Calculation, propagation and / or display of scoring functions for decoded telemetry words

Abstract

A system (10) for evaluating communications with a component in a downhole environment includes a telemetry system including a receiver (46) configured to detect a modulated telemetry signal during a downhole operation via a telemetry channel, demodulate the detected telemetry signal and decode the demodulated signal according to a telemetry algorithm associated with a telemetry protocol, the telemetry algorithm specifying a plurality of potential words related to the downhole operation, the telemetry system configured to assign a score to each potential word based on the decoded signal and the telemetry protocol. The system also includes a processor (36) configured to, based on the assigned score for each potential word and domain information related to the downhole operation, evaluate a correctness of at least one potential word, the evaluating including determining a likelihood that the at least one potential word corresponds to the decoded signal based on the domain information.

Description

PCT / US25 / 47749 24 September 2025 (24.09.2025)65TEL-510998-WO-2 (INT1046PCT)CALCULATION, PROPAGATION AND / OR DISPLAY OF SCORING FUNCTIONS FOR DECODED TELEMETRY WORDSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSThis application claims the benefit of an earlier filing date from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 736,402 filed December 19, 2024.BACKGROUND

[0001] In the resource recovery and fluid sequestration industries, various systems and operations are used to perform activities including drilling, formation evaluation, stimulation and production. During such operations, measurements such as temperature, pressure and flow measurements are typically performed to monitor and assess such operations. Measurement data and communications may be transmitted from downhole locations using various types of telemetry. Examples of telemetry systems include wired systems, and wireless systems such as mud pulse and electromagnetic telemetry systems.SUMMARY

[0002] An embodiment of a system for evaluating communications with a component in a downhole environment includes a telemetry system including a receiver configured to detect a modulated telemetry signal from the component during a downhole operation via a telemetry channel, demodulate the detected telemetry signal and decode the demodulated signal according to a telemetry algorithm associated with a telemetry protocol, the telemetry algorithm specifying a plurality of potential words related to the downhole operation, the telemetry system configured to assign a score to each potential word of the plurality of potential words based on the decoded signal and the telemetry protocol. The system also includes a processor configured to, based on the assigned score for each potential word and domain information related to the downhole operation, evaluate a correctness of at least one potential word, the evaluating including determining a likelihood that the at least one potential word corresponds to the decoded signal based on the domain information.

[0003] An embodiment of a method of evaluating communications with a component in a downhole environment includes acquiring a data word determined by a telemetry system, the telemetry system including a receiver that detects a modulated telemetry signal from the component during a downhole operation via a telemetry channel, demodulates the detected telemetry signal and decodes the demodulated signal according to a telemetry algorithmPCT / US25 / 47749 24 September 2025 (24.09.2025)65TEL-510998-WO-2 (INT1046PCT) associated with a telemetry protocol, the telemetry algorithm specifying a plurality of potential words related to the downhole operation. The method also includes assigning a score to each potential word based on the decoded signal and the telemetry protocol, and in real time during the downhole operation, and based on the assigned score for each potential word and domain information related to the downhole operation, evaluating a correctness of at least one potential word, the evaluating including determining a likelihood that the at least one potential word corresponds to the decoded signal based on the domain information.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

[0005] Figure 1 depicts an embodiment of a downhole system that includes a borehole string including a drilling assembly disposed in a borehole;

[0006] Figure 2 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method of analyzing a subterranean region, the method including identification of reservoir boundaries; and

[0007] Figure 3 depicts an example of a scoring function applied to a set of words of a telemetry protocol, the scoring function being usable to assess the correctness of words associated with received telemetry signals.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Systems and methods are provided herein for communication between downhole components and surface devices or entities. An embodiment of a telemetry system includes or is in communication with a processor or functionality for assessing the accuracy or correctness of decoded telemetry communications. The telemetry system is configured to calculate a score or ranking for each potential data word defined by a telemetry protocol. In an embodiment, a scoring function such as a probability mass function (PMF) is calculated to provide a score to each potential word. A score for a word is calculated based on a telemetry algorithm. For example, in a mud pulse telemetry system, a telemetry algorithm associated with a mud pulse telemetry system may be used to calculate a score for each potential word.

