Field Control Module for Wireless Seismic Data Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Seismic data acquisition systems face challenges in managing large quantities of equipment and data across extensive areas, requiring effective asset management and data handling to optimize operations and reduce costs.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for managing seismic data acquisition activities using a database to store and retrieve data from seismic devices, including unique identifying values, operating characteristics, and location tracking, with a mobile module for data transfer and diagnostics, and cableless seismic devices for wireless communication and power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a large quantity of seismic equipment is deployed over extensive areas, then data acquisition coverage is improved, but equipment management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata acquisition coverage areaVSAvoidequipment management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the seismic equipment into modular sensor stations that can be independently managed. Each sensor station is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, allowing the large deployment to be segmented into manageable components rather than a monolithic system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal database structure and communication protocol that can handle diverse seismic equipment types through standardized interfaces. The system uses common data formats and identification schemes that work across different sensor types, reducing management complexity despite equipment diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If equipment is redeployed to new locations, then data acquisition flexibility is improved, but redeployment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata acquisition flexibilityVSAvoidredeployment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent stores comprehensive equipment data including location history, operating characteristics, and maintenance records in a database before redeployment is needed. This preliminary data organization allows for quick assessment and planning of redeployment activities without time-consuming on-site investigations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses digital copies of equipment data and configurations stored in the database to rapidly set up new deployments. Instead of physically reconfiguring equipment on-site, operators can retrieve pre-stored configuration data and quickly replicate settings at new locations, significantly reducing redeployment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If comprehensive equipment data is collected and stored, then asset management quality is improved, but data storage and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveasset management qualityVSAvoiddata storage requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and stores only the most critical equipment data elements in the database, such as unique identification values, key operating characteristics, location information, and maintenance history. Less critical data is either summarized or stored locally on the equipment itself, reducing overall data storage requirements while maintaining asset management quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Productivity

If mobile control module is used for data transfer, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions including data transfer, diagnostics, and equipment control into a single mobile control module. This consolidation improves operational efficiency by having one integrated system perform multiple tasks rather than requiring separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile control module serves as an intermediary between the seismic equipment and the central database. It handles data transfer and preliminary processing in the field, acting as a mediator that simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a dedicated interface layer rather than requiring direct connections between all equipment and the central system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2076796B1For in-field control module for managing wireless seismic data acquisition systems

Publication Date: 2017.03.08 INOVA LTD(GB)

AI summary

An exemplary system for managing the deployment of a seismic data acquisition system uses a module configured to execute a plurality of task in the field by receiving one or more seismic devices. The module may include a power source that provides electrical power to the seismic devices. The module may also include a processor programmed to retrieve data stored in the seismic devices, perform diagnostics, facilitate inventory and logistics control, configure seismic devices and update data or pre-programmed instructions in the seismic device. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.