Marine Source Firing Control for Diffraction Seabed Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reflection-based seismic surveys are inefficient for detecting small shallow objects in the seabed, leading to increased survey time and operational costs due to weather-related delays and inaccurate mapping of obstacles, which complicates constructions like wind turbines and marine installations.

Innovation Solution

A seabed object detection system utilizing a source array and a receiver array, with precise control of firing times and positions of acoustic sources to detect diffraction data from seabed objects, including small shallow objects and large irregularly shaped objects, using a vessel to tow the arrays and process data with processors to enhance imaging accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If reflection-based seismic surveys are used, then survey coverage is achieved, but detection precision of small shallow objects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection precision of small shallow objectsVSAvoidsurvey efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of seismic wave interaction from reflection to diffraction. By using diffraction-based imaging, the system can detect small shallow objects that are invisible to reflection-based methods, thereby improving detection precision without sacrificing survey efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the reflection-based mechanical imaging system with a diffraction-based system. This replacement enables the detection of small shallow objects through acoustic diffraction phenomena, achieving both high precision and efficiency in seabed object detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If survey time is increased to improve mapping accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemapping accuracy of obstaclesVSAvoidsurvey time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous and efficient diffraction imaging throughout the survey process. The system continuously images seabed objects in real-time during the survey, eliminating the need for extended survey time to achieve mapping accuracy, thus reducing time loss while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If traditional seismic sources are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of small objects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging accuracy of small shallow objectsVSAvoidsystem complexity of source array control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the seismic source into multiple independent sources within an array. Each source can be independently controlled and activated, allowing precise control of acoustic waves to image small shallow objects with high measurement precision while managing system complexity through modular segmentation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If precise control of firing times and positions is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of sourcesVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control in the positioning and firing timing system. The system continuously monitors and adjusts source positions and firing times based on real-time data, achieving high measurement precision in positioning accuracy while managing control system complexity through intelligent feedback mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 accurate map of seabed obstacles, improving survey efficiency and reducing weather-related delays by effectively imaging small shallow objects and large irregularly shaped objects, thereby enhancing construction precision and reducing operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

The acoustic source is configured to generate acoustic waves. The receiver array is configured to receive diffraction data diffracted off a seabed object and generated from the acoustic waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP3987317B1Marine survey source firing control

Publication Date: 2026.03.04 MAGSEIS FF LLC

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AI summary

A seabed object detection system is provided. The system can include a source array. The source array can include a first source and a second source. The system can include a data processing system including one or more processors. The data processing system can determine a position of the first source and can identify a first firing time of the second source. The data processing system can initiate a first source shot of the first source at a known position and the second source at a known time. The data processing system can determine a target position and estimated position for the first source. The data processing system can determine a second position of the first source based on a difference between the target position and the estimated position. The data processing system can initiate a second source shot of the first source at a known position.