Matrix Barcode Wellsite Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transfer of wellsite data between computing devices in the petroleum industry is hindered by proprietary data formats and limited network connectivity, particularly in devices that are 'locked down' for security reasons, making traditional network-based data transfer impossible.
Innovation Solution
The use of matrix or two-dimensional barcodes to encode and transfer wellsite data between devices, allowing for data exchange without the need for network connections or external storage, by converting proprietary data formats into platform-independent formats like WITSML and embedding them in barcodes for optical transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary data formats and strict data access control policies are used by each service provider, then data security and system independence are maintained, but data transfer between different organizations becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (such as a mobile device or data transfer device) that acts as a mediator between locked down field devices and external systems. This intermediary captures images of displayed data using a camera, extracts the information, and transfers it to external systems without requiring the field device to have network capabilities or external interfaces, thus maintaining security while enabling data transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electronic data transfer mechanisms (network connections, external storage devices, serial data connections) with an optical system. By using a camera to capture images of displayed data and processing these images to extract information, the system eliminates the need for physical or electronic connections while achieving data transfer
2Reliability
If field devices are completely locked down with disabled network capabilities and external storage access for security reasons, then data security is enhanced, but the only option for data transfer becomes manual hard copy production and entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual hard copy production and typing with an automated optical recognition system. The camera captures images of displayed data, and software processes these images to extract and transfer information electronically, eliminating the manual labor and time required for transcription while maintaining the locked down security posture of field devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying by capturing images of displayed data with a camera. Instead of creating physical hard copies that require manual entry, the system creates digital copies through image capture and processing, enabling direct electronic transfer of data while keeping the source device secure and locked down
3Adaptability or versatility
If industry standard data formats like WITSML are used for platform-independent data transfer, then compatibility between different systems is improved, but data transfer issues associated with locked down devices and limited network connectivity remain unresolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that bridges the gap between locked down field devices and external systems. The intermediary captures data images from the field device display, processes them to extract information in standard formats like WITSML, and transfers this data to external systems. This mediator enables the use of standard formats without requiring the field device itself to have network capabilities or interface with external systems directly
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for enabling wellsite data transfer between petroleum field devices using coded data images, such as matrix barcodes, are provided. Wellsite data is obtained in a first format at a first computing device. The wellsite data is converted from the first format into a second format to be used for matrix barcode generation. At least one matrix barcode is generated based on the converted wellsite data. A representation of the generated matrix barcode is presented via an output device of the first computing device for transfer to a second computing device.