Continuous Image Calibration for Drill Cuttings Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital image calibration procedures for drill cuttings in subterranean drilling operations are time-consuming, user-dependent, and prone to calibration drift due to environmental conditions, hindering accurate and consistent automated image evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a calibration sample holder with integrated color and spatial resolution calibration regions, coupled with an electronic controller, to automatically verify and adjust image acquisition settings in real-time, ensuring consistent digital image quality for machine learning applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual calibration procedures are used, then calibration can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and user-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target performs self-verification by automatically providing reference values for color, contrast, and spatial resolution. The system extracts features from the calibration target and automatically adjusts camera settings without requiring operator intervention, making the calibration process autonomous and time-efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors calibration parameters by extracting features from the calibration target and compares them against reference values. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts camera settings to maintain optimal calibration, enabling real-time quality control and eliminating manual verification steps.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed manually, then calibration can be achieved, but different operators may arrive at different system calibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target provides objective, intrinsic reference values that are independent of operator judgment. The system automatically extracts calibration features and compares them against stored reference data, eliminating subjective operator variations and ensuring consistent calibration results across different users and time points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts camera parameters such as exposure, contrast, and focus based on extracted calibration features. By transforming manual calibration into automated parameter adjustment, the system eliminates operator-dependent variations and ensures reproducible calibration results.
3Reliability
If calibration is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then calibration drift can be reduced, but the process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target is integrated into the sample holder and remains continuously visible during the entire imaging process. The system performs calibration verification continuously or at regular intervals without interrupting the workflow, maintaining calibration stability while minimizing time loss through seamless automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration target is pre-positioned in the sample holder before imaging begins. This preliminary placement ensures that calibration references are always available and ready for immediate verification, eliminating the need for separate calibration steps during the imaging process.
4Measurement precision
If a calibration target is added to the sample holder, then calibration can be performed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration target is merged with the sample holder into a single integrated component. The calibration target forms part of the sample holder structure, eliminating the need for separate calibration devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining calibration functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sample holder serves multiple functions: it holds the drill cuttings sample and simultaneously provides the calibration target for automated calibration. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a digital camera deployed in an image acquisition chamber and configured to acquire a digital image of a cuttings sample. A calibration sample holder including a sample area configured to receive the drill cuttings sample and a calibration area having a color calibration region and a spatial resolution calibration region is deployed in the image acquisition chamber below the digital camera such that both the sample area and the calibration area are within a field of view of the digital camera. An electronic controller is configured to cause the digital camera to take a digital image of the calibration sample holder and evaluate a portion of the digital image including the calibration area to certify that the digital image meets or exceeds predetermined calibration standards.