[0009] The scores for potential data words may be determined in any suitable manner. In an embodiment, a score for a given data word is assigned during a decoding process based on a level of similarity or fit between a detected signal and a pulse sequence expected for the given word. The telemetry system determines the level of similarity or fit for each potential word and assigns a score to each potential word based thereon.PCT / US25 / 47749 24 September 2025 (24.09.2025)65TEL-510998-WO-2 (INT1046PCT)

[0010] A set of scores or PMF calculated for telemetry communication in a given environment may be used to assess outputs from the telemetry model. The assessment may include estimating the accuracy of a data word determined by a telemetry system, or selecting or determining a word that is most correct from potential words provided by the telemetry system. This assessment may be performed in real time during a downhole operation, or performed subsequently (e.g., for analyzing telemetry performance).

[0011] In an embodiment, the assessment includes providing the set of scores to a processor or analysis module, which determines the correctness of the decoding, detects coding errors and / or selects the most correct word, based on the set of scores and a domain model. For example, the telemetry system periodically outputs scores (e.g., after selected time or depth intervals) during a downhole operation, and the processor or analysis module assess the outputs to prevent coding errors in real time. In addition, or alternatively, the set of scores and the domain model may be provided to a user to facilitate assessment by the user.

[0012] A “domain model” refers to a model or simulation of a specific environment (e.g. geologic region, borehole, borehole section, etc.) and / or a model related to a type of downhole operation (e.g., drilling, stimulation, measurement, production, etc.). In the case of a model related to an operation, the model may be derived from observations of one or more similar operations and / or derived based on previous observations taken during an operation being performed.

[0013] The domain model may be a directional drilling model that is used during a directional drilling operation. The directional drilling model is constructed and / or updated at a current time based on observations made during the operation at previous times. For example, based on previous inclinations of a drilling assembly, the domain model is used to determine expected current inclination values, and determine which word or words are most likely based on the expected current inclination values.

[0014] For example, a user or system may evaluate a word from the telemetry system by considering the score assigned to the word, in combination with a likelihood of the word determined via the domain model. For example, the user or system determines that a word is most correct if the word has the highest score, and the word has a sufficiently high likelihood (as determined via the domain model). The user or system may consider other words having high scores or high probability to assist in evaluating whether the determined word is correct, or whether a different word is more accurate. For example, if the highest scored word is associated with a low likelihood as determined via the domain model, the user or systemPCT / US25 / 47749 24 September 2025 (24.09.2025)65TEL-510998-WO-2 (INT1046PCT) considers a set of other words (e.g., words having scores above a threshold) and selects a word from the set having a high likelihood.

[0015] In an embodiment, the domain model is a non-telemetry model. Telemetry models are typically used in conjunction with telemetry communications to account for attributes of a given communication channel (e.g., a mud pulse telemetry channel). Domain models as described herein are distinct from telemetry models. For example, a domain model as described herein may be used to predict probable or likely parameter values (e.g., inclination) during an operation based on previous parameters values determined for that operation.

[0016] Embodiments described herein present a number of advantages. The embodiments provide for improvements in telemetry systems by improving the ability of a telemetry system and / or other system, such as a downstream application (e.g., a control and / or monitoring system) to determine the correctness of determined words and address incorrectly decoded words. In addition, the embodiments can provide for real time indicators of signal quality.

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a downhole system 10 including a borehole string 12 disposed in a borehole 14 that penetrates a subterranean region. The subterranean region may include a formation 16. The downhole system 10 is configured to perform one or more downhole operations, such as drilling, stimulation, production and / or measurement operations.

[0018] In an embodiment, the downhole system 10 includes a drilling assembly 20 including a drill bit 22. A steering system 24 may be included for controlling the direction of the drilling assembly 20. The steering system 24 may be a rotary steerable system or any other suitable type of steering system.

