Interface for automation client
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsClinton D. Chapman, Han Yu, Mbaga Louis Ahorukomeye
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Automation agents are utilized to modify operating characteristics of a client, such as a piece of equipment. An operating characteristic of equipment can be selectively adjusted by modification of a set point value, which is associated with the operating characteristic of the equipment. The equipment can adjust the operating characteristic based upon the set point value. A remote control indication can be provided to indicate when a set point value is available for modification. The remote control indication is adjustable by an execution module associated with the equipment. A set point latch can be provided for indicating when the set point value is modifiable by an automation agent.
Claims20
An automation system comprising:
- an execution module implemented by a computing device, wherein the computing device comprises a central processing unit (“CPU”) and a network interface coupled to the CPU, and wherein the execution module comprises a communication interface for remote control (“CIRC”);
- and
- a network connected to the CPU via the network interface and comprising:
- a plurality of clients comprising controllable equipment of a drilling rig, wherein a plurality of operating characteristics each characterize current operation of a corresponding one or more of the clients in response to a current value of a corresponding one of a plurality of set points collectively being used to control the clients;
- and
- a plurality of agents each associated with a corresponding one of the set points, wherein each agent:
- receives from the CIRC a remote control indication of whether the corresponding set point is available for remote control by the agent;
- receives from the CIRC a current value for the corresponding set point;
- receives from the CIRC a latch indication of whether that agent is latched to the CIRC and, thereby, remotely controlling the corresponding set point;
- provides to the CIRC a remote controlled value to be used for the corresponding set point absent loss of communication between the CIRC and that agent;
- and
- provides to the CIRC a fail-safe value to be used for the corresponding set point upon loss of communication between the CIRC and that agent.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.