reflected light or blackbody radiation from the underground target. The measurement data may also include measurements of ambient temperature and distance between the tip of the retractable nozzle and the underground target.

[0046] Figure 7 shows an example of real-time field reflectance data collected by a laser drilling tool assembly with a retractable nozzle. The acquired data is processed by an in-line spectrometer, providing a readout of the optical signal as a function of time (vertical axis) and wavelength (horizontal axis).

[0047] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a computer system 800 used to provide computational functions related to the algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures described, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The illustrated computer 802 is intended to encompass any computing device, including servers, desktop computers, laptop / notebook computers, wireless data ports, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computing devices, one or more processors within these devices, other computing devices, or combinations of computing devices including physical or virtual instances of computing devices. Furthermore, computer 802 may include input devices such as a keypad, keyboard, touchscreen, another input device, or combination of input devices that can accept user information, and output devices that transmit information related to the operation of computer 802, including digital data, visual, audio, other types of information, or combinations of types of information, on a graphical user interface (UI) (or GUI) or other UI.

[0048] Computer 802 can play a role in a computer system as a client, network component, server, database, or another persistence, another role, or a combination of roles for performing the subject matter described in this disclosure. The illustrated computer 802 is communicatively coupled to network 803. In some embodiments, one or more components of computer 802 may be configured to operate in an environment including a cloud computing base, local, global, another environment, or a combination of environments.

[0049] Computer 802 is an electronic computing device capable of receiving, transmitting, processing, storing, or managing data and information relating to the subject described. According to some embodiments, computer 802 may also include, or be coupled to, servers, including application servers, email servers, web servers, caching servers, streaming data servers, other servers, or combinations of servers.

[0050] Computer 802 can receive requests via network 803 (for example, from client software applications running on another computer 802) and respond to received requests by processing them using software applications or combinations of software applications. Furthermore, requests can also be sent to computer 802 from internal users, external or third parties, or other entities, individuals, systems, or computers.

[0051] Each component of computer 802 can communicate using the system bus 803. In some embodiments, any or all components of computer 802, including hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, can interface with each other via the system bus 803 using an application programming interface (API) 812, a service layer 813, or a combination of API 812 and service layer 813. API 812 can include specifications for routines, data structures, and object classes. API 812 may be independent of or dependent on a computer language, and may refer to a complete interface, a single function, or a set of APIs. Service layer 813 provides software services to computer 802 or other components (whether illustrated or not) communicatively coupled to computer 802. The functions of computer 802 may be accessible to all service consumers using this service layer. Software services such as those provided by service layer 813 provide defined functions that are reusable via defined interfaces. For example, the interface may be software written in Java®, C++, another computing language, or a combination of computing languages ​​that provide data in the Extensible Markup Language (XML) format, another format, or a combination of formats. Although shown as an integrated component of computer 802, alternative embodiments may show API 812 or service layer 813 as a standalone component in relation to other components of computer 802 or other components (whether shown or not) communicably coupled to computer 802. Furthermore, any or all parts of API 812 or service layer 813 may be implemented as a child or submodule of another software module, enterprise application, or hardware module without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0052] Computer 802 includes interface 804. While shown as a single interface 804 in Figure 8, two or more interfaces 804 may be used depending on the specific needs, requirements, or implementation of computer 802. Interface 804 is used by computer 802 to communicate with another computing system (whether shown or not) that is communicatively linked to network 803 in a distributed environment. Generally, interface 804 is operable to communicate with network 803 and consists of coded logic in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. More specifically, interface 804 may consist of software supporting one or more communication protocols related to communication, such that network 803 or the interface hardware can operate to communicate physical signals inside and outside computer 802 as shown.

[0053] Computer 802 includes a processor 805. Although shown as a single processor 805 in Figure 8, two or more processors may be used depending on the specific needs, requirements, or implementation of computer 802. Generally, the processor 805 executes instructions and manipulates data to perform the operation of computer 802, as well as any algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures described herein.

[0054] Computer 802 also includes a database 806 that can hold data for combinations of computer 802, another component (whether illustrated or not) communicably linked to network 803, or a component other than computer 802. For example, database 806 may be an in-memory, conventional, or other type of database that stores data consistent with the present disclosure. In some embodiments, database 806 may be a combination of two or more different database types (e.g., a hybrid in-memory and a conventional database) depending on the specific needs, requirements, or specific implementation of computer 802 and the functionality described. Although shown as a single database 806 in Figure 8, two or more databases of similar or different types may be used depending on the specific needs, requirements, or specific implementation of computer 802 and the functionality described. Although database 806 is shown as an integral component of computer 802, in alternative embodiments, database 806 may be external to computer 802. As illustrated, database 806 holds the aforementioned data 816, which includes multiple streams of data from various sources, such as measurement data from a multipoint configuration, as described in relation to Figure 6, for example. Measurements from a multipoint configuration may include lightness measurement, spectral measurement, ambient temperature measurement, and distance measurement between the tip of the retractable nozzle and the underground target.