[0019] The downhole system 10 may include one or more devices or systems for in- situ measurement of characteristics of the formation 16, the borehole string 12 and / or the borehole 14. For example, the system 10 includes one or more measurement tools 26 for performing measurements such as resistivity and / or other electromagnetic measurements (e.g., gamma ray measurement tools, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tools, etc.). Other examples of measurements that can be performed using the measurement tool(s) 26 include pressure, temperature, acceleration, density, porosity, acoustic, viscosity, resistivity, spectroscopy using optical transmissivity or reflectivity, and others. The measurement tool 18 may be part of a logging- while-drilling (LWD) sub or assembly, but is not so limited.PCT / US25 / 47749 24 September 2025 (24.09.2025)65TEL-510998-WO-2 (INT1046PCT)

[0020] The downhole system 10 may also include sensors or devices for measuring directional characteristics. For example, a directional measurement tool 28 may be included for measuring inclination, azimuth, rotational rate and others.

[0021] The system 10 may include or be connected to one or more processors. For example, the system 10 includes a downhole processor 30 and / or a surface processing unit 32. The surface processing unit 32 is part of, or attached to surface equipment 34 (e.g., a drilling rig). The one or more processors may also be a remote processor (e.g., in a data center or workstation). The surface processing unit 32, in an embodiment, includes a processor 36, a data storage device (or a computer-readable medium) 38 for storing data, models and / or computer programs or software, and a user interface 40.

[0022] The borehole string 12 is equipped with transmission equipment to communicate with surface components, such as the surface processing unit 32 or other system, device or entity. Such transmission equipment may take any desired form, and different transmission media and methods may be used, such as wired, fiber optic, and / or wireless transmission methods (e.g., mud pulse telemetry, acoustic telemetry, electromagnetic telemetry, etc.).

[0023] In an embodiment, the system 10 includes a telemetry system having a transmitter 42 disposed at or connected to borehole string components, such as the steering system 24 and the measurement tool(s) 26 and 28. The transmitter 42 is configured to communicate with a receiver at the surface processing unit 32 using a communication channel. The communication channel may be a wire or cable, a mud pulse channel, an acoustic channel or an electromagnetic channel.

[0024] For example, the transmitter 42 is or includes a pulser for generating pressure pulses (telemetry signal) in downhole fluid, and the telemetry system includes a pressure sensor 44 configured to detect pressure changes and transmit detection signals to a receiver module 46. The receiver module 46 includes components for demodulation and signal processing.

[0025] The receiver module 46 amplifies and processes signals, or provides amplified signals to the processor 36 or other device for further processing. Such processing includes demodulating the detection signals according to a telemetry protocol. A telemetry protocol includes, for example, rules for defining the properties of data streams, the order of operations and others.

[0026] The processing also includes decoding the demodulated signals according to a telemetry algorithm to associate the demodulated signals with a stream of data words. A dataPCT / US25 / 47749 24 September 2025 (24.09.2025)65TEL-510998-WO-2 (INT1046PCT) word, or simply “word”, refers to a data series or bit series (e.g., as part of a data frame or stream) that indicates a measurement, command or other information intended to be relayed by the telemetry system. The definition of each potential word that can be relayed is defined by the telemetry protocol, and the telemetry algorithm processes real time detection signals to determine potential words and / or output a selected word or words.

[0027] Telemetry systems typically decode a signal using a chain of filters and return a single decoded word. However, the decoding process is prone to error due to conditions in a downhole environment, such as pump disturbances and signal reflections that may occur during transmission. As a result of incorrect decoding, downstream real-time applications and post-job analyses can suffer.

[0028] The telemetry systems described herein, including the telemetry system of Figure 1, are provided to mitigate the effects of disturbances and other conditions that can affect the accuracy of decoding processes. By determining the most likely words using a domain model as described herein, telemetry systems are provided with additional context to correctly infer a word. In an embodiment, a processor such as the processor 36 and / or the receiver module 46 is configured acquire a set of potential words associated with a telemetry protocol. The set of potential words may include all possible words that could be transmitted using the telemetry protocol, or a subset of all the possible words. During a downhole operation, the processor decodes received signals and assigns a score to each potential word based on the decoding.

