Seabed Diffraction Survey Layout for Small Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reflection-based surveys struggle to accurately and efficiently detect small shallow objects in the seabed, leading to increased survey time and operational costs due to weather-related delays and noise interference, which complicates construction projects like wind turbine installations.

Innovation Solution

A seabed object detection system comprising a receiver array with streamers and receivers, diverter cables, and a source array configured to receive diffracted waves from seabed objects smaller than the Fresnel zone, allowing for precise detection of small shallow objects using diffraction data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If reflection-based surveys are used to detect seabed objects, then the survey can cover large areas, but small shallow objects smaller than the Fresnel zone cannot be accurately detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of small shallow objectsVSAvoidability to detect objects of various sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection task by separating reflection-based surveying (for large objects) from diffraction-based surveying (for small objects). The system uses different survey methods tailored to specific object size ranges, with diffraction surveying specifically targeting objects smaller than the Fresnel zone that cannot be detected by reflection methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from reflection (traditional method) to diffraction (new method). By utilizing diffraction data instead of reflection data, the system can detect small shallow objects that are invisible to conventional reflection-based surveys, fundamentally changing the physical parameter used for detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If traditional reflection-based survey methods are used, then the survey process is simpler, but survey time increases due to weather-related delays and noise interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurvey efficiencyVSAvoidsurvey time affected by weather and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously harmful effect of noise interference into a beneficial feature. Diffraction signals from small objects have different noise characteristics than reflection signals, and the diffraction-based method is less susceptible to certain types of marine noise and weather-related interference, turning a limitation of traditional methods into an advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Measurement precision

If diffraction data is used to detect small objects, then detection precision improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection precision of small objectsVSAvoidsystem complexity for diffraction surveying

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the survey system universal by designing it to perform both reflection-based surveying (for large objects) and diffraction-based surveying (for small objects) using the same receiver array and processing platform. This multi-functional capability allows the system to adapt to different detection needs without requiring separate specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficiency by reducing survey time and costs while improving the detection of small, shallow objects that are difficult to image with traditional reflection-based methods.

Implementation Method 1

the receiver array is configured to receive diffraction data that includes diffracted waves diffracted from a seabed object smaller than a Fresnel zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP3987318B1Deep water high resolution object detection

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 MAGSEIS FF LLC

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AI summary

A seabed object detection system is provided. The system can include a receiver array including streamers. The system can include a plurality of receivers coupled with the streamers. The system can include a receiver array cross-cable to couple with the first streamer and to couple with the second streamer. The receiver array cross-cable can be disposed at a first depth of a body of water. The system can include a first diverter and a second diverter coupled with the receiver array cross-cable. The system can include a source array including a first source and a second source. The source array can be coplanar to the receiver array. The system can include a source array cross-cable to couple with the first source and to couple with the second source, the source array cross-cable disposed at a second depth of the body of water.