Intelligent localized high-resolution imaging of tubulars
AssigneeDarkVision Technologies Inc.
InventorsStephen Robinson, Kurt Kolb
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device and method used to image wells and other fluid-carrying tubulars having localized features of interest. The device scans large areas of the tubular first in a low-resolution mode, then identifies areas that contain those localized features with some probability. The device images the identified areas in a high-resolution mode and stores the images for further image processing. The device may comprise two sensors axially spaced-apart on the device, which sensors may be electromagnetic, acoustic, or cameras.
Claims25
A method of imaging localized features in a tubular, comprising:
- deploying and continuously logging an imaging device longitudinally through the tubular;
- scanning the tubular with a first sensor of the device to generate first data:
- identifying candidate localized surface features of the tubular in real-time using image processing on the first data;
- defining areas surrounding candidate localized surface features;
- and
- imaging the defined areas using a second sensor of the device, separate and longitudinally spaced-apart from the first sensor, to generate second data.
A device for imaging localized features of a tubular comprising:
- an elongate body deployable in and moveable thru the tubular;
- a first sensor and second sensor, separate and longitudinally spaced-apart from each other;
- one or more memory units for storing sensor data;
- and
- a processor arranged to:
- i) operate the first sensor to scan the tubular to generate first data;
- ii) identify candidate localized surface features of the tubular in real-time using image processing on the first data;
- iii) define areas surrounding the candidate localized surface features;
- iv) operate the second sensor to image the defined areas;
- and
- v) store images of the defined areas in the memory.
A device for imaging localized features of a tubular comprising:
- an elongate body deployable in and moveable thru the tubular;
- a first sensor and second sensor, separate and longitudinally spaced-apart from each other;
- one or more memory units for storing sensor data;
- and
- a processor arranged to:
- i) operate the first sensor to scan the tubular to generate first data;
- ii) identify candidate localized surface features of the tubular in real-time using image processing on the first data;
- iii) define areas surrounding the candidate localized surface features;
- iv) operate the second sensor to image the defined areas;
- and
- v) store images of the defined areas in the memory,
- wherein the processor operates the second sensor at a higher frame rate than the first sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.