Back to results
US 12,013,458 B2Granted
Precise registration of images of tubulars
AssigneeDarkVision Technologies Inc.
InventorsMichael Halpenny-Mason, Connor Vandenberg, Kelvin Wong
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device and method used to image conduits, such as pipes, wellbores and tubulars, with imaging sensors, such as cameras and ultrasound arrays. The speed and location of the device are determined using one or more speed sensor modules. Images are then registered to more precise axial locations along the conduit than are normally possible using wireline encoders or other methods. The conduit may be visualized to proper scale for improved analysis of defects.
Claims20
A method of imaging a fluid conduit, comprising:
- deploying and moving an imaging device axially through the conduit;
- transmitting an acoustic wave axially and radially outward towards a surface of the conduit using an acoustic sensor operating in Doppler mode;
- receiving a reflected wave from the surface using the acoustic sensor to generate reflection data;
- processing the reflection data in Doppler mode to determine a relative speed of a wall of the conduit with respect to the imaging device;
- capturing images of the conduit using an array of imaging sensors at a plurality of frames;
- and
- using the determined relative speed to estimate distances between frames of the images.
4 more elements
An imaging device for a fluid conduit comprising:
- an array of imaging sensors for capturing images;
- at least one acoustic sensor facing axially and radially outward;
- a processing circuit arranged to:
- a) drive the at least one acoustic sensor;
- b) receive a reflected wave to generate reflection data;
- c) process the reflection data in Doppler mode to determine a relative speed of the device;
- and
- d) determine distances between frames of the captured images based on the relative speed of the device.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.