Self-Initializing Wireless Seismic Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic surveys face challenges with wired arrays due to high costs, logistical complexities, and reliability issues, particularly with the need for extensive cabling and manual initialization of wireless modules, which increases setup time and potential for errors.
Innovation Solution
A wireless seismic data acquisition system that self-initializes upon deployment, autonomously performs self-tests, and discovers neighboring modules to establish communication channels, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual initialization and setup procedures are used for wireless modules, then system reliability may be improved through direct control, but setup time and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless modules automatically initialize themselves upon deployment without requiring manual configuration. The system performs self-tests and autonomously discovers neighboring modules to establish communication channels, eliminating the need for skilled personnel to manually set up each device while maintaining system reliability through automated validation procedures.
2Reliability
If extensive cabling is used to connect sensors, then data transfer reliability is improved, but logistical complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cabling component entirely from the sensor array system by implementing wireless communication between modules. Each wireless module contains integrated transceivers that establish direct wireless data transfer paths with neighboring modules, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining data transfer reliability through automated neighbor discovery and channel establishment protocols.
3Measurement precision
If more sensors are deployed closer together, then image quality improves, but cable requirements and survey cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based data transfer system with wireless electromagnetic communication. Each sensor module is equipped with a transceiver that automatically establishes wireless communication channels with neighboring modules, allowing sensors to be deployed closer together without proportionally increasing cable requirements, as each module independently manages its own wireless connections.
4Ease of operation
If automated self-initialization is implemented, then ease of deployment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless modules are pre-configured with initialization routines and self-test procedures that automatically execute upon deployment. The modules contain embedded software that performs self-initialization, runs diagnostic tests, and automatically discovers neighboring modules to establish communication channels, thereby simplifying deployment while the added complexity is contained within the modular design of individual units.
Data Source
AI summary
Presented are systems and methods for deploying wireless data acquisition modules that facilitate autonomous initialization. The wireless data acquisition modules may initiate a initialization process in response to a stimulus associated with being deployed. The wireless data acquisition module may further conduct a neighbor discovery process and in turn establish a data transfer path among one or more other wireless data acquisition modules. Further, information obtained during a series of autonomous tests may be communicated during the neighbor discovery process and the establishment of the data transfer path may at least in part be based on the information obtained in the autonomous tests.