[0029] The score is calculated by the telemetry algorithm for each potential word using telemetry protocol information (e.g., reference pulse sequences associated with different words). The score is indicative of a probability or likelihood that a given potential word is correct (i.e., corresponds to the word intended to be communicated), given the characteristics of a detected signal.

[0030] In an embodiment, the processor (e.g., the receiver module 46 or other part of a telemetry system) demodulates a detected signal, and compares the detected signal to reference pulse sequences. For example, locations of peaks are identified in the detected signal and compared to locations of pulses in a reference pulse sequence associated with a given word. A score is assigned to the given word based on how close the peak locations are to the pulse locations.

[0031] In an embodiment, the processor is configured to output a graph, profile, probability distribution or other description of the scores for the set of potential words. The description may be used to evaluate whether a word determined by a telemetry system isPCT / US25 / 47749 24 September 2025 (24.09.2025)65TEL-510998-WO-2 (INT1046PCT) correct, and / or to present alternative words to be considered by the domain models and / or downstream applications.

[0032] For example, the processor outputs a probability mass function (PMF). Embodiments are not so limited, as any suitable scoring function or statistical analysis may be used. Examples of other scoring functions that may be used include probability generating functions (PGF) and norm functions.

[0033] Figure 2 shows aspects of an embodiment of a method 60 of communicating with a downhole component and / or evaluating communications. Aspects of the method 60 are discussed in conjunction with a downhole operation, such as a directional drilling operation, using the downhole system 10 of Figure 1. However, embodiments are not so limited, as the method 60 can be used in various systems and contexts related to subterranean regions.

[0034] The method 60 includes a plurality of steps represented by blocks 61-65. All of the steps may be performed in the order described, but the method is not so limited. For example, one or more of the steps may be performed in a different order, or the method may include fewer than all of the steps.

[0035] At block 61, telemetry signals are received from a downhole component during a downhole operation, such as the measurement tool 18 or other sensor, tool or component. The collected data is collected during a downhole operation, and encoded by a telemetry system as a series of words, and a modulator modulates a reference signal and transmits the modulated signal via a telemetry channel according to a selected telemetry protocol.

[0036] For example, the transmitter 42 generates a telemetry signal in the form of a set of pressure pulses for each word, according to the telemetry protocol. A receiver, such as the receiver module 46, detects signals from a detector or sensor, such as the pressure sensor 44.

[0037] At block 62, the detected signal is demodulated and decoded to determine a word. The telemetry protocol defines a plurality of potential data words that can be identified once the signal is decoded.

[0038] At block 63, the telemetry system calculates a score for each potential word (or a subset thereof) that is defined by the telemetry protocol. Score calculation and other stages of the method 60 may be performed in real time during the downhole operation.PCT / US25 / 47749 24 September 2025 (24.09.2025)65TEL-510998-WO-2 (INT1046PCT)

[0039] The score for a word is calculated to indicate a probability or likelihood that a potential word corresponds to the detected signal, given the specific telemetry protocol. Any suitable scoring function may be used to calculate scores.

[0040] In an embodiment, the score for each potential word is calculated as a probability mass function (PMF). Each potential word is assigned a probability score, such that the sum of all of the probabilities is equal to one.

[0041] At block 64, a processor, such as the receiver module 46 and / or the processor 36, acquires a domain model that describes characteristics of the downhole environment and / or parameters of the downhole. The domain model may be based on the type of downhole operation and / or specific to the operation currently being performed.

[0042] In an embodiment, the domain model describes characteristics or parameters expected for the operation, and provides insight as to what the current parameters of the operation would be. The domain model may predict the current parameters based on previously measured parameters and the environment in which the operation is being performed, or at least provide information regarding the progression of the operation.

