Augmented Reality Downhole Tool Tracking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
In horizontal directional drilling, operators face challenges in accurately tracking and steering the downhole tool due to its out-of-sight location, requiring skilled interpretation of technical data to determine its position and orientation.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a portable above-ground tracker and augmented reality device with sensors and controllers to generate a virtual image of the downhole tool's position relative to the ground surface, providing real-time tracking and steering assistance through a head-mounted or handheld display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators rely on traditional tracking methods with technical data interpretation, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for skilled interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an augmented reality device as an intermediary between the traditional tracking system and the operator. The AR device receives position data from the tracking system and presents it in an intuitive visual format (arrows, color codes, distance indicators) rather than raw technical data. This mediator translates complex measurement data into easily interpretable visual cues, improving ease of operation while preserving measurement precision through the underlying tracking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/cognitive process of manual data interpretation with an automated electronic system. The AR device automatically processes tracking data, calculates position and orientation, and generates visual guidance without requiring operator intervention or expertise in data interpretation. This substitution of the interpretation mechanism eliminates the skill requirement while maintaining accurate measurement.
2Productivity
If operators manually interpret technical data to determine downhole tool position, then measurement precision is achieved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The AR device performs self-service by automatically acquiring, processing, and interpreting position data without operator intervention. The device autonomously calculates the downhole tool's position, orientation, and distance from the borepath, and generates appropriate visual guidance. This automation eliminates the time-consuming manual interpretation step while maintaining measurement precision through algorithmic processing of the same tracking data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual cognitive process of data interpretation with automated computational processes. The AR device's processor automatically performs calculations that previously required skilled operators, converting raw tracking data into actionable visual guidance instantaneously. This substitution dramatically improves productivity by eliminating the time delay between data generation and operational decision-making.
3Ease of operation
If traditional tracking systems are used without visualization aids, then device complexity is minimized, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the out-of-sight location of the downhole tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the traditional tracking system. Instead of presenting position data in one dimension (numerical values or graphical icons on a monitor), the AR device projects virtual images into the operator's field of view, creating a three-dimensional spatial representation. This dimensional enhancement allows operators to see the downhole tool's position and guidance cues in the context of the physical environment, dramatically improving ease of operation despite the added device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The AR device serves as an intermediary layer between the tracking system and the operator's decision-making process. It receives data from the tracking system, processes it through visualization algorithms, and presents it in an intuitively understood format through the head-mounted display. This intermediary translates abstract position data into concrete visual guidance, making the out-of-sight downhole tool position immediately apparent without requiring complex system redesign.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances operator accuracy and efficiency by providing a clear, real-time virtual representation of the downhole tool's position and orientation, reducing the need for skilled interpretation of technical data and improving the ability to navigate around underground obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
a portable, above-ground tracker having an antenna configured to detect a magnetic dipole field emitted from the downhole tool
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tracking and steering a downhole tool using an augmented reality device. A tracker tracks the location of a downhole tool as it moves underground and transmits data to the device, while one or more sensors measure a position and orientation of the device. The device analyzes the data received from the tracker and the sensors and generates a virtual image of the downhole tool. The virtual image is displayed on the device at its detected location relative to the ground surface and relative to the position of the device. The position of the displayed virtual image is modified in response to updated information from the tracker or the sensors. Virtual images representing various parameters of the drilling operation are also displayed on the device in juxtaposition with the virtual image of the downhole tool.