Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating one or more than one physically detectable physical influence changes to control or manipulate a down hole device. The present invention intercepts existing control signals to various controllers on the rig and superimposes an encoded command on these existing control signals. The controllers comprise of motor drives, choke controllers, acoustic pulse generators, tracer injectors and other controllers that are used to generate a physically detectable changes in the rig environment. The encoded command acting on existing or new controllers generates a perceptible change in a physical parameter such as a variation in drilling mud pressure, a variation in drill string rotation speed, a variation is weight on bit, generation of acoustic pulse, or a variation in tracer injection properties.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a drilling rig having a control management system, comprises programming the control system with at least one resource module, the at least one resource module having at least one operating model having at least one set of programmed operating rules related to at least one set of operating parameters. In addition, the system and method provide an authenticating hierarchical access to at least one user to the at least one resource module.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating one or more than one physically detectable physical influence changes to control or manipulate a down hole device. The present invention intercepts existing control signals to various controllers on the rig and superimposes an encoded command on these existing control signals. The controllers comprise of motor drives, choke controllers, acoustic pulse generators, tracer injectors and other controllers that are used to generate a physically detectable changes in the rig environment. The encoded command acting on existing or new controllers generates a perceptible change in a physical parameter such as a variation in drilling mud pressure, a variation in drill string rotation speed, a variation is weight on bit, generation of acoustic pulse, or a variation in tracer injection properties.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a drilling rig having a control management system, comprises programming the control system with at least one resource module, the at least one resource module having at least one operating model having at least one set of programmed operating rules related to at least one set of operating parameters. In addition, the system and method provide an authenticating hierarchical access to at least one user to the at least one resource module.

Abstract: A drilling rig system including a man-machine workstation interface located in proximity to the drilling rig for providing to a single operator at substantially one location simultaneous operational access to drilling rig processes. The workstation includes an adjustable base and an operator alcove formed on the base in which an operator is positioned allowing for a substantially unobstructed view of the drilling rig. Adjustable forearm support panels are formed on opposing sides of the operator alcove for supporting the forearms of the operator while positioned in the alcove. At least one display unit is adjustably connected to the base and has a touch access screen adapted to allow the operator to monitor and control drilling rig processes. A plurality of discrete hand controls are used for controlling predetermined drilling rig processes wherein at least one of the discrete hand controls is located on the forearm support panels.

Abstract: A drilling rig system including a man-machine workstation interface located in proximity to the drilling rig for providing to a single operator at substantially one location simultaneous operational access to drilling rig processes. The workstation includes an adjustable base and an operator alcove formed on the base in which an operator is positioned allowing for a substantially unobstructed view of the drilling rig. Adjustable forearm support panels are formed on opposing sides of the operator alcove for supporting the forearms of the operator while positioned in the alcove. At least one display unit is adjustably connected to the base and has a touch access screen adapted to allow the operator to monitor and control drilling rig processes. A plurality of discrete hand controls are used for controlling predetermined drilling rig processes wherein at least one of the discrete hand controls is located on the forearm support panels.