[0043] If the downhole operation is a directional drilling operation, the domain model may be constructed based on a history of previous directional measurements (e.g., inclination) and / or reference directional measurements. For example, periodic static surveys are performed, and measurements of azimuth and inclination are collected in real time. If a decoded word selected by the telemetry system (or having a highest assigned core) is 80 degrees, but the most recent survey is 20 degrees, it can be determined from the domain model that 80 degrees is likely an error.

[0044] Other examples of domain models include hydraulic models and formation models. In such models, certain quantities are not expected to instantly or quickly change. The history of real-time values, combined with suitable assumptions / models, allows for identifying potential errors.

[0045] Figure 3 depicts an example of a PMF calculated for a set of potential words. The PMF is calculated based on the specific telemetry protocol. Figure 3 shows a graph 70 of probability values for each potential word of a telemetry protocol. The vertical axis represents probability value (P), and the horizontal axis represents an index of words, where each word is given a numerical identifier. A curve 72 shows the distribution of probabilities. As can be seen, word number 4 is calculated to have the highest probability (0.04), as shown by peak 74. Word number 20 has the second highest probability (0.031), as shown by peakPCT / US25 / 47749 24 September 2025 (24.09.2025)65TEL-510998-WO-2 (INT1046PCT)

[0046] At block 65, various actions can be performed based on the calculated scores. For example, the calculated scores may be displayed, along with the word determined by the telemetry system, to a user and / or to another system. Alternatively, the telemetry system outputs a set of potential words, along with respective scores, to the processor or a user, which selects a word from the set of potential words based on the scores and the domain model.

[0047] In an embodiment, the curve 72 may be displayed to a user, or provided to a processor, to allow the user or the processor to assess whether a word determined by the telemetry system is correct. In another embodiment, the processor or the user may receive all of the potential words and their scores (or a group of potential words) and select a potential word as being the correct word based on the scores, and based on the likelihoods as estimated by the domain model.

[0048] For example, if a determined word has a low score, this may be an indication that the signal was decoded incorrectly. If a determined word has a high probability but a low likelihood from the domain model, this may be an indication that decoding was incorrect.

[0049] In addition, the user or processor may select and consider a potential word having the highest score (e.g., word number 4 of Figure 3), or two or more potential words having higher scores (e.g., word numbers 4 and 20 of Figure 3), and determine a likelihood (based on the domain model) of the selected word(s).

[0050] Other actions include providing the calculated scores to an analysis or measurement system, so that such a system can use the calculated scores and / or the correctness of telemetry word to improve measurements and analyses. Further actions include adjusting operational parameters such as borehole trajectory, inclination, azimuth, weight-on-bit (WOB), torque-on-bit (TOB), rate of penetration (ROP), rotational velocity (rpm), and time parameters. Operational parameters may be adjusted by an operator or by a control system such as an automatic steering system. One or more of the actions may be executed in real-time, e.g., while the operation (e.g., drilling operation) is ongoing.

[0051] Set forth below are some embodiments of the foregoing disclosure:

[0052] Embodiment 1: A system for evaluating communications with a component in a downhole environment, the system comprising: a telemetry system including a receiver configured to detect a modulated telemetry signal from the component during a downhole operation via a telemetry channel, demodulate the detected telemetry signal and decode the demodulated signal according to a telemetry algorithm associated with a telemetry protocol, the telemetry algorithm specifying a plurality of potential words related to the downholePCT / US25 / 47749 24 September 2025 (24.09.2025)65TEL-510998-WO-2 (INT1046PCT) operation, the telemetry system configured to assign a score to each potential word of the plurality of potential words based on the decoded signal and the telemetry protocol; and a processor configured to perform: based on the assigned score for each potential word and domain information related to the downhole operation, evaluating a correctness of at least one potential word, the evaluating including determining a likelihood that the at least one potential word corresponds to the decoded signal based on the domain information.

[0053] Embodiment 2: The system of any prior embodiment, wherein the processor is further configured to perform at least one of: selecting a potential word that is most likely to correspond to the decoded signal based on the assigned score and the domain information; and estimating a correctness of a word determined by the telemetry system.

