Downhole Tool Memory Interface for Automated Workflow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interfacing with and configuring memory media in downhole tools during downhole operations is often cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A user interface is provided to enable manipulation and formatting of data related to downhole operations, including pre-job surface checks, depth acquisition, and data quality checks, through a data processing system communicatively coupled to the downhole tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional interfaces are used to configure memory media in downhole tools, then basic functionality is maintained, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of interfacing with memory mediaVSAvoidtime required for configuration operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The interface is segmented into multiple tabs (Memory tab, Format tab, Utilities tab) that organize different configuration functions separately. This allows users to access specific functions quickly without navigating through a monolithic interface, reducing the time required to perform specific configuration tasks while maintaining comprehensive functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A software application acts as an intermediary between the user and the memory media configuration processes. This intermediary provides automated functions such as formatting, diagnostics, and data management, eliminating the need for users to manually configure low-level memory parameters and significantly reducing operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If comprehensive data management functions are provided, then operational efficiency is improved, but the interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiency in data managementVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The comprehensive data management functions are segmented into distinct tabs: Memory tab for memory operations, Format tab for formatting operations, and Utilities tab for diagnostic and configuration functions. This segmentation allows the interface to provide comprehensive functionality while maintaining simplicity by organizing features logically and reducing cognitive load on users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The software application provides multi-functional capabilities within a unified interface, allowing users to perform memory management, formatting, diagnostics, and configuration tasks through a single application. This universal approach improves productivity by consolidating multiple functions while managing complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12546212B2Systems and methods for providing a user interface for automation workflows for controlling through-the-bit applications

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods include a user interface for automation workflows for controlling through-the-bit applications. For example, a method includes communicatively coupling to a memory media of a downhole tool; and providing, via a data processing system, a user interface to enable a user to manipulate data relating to downhole operations performed by the downhole tool, and to format the memory media of the downhole tool. Different views of the user interface may enable the presentation of a pre-job surface check workflow, a depth acquisition workflow, and a data quality check workflow, among other workflows.