3D Imaging for Wellsite Equipment Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems on drilling rigs rely heavily on human intervention for positioning and controlling equipment due to the lack of reliable methods to determine the exact location of pipes and equipment, leading to inefficiencies and potential collisions, especially in environments with changing lighting and variable equipment configurations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of three-dimensional (3D) cameras that provide real-time 3D imaging and depth information, allowing for automated control of equipment positioning and movement, even in challenging environments, by creating a digital control volume where equipment can be accurately monitored and controlled without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two-dimensional vision systems are used for equipment monitoring, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and depth information are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional vision systems to three-dimensional imaging systems. The 3D imaging system captures depth information and spatial relationships of equipment, pipes, and tools in the wellsite environment, enabling accurate determination of object locations and heights without increasing overall system complexity through the use of specialized 3D cameras and processors.
2Extent of automation
If automated control systems are implemented without reliable location data, then human intervention is reduced, but the reliability of positioning and collision avoidance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D imaging system continuously captures images of the wellsite environment and processes these images to determine the real-time locations of equipment, pipes, and tools. This feedback information is fed back to the automated control system, enabling reliable automated positioning and collision avoidance by providing accurate location data for decision-making.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional calibration systems are used, then the manufacturing precision is adequate, but the adaptability to changing lighting and environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D imaging system is designed to capture images under varying lighting and environmental conditions by adjusting imaging parameters such as exposure time, gain, and wavelength. The system can operate in different lighting conditions (daylight, artificial lighting, low light) and adapt to environmental changes, maintaining positioning precision without requiring recalibration for each condition.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, a three-dimensional model of at least a portion of a wellsite is generated. A three-dimensional camera system is calibrated to the three-dimensional model. A draw-works encoder is calibrated. The motion of a component is monitored. The draw-works encoder is recalibrated based on the monitoring. According to another aspect, three-dimensional imaging data sets are received, the three-dimensional imaging data sets being associated with a control volume in which the portion of the wellsite is disposed. A predefined three-dimensional model is augmented with the three-dimensional imaging data sets. According to another aspect, at least one three-dimensional camera employs a first three-dimensional sensing technology that is different from a second three-dimensional sensing technology employed by at least one other three-dimensional camera. A single three-dimensional model is generated by merging respective three-dimensional imaging data sets. At least one system is controlled using the single three-dimensional model.