System and method for wirelessly communicating with a downhole drill string

Abstract

A system for communicating with a downhole network integrated into a downhole drill string is disclosed in one aspect of the invention as including a data transmission coupler mounted to a downhole tool and adapted to transmit data across a tool joint. The data transmission coupler is also capable of transmitting data by emitting electromagnetic radiation. An antenna is focused at and positioned within sufficient range of the data transmission coupler to detect the electromagnetic radiation and receive the data. This data may then be transmitted to a receiver or other equipment. In certain embodiments, the antenna is located above ground level and may be mounted to a swivel, derrick, hoist system, kelly, or other structure. The antenna is ideally mounted to a structure which is out of the way of equipment and workers working on the drill string.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.