Seismic Spread Deviation Detection on Curved Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seismic surveys using straight lines are inadequate for curved acquisition patterns, as existing quality control techniques and statistics lose meaning, making it difficult to determine deviations from planned paths in coil shooting methods.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the deviation of seismic spread components from a planned curved path by calculating nominal and actual positions, performing error analysis, and using a computer-readable program storage medium to provide real-time and post-survey quality control, allowing for dynamic reference frame adjustments and meaningful statistics for curved paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional straight line reference techniques are used for curved acquisition patterns, then existing quality control techniques and statistics can be applied, but the statistics lose meaning and cannot accurately determine deviations from planned paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic reference frame that moves and rotates with the towed array, rather than using a fixed straight line reference. The reference frame dynamically adapts to the curved acquisition pattern, allowing meaningful deviation measurements at each position along the curved path. This resolves the contradiction by making the measurement system adaptable to curved paths while maintaining precision through continuous dynamic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reference parameters from fixed straight line coordinates to dynamic curved path coordinates. By transforming the reference frame to follow the curved acquisition pattern and using arc length along the curve as the primary parameter instead of linear distance, the system maintains measurement precision for curved paths. This parameter transformation allows quality control statistics to remain meaningful in curved acquisition contexts.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed reference frame is used for quality control, then calculations are simple, but the reference frame becomes irrelevant for curved paths and cannot provide meaningful quality control statistics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static reference frame with a dynamic one that moves and rotates with the array. While this increases computational complexity compared to fixed coordinates, it maintains calculation tractability by using a systematic dynamic model. The dynamic reference frame provides reliable and meaningful quality control statistics for curved paths, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual position of the array is continuously compared to the planned curved path in a dynamic reference frame. This feedback provides meaningful quality control information by measuring deviations in the context of the curved acquisition pattern, enabling reliable assessment of positioning accuracy while maintaining reasonable computational complexity through efficient algorithms.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional quality control methods are applied to curved acquisition patterns, then existing procedures can be used, but the methods fail to provide accurate deviation measurements and meaningful statistics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic quality control method that adapts to curved acquisition patterns. While this requires more complex procedures than conventional straight-line methods, the systematic dynamic reference frame approach maintains implementation feasibility. The method provides accurate deviation measurements by continuously adjusting the reference frame to match the curved path, resolving the contradiction between implementation ease and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the quality control parameters from fixed straight-line coordinates to dynamic curved path parameters. This parameter change enables accurate deviation measurements along curved paths while maintaining a systematic approach that is feasible to implement. The transformed parameters allow existing quality control frameworks to be adapted to curved patterns with improved accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A group of techniques can be used to determine if components of a seismic spread have deviated from a planned path during a coil or other curved and substantially circular acquisition pattern. In one aspect, and in general, the presently disclosed techniques include a computer-readable program storage medium for determining the deviation of spread array element from a planned curved path during a towed-array marine seismic survey. The method comprises: determining a nominal position of the spread array element at a given point in the planned curved path; determining the actual position of the spread array element; and performing an error analysis predicated on the nominal and actual positions.