[0054] Embodiment 3: The system of any prior embodiment, wherein the processor is configured to select a subset of two or more words from the plurality of potential words based on the assigned score.

[0055] Embodiment 4: The system of any prior embodiment, wherein the domain information includes a domain model related to the downhole operation, the domain model being independent of the telemetry channel.

[0056] Embodiment 5: The system of any prior embodiment, wherein the domain model is based on previous observations made during the downhole operation.

[0057] Embodiment 6: The system of any prior embodiment, wherein assigning the score includes calculating a score distribution indicating the assigned score for each potential word.

[0058] Embodiment 7: The system of any prior embodiment, wherein the assigned score for each potential word is based on a probability mass function.

[0059] Embodiment 8: The system of any prior embodiment, wherein the processor is configured to display the assigned score for each potential word in a user interface, in conjunction with displaying a word determined by the telemetry system.

[0060] Embodiment 9: The system of any prior embodiment, wherein the processor is configured to output the assigned score for each potential word to at least one of a control system configured to control the downhole operation, an analysis system and a measurement system.

[0061] Embodiment 10: The system of any prior embodiment, wherein the downhole operation includes a directional drilling operation.

[0062] Embodiment 11 : A method of evaluating communications with a component in a downhole environment, the method comprising: acquiring a data word determined by aPCT / US25 / 47749 24 September 2025 (24.09.2025)65TEL-510998-WO-2 (INT1046PCT) telemetry system, the telemetry system including a receiver that detects a modulated telemetry signal from the component during a downhole operation via a telemetry channel, demodulates the detected telemetry signal and decodes the demodulated signal according to a telemetry algorithm associated with a telemetry protocol, the telemetry algorithm specifying a plurality of potential words related to the downhole operation; assigning a score to each potential word based on the decoded signal and the telemetry protocol; and in real time during the downhole operation, and based on the assigned score for each potential word and domain information related to the downhole operation, evaluating a correctness of at least one potential word, the evaluating including determining a likelihood that the at least one potential word corresponds to the decoded signal based on the domain information.

[0063] Embodiment 12: The method of any prior embodiment, further comprising at least one of: selecting a potential word that is most likely to correspond to the decoded signal based on the assigned score and the domain information; and estimating a correctness of the word determined by the telemetry system.

[0064] Embodiment 13: The method of any prior embodiment, further comprising selecting a subset of two or more words from the plurality of potential words based on the assigned score.

[0065] Embodiment 14: The method of any prior embodiment, wherein the domain information includes a domain model related to the downhole operation, the domain model independent of the telemetry channel.

[0066] Embodiment 15: The method of any prior embodiment, wherein the domain model is a model of the downhole operation, and the domain model is based on previous observations made during the downhole operation.

[0067] Embodiment 16: The method of any prior embodiment, wherein assigning the score includes calculating a score distribution indicating the assigned score for each potential word.

[0068] Embodiment 17: The method of any prior embodiment, wherein the assigned score for each potential word is based on a probability mass function.

[0069] Embodiment 18: The method of any prior embodiment further comprising displaying the assigned score for each potential word in a user interface, in conjunction with displaying the word determined by the telemetry system.

[0070] Embodiment 19: The method of any prior embodiment, further comprising outputting the assigned score for each potential word to a control system configured to control the downhole operation.PCT / US25 / 47749 24 September 2025 (24.09.2025)65TEL-510998-WO-2 (INT1046PCT)

[0071] Embodiment 20: The method of any prior embodiment, wherein the downhole operation includes a directional drilling operation.

[0072] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Further, it should be noted that the terms “first,” “second,” and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms “about”, “substantially” and “generally” are intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, “about” and / or “substantially” and / or “generally” can include a range of ± 8% of a given value.

[0073] The teachings of the present disclosure may be used in a variety of well operations. These operations may involve using one or more treatment agents to treat a formation, the fluids resident in a formation, a borehole, and I or equipment in the borehole, such as production tubing. The treatment agents may be in the form of liquids, gases, solids, semi-solids, and mixtures thereof. Illustrative treatment agents include, but are not limited to, fracturing fluids, acids, steam, water, brine, anti-corrosion agents, cement, permeability modifiers, drilling muds, emulsifiers, demulsifiers, tracers, flow improvers etc. Illustrative well operations include, but are not limited to, hydraulic fracturing, stimulation, tracer injection, cleaning, acidizing, steam injection, water flooding, cementing, etc.

