Low-power satellite-timed seismic data acquisition system

• US 20100017139A1
• Filed: 09/19/2008
• Published: 01/21/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/21/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Geospace Technologies, LP (Geospace Technologies Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Geospace Technologies, LP (Geospace Technologies Corporation)
• Inventors: Adams, Robbin B., Carroll, Paul E., Hallaman, James Michael, Prado, Jesus Eduardo, Vajapey, Sridhar, Vajapeyam, Bhasker
• Granted Patent: US 8,898,019 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/14
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 1/003 Seismic data acquisition in general, e.g. survey design G01V1/3808, G01V1/42 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 1/162 Details
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 1/22 Transmitting seismic signals to recording or processing apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 11/002 Details, e.g. power supply systems for logging instruments, transmitting or recording data, specially adapted for well logging, also if the prospecting method is irrelevant means for transmitting well survey signals E21B47/12; signal transmission systems in general G08C; transmission in general H04B
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 2200/12 Clock synchronization-related issues

Abstract

A recording system and method for conducting seismic surveys including cordless battery-operated digital recorders, each employing an integral global positioning system receiver that is only periodically enabled for the purpose of establishing synchronized acquisition clock signals among all the recorders. The satellite receiver adjustment cycle is varied depending on past acquisition clock accuracy and temperature changes. A time stamp is recorded with the digitized seismic data in non-volatile memory. The memory is sized to allow extended periods of operation. Each recorder preferably includes a low-power system timer that may be used as a timer to remotely turn on and off the recorders according to a pre-programmed schedule to conserve power when the system is not in use. Electronic components are idled or de-energized when not needed.

Claims

1. A recorder (10) for recording seismic data comprising:

a housing (12);

a processor (50) disposed in said housing operatively coupled to at least one seismic sensor (18) for receiving data therefrom;

a memory (40) disposed in said housing and operatively coupled to said processor for storing said data;

an acquisition clock circuit (52) disposed in said housing and operatively coupled to said processor; and

a satellite navigation system receiver (44) disposed in said housing and operatively coupled to said processor;

wherein said processor is arranged and designed to periodically adjust said acquisition clock module with a time signal derived by said satellite navigation system receiver, and

whereby synchronized timing between a plurality of said recorders is maintainable without continuous operation of said satellite navigation system receiver.

2. The recorder (10) of claim 1 further comprising:

an analog-to-digital converter (36) operatively coupled to said processor and arranged to be operatively coupled to said at least one seismic sensor for receiving an analog signal therefrom.

3. The recorder of claim 1 further comprising:

an electrical connector (20) forming a part of said housing;

a power supply circuit (32) connected to said processor for supplying electrical power thereto;

a power conductor connected between said power supply circuit and said electrical connector; and

a data interface port (38) operatively coupled said processor and terminating at said electrical connector;

whereby said electrical connector is designed and arranged to be connected to a device from the group consisting of a computer (30) and a battery (22).

4. The recorder (10) of claim 1 further comprising:

a power supply circuit (32) connected to said processor for supplying electrical power thereto; and

a programmable clock timer (54) operatively coupled to said power supply for energizing and de-energizing said recorder according to a preset schedule.

5. The recorder of claim 1 further comprising:

a power supply circuit (32) connected to said processor for supplying electrical power thereto, said power supply circuit arranged for supplying power as needed for functional activity.

6. The recorder of claim 1 further comprising:

a radio frequency transceiver (42) operatively coupled to said processor.

7. A method for conducting a seismic survey comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of recorders (10) each housing a processor (50), a memory (40), a satellite navigation system receiver (44), and an acquisition clock circuit (52), each of said plurality of recorders being operatively coupled to at least one seismic sensor (18) for receiving seismic information therefrom; and

for each of said plurality of recorders,

disposing said recorder in a survey site,

periodically determining a time standard by said satellite navigation system receiver,

periodically adjusting said acquisition clock circuit to said time standard,

idling said satellite navigation system receiver when said satellite navigation system receiver is not determining said time standard,

recording a time stamp of said acquisition clock circuit in said memory, and

recording said seismic information in said memory;

whereby synchronized timing between said plurality of recorders is maintainable without continuous operation of said satellite navigation system receivers.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of, for at least one of said plurality of recorders:

idling said satellite navigation system receiver for a first duration;

measuring a change in temperature by said recorder; and

determining said first duration as a function of said change in temperature.

9. The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of, for at least one of said plurality of recorders:

idling said satellite navigation system receiver for a first duration;

measuring a time difference between said acquisition clock circuit and said time standard; and

determining said first duration as a function of said time difference.

10. The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of, for at least one of said plurality of recorders:

providing a power supply (32) characterized by the ability to supply power to components as a function of operational requirements.

11. The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of, for at least one of said plurality of recorders:

providing a timer (54);

energizing said recorder by said timer; and

de-energizing said recorder by said timer.

12. A recorder (10) for digitizing and recording geophone seismic signals comprising:

a housing (12);

a processor (50) disposed in said housing;

an analog-to-digital converter (36) disposed in said housing, operatively coupled to said processor, and arranged to be operatively coupled to at least one sensor (18) for receiving an analog signal therefrom and converting said analog signal to digital data;

a memory (40) disposed in said housing and operatively coupled to said processor for storing said digital data; and

a satellite navigation system receiver (44) disposed in said housing and operatively coupled to said processor.

13. The recorder of claim 12 further comprising:

an acquisition clock circuit (52) disposed in said housing and operatively coupled to said processor; and

means operatively coupled to said satellite navigation system receiver for periodically adjusting said acquisition clock circuit to a satellite navigation system time standard;

whereby synchronized timing between a plurality of said recorders is maintainable without continuous operation of said satellite navigation system receiver.

14. The recorder of claim 12 further comprising:

an electrical connector (20) forming a part of said housing;

a power supply circuit (32) connected to said processor for supplying electrical power thereto;

a power conductor connected between said power supply circuit and said electrical connector; and

a data interface port (38) operatively coupled said processor and terminating at said electrical connector;

whereby said electrical connector is designed and arranged to be connected to a device from the group consisting of a computer (30) and a battery (22).

15. The recorder of claim 12 further comprising:

a power supply circuit (32) connected to said processor for supplying electrical power thereto as a function of processor activity.

16. The recorder of claim 12 further comprising:

a radio frequency transceiver (42) operatively coupled to said processor.