Unmanned Marine Vessel 3D Sensor Array for Obstruction Survey Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seismic and electromagnetic survey systems face challenges in acquiring accurate subsurface data due to exclusion zones around obstructions in marine environments, leading to incomplete data coverage and inaccurate structure characterization.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of unmanned survey acquisition devices, including autonomous marine surface vessels equipped with 3D sensor arrays, which can operate within exclusion zones to collect survey data, filling gaps in data coverage and allowing for precise characterization of subsurface structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional survey systems use exclusion zones around obstructions, then safety and equipment protection are improved, but data coverage and measurement completeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The survey system is divided into multiple independent unmanned surface vessels, each capable of operating autonomously in different zones. This segmentation allows the survey area to be divided such that some vessels operate in exclusion zones while others operate in safe zones, collectively achieving complete data coverage without compromising safety
Solution Approach 2:
Unmanned surface vessels serve as intermediaries between the survey sources and the data collection system. These vessels can penetrate exclusion zones to collect data close to obstructions while maintaining safety by removing human operators from dangerous areas. The vessels transmit data wirelessly to remote systems, acting as mediators that bridge the gap between restricted zones and safe operational areas
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manned vessels avoid exclusion zones, then operator safety is improved, but survey accuracy and data completeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The unmanned surface vessels are equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities, onboard sensors, and self-contained power systems. They can independently navigate to predetermined positions, execute survey measurements, and return to base without human intervention. This self-service capability allows them to operate in exclusion zones where manned vessels cannot, thereby maintaining survey accuracy while ensuring operator safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manned mechanical survey systems with autonomous unmanned vessels. This substitution eliminates the need for human operators to physically presence in dangerous exclusion zones while maintaining or improving measurement precision through advanced onboard sensors and automated data collection systems
3Loss of information
If modified streamers are used to access obstruction areas, then data coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The unmanned surface vessels are designed as multi-functional platforms that can perform various survey operations including seismic data collection, electromagnetic surveys, and environmental monitoring. They can operate in both exclusion zones and open areas, replacing the need for specialized modified streamers while providing broader operational capabilities and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using autonomous vessels instead of passive streamers. The vessels can actively navigate to optimal measurement positions, adjust their sensor configurations dynamically, and adapt their survey patterns based on real-time conditions. This parameter flexibility achieves complete data coverage without requiring complex modified streamer configurations
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, an unmanned marine surface vessel connected to a three-dimensional array of sensors positioned are deployed in proximity with an obstruction area of a survey environment. The three-dimensional array of sensors positioned in proximity with the obstruction area of the survey environment records signals that are affected by a target structure.