Seismic Sensor Clock Drift Correction via Temperature Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Seismic sensors used in seismic surveys experience clock data drift due to varying ambient temperatures, which can lead to inaccurate interpretation of seismic data.

Innovation Solution

A method to determine and correct clock data drift in seismic sensors by using temperature data to calculate corrective parameters, allowing for accurate clock data synchronization even under varying temperature conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If seismic sensors are exposed to varying ambient temperatures during seismic surveys, then the operational adaptability of the sensors is improved, but the clock data accuracy deteriorates due to clock drift

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational adaptabilityVSAvoidclock data accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using temperature data to dynamically adjust clock data through drift correction. The system changes the time parameter based on temperature variations, applying a correction factor that accounts for thermal effects on clock frequency, thereby maintaining accuracy across varying environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using recorded temperature data to calculate and apply drift correction to clock data. The system continuously monitors temperature, computes the drift based on temperature changes, and adjusts the clock data accordingly, creating a closed-loop correction mechanism that compensates for environmental effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If clock data drift occurs due to temperature variations, then the reliability of seismic data interpretation is worsened, but acquiring seismic data under varying temperature conditions provides more comprehensive survey coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurvey coverageVSAvoidseismic data interpretation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the time parameter of seismic data by applying drift correction based on temperature measurements. This allows accurate interpretation of seismic data acquired under varying temperature conditions by adjusting timestamps to account for clock drift, thereby maintaining reliability across diverse environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of temperature-induced clock drift into a benefit by using temperature data as the basis for correction. Instead of treating temperature variations as purely detrimental, the system utilizes temperature measurements to calculate and apply precise drift correction, transforming an adverse condition into a correctable parameter

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

Data Source

PatentEP4045946B1Clock drift
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 BP EXPLORATION OPERATING CO LTD
  • EP4045946B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4045946B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4045946B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In some examples, the disclosure provides a method for determining a drift in clock data that is provided by a clock of a seismic sensor. The sensor is exposed to an ambient temperature that varies over time. The method includes obtaining temperature data associated with the ambient temperature as a function of time. The method also includes obtaining the clock data. The method also includes obtaining timestamp data provided by a global navigation satellite system. The method also includes determining drift data which minimizes a difference of a temporal drift in the clock data, based on the timestamp data and the temperature data. The method also includes outputting corrective data based on the determined drift data.