Remotely reconfigurable system for mapping subsurface geological anomalies
First Claim
1. A system for collecting resistivity data from a subsurface media comprising:
- a master controller;
an array of electrodes in contact with a geological surface, having at least a first electrode and a second electrode;
a current control unit, in data communication with the master controller, for providing an injection current;
a set of interconnected voltage control units connected to the array of electrodes and in data communication with the master controller;
the first voltage control unit further connected to the current control unit;
the set of interconnected voltage control units cooperating to reconfigurably dispense the injection current into the array of electrodes; and
the set of interconnected voltage control units further cooperating to reconfigurably measure the voltage among the array of electrodes.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for receiving, detecting and transmitting geophysical data from a plurality of electrodes placed in the soil utilizing a dynamically reconfigurable wireless control unit that is located on each electrode. Data from the control units is transmitted by a wireless signal to a centralized data processor for analysis. Control data is provided from a central control processor to the control unit by wireless transmission. The control unit, which is positioned, includes a multi-channel radio frequency transmitter/receiver and a processor to actuate relays and record data returns from the measured substrate soil for transmission to the central data processor. The control unit incorporates a changeable code or address to unambiguously identify itself, and its spatial relationship to other electrodes, to the central data processor and the central control processor. The control units are equipped with a GPS positioning device to allow for automatic transmission of electrode location and for electrode placement without a manual survey being required.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A system for collecting resistivity data from a subsurface media comprising:
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a master controller; an array of electrodes in contact with a geological surface, having at least a first electrode and a second electrode; a current control unit, in data communication with the master controller, for providing an injection current; a set of interconnected voltage control units connected to the array of electrodes and in data communication with the master controller; the first voltage control unit further connected to the current control unit; the set of interconnected voltage control units cooperating to reconfigurably dispense the injection current into the array of electrodes; and the set of interconnected voltage control units further cooperating to reconfigurably measure the voltage among the array of electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of collecting subsurface resistivity data from a subsurface media comprising the steps of:
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providing an array of electrodes dispersed in a pattern in the subsurface media; providing an array of sensors deployed among and connected to the array of electrodes; providing a voltage measuring device in each sensor in the array of sensors; providing a current source connected to the array of sensors; providing a switch matrix in each sensor in the array of sensors; and reconfigurably setting the switch matrix in at least one sensor in the array of sensors to distribute current to at least one electrode in the array of electrodes and take a voltage measurement from the voltage measuring devices from at least two electrodes in the array of electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification