Universal Remote Control for Dynamic Hydrocarbon Tool Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for hydrocarbon recovery tools require manual updates or additional hardware when new tools are added or existing tools' functionality changes, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for dynamically updating the screen content and control schemes of remote panels to accommodate changes in tool functionality or additions/deletions, using a control device that receives signals, alters screen content, and transmits updated information to the remote interface, allowing continued use without manual updates or additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a universal remote controller is used to control multiple tools, then the number of controllers is reduced, but the controller cannot accommodate new tools or functionality changes without software updates
Solution Approach 1:
The remote controller's screen content and control scheme are made dynamic rather than static. The controller receives real-time information about tool changes from the rig system and automatically updates its display and control mappings without requiring software updates. This dynamic adaptation allows the same hardware to seamlessly accommodate new tools and functionality changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the rig system continuously communicates tool configuration information to the remote controller. When tools are added, removed, or modified, the rig system detects these changes and sends updated tool information to the remote controller, which then automatically adjusts its screen content and control scheme to match the current rig configuration.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated remote controllers are used for each tool, then each controller is optimized for its specific tool, but multiple controllers increase system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The remote controller is designed as a universal device that can control multiple different tools through a single interface. By dynamically updating its screen content and control scheme based on received tool information, the same controller can be optimized for controlling tongs, elevators, mud buckets, or any other tool currently present on the rig, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller transitions from a static, tool-specific design to a dynamic, multi-functional design. The screen content and control mappings are no longer fixed but change dynamically based on which tools are currently connected and being controlled, allowing one controller to replace multiple dedicated controllers while maintaining optimal control for each specific tool.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software updates are required when adding new tools, then the controller can support new functionality, but manual updates increase time and operational disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The remote controller performs self-updating by automatically receiving tool configuration information from the rig system and generating appropriate screen content and control schemes without human intervention. When new tools are added or existing tools are modified, the system autonomously detects these changes and updates the controller's interface, eliminating the need for manual software updates by technicians.
Solution Approach 2:
A continuous feedback loop exists between the rig system and the remote controller. The rig system monitors tool configurations and automatically communicates changes to the controller, which then self-adjusts its screen content and control mappings. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures the controller always reflects the current rig state without requiring manual intervention for updates.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the remote controller screen content is updated dynamically, then the controller adapts to tool changes, but the system requires complex communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The communication between the rig system and the remote controller is merged into the existing rig control infrastructure. Rather than creating a separate complex communication protocol, the tool configuration information is integrated into the standard rig system data streams, allowing the remote controller to receive updates through existing communication channels already present in the drilling rig control architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for controlling a set of tools for hydrocarbon recovery are presented. One example system generally includes a remote controller and a device controller. The remote controller is communicatively coupled to the device controller. The device controller is generally configured to receive a command to operate one of the plurality of tools from the remote controller. Based on the command, the device controller generates one or more instructions executable by a controller associated with the one of the plurality of tools. The device controller transmits the one or more instructions to the one of the plurality of tools.