Doppler Seismic Sensor Positioning Without Transponders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the position of seismic sensors underwater are inaccurate and require acoustic transponders, making the equipment complex and prone to failures, especially in deep or agitated water conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method using a moving source to emit a Doppler variant signal, which is recorded by seismic sensors, allowing for the calculation of frequency drift and subsequent determination of sensor position without the need for acoustic transponders, utilizing a control device to process the data and determine the sensor's location based on the source's movement relative to the sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic transponders are used to determine sensor positions, then positioning capability is provided, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes acoustic transponders from the sensor assembly, extracting the positioning function from the physical device. Instead, positioning is achieved through processing seismic signal characteristics (frequency drift, arrival times) that naturally occur during seismic data acquisition, eliminating the need for separate positioning equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The seismic sensors perform dual functions: they both detect seismic waves for geological imaging and determine their own positions through analysis of the seismic signals they receive. The same seismic signals used for primary imaging purposes also contain positioning information, eliminating the need for dedicated positioning transponders.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic transponders are deployed on sensors, then position determination is enabled, but equipment weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from separate hardware (transponders) and integrates it into the signal processing of the existing seismic sensors. This eliminates the need for additional weighted components while maintaining positioning capability.
3Device complexity
If drop positions are used to determine sensor locations, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but positioning accuracy deteriorates in deep or agitated water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical drop-positioning method with a signal-processing-based positioning system. Instead of relying on physical placement coordinates, the system uses acoustic signal characteristics (frequency drift, arrival times) to determine sensor positions, which remains accurate regardless of water depth or agitation.
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 provides accurate positioning of seismic sensors underwater without the complexity and failures associated with acoustic transponders, improving accuracy and reducing equipment weight and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A method using a moving source to emit a Doppler variant signal, which is recorded by seismic sensors, allowing for the calculation of frequency drift and subsequent determination of sensor position
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for determining positions of underwater sensors. The method includes sending a Doppler variant signal from a moving source; recording the signal with the at least one seismic sensor; evaluating a frequency drift of the recorded signal; and determining a position of the at least one seismic sensor based on the evaluated frequency drift and a source movement relative to the at least one sensor.