Real-Time Survey Hardware Positioning Quality Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quality control methods for survey hardware positioning in subterranean surveys are inefficient, leading to costly re-acquisition of data and delays due to complex statistical analysis and a lack of expertise, especially with full streamer acoustic networks, where the shape of the survey spread significantly affects positioning accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method for real-time acquisition and analysis of survey navigation data to determine error statistics and positioning quality, allowing for immediate remedial actions and optimizing hardware deployment by visualizing and simulating failures, thereby automating the interpretation of complex quality measures and providing clear decision-making insights for navigators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional quality control methods are used to analyze positioning accuracy after data acquisition, then positioning quality can be assessed, but costly re-acquisition is required when limits are exceeded and delays occur due to complex statistical analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary quality control analysis during the survey operation itself, calculating positioning accuracy metrics in real-time as data is collected. This allows operators to identify positioning issues before they cause survey delays or require costly re-acquisition, by proactively monitoring whether accuracy limits will be exceeded and taking corrective action while the survey is still ongoing
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring positioning accuracy metrics during data acquisition and comparing them against predefined limits. When accuracy degradation is detected, the system provides immediate feedback to operators, enabling real-time corrective actions such as adjusting streamer configuration or repositioning equipment, thereby preventing survey delays and re-acquisition costs
2Loss of information
If manual analysis is performed to troubleshoot positioning issues, then the source of problems can be identified, but the process is time-consuming and requires expert knowledge that is increasingly scarce
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated self-diagnosis by continuously monitoring positioning data and automatically identifying the sources of positioning errors. The software analyzes acoustic range measurements, GPS positions, and streamer configuration data to pinpoint specific equipment or configuration issues without requiring manual intervention from expert operators, thereby reducing both time and expertise requirements for troubleshooting
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual expert analysis with automated computational algorithms that process positioning data and identify problems. The software substitutes human operators' manual troubleshooting with machine-based statistical analysis and pattern recognition, making the process faster, more consistent, and less dependent on scarce expert knowledge
3Measurement precision
If more equipment is deployed to meet positioning specifications, then positioning accuracy may improve, but costs increase and the spread shape may create new weaknesses in mid-streamer areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality optimization by analyzing positioning accuracy requirements for different regions of the survey spread separately. Instead of uniformly increasing equipment throughout the entire spread, the system identifies specific areas where positioning accuracy is insufficient and targets equipment additions or configuration changes only in those localized regions, thereby improving accuracy while minimizing equipment quantity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic optimization of spread configuration by continuously monitoring positioning accuracy during the survey and adjusting equipment deployment in real-time. Rather than committing to a fixed equipment configuration before the survey, the system adapts the spread shape and equipment placement based on actual positioning performance, allowing optimal equipment distribution that addresses mid-streamer weaknesses without excessive overall equipment quantity
Data Source
AI summary
To perform quality control with respect to positioning of survey hardware, survey navigation data is acquired regarding components of the survey hardware used to perform a survey operation with respect to a subterranean structure. Error statistics according to the survey navigation data are determined in real time. An action is effected in response to the error statistics.