Multi-station Seismic Sensor String with Common Data Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic data acquisition systems face high costs and energy consumption due to extensive ground electronics equipment, which is cumbersome, prone to noise, and requires significant labor and power, especially in multi-station sensor deployments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor string apparatus with a common data transmission channel connecting multiple seismic sensors serially, allowing for efficient data transmission through multiplexing and reducing the need for extensive ground electronics by decoupling sensors from noise sources, using a twisted pair or segmented transmission medium for power and data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple sensors are connected to a single data acquisition unit to reduce ground electronics cost, then cost per sensor decreases, but device complexity and noise susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data acquisition function by distributing individual data acquisition units to each sensor or small sensor groups, eliminating the need for complex centralized ground electronics. Each sensor becomes an independent unit with its own data acquisition capability, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining cost efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the data acquisition function from centralized ground electronics and embeds it directly at each sensor location. This extraction eliminates the need for extensive cable connections and complex ground-based signal processing equipment, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Quantity of substance
If link style receiver lines are used to reduce ground electronics per sensor, then cost decreases, but mechanical noise from external forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sensor and data acquisition unit from the physical receiver line structure, eliminating direct mechanical coupling between external forces and the sensing elements. By wirelessly transmitting data from independently positioned sensors, the system avoids mechanical noise transmission through the receiver line.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the sensor and the data acquisition system. This wireless medium replaces direct mechanical and electrical connections, isolating the sensor from mechanical noise while maintaining data transmission capability.
3Quantity of substance
If link style systems are used to reduce ground electronics, then equipment cost decreases, but labor demands and field debugging complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor unit is designed as a self-contained module with integrated data acquisition and processing capabilities. The sensors autonomously manage their own data collection and transmission without requiring complex field assembly or debugging of interconnected components, significantly reducing labor demands.
4Reliability
If extensive ground electronics equipment is used for each sensor, then data acquisition reliability improves, but system cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the data acquisition function from ground-based equipment and embeds it directly at each sensor location. This ensures that each sensor has dedicated, reliable data acquisition capability without requiring extensive ground electronics infrastructure, maintaining reliability while reducing equipment quantity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed for multi-station sensor strings. One example apparatus includes a sensor string. The sensor string includes a connector and a common data transmission channel configured to be in communication with a data acquisition unit through the connector. The sensor string also includes a first seismic sensor configured to provide sensed seismic data to the common data transmission channel, and a second seismic sensor also configured to provide sensed seismic data to the common data transmission channel.