[0074] While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited.

Claims

PCT / US25 / 47749 24 September 2025 (24.09.2025)65TEL-510998-WO-2 (INT1046PCT)CLAIMS1. A system (10) for evaluating communications with a component in a downhole environment, the system characterized by: a telemetry system including a receiver (46) configured to detect a modulated telemetry signal from the component during a downhole operation via a telemetry channel, demodulate the detected telemetry signal and decode the demodulated signal according to a telemetry algorithm associated with a telemetry protocol, the telemetry algorithm specifying a plurality of potential words related to the downhole operation, the telemetry system configured to assign a score to each potential word of the plurality of potential words based on the decoded signal and the telemetry protocol; and a processor (36) configured to perform: based on the assigned score for each potential word and domain information related to the downhole operation, evaluating a correctness of at least one potential word, the evaluating including determining a likelihood that the at least one potential word corresponds to the decoded signal based on the domain information.

2. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the processor (36) is further configured to perform at least one of: selecting a potential word that is most likely to correspond to the decoded signal based on the assigned score and the domain information; and estimating a correctness of a word determined by the telemetry system.

3. The system (10) of claim 2, wherein the processor (36) is configured to select a subset of two or more words from the plurality of potential words based on the assigned score.

4. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the domain information includes a domain model related to the downhole operation, the domain model being independent of the telemetry channel.

5. The system of (10) claim 4, wherein the domain model is based on previous observations made during the downhole operation.

6. The system of (10) claim 1, wherein assigning the score includes calculating a score distribution indicating the assigned score for each potential word.

7. The system of (10) claim 1, wherein the assigned score for each potential word is based on a probability mass function.PCT / US25 / 47749 24 September 2025 (24.09.2025)65TEL-510998-WO-2 (INT1046PCT)8. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the processor (36) is configured to display the assigned score for each potential word in a user interface, in conjunction with displaying a word determined by the telemetry system.

9. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the processor (36) is configured to output the assigned score for each potential word to at least one of a control system configured to control the downhole operation, an analysis system and a measurement system.

10. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the downhole operation includes a directional drilling operation.

11. A method (60) of evaluating communications with a component in a downhole environment, the method characterized by: acquiring a data word determined by a telemetry system, the telemetry system including a receiver (46) that detects a modulated telemetry signal from the component during a downhole operation via a telemetry channel, demodulates the detected telemetry signal and decodes the demodulated signal according to a telemetry algorithm associated with a telemetry protocol, the telemetry algorithm specifying a plurality of potential words related to the downhole operation; assigning a score to each potential word based on the decoded signal and the telemetry protocol; and in real time during the downhole operation, and based on the assigned score for each potential word and domain information related to the downhole operation, evaluating a correctness of at least one potential word, the evaluating including determining a likelihood that the at least one potential word corresponds to the decoded signal based on the domain information.

12. The method (60) of claim 11, further comprising at least one of: selecting a potential word that is most likely to correspond to the decoded signal based on the assigned score and the domain information; and estimating a correctness of the word determined by the telemetry system.

13. The method (60) of claim 11, further comprising selecting a subset of two or more words from the plurality of potential words based on the assigned score, wherein assigning the score includes calculating a score distribution indicating the assigned score for each potential word.

14. The method (60) of claim 11, wherein the domain information includes a domain model related to the downhole operation, the domain model independent of thePCT / US25 / 47749 24 September 2025 (24.09.2025)65TEL-510998-WO-2 (INT1046PCT) telemetry channel, and the domain model is a model of the downhole operation, and the domain model is based on previous observations made during the downhole operation.

15. The method (60) of claim 11, wherein the assigned score for each potential word is based on a probability mass function.

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