SE525945C2 - Program code exchange method for computerized drilling rig, stores original code for possible use if new code is found to contain errors - Google Patents

Abstract

The exchange method comprises the following steps : (a) program code is downloaded in a first storage position in a file storage location in the rig ; (b) a first downloaded version of program code is stored in a second storage position in the file storage location ; (c) a new, second version of program code is downloaded into the first storage location ; (d) both program code versions are made available for operating the drilling rig and a return to the first version if the second version is found to be faulty ; (e) the second version is checked ; and (f) if the second version is found to be error-free then the first version is stored in a third storage position in the storage location and the second version is stored in the second storage position, so that the first storage position becomes empty and can be used to store a new third version of program code. An independent claim is also included for the system used to carry out the program code exchange method.

Description

IUII I I 000 o Il: 0010 ut! 0 .. a ..a BJ U1 is introduced in a file storage place in the drilling rig. A certain version of the program code is stored in a first storage location, and when a new version of the program code is downloaded, it is stored in a second storage location. This gives the advantage that a user can return to the first version if the download of the new version fails, or if the program code contains an error.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, three storage locations are introduced in said file storage location in the drilling rig. This allows a user to store a new version in a first storage location, test run the new version and, if it works satisfactorily, store this new version in a second storage location. The previous version of the program code is then stored in a third storage location, the first storage location being available for downloading another new version of the program code. Thus, previous versions and new versions are available at the same time, which provides an extra high level of operational reliability by minimizing the risk of operational interruptions due to non-functioning program code.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the download is wireless. Thereby, the transmission of the new program code can be carried out in a convenient manner and e.g. to a number of drilling rigs substantially simultaneously.

The present invention also relates to such a system.

Additional advantages are achieved through various aspects of the invention and will be apparent from the following detailed description. 71135; IQID Û 000 0000 III 0 unc BJ U1 Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 shows a drilling rig in which the present invention can be used.

Pig. 2 schematically shows the various storage locations according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of the various steps in the method according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments According to the present invention, a file storage location is inserted into a computerized drilling rig 1, shown in Fig. 1. This file storage location is inserted into one or more electronic units 2 located in the computerized drilling rig 1.

When a user wishes to change program code in the computerized drilling rig 1, the previous program code is not overwritten or deleted, as is done in current methods for program code change. Instead, the current program code, the one currently used in the drilling rig, is stored in a first storage location in the file storage location in drilling rig 1. Since a new version of program code is to be downloaded to drilling rig 1, the current program code is moved to a second storage location, whereby the new version of the program code is downloaded to the now empty first storage location.

If it turns out that the new program code does not work, e.g. due to the download failure or due to the new program code being faulty, the earlier version of the program code remains in the file storage location in drilling rig 1. Thus, the previous version can be used for operation of the drilling rig, thereby unnecessary and expensive interruptions avoid. 71135; 02-01-09 10 15 20 con: Û n oo »BJ U1 0 0 000 00 0 0 s U) C) OO 0 0 0 o 00 0000 00 (fl r» JU? \ .__ ¿i) i In accordance with another embodiment, the file storage location in the drilling rig 1 comprises three storage locations. In the event of a program change, the current program code is moved to the second storage location and stored there, and the previous program code is moved from the second storage location to a third storage location.

If you now want to download another new version of the program code, the first storage location is empty and there is room for this additional version. This will now be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. The storage location is in Figs. 2 and 3, and the corresponding description, a catalog.

This storage location can of course be some other type of storage location.

Fig. 2 shows three catalogs in the file storage location. The first directory is called “New”, the second “Current” and the third “Old”, which names refer to which version of program code is stored in which directory.

Referring to Fig. 3, the various steps of the present method are now described. When a new program code is to be downloaded, step 301, it is stored in the first directory, directory "New". Thus, there are now two versions stored in the file storage location in drilling rig 1, partly the one that is currently used and is stored in the catalog "Current", and partly the new one stored in the catalog "New".

