Wellbore Workflow Interface With Integrated Contextual Information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Downhole exploration and production operations face inefficiencies due to the need for manual retrieval of contextual information during workflow execution, leading to delays and potential errors, as this information is typically only displayed when needed and not integrated into the workflow.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that integrate contextual information into the workflow by defining steps, associating contextual information fields, receiving and displaying this information within the workflow steps, and controlling wellbore operations based on the integrated data, thereby reducing the need for separate interfaces and enhancing decision-making efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If contextual information is displayed separately when needed, then information accuracy is maintained, but workflow execution time increases and user efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation accuracyVSAvoidworkflow execution time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges contextual information display with workflow steps by integrating information panels directly into the workflow interface. This allows users to view relevant contextual information (such as wellbore parameters, operational data, and procedural details) within the same interface where they execute workflow steps, eliminating the need to switch between separate interfaces or search for information manually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If contextual information is integrated into workflow steps, then workflow execution speed increases, but interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow execution speedVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the interface by organizing contextual information into distinct information panels that are associated with specific workflow steps. Each information panel contains relevant contextual data for its associated step, allowing the interface to remain organized and manageable despite integrating multiple information sources. This segmentation prevents overwhelming users with all information at once while maintaining quick access to needed data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If contextual information is retrieved manually during workflow execution, then information retrieval accuracy is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation retrieval accuracyVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by automatically retrieving and displaying contextual information in advance of when users need it during workflow execution. The system pre-loads relevant information into information panels based on the current workflow step, so users immediately see needed information without manual retrieval. This maintains accuracy by ensuring the correct information is displayed while dramatically improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate interfaces are used for workflow execution and information display, then system modularity is maintained, but user training requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem modularityVSAvoiduser training requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by creating a unified interface that serves multiple functions: workflow execution, information display, and contextual data presentation all occur within the same interface environment. This multi-functional approach maintains the modularity of underlying systems while presenting a unified user experience that reduces training requirements, as users learn one interface rather than multiple separate interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11526140B2Integrating contextual information into workflow for wellbore operations
Publication Date: 2022.12.13 BAKER HUGHES CO
  • US11526140B2 patent drawing
  • US11526140B2 patent drawing
  • US11526140B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes defining, by a processing device, the workflow as a plurality of steps. The method further includes defining, by the processing device, a contextual information field associated with at least one of the plurality of steps. The method further includes receiving, by the processing device, contextual information associated with the contextual information field. The method further includes displaying, by the processing device, the at least one of the plurality of steps of the workflow and the contextual information associated with the contextual information field by integrating the contextual information into the at least one of the plurality of steps.