Smart self-calibrating acoustic telemetry system
OwnerVimal V. Shah, Donald G. Kyle +1inventors
InventorsVimal V. Shah, Donald G. Kyle, Wallace R. Gardner
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Abstract
An acoustic telemetry system for use in a borehole achieves both bi-directional and multi-hop communications without need for a wireline. Each step in the communications link comprises a processor and transceiver, which communicate with adjacent transceivers to achieve self-optimization. During operation, if communications deteriorate, each pair of transceivers can re-initiate optimization and attempt to reset parameters to achieve improved communications. Similarly, the system can also re-calibrate periodically to assure that optimal conditions are maintained.
Claims25
An acoustic telemetry system comprising communications along a plurality of transceivers attached to a string of tools in a borehole, wherein, after installation in the borehole, ones of said plurality of transceivers resolve communication parameters with ones of said plurality of transceivers.
An acoustic telemetry system comprising-directional communications along a plurality of transceivers attached to a string of tools in a borehole, wherein during normal operation of said transceivers, ones of said transceivers can initiate a calibration process in order to reconfigure communication parameters with another transceiver.
A method of acoustical communication, comprising the steps of:
- attaching a plurality of transceivers at intervals along a string of tools in a borehole, said plurality of transceivers having respective associated processors;
- negotiating communication parameters between a first transceiver and a second transceiver of said plurality of transceivers to obtain optimal communications between said first transceiver and said second transceiver;
- communicating data and instructions between a surface processor and downhole equipment, which is attached to said string of tools, through said plurality of transceivers.
A method of acoustical communications, comprising the steps of:
- attaching a plurality of transceivers at intervals along a string of tools in a borehole, said plurality of transceivers having respective associated processors;
- communicating data and instructions between a surface processor and downhole equipment, which is attached to said string of tools, through said plurality of transceivers;
- during normal communications between a first transceiver and a second transceiver of said plurality of transceivers, re-initiating calibration instructions in order to optimize communications.
A chip for an acoustic telemetry system comprising:
- first circuitry that acoustically sends channel characterization signals;
- second circuitry that receives said channel characterization signals and selects a plurality of channel properties for use in transmission;
- third circuitry that acoustically transmits notification of said plurality of channel properties for use in transmission;
- and
- fourth circuitry that receives data and acoustically transmits commands using said plurality of channel properties for transmission;
- whereby said chip can establish acoustical communications with a similar chip.
A structure associated with a borehole, said structure comprising:
- a plurality of tools assembled in the borehole;
- an acoustic telemetry system comprising communications along a plurality of transceivers attached to said string of tools in a borehole, wherein ones of said plurality of transceivers resolve communication parameters with other ones of said plurality of transceivers.
The structure of claim 23, wherein ones of said plurality of transceivers resolve communication parameters with other ones of said plurality of transceivers shortly after installation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.