Interleaved Marine Diffraction Survey for Seabed Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reflection-based surveys for seabed object detection are inefficient, covering narrow areas and collecting sparse data, making it challenging to detect small shallow objects, which complicates constructions and increases operating costs due to weather-related delays.

Innovation Solution

A seabed object detection system comprising a receiver array and a source array, where the source array is towed in a first path that interleaves with a second path, allowing for the detection of diffraction data from small shallow objects using a plurality of receivers disposed on streamers, enabling accurate and timely mapping of seabed obstacles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If reflection-based surveys are used for seabed object detection, then the survey method is simple to implement, but the survey area is narrow and data collection is sparse, making it difficult to detect small shallow objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of small shallow objectsVSAvoidsurvey area coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The survey area is divided into multiple segments by deploying multiple streamers (central pair and auxiliary pairs) at different distances from the vessel. Each streamer covers a specific segment of the seabed, allowing comprehensive coverage while maintaining detection precision through targeted diffraction data collection from each segment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional reflection-based single-dimension surveying to diffraction-based multi-dimensional surveying. By using multiple streamers at different lateral distances and employing an interleaved towing pattern, the system collects data in both lateral and longitudinal dimensions, enabling detection of small shallow objects that are invisible to conventional methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If traditional reflection-based surveys are used, then the equipment configuration is simple, but the survey time is long and operating costs increase due to weather-related delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurvey efficiencyVSAvoidsurvey time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The interleaved towing pattern ensures continuous data collection by having the source array tow along a first path that partially overlaps with a second path. This overlapping configuration allows the system to maintain continuous coverage of the survey area without gaps, eliminating the need for re-surveying and reducing total survey time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental survey parameter from reflection-based to diffraction-based detection. This parameter change enables the system to detect small shallow objects that are invisible to reflection methods, significantly improving survey efficiency by identifying all seabed obstacles in a single pass rather than requiring multiple follow-up surveys

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If a single path towing method is used, then the operation is simple, but the data coverage is sparse and insufficient for accurate seabed mapping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata coverage completenessVSAvoidtowing path configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple towing paths into a unified interleaved pattern where the first and second paths partially overlap. This combination of paths maximizes data coverage by ensuring that every area of the survey region is covered by at least one path, while the overlapping sections provide redundant measurements that improve data quality and enable accurate seabed mapping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The system provides an efficient and accurate method for detecting small shallow seabed objects, reducing survey time and operating costs by effectively mapping obstacles, even in areas where reflection-based surveys struggle.

Implementation Method 1

The source array can include at least one central pair of sources... The source array towed as part of a first pass can define a first path. The source array towed as part of a second pass can define a second path. The first path can be interleaved with the second path such that the first path partially overlaps the second path.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS11460597B2Interleaved marine diffraction survey

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 MAGSEIS FF LLC

AI summary

A seabed object detection system is provided. The system can include a receiver array. The receiver array can include a plurality of receivers disposed on a plurality of streamers. The plurality of streamers can include a central port side streamer, a central starboard side streamer, an auxiliary port side streamer and an auxiliary starboard side streamer. The system can include a source array. The source array can include a plurality of sources. The plurality of sources can include a central port side source, a central starboard side source, an auxiliary port side source, and an auxiliary port side streamer. The source array towed during a first pass can define a first path. The source array towed during a second pass can define a second path. The first path can be interleaved with the second path such that the first path overlaps the second path.