[0055] Computer 802 also includes a memory 807 that can hold data for computer 802, another component or component (whether illustrated or not) communicably linked to network 803, or a combination of computer 802 and another component. Memory 807 can store any data consistent with the present disclosure. In some embodiments, memory 807 may be a combination of two or more different types of memory (e.g., a combination of semiconductor memory and magnetic memory) depending on the specific needs, requirements or specific implementation and described functions of computer 802. Although shown as a single memory 807 in Figure 8, two or more memories 807, or of similar or different types, may be used depending on the specific needs, requirements or specific implementation and described functions of computer 802. Although memory 807 is shown as an integral component of computer 802, in alternative embodiments, memory 807 may be external to computer 802.

[0056] Application 808 is an algorithmic software engine that provides functionality, particularly with respect to the functionality described herein, depending on the specific needs, requirements, or specific implementation of computer 802. For example, Application 808 can function as one or more components, modules, or applications. Furthermore, although shown as a single Application 808, Application 808 can be implemented as multiple Applications 808 on computer 802. In addition, although shown integrated with computer 802, in alternative embodiments, Application 808 may be external to computer 802.

[0057] Computer 802 may also include a power supply 814. The power supply 814 may include a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery that can be configured to be either user-replaceable or non-user-replaceable. In some embodiments, the power supply 814 may include a power conversion circuit or management circuit (including recharge, standby, or other power management functions). In some embodiments, the power supply 814 may include a power plug to allow computer 802 to be plugged into, for example, a wall outlet or another power source to supply power to computer 802 or to recharge the rechargeable battery.

[0058] Any number of computers 802 may exist in relation to or outside of a computer system including computer 802, and each computer 802 may communicate via network 803. Furthermore, the terms “client,” “user,” or other appropriate terms may be used interchangeably as needed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, this disclosure assumes that many users may use one computer 802, or that one user may use multiple computers 802.

[0059] Embodiments of subject matter and functional operation described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuits, tangibly embodied computer software or firmware, computer hardware including structures disclosed herein and their structural equivalents, or a combination of one or more of these. Implementation of software of the subject matter described may be implemented as one or more modules of computer programs, i.e., computer program instructions encoded on a tangible, non-temporary, computer-readable storage medium for execution by a data processing device or for controlling the operation of a data processing device. Alternatively or additionally, program instructions may be encoded in / on artificially generated propagating signals, such as mechanically generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signals generated to encode information for transmission to a receiver device for execution by a data processing device. Computer storage media may be machine-readable memory devices, machine-readable memory boards, random-access memory devices or serial-access memory devices, or a combination of computer storage media. To configure one or more computers means to install hardware, firmware, or software (or a combination of hardware, firmware, and software) on one or more computers so that when the software is run by one or more computers, a particular computational operation is performed.

[0060] The terms “real-time,” “fast-forward (RFT),” “near-real-time (NRT),” “semi-real-time,” or similar terms (as understood by those skilled in the art) mean that the action and response are in temporal proximity such that an individual perceives them as occurring substantially simultaneously. For example, the time difference between an action by an individual accessing data and the display (or initiation of display) of the data and the response may be less than 1 millisecond (ms), less than 1 second (s), or less than 5 seconds. The requested data does not need to be displayed (or initiated for display) instantaneously, but should be displayed (or initiated for display) without intentional delay, taking into account the processing limitations of the computing system described and the time required, for example, to collect, accurately measure, analyze, process, store, or transmit the data.

[0061] The terms “data processing device,” “computer,” or “electronic computer device” (or equivalent as understood by those skilled in the art) refer to data processing hardware and encompass all kinds of devices, machines, and equipment for processing data, including, for example, a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. The device may also be, or further include, a dedicated logic circuit, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). In some embodiments, the data processing device or dedicated logic circuit (or a combination of the data processing device or dedicated logic circuit) may be hardware-based or software-based (or a combination of both). The device may optionally include code that creates an execution environment for computer programs, such as processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or code that constitutes a combination of the execution environment. This disclosure envisions the use of a data processing device including several types of operating systems, such as LINUX®, UNIX®, WINDOWS®, MAC OS®, ANDROID®, IOS, another operating system, or a combination of operating systems.

