Multi-Azimuth Diffraction Survey for Small Seabed Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reflection-based surveys for seabed object detection are inefficient in covering a wide area and provide sparse data, making it difficult to accurately map small shallow objects like boulders, which can complicate constructions and increase survey time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A seabed object detection system utilizing a receiver array with multiple streamers and a source array, capable of detecting diffraction data from seabed objects, including small shallow objects and large irregularly shaped objects, by generating and receiving acoustic waves that diffract off these objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If reflection-based surveys are used for seabed object detection, then the survey method is simple to implement, but the survey coverage is narrow and data density is sparse
Solution Approach 1:
The survey area is divided into multiple segments covered by multiple streamers with different azimuth angles. Each streamer captures diffraction data from a specific angular sector, and the combined data provides comprehensive coverage of the seabed area, resolving the contradiction between simple implementation and wide coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional single-azimuth reflection surveys to multi-azimuth diffraction surveys by introducing angular diversity through multiple streamers at different orientations. This dimensional change in data acquisition geometry enables wide-area coverage while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If reflection-based surveys are used, then the survey process is straightforward, but the detection precision for small shallow objects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different streamers are positioned at specific azimuth angles optimized for detecting objects in particular directions. The system assigns different functional roles to different parts of the array, with each streamer providing enhanced sensitivity for objects in its specific angular sector, thereby improving overall detection precision while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the acquisition parameters by using diffraction-based imaging geometry instead of traditional reflection geometry. This parameter change in the survey methodology enables detection of small shallow objects that are invisible to conventional reflection surveys, while the automated processing maintains operational simplicity.
3Device complexity
If traditional survey methods are used, then the equipment configuration is simple, but the survey time is excessive and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple streamers with different azimuth angles are merged into a single integrated survey system. This combining of multiple data acquisition channels into one coordinated operation enables simultaneous coverage of large areas, dramatically improving survey productivity while the modular design keeps equipment configuration manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-azimuth streamer array serves multiple functions: it detects objects at various azimuth angles, provides redundant coverage, and enables both diffraction and reflection imaging modes. This multi-functionality increases survey productivity without proportionally increasing equipment complexity.
4Loss of information
If sparse data collection is used, then the data processing load is reduced, but the accuracy of seabed obstacle mapping is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data sorting and filtering during acquisition by organizing diffraction data according to azimuth angles and receiver positions. This preliminary action reduces the complexity of subsequent processing while preserving all necessary information for accurate mapping, resolving the contradiction between data volume and mapping precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical survey approaches with diffraction-based imaging that naturally provides denser sampling of the seabed. The diffraction imaging geometry inherently captures more information about subsurface objects, improving mapping accuracy while the automated diffraction event picking reduces processing burden.
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, enhancing construction precision and reducing survey time and costs by effectively detecting small shallow objects and large irregularly shaped objects buried in the seabed.
Implementation Method 1
The source array includes a plurality of sources configured to generate an acoustic signal responsive to a receiver array. The receiver array includes a plurality of receivers disposed on a plurality of streamers. The plurality of receivers is configured to receive diffraction data diffracted off an object in a seabed.
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of receivers is configured to receive diffraction data diffracted off an object in a seabed
Data Source
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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.