Acoustic Linear Antenna Positioning via Geometrical Figures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for localizing seismic streamers in marine environments are time-consuming and require multiple devices, such as magnetic compasses and GPS, and periodic reconfiguration of acoustic sequences, making it difficult to accurately estimate the position of streamers during deployment or retrieval phases.
Innovation Solution
A method using acoustic measurements to estimate the position of a seismic streamer relative to another by forming geometrical figures representative of potential sender node positions, eliminating the need for predefined acoustic sequences and dedicated devices like GPS or magnetic compasses, allowing continuous and autonomous positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic compasses and GPS devices are used to localize seismic streamers, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the positioning function from external devices (GPS, magnetic compasses) and implements it using only the existing acoustic nodes already deployed on the streamers. The acoustic nodes send and receive signals to calculate positions, eliminating the need for separate positioning devices while maintaining accuracy through acoustic triangulation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic nodes, originally designed for seismic data collection, are made multi-functional by enabling them to perform both seismic sensing and positioning tasks. The same nodes that detect seismic waves also transmit acoustic signals for position calculation, eliminating the need for dedicated positioning devices and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If periodic reconfiguration of acoustic sequences is performed, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous positioning calculations using acoustic signals exchanged between nodes during normal operations. Instead of periodic reconfiguration, the positioning function operates continuously alongside seismic data collection, eliminating idle reconfiguration time and maintaining accuracy without interrupting streamer deployment or retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes acoustic signal exchange protocols and positioning calculation methods in advance, so that positioning can be performed continuously without needing periodic reconfiguration. The nodes are pre-configured to send and receive acoustic signals, and the position calculation algorithm is pre-established, eliminating the need for time-consuming periodic setup.
3Measurement precision
If multiple dedicated devices are used for streamer localization, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic nodes perform dual functions: seismic data collection and position determination. By making the same nodes multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate powered positioning devices, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy through the acoustic signal exchange between nodes.
4Measurement precision
If acoustic nodes are used for positioning during deployment and retrieval, then positioning capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the positioning function from external dedicated devices and implements it using the acoustic nodes that are already an integral part of the streamer system. This approach adds no extra hardware complexity while providing continuous positioning capability during deployment and retrieval operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables faster, more precise, and energy-efficient positioning of seismic streamers without periodic reconfiguration, reducing the need for multiple devices and enhancing accuracy by using acoustic signatures and geometrical models to determine relative positions.
Implementation Method 1
The acoustic nodes use underwater acoustic communication means allowing to estimate the distances between acoustic nodes (named here below 'inter-node distances'). More specifically, these transducers are transmitters and receivers of acoustic signals, which can be used to estimate an inter-node distance separating two acoustic nodes (acting as sender node and receiver node respectively) as a function of an acoustic signal propagation duration measured between these two nodes
Data Source
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AI summary
It is proposed a method for estimating a position of a first acoustic linear antenna relatively to a second acoustic linear antenna belonging to a network of towed acoustic linear antennas on which are arranged a plurality of nodes, comprising steps of: setting (31) a first plurality of nodes arranged on the first acoustic linear antennas so that they act as sender nodes and a second plurality of nodes arranged on the second acoustic linear antenna so that they act as receiver nodes; forming (32) at least a first group of sender nodes each sending a same first acoustic signature; for each receiver node: obtaining (33) a propagation duration and establishing (34) a geometrical figure representative of potential positions of a sender node, as a function of the propagation duration obtained for the receiver node and the first acoustic signature; determining (35,36) a set of common points between the geometrical figures established for the receiver nodes; estimating (37) the position of the first acoustic linear antenna relatively to the second acoustic linear antenna as a function of the set of common points.