[0062] Computer programs may be called, or described as, programs, software, software applications, units, modules, software modules, scripts, code, or other components, and may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, or declarative or procedural languages, and may be deployed in any form, such as a standalone program, module, component, or subroutine for use in a computing environment. Computer programs may, but are not required to, correspond to files in a file system. A program may be stored in part of a file that holds other programs or data, such as one or more scripts stored in a markup language document, a single file dedicated to the program in question, or multiple collaborative files, such as a file that stores one or more modules, subprograms, or parts of code. Computer programs may be deployed to run on one computer, or on multiple computers located in one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0063] While parts of a program shown in various diagrams may be represented as individual components, such as units or modules, that perform features and functions described using various objects, methods, or other processes, a program may instead include several subunits, submodules, third-party services, components, libraries, and other components as needed. Conversely, the features and functions of various components can be combined into a single component as needed. Thresholds used to perform computational identification can be identified statically, dynamically, or both statically and dynamically.

[0064] The methods, processes, or logic flows described represent one or more examples of functionality consistent with the Disclosure and are not intended to limit the Disclosure to the described or illustrated embodiments, but should be given the broadest scope consistent with the described principles and features. The methods, processes, or logic flows described may be executed by one or more programmable computers running one or more computer programs to perform their functions by operating on input data and generating output data. Alternatively, the methods, processes, or logic flows may be executed by dedicated logic circuits, such as a CPU, FPGA, or ASIC, and the apparatus may also be implemented as a dedicated logic circuit.

[0065] A computer for executing computer programs can be based on a general-purpose or dedicated microprocessor, both, or another type of CPU. Generally, the CPU receives instructions and data from memory and writes data to memory. Essential elements of a computer are a CPU for executing or running instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer is also operably coupled to one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, for receiving data from them, transferring data to them, or both. However, a computer does not necessarily have to have such devices. Furthermore, a computer can be incorporated into another device, such as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile audio or video player, game console, Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or portable memory storage device.

[0066] Non-temporary computer-readable media for storing computer program instructions and data may include all forms of media and memory devices, magnetic devices, magneto-optical disks, and optical memory devices. Memory devices include semiconductor memory devices, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and flash memory devices. Magnetic devices include, for example, tapes, cartridges, cassettes, and internal / removable disks. Optical memory devices include, for example, digital video discs (DVD), CD-ROM, DVD+ / -R, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, HD-DVD, and Blu-ray, as well as other optical memory technologies. Memory can store a variety of objects or data, including caches, classes, frameworks, applications, modules, backup data, jobs, web pages, web page templates, data structures, database tables, repositories for storing dynamic information, or other appropriate information including arbitrary parameters, variables, algorithms, instructions, rules, constraints, or references. Furthermore, memory may include other appropriate data such as logs, policies, security or access data, or report files. The processor and memory may be supplemented by or integrated into dedicated logic circuits.

[0067] To provide user interaction, implementations of the subject matter described herein may be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display), LED (light-emitting diode), or plasma monitor, and a keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse, trackball, or trackpad, on which the user can provide input to the computer. Input may also be provided to the computer using a touchscreen, such as a pressure-sensitive tablet computer surface, a multi-touch screen using capacitive or electrical sensing, or another type of touchscreen. Interaction with the user may be performed using other types of devices. For example, feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback. Input from the user may be received in any form, including acoustic, voice, or haptic input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a client computing device used by the user.

[0068] The term “graphical user interface” or “GUI” may be used singularly or plurally to describe one or more graphical user interfaces and each of the displays of a particular graphical user interface. Therefore, GUI can represent any graphical user interface, including but not limited to web browsers, touchscreens, or command-line interfaces (CLIs), that process information and efficiently present the results to the user. Generally, GUI can include some or all of the user interface (UI) elements associated with a web browser, such as interactive fields, pull-down lists, and buttons. These and other UI elements may be related to or represent the functionality of the web browser.

[0069] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein include, for example, a computing system including backend components such as a data server; a computing system including middleware components such as an application server; a computing system including frontend components such as a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser on which a user can interact with embodiments of the subject matter described herein; or any combination of one or more such backend, middleware, or frontend components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of wired or wireless digital data communication (or a combination of data communication), such as a communication network. Examples of communication networks include local area networks (LANs), wireless access networks (RANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability For Microwave Access), a WLAN (wireless local area network) using, for example, 802.11a / b / g / n or 802.20 (or a combination of 802.11x and 802.20 or other protocols consistent with this disclosure), all or part of the Internet, another communication network, or a combination of communication networks. Communication networks can communicate, for example, with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, Frame Relay frames, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cells, voice, video, data, or other information between network addresses.

[0070] A computing system can include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally geographically separated and typically interact with each other via a communication network. The client-server relationship arises from computer programs running on each computer that have a client-server relationship with each other.

[0071] This specification includes details of many specific embodiments, but these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of what is claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Some features described herein in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments, separately or in any partial combination. Furthermore, the aforementioned features may be described as acting in a particular combination, and may even be described as the first claimed combination, but one or more features from a claimed combination may be excluded from that combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may cover subcombinations or variations of subcombinations.

