Multi-Vessel Seismic Synchronization via Shot Predictions
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-vessel marine seismic acquisition systems, precise synchronization between recording systems and seismic sources is challenging due to delays in radio transmission and potential losses of wireless communication links, leading to inaccurate seabed imaging.
Innovation Solution
A method where the shooter vessel sends series of shot predictions to the listener vessel, allowing it to continue recording even during temporary radio link losses by requesting and receiving missing shot data, ensuring continuous operation and accurate data combination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireless communication is used for real-time coordination between vessels, then synchronization between recording systems and seismic sources is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to radio link losses and transmission delays
Solution Approach 1:
The shooter vessel sends shot predictions to the listener vessel in advance before the actual shots occur. This preliminary transmission of shot timing information allows the listener vessel to prepare its recording system ahead of time, ensuring synchronized recording even if the radio link is lost during the actual shooting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Shot predictions act as an intermediary data structure that decouples the synchronization dependency between vessels. Instead of requiring continuous real-time communication during shooting, the shot predictions serve as a pre-established agreement on timing, allowing both vessels to operate independently while maintaining synchronization.
2Manufacturing precision
If continuous monitoring of radio link status is implemented, then data quality is maintained, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The listener vessel compares the received shot predictions with the actual shot data to detect any discrepancies or missing data. This feedback mechanism allows the system to identify radio link issues and request retransmission of missing shot predictions, ensuring data quality without requiring complex continuous monitoring infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing a multi-vessel seismic system including a first vessel, having a recording system and towing a streamer integrating seismic sensors, and a second vessel, including at least one seismic source performing shots. The second vessel sends to the first vessel a plurality of series of shot predictions. For each shot, the second vessels activates the seismic source according to the predictions and sends to the first vessel shot data relating to the shot. The first vessel activates the recording system. If the first vessel has not received the shot data relating to at least one performed shot, it sends a request to the second vessel and receives in response the missing shot data. For each performed shot and the related shot data, the system selects seismic data and combines the selected seismic data with the related shot data to obtain combined data allowing a seabed representation.