Wireless Seismic Recorder Clock Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic data acquisition systems face challenges with timing errors, power management, and deployment complexity due to the need for extensive cabling and continuous satellite receiver operation, which increases costs and logistical difficulties in large-scale surveys.
Innovation Solution
A wireless seismic data acquisition system with cordless, battery-operated digital recorders that include an integral satellite receiver for synchronization, an independent acquisition clock, and low-power electronics, allowing periodic activation of the satellite receiver to conserve power and reduce cabling needs, with each recorder capable of independent operation and extended memory for storing time-stamped data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous satellite receiver operation is used for synchronization, then timing accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite receiver is activated periodically rather than continuously to synchronize the acquisition clock with satellite time standard. The processor waits for timing corrections at predetermined intervals, reducing power consumption while maintaining synchronization accuracy. This periodic activation approach resolves the contradiction by achieving sufficient timing accuracy without the continuous energy expenditure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the satellite receiver based on timing requirements. The acquisition clock operates independently with adjustable sampling rates, and the satellite receiver is engaged only when timing synchronization is needed. This dynamic state management allows the system to maintain timing accuracy while significantly reducing average power consumption.
2Reliability
If extensive cabling is used to connect digital recorders, then data transmission reliability is improved, but deployment complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cabling system with wireless communication technology. Digital recorders transmit seismic data wirelessly to a central collection system, eliminating the need for extensive physical cables. This substitution maintains data transmission reliability through wireless protocols while dramatically reducing deployment complexity, weight, and vulnerability to environmental damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the data acquisition into independent wireless nodes (digital recorders) that can operate autonomously. Each recorder has its own acquisition clock and can function independently, eliminating the need for a centralized cabled control system. This segmentation allows for more flexible deployment and reduces the overall system complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If heavy cabling is used for power and data transmission, then system stability is improved, but weight and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy electrical cabling with wireless power and data transmission. Battery-powered digital recorders communicate with the central system through radio frequency signals, eliminating the need for heavy cables. This maintains system stability through wireless communication protocols while significantly reducing weight and deployment cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power delivery method from wired electrical connections to wireless battery power. This parameter change in the power transmission mechanism eliminates the weight and complexity of cabling while maintaining sufficient power delivery for the digital recorders to operate stably in the field.
4Weight of moving object
If battery-powered wireless recorders are used, then weight is reduced, but operational duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite receiver operates periodically rather than continuously, reducing power consumption and extending battery life. The recorder maintains independent operation with periodic synchronization, allowing extended operational duration without requiring continuous satellite signal reception. This periodic operation mode directly extends the operational duration while maintaining the weight advantages of wireless design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically manages power consumption by adjusting the operational state of high-power components like the satellite receiver. The acquisition clock and data processing functions continue operating at full capacity, while the satellite receiver is activated only when timing synchronization is needed. This dynamic power management extends operational duration without compromising the lightweight wireless design.
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
This solution reduces power consumption, minimizes cabling requirements, and extends the operational time of seismic recorders in the field, enabling more efficient and cost-effective large-scale seismic surveys with improved synchronization accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Each recorder includes its own acquisition clock, processing system, and global positioning system (GPS) receiver for the purpose of establishing synchronization of recorded seismic data among the many recorders typically required for a survey.
Data Source
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AI summary
A recording system and method for conducting seismic surveys including cordless battery-operated digital recorders, each employing an integral global positioning system receiver that is only periodically enabled for the purpose of establishing synchronized acquisition clock signals among all the recorders. The satellite receiver adjustment cycle is varied depending on past acquisition clock accuracy and temperature changes. A time stamp is recorded with the digitized seismic data in non-volatile memory. The memory is sized to allow extended periods of operation. Each recorder preferably includes a low-power system timer that may be used as a timer to remotely turn on and off the recorders according to a pre- programmed schedule to conserve power when the system is not in use. Electronic components are idled or de-energized when not needed.