Acoustic Pinger Node Positioning for Ocean Bottom Seismic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and guiding ocean bottom seismic nodes on the seabed are costly and inaccurate, relying on expensive Ultra Short Baseline (USBL) technology and acoustic positioning transponders that are used infrequently, leading to poor positioning and data quality due to the lack of precise node placement and orientation.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing acoustic pinging devices coupled to seismic nodes or a deployment cable, emitting unique IDs detectable by surface buoys, allowing for real-time monitoring and guidance of node positions without the need for transponders or USBL systems, enabling better accuracy and cost-effectiveness in node placement and data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transponders and USBL technology are used for positioning seismic nodes, then positioning capability is provided, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the complex USBL transponder system and implements it using simple acoustic pingers attached to individual nodes or the deployment cable. These pingers emit acoustic signals that can be detected by the vessel's acoustic receiver, providing positioning capability without requiring the complex transponder-USBL infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex transponders with inexpensive acoustic pingers that can be easily attached to nodes or the deployment cable. These simple acoustic devices provide the necessary positioning function at a fraction of the cost and complexity of traditional USBL transponders.
2Ease of manufacture
If transponders are used infrequently to reduce cost, then system cost decreases, but positioning precision and data quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous positioning monitoring by having acoustic pingers continuously or frequently emit acoustic signals throughout the deployment process. The vessel's acoustic receiver continuously tracks these signals, providing real-time positioning data without the need to activate expensive transponders intermittently, thus maintaining both low cost and high precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If acoustic pingers are used instead of transponders, then system cost decreases, but real-time monitoring capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic transponder system with an acoustic signaling system. Acoustic pingers emit sound waves that travel through water to the vessel's acoustic receiver, enabling real-time monitoring of node positions without the cost and complexity of USBL transponders. The acoustic medium (water) serves as the transmission channel, substituting for complex electronic positioning infrastructure.
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 solution provides precise, real-time positioning and guidance of seismic nodes on the seabed, improving data quality and reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for expensive transponders and complex USBL systems, allowing for more efficient seismic data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
each pinger configured to emit an acoustic signal
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of surface acoustic receivers located behind the surface vessel, each configured to detect at least one of the emitted acoustic signals
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for monitoring, positioning, and/or guiding a plurality of seismic nodes on or near the seabed by a plurality of acoustic pinging devices coupled to a deployment line and at least one surface buoy. The acoustic pinging devices are configured to emit a unique ID that may be detected by a receiver or transceiver located on each of the surface buoys. The acoustic pinging devices may be coupled to each node or only to a portion of the plurality of nodes (such as every two, three, or four nodes). The monitoring system may be configured to identify the ID, position, depth, and height of each seismic node during travel to the seabed and upon node touchdown with the seabed. A guidance system may be configured to guide the deployment of the deployment cable based upon node position data determined by the monitoring system.