Abstract: A system and method for recognizing objects in an image is described. The system can receive an image from a sensor and detect one or more objects in the image. The system can further detect one or more components of each detected object. Subsequently, the system can create a segmentation map based on the components detected for each detected object and determine whether the segmentation map matches a plurality of 3-D models (or projections thereof). Additionally, the system can display a notification through a user interface indicating whether the segmentation map matches at least one of the plurality of 3-D models.

Abstract: A system and method for recognizing objects in an image is described. The system can receive an image from a sensor and detect one or more objects in the image. The system can further detect one or more components of each detected object. Subsequently, the system can create a segmentation map based on the components detected for each detected object and determine whether the segmentation map matches a plurality of 3-D models (or projections thereof). Additionally, the system can display a notification through a user interface indicating whether the segmentation map matches at least one of the plurality of 3-D models.

Abstract: A system and method for determining if well influx is due to ballooning or a formation kick. The system and method employing flow-in, flow-out, and pit volume data from a series of both pumps-off and pumps-on events. The system determining a standard amount of fluid lost into the formation at a previous pumps-on event and comparing that with the amount of fluid released into the well during a pumps-off event. The system and method producing a confidence reading that the influx is due to ballooning as opposed to a formation kick.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for locating, measuring, counting or aiding in the handling of drill pipes 106. The system 100 comprises at least one camera 102 capable of gathering visual data 150 regarding detecting, localizing or both, pipes 106, roughnecks 116, elevators 118 and combinations thereof. The system 100 further comprises a processor 110 and a logging system 114 for recording the gathered visual data 150. The method 200 comprises acquiring visual data 150 using a camera 106, analyzing the acquired data 150, and recording the acquired data 150.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the fluid front on a shaker table is disclosed. The system comprises a shaker table or shaker table screen configured to be adjusted based on information compiled by a processor and at least one camera configured to monitor said shaker table. The camera may be operably connected to a processor. The processor may be configured to perform detection and localization of the fluid front on the shaker table using machine vision techniques.

Abstract: An automated system for detecting fluid influx into a wellbore during the transient conditions that occur after pumps stopped. The system comprises at least one sensor normally employed on a drilling rig for measuring at least one parameter, and a processor for receiving a signal indicative of the parameter from the sensor. The processor is programmed to analyze a plurality of values of the parameter measured during a plurality of previous events so as to generate a predetermined threshold value, compare the received signal to the predetermined threshold value, and provide an output signal indicative of fluid influx when the received signal is beyond the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A system and method for determining if well influx is due to ballooning or a formation kick. The system and method employing flow-in, flow-out, and pit volume data from a series of both pumps-off and pumps-on events. The system determining a standard amount of fluid lost into the formation at a previous pumps-on event and comparing that with the amount of fluid released into the well during a pumps-off event. The system and method producing a confidence reading that the influx is due to ballooning as opposed to a formation kick.

Abstract: A system for cleaning, repairing, and/or replacing damaged shaker screens is disclosed. The system may comprise a shale shaker with a replaceable shaker screen, at least one camera, and a computer processor. The camera is positioned to capture images of the shale shaker screen and the processor is capable of receiving said images from the camera. The processor is configured to analyze the images and detect damaged regions of the shale shaker screen. The processor is also configured to determine when a screen is damaged above a pre-defined threshold. Certain embodiments allow for the automatic cleaning, repair, and/or replacement of the shaker screen.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the volume of cuttings exiting a shaker table is disclosed. The system comprises a shaker table configured to be adjusted based on information compiled by a processor and at least one camera configured to monitor said shaker table. The camera may be operably connected to the processor. The processor may be configured to identify drill cuttings and estimate the volume of the cuttings exiting the shaker table using machine vision techniques.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the fluid front on a shaker table is disclosed. The system comprises a shaker table or shaker table screen configured to be adjusted based on information compiled by a processor and at least one camera configured to monitor said shaker table. The camera may be operably connected to a processor. The processor may be configured to perform detection and localization of the fluid front on the shaker table using machine vision techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for measuring the flow stream height and velocity and other properties of water, drilling mud, or other liquid flowing through a pipe. The system comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of capacitive pads, connected to a data acquisition system capable of measuring the capacitance of each pad. These capacitive pads may be arranged radially around the inner diameter of a pipe or on a vertical probe inserted into the pipe. The pads that are submerged below the liquid level within the pipe will have a larger capacitance due to their proximity with a high dielectric fluid such as water or drilling mud. Conversely, the pads above the flow stream will have a lower capacitance due to their proximity to air. The fluid level can be inferred by determining the number of pads submerged in the fluid and by analysis of the capacitive values of pads nearest the fluid-air interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and method for inhibiting or causing automated actions based on estimated person locations comprising multiple video sources configured to detect the location of one or more persons wherein at least one video source is calibrated for a known location and pose. The invention further comprises at least one processor operably connected to a calibrated video source wherein said processor aggregates possible person locations. These systems and method may be useful for initiating or interrupting the automated activity of equipment in the presence of personnel.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for locating, measuring, counting or aiding in the handling of drill pipes 106. The system 100 comprises at least one camera 102 capable of gathering visual data 150 regarding detecting, localizing or both, pipes 106, roughnecks 116, elevators 118 and combinations thereof. The system 100 further comprises a processor 110 and a logging system 114 for recording the gathered visual data 150. The method 200 comprises acquiring visual data 150 using a camera 106, analyzing the acquired data 150, and recording the acquired data 150.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for estimating global rig state. The system comprises a model incorporating multiple variables related to rig state, at least one camera operably connected to at least one processor wherein said camera is capable of gathering visual data regarding at least one variable of rig state and said processor is capable of compiling rig state data, estimating global rig state, or both. The system further comprises multiple sensors for measuring variables related to global rig state wherein said sensors are operably connected to said processor. The method comprises sensing various aspects of the rig state, collecting visual data corresponding with said sensor data, compiling multiple sources of rig data, and estimating the overall rig state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method of for measuring the characteristics and volume of drill cuttings. The system comprises at least one camera operably connected to a processor for recording characteristics of drill cutting particles wherein said processor is configured to perform particle detection, extract features of said particles, or both. The processor is typically configured to initiate, interrupt or inhibit an automated activity based on the particle characteristics. The method comprises acquiring visual data from at least one camera, performing particle detection using said data, extracting feature data of any detected particles, alerting an operator and/or initiating, interrupting, or inhibiting automated activity.