If the user now wants to perform a program change, step 302, the method proceeds to step 303. It should be noted that the program code change does not have to take place immediately after downloading a new version of program code, but can take place at a later time. In step 303, the program code currently in use is moved from the second directory, "Current" directory, to the third directory, "Old" directory. Then, in step 304, the new program code is moved from the first directory, directory "New", to the second directory, directory "Current". The first catalog, catalog “New”, is thus now empty. In the second catalog, 71135; 02-01-09 10 15 20 0000 0 0 000. kJ U1 II 000 0000 00 0 nl directory "Current", is the code that is current, and finally in the third directory, directory "Old" is the current digare program code. In step 305, the new program code is checked. If it works, the method ends in step 306; If the program change has failed, or if it is found that the new program code contains serious errors (if, for example, certain functions in the drilling rig do not work), you return to the previous program code. This is done, in step 307, by moving the previous program code, which is now stored in the third catalog, directory “Old”, to the first directory, directory “New.” The method now repeats the described steps 302-305.

After step 305, the method will this time go to step 306, since it is the working, previously used version of program code that is checked. The non-functioning program code, which is now in the third directory, the "Old" directory, can be deleted, and a new download of a new program code can be made.

Alternatively, if the program switch did not work, i.e. a “no” was obtained in step 305, the method does not need to be repeated if program code changes are done manually. The program code used previously is available in the third directory, directory "Old", and can be copied to the drilling rig from there. In the same way, of course, the non-functioning code does not have to be moved to the third directory, the "Old" directory, before it is deleted, but can be deleted immediately. However, if the method is not done manually, the steps must be repeated as described above.

By inserting the catalogs described above in the file storage location in the drilling rig and moving the program codes accordingly, the advantage is thus also obtained that for a user 71135; 02-01-09 v3 -fx G? It is also easy to see which version of program code is being used.

The download of a new version of program code can be done via a wireless interface, e.g. Bluetooth, DECT or GSM. As a result, a number of drilling rigs 1 can obtain the new version of program code substantially simultaneously. The wireless download thus means that a user can easily change the program code in all drilling rigs, instead of as before going around to each drilling rig 1 and changing the program code by inserting a PC card in it. However, the new version can advantageously first be checked in only one drilling rig 1, and if it is found that it is incorrect, then not all drilling rigs need to be restarted with the previous version. However, if it is faultless, all drilling rigs 1 can start using the new version at the same time.

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Claims (6)

Claims Method for changing program code in a computerized drilling rig, which program code is used for operation of the drilling rig, the method being characterized by - that program code is downloaded in a first storage location in a file storage location in the drilling rig, - that a first, downloaded version of program code is stored in a second storage location in the file storage location, - that a new, second version of program code is downloaded in the first storage location, - that both versions are available for operation of the drilling rig and a return to the first version is possible if it is found that said second stored version is incorrect. - that the stored second version is checked, and - if it is found that the second version is faultless, the first version is stored in a third storage location in the file storage location, and said new, second version is stored in said second storage location in the file storage location, the first storage location is empty and can store another new, third version of program code. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the download takes place wirelessly. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the download takes place to a plurality of drilling rigs substantially simultaneously. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the program code download takes place when the drilling rig is in operation. 10 15 20 (V1 Y) * i 'm .J -Rx L. n o .. .go oo oo oooo oo oooo .II-: '00 Q oooo °' '2': oooooooo ooo: oo-go: oo o ooo o "',:: Û. Ü _ Û Ü Ü z:: .o-. o oo oo oo oo oo Ooo Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the download takes place via a PC card. System for changing program code in a computerized drilling rig, which program code is used for operating the drilling rig, the system being characterized by - a first storage location in a file storage location in the drilling rig for downloading program code, - a second storage location in the file storage location for storing a first, downloaded version of program code, - that the first storage location contains a downloaded, new, second version of program code, - that both versions are available for operation of the drilling rig and a return to the first version is possible if it is found that said second stored version is incorrect , and - a third storage location in the file storage space in which the first version is stored if it is found that the second version is faultless, said new, second version being arranged to be stored in said second storage location in the file storage location, and wherein the first storage location is empty and can store another new, third version of program code.