Single station wireless seismic data acquisition method and apparatus
First Claim
1. An apparatus for acquiring seismic data used in characterizing a subsurface formation, comprising:
- a) a sensor unit configured to be coupled to the earth'"'"'s surface to sense seismic energy, the sensor unit configured to sense seismic energy imparted into the subsurface formation and to provide a signal indicative of seismic energy reflected from the subsurface formation and suitable for imaging the subsurface formation;
b) an acquisition device co-located with the sensor unit and coupled thereto, the acquisition device being configured to receive the signal;
c) a memory unit disposed in the acquisition device, the memory unit being configured to receive a location parameter when the acquisition device enters a wake state; and
d) a communication device configured to provide direct wireless bi-directional communication between the acquisition device and a remotely-located central controller.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A seismic data acquisition apparatus having a recorder co-located with a sensor unit in a seismic spread and a communication device for direct communication with a central recorder. A memory located in the recorder and/or in the central controller holds location parameters associated with the sensor unit, and the parameters can be updated. Methods of seismic data acquisition including sensing seismic energy and recording the sensed energy at the sensor location. Delivering the recorded information to a central recorder by manually retrieving removable memory from each recorder, by wireless transmission of the information, or by removing the information from each recorder by inductive or cable connectors and a transfer device. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
42 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An apparatus for acquiring seismic data used in characterizing a subsurface formation, comprising:
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a) a sensor unit configured to be coupled to the earth'"'"'s surface to sense seismic energy, the sensor unit configured to sense seismic energy imparted into the subsurface formation and to provide a signal indicative of seismic energy reflected from the subsurface formation and suitable for imaging the subsurface formation; b) an acquisition device co-located with the sensor unit and coupled thereto, the acquisition device being configured to receive the signal; c) a memory unit disposed in the acquisition device, the memory unit being configured to receive a location parameter when the acquisition device enters a wake state; and d) a communication device configured to provide direct wireless bi-directional communication between the acquisition device and a remotely-located central controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 21)
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10. A system for seismic surveying to characterize a subsurface formation, comprising:
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a) a central controller; b) an array configured to acquire seismic data relating to a subsurface formation and configured to be controlled by the central controller;
the array including at least one acquisition device comprising;(i) a sensor unit remotely located from the central controller, the sensor unit coupled to the earth configured to sense seismic energy in the earth and to provide a signal indicative of the seismic energy reflected from the subsurface formation; (ii) a recorder co-located with the sensor unit and coupled thereto and configured to receive the signal and to store in digital form information indicative of the received signal in a memory disposed in the recorder device, the memory being further configured to store a location parameter when the recorder enters a wake state; and (iii)a communication device co-located with the sensor unit and the recorder device configured to provide direct wireless bi-directional communication with the central controller; and c) a seismic energy source configured to provide seismic energy of a known magnitude and source location. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for seismic surveying to characterize a subsurface formation, comprising:
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an array configured to acquire seismic data relating to a subsurface formation, the array including; a plurality of acquisition devices, each acquisition device comprising; (i) a sensor, configured to be planted in the earth, to sense seismic energy in the earth and to provide a signal indicative of the seismic energy reflected from the subsurface formation, (ii) a recorder co-located with the sensor and configured to receive the signal and to store in digital form information indicative of the received signal in a memory disposed in the recorder, the memory being further configured to store a location parameter when the recorder enters a wake state, and (iii) a communication device co-located with the sensor unit and the recorder configured to provide direct wireless bi-directional communication; a central controller configured to receive the information indicative of the location parameter; and a seismic energy source configured to provide seismic energy of a known magnitude and source location. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification