Seismic Data Recording System Using Local Time Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for uninterrupted seismic data recording face high conversion costs and low transmission precision, particularly in deep tow seismic systems where GPS signals are unavailable, leading to data loss and high operational risks.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing an optical fiber transceiver for gigabit network data conversion, a gigabit switch for network expansion, and a system-on-chip with an ARM processor and FPGA to manage seismic data recording and trigger signals, eliminating the need for a professional navigation system and enabling accurate shot time synchronization without absolute UTC, thus reducing hardware costs and data loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an integrated navigation system with GPS timing is used to generate trigger pulses for uninterrupted seismic recording, then shot time synchronization is achieved, but hardware costs increase and the system becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshot time synchronization precisionVSAvoidnavigation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of time synchronization from the complex integrated navigation system. Instead of using the full navigation system with GPS, DGPS, and 1 PPS timing, the invention only retains the time synchronization capability by using a simple crystal oscillator and counter circuit to generate and record time tags for each seismic shot, achieving the required precision without the complexity of professional navigation equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified time synchronization mechanism that copies the essential function of the GPS-based system. By using a local crystal oscillator to generate time tags and recording these tags alongside seismic data, the system replicates the time synchronization capability without relying on external GPS signals or complex navigation hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If GPS timing system is used for time synchronization in deep tow seismic systems, then accurate UTC timing is achieved, but conversion costs increase and transmission precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime synchronization accuracyVSAvoidsystem implementation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, complex GPS timing equipment with inexpensive, simple electronic components. A crystal oscillator and counter circuit generate time tags that are recorded with each seismic shot, providing sufficient time synchronization accuracy without the high conversion and implementation costs associated with GPS-based systems in deep tow environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs its own time synchronization functionally independently. Instead of relying on external GPS timing signals that require conversion and transmission through complex systems, the seismic recording system generates and manages its own time tags using internal crystal oscillators, making it self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on expensive external timing infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If uninterrupted recording mode is used to improve data acquisition efficiency, then productivity increases, but the risk of data loss increases due to system failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata acquisition efficiencyVSAvoiddata recording reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous seismic data stream into individual shot records, each with its own time tag. This segmentation allows the system to process and store data in discrete units, making it easier to manage and recover from failures. Each shot record is independently timestamped and can be individually validated, reducing the risk of complete data loss from system failures while maintaining uninterrupted acquisition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3722838B1Device and method for uninterrupted recording of multi-channel seismic data
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 FIRST INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY MNR
  • EP3722838B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3722838B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3722838B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a device and method for uninterrupted recording of multi-channel seismic data. The recording device includes: a terminal control platform, an operating control center, a stabilized voltage supply, a voltage reducing power module, a seismic source host, seismic towropes, and a transmitting array; in a trigger acquisition mode, the operating control center arranges and records the seismic data to a hard disk, and at the same time, a seismic data record is added to a shot time file; the seismic data record includes a shot number, a current seismic file name, and a point number of a current seismic data point; in an uninterrupted recording mode, the operating control center arranges all received seismic data and stores the seismic data according to a preset time length; at a source excitation moment, the operating control center outputs a trigger signal to a high-voltage pulse source for source excitation, and at the same time, a seismic data record is added to the shot time file. The present invention does not rely on high-precision navigation positioning timing, can achieve uninterrupted recording of deep tow seismic data, and reduces hardware cost.