Volumetric Seismic Sensor Arrays for Real-Time Source Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic monitoring technologies face challenges in accurately and efficiently detecting and locating underground seismic sources in real-time, particularly distinguishing between underground and surface sources, and distinguishing between simultaneous sources, with existing systems often requiring extensive sensor deployment and lacking real-time data analysis capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of a passive monitoring system using compact three-dimensional volumetric sensor arrays that process seismic signals through spatial coherence techniques to identify, classify, and locate seismic sources, enabling real-time detection and tracking of underground activities with high accuracy and minimal latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If passive monitoring methodology is used to determine source characteristics, then the control over the region under exploration is reduced, but the ability to determine geologic structure is significantly reduced requiring extended data collection periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring task into two distinct objectives: (1) determining source characteristics (location, depth, type) using passive methods, and (2) imaging geologic structure using active methods. This segmentation allows the system to use passive monitoring for real-time source detection without the extended data collection periods required for passive structural imaging, while using active methods separately when structural imaging is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic active seismic surveys to update the geologic structure model, while continuous passive monitoring handles real-time source detection. The active surveys are conducted at intervals to refresh the structural understanding, while passive monitoring operates continuously for immediate source characterization without requiring extended continuous data collection for structural imaging.
2Reliability
If active seismic survey technology is used to confirm underground targets, then the existence of targets can be confirmed, but the confirmation occurs only after the fact and not during construction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary passive monitoring during the construction phase to detect and characterize sources in real-time as they occur. By continuously monitoring for seismic signals during construction activities, the system can identify underground targets (such as tunnels or shafts) while they are being created, enabling preventive or mitigative actions before the construction is completed, rather than confirming existence only after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback by continuously analyzing seismic signals during construction and immediately characterizing detected sources. This feedback loop allows operators to receive immediate information about underground activities, enabling timely responses and decisions during the construction process itself, rather than waiting for post-construction surveys to confirm target existence.
3Measurement precision
If a large number of sensors are deployed to provide various source-receiver geometries, then the geologic structure imaging is improved, but the device complexity and sensor deployment requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functional requirements into two parts: source characterization uses a compact sensor array with fixed geometry, while geologic structure imaging uses a larger distributed sensor network. This segmentation allows the system to use the simpler compact array for real-time source detection without requiring the complex large-scale deployment needed for structural imaging, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining imaging capabilities through separate active surveys.
Solution Approach 2:
The compact volumetric sensor array is designed to serve multiple functions: it can detect and characterize seismic sources (location, depth, type) and also participate in active seismic surveys for geologic structure imaging. This multi-functionality allows the same sensor array to be used for both passive monitoring and active imaging, reducing the need for separate sensor deployments and thereby reducing device complexity.
4Duration of action of moving object
If passive seismic imaging of geologic structure is performed, then data can be collected over extended time periods, but there is no real advantage to passive seismic imaging for engineering monitoring or security purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic active seismic surveys to update the geologic structure model at intervals, rather than relying on extended passive data collection. This periodic active imaging approach provides timely structural updates without requiring months or years of continuous data collection, thereby maintaining productivity for engineering monitoring and security purposes while still achieving accurate structural understanding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary active seismic surveys to establish the geologic structure model before conducting passive monitoring for source detection. This preliminary action provides the structural framework needed for interpreting passive source signals, eliminating the need to wait for extended passive data collection to achieve structural understanding, and thereby improving productivity for time-sensitive engineering and security applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system provides more accurate and sensitive seismic monitoring, capable of distinguishing between underground and surface sources, and simultaneously located sources, with reduced sensor deployment and enhanced signal-to-noise ratio, enabling timely and effective response to underground activities.
Implementation Method 1
seismic signals generated by energy sources positioned below a ground surface
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for determining localization information for sources of seismic energy positioned below a ground surface. In accord with one series of embodiments, a method of determining localization information receives data from first seismic sensors in a first three dimensional array containing sensors emplaced below the ground surface and coherently processes the signals to provide three dimensional localization information that enables determination of an angle of arrival for a signal of interest. In combination with data from second seismic sensors in a second three dimensional array the method provides determination of a position in three dimensional space.