[0072] Specific embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments, modifications, and substitutions of the described embodiments are within the following claims, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Although the operations are shown in a specific order in the drawings or claims, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in a specific order or sequential order, or that all shown operations be performed (some operations may be considered optional), in order to achieve the desired result. In certain circumstances, multitasking or parallel processing (or a combination of multitasking and parallel processing) may be performed as is deemed advantageous and appropriate.

[0073] Furthermore, the separation or integration of various system modules and components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation or integration in all embodiments. It should be understood that the program components and systems described can generally be integrated together into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0074] Furthermore, any claimed embodiment is deemed applicable to a computer system comprising at least a computer implementation, a non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing computer-readable instructions for performing the computer implementation, and computer memory interoperably coupled with a hardware processor configured to perform the instructions stored on the computer implementation or the non-temporary computer-readable medium.

Claims

1. A first segment configured to receive an input beam from a laser source and combine the input beam to provide an irradiation beam for irradiating a target in the mine, and A body including a second segment that houses one or more purge pipes, Retractable nozzle, and A tool head comprising one or more optical sensing elements attached to the retractable nozzle, wherein when the underground target is irradiated by the irradiation beam, the retractable nozzle extends toward the underground target such that the one or more optical sensing elements are positioned near the underground target, The one or more optical sensing elements include an optical brightness sensor or a spectral sensor. Laser drilling tool assembly.

2. The brightness sensor includes at least one of a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, an avalanche photodiode (APD), or a photodiode (PD). The laser drilling tool assembly according to claim 1.

3. The spectral sensor includes at least one of a scanning sensor or a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) sensor. The laser drilling tool assembly according to claim 1.

4. One or more optical sensing elements include a coupled optical component configured to capture optical signals emitted from the underground target, The laser drilling tool assembly according to claim 1.

5. The tool head further includes a sensing cable, The optical signal is transmitted via the sensing cable to an optical sensor which includes at least one of a brightness sensor or a spectral sensor. The light sensor is located outside the tool head. The light sensor is different from the one or more optical sensing elements attached to the retractable nozzle of the tool head. The laser drilling tool assembly according to claim 4.

6. The tool head further includes a wheel within the retractable nozzle, The wheel is configured to retract or extend the retractable nozzle, Furthermore, the wheel is configured to attach the sensing cable to the retractable nozzle. The laser drilling tool assembly according to claim 5.

7. The tool head further comprises a sensor located at the tip of the tool head. The sensor is configured to measure the ambient temperature and the distance between the tip of the tool head and the underground target when the underground target is being irradiated by the irradiation beam. The laser drilling tool assembly according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned tool head is The lens assembly further includes a lens assembly that couples the irradiation beam to reach the underground target. The laser drilling tool assembly according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned tool head is The lens assembly further includes one or more internal purge nozzles mounted inside the lens assembly and configured to spray a flow of medium to merge with the irradiation beam, The laser drilling tool assembly according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned tool head is The lens assembly further includes one or more external purge nozzles mounted on the outside and configured to purge debris from the underground target irradiated by the irradiation beam, The laser drilling tool assembly according to claim 8.

11. The steps include lowering the laser drilling tool assembly into the underground shaft where the underground target is located, The steps include: activating the irradiation beam emitted from the tool head of the laser drilling tool assembly; The steps include extending one or more retractable nozzles on the tool head of the laser drilling tool assembly so that the optical sensing element attached to the tool head is brought closer to the underground target when the underground target is being irradiated by the irradiation beam, The process includes the step of collecting an optical signal emitted from the underground target irradiated by the irradiation beam. method.

12. The method further comprises the step of analyzing the optical signal to characterize the rock type in the underground target. The method according to claim 11.

13. The method further includes the step of retracting the one or more retractable nozzles once the optical signal has been collected. The method according to claim 11.

14. The method further includes the step of measuring the ambient temperature and the distance between the tip of the tool head and the underground target while the underground target is being irradiated by the irradiation beam. The method according to claim 11.

15. The method further comprises stopping the extension of one or more retractable nozzles in response to the ambient temperature exceeding a first threshold or the distance falling below a second threshold. The method according to claim 14.

16. The further step includes stopping the irradiation beam. The method according to claim 15.

17. The further step involves activating one or more internal purge nozzles mounted inside the lens assembly of the tool head to spray a flow of medium that merges with the irradiation beam. The method according to claim 11.

18. The further step includes activating one or more external purge nozzles mounted on the outside of the lens assembly of the tool head to purge debris from the underground target irradiated by the irradiation beam, The method according to claim 11.

Images