Multi-dimensional Seismic Sensor Array on Unmarine Vessel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional large vessels used in marine seismic surveys face challenges such as entanglement with obstacles, high operational costs, and inefficiencies in data acquisition due to the need for extensive crew and equipment, limiting their ability to perform surveys in certain areas.
Innovation Solution
The use of unmanned marine vessels equipped with multi-dimensional seismic sensor arrays that can acquire seismic data in multiple directions, featuring a power source for propulsion and an umbilical cord for communication, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective data collection by deploying sensors in various configurations, including triangular prism and cuboid structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large vessels are used for marine seismic surveys, then data acquisition capability is improved, but operational cost increases and entanglement risk with obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional single large vessel system into multiple smaller unmanned surface vessels (USVs), each equipped with its own seismic sensor array. This segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive data acquisition capabilities while reducing the size of individual vessels, thereby lowering entanglement risk with obstacles in the survey area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple USVs into a coordinated survey system where each vessel contributes seismic data from its sensor array. By merging the data from multiple smaller vessels, the system achieves comprehensive subsurface imaging capability comparable to or exceeding that of traditional large vessels, while avoiding the operational drawbacks of large vessel size.
2Area of stationary object
If large vessels with extensive crew and equipment are deployed, then seismic survey coverage is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unmanned surface vessels operate autonomously without requiring large crews for operation. The USVs self-navigate to survey locations, self-deploy their sensor arrays, and self-manage data collection throughout the survey process. This eliminates the need for extensive human resources while maintaining comprehensive survey coverage across large areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Each unmanned surface vessel is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform navigation, seismic data acquisition, and coordination with other vessels in the system. This universal design allows a fleet of standardized USVs to cover large survey areas through coordinated operation, replacing the need for expensive large vessels with specialized crews and equipment for each specific function.
3Device complexity
If traditional single-direction sensors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but data quality and signal separation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional single-direction (one-dimensional) seismic sensors to multi-directional sensor arrays that capture seismic waves from multiple directions simultaneously. By adding dimensional complexity to the sensor configuration, the system achieves superior signal separation capability and enhanced subsurface imaging, allowing differentiation between signals from different spatial directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-dimensional sensor arrays on each USV are configured with sensors oriented in different directions, allowing each sensor to be optimized for detecting seismic waves from specific directions. This local quality differentiation in sensor orientation enables the system to capture and separately analyze seismic signals arriving from different spatial locations, improving overall measurement precision without requiring a single overly complex sensor design.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an unmanned marine vessel having a hull; a multi-dimensional seismic sensor array coupled with the hull, wherein the multi-dimensional seismic sensor array is configured to acquire seismic survey data in multiple directions; wherein the unmanned marine vessel comprises a power source configured to drive and provide propulsion to the unmanned marine vessel; and an umbilical cord for coupling the multi-dimensional seismic sensor array with the hull of the unmanned marine vessel, wherein the umbilical provides electrical communication between the unmanned marine vessel and the multi-dimensional seismic sensor array.