U.S. patent application number 11/760078 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-13 for heads-up navigation for seismic data acquisition.
This patent application is currently assigned to INPUT/OUTPUT, INC.. Invention is credited to Andrew Bull, Scott T. Hoenmans, Martin C. Williams, Craig Williamson.
Application Number | 20070286020 11/760078 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38802351 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070286020 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bull; Andrew ; et
al. |
December 13, 2007 |
Heads-up Navigation for Seismic Data Acquisition
Abstract
A method and system for acquiring seismic data from a seismic
survey plan is provided. A survey area is selected in which the
seismic data will be acquired. A coordinate for at least one point
of interest within the survey area is determined and input into a
portable navigation device. A navigation solution is determined
between a GPS-determined location of the portable navigation device
and the determined coordinate and thereupon presented in a human
cognizable media. A seismic device may be positioned at the
determined coordinate to insonify a subterranean formation with
seismic energy or for detecting reflected seismic energy. Data may
be periodically entered into and retrieved from the portable
navigation device by an in-field operator. It is emphasized that
this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an
abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly
ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is
submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to
interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
Inventors: |
Bull; Andrew; (Murieston,
GB) ; Williamson; Craig; (Haddington, GB) ;
Williams; Martin C.; (Boulder, CO) ; Hoenmans; Scott
T.; (Arvada, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL S MADAN;MADAN, MOSSMAN & SRIRAM, PC
2603 AUGUSTA DRIVE, SUITE 700
HOUSTON
TX
77057-5662
US
|
Assignee: |
INPUT/OUTPUT, INC.
2101 CityWest Boulevard Building 3, Suite 400
Houston
TX
77042
|
Family ID: |
38802351 |
Appl. No.: |
11/760078 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60812540 |
Jun 9, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
367/56 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01V 1/22 20130101; G01V
1/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
367/056 |
International
Class: |
G01V 1/00 20060101
G01V001/00 |
Claims
1. A method for conducting a seismic survey, comprising: (a)
selecting a survey area in which the seismic data will be acquired;
(b) determining a coordinate for the at least one seismic device
within the survey area; (c) inputting the determined coordinate
into a portable navigation device; (d) determining a navigation
solution between a determined location of the portable navigation
device and the determined coordinate; and (e) presenting the
determined navigation solution in a human cognizable media.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the seismic device is a seismic
source, and further comprising activating the seismic source to
insonify a subterranean formation with seismic energy.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the seismic device is a sensor
station.
4. The method of claim 3, and further comprising detecting
reflected seismic energy at the sensor station.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising positioning the seismic
device at the determined coordinate.
6. The method of claim 5 further comprising retrieving the seismic
device.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising periodically entering
data into the portable navigation device, the data representing at
least one of: (i) a status of the mobile unit, (ii) a terrain
characteristic, (iii) a topography characteristic, (iv) a
characteristic of the coordinate, and (v) an image of a surrounding
terrain.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising retrieving data from
the portable navigation device representing at least one of: (i) a
status of a mobile unit, (ii) a terrain characteristic, (iii) a
topography characteristic, (iv) a characteristic of the coordinate,
and (v) an image, while retrieving a selected device.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the determined coordinate is
associated with a location of one of: (i) a sensor station, (ii) a
seismic source, (iii) a rendezvous point, (iv) a mobile unit, and
(v) a power supply.
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising obtaining the
determined location of the portable navigation device from a Global
Positioning Satellite (GPS) device.
11. A system for conducting a seismic survey, comprising: (a) a
database configured to contain data associated with a survey plan,
the data containing at least one coordinate associated with a point
of interest; (b) a computer configured to access the database; (c)
a portable navigation device configured to receive the at least one
coordinate from the computer; (d) a device configured to determine
a location of the portable navigation device; (e) a processor
configured to determine a navigation solution from the determined
location and the at least one coordinate; and (f) a presentation
device configured to present the determined navigation solution in
a human cognizable media.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the data further contains a
plurality of coordinates, each of which is associated with a
seismic device.
13. The system of claim 11 wherein the portable navigation device
further comprises a memory module configured to receive data
relating to at least one of: (i) a status of a mobile unit, (ii) a
terrain characteristic, (iii) a topography characteristic, (iv) a
characteristic of the coordinate, and (v) an image of a surrounding
terrain.
14. The system of claim 11 wherein the determined coordinate is
associated with one of: (i) a sensor station, (ii) a seismic
source, (iii) a rendezvous point, (iv) a mobile unit, and (v) a
power supply.
15. The system of claim 11 wherein the device configured to
determine a location of the portable navigation device is a Global
Positioning Satellite (GPS) device.
16. A computer-readable medium containing a computer program that
when executed by a processor performs a method for guiding a mobile
unit in a geographical area of interest, the computer program
comprising: instructions to obtain a location for at least one
seismic device from a survey plan database; instructions to obtain
a location of the mobile unit from a location sensor carried by the
mobile unit; instructions to determine a navigation solution for
guiding the mobile unit to the at least one seismic device; and
instructions to send the navigation solution to an output device to
present the navigation solution in a human cognizable media.
17. The computer-readable medium of claim 16 further comprising
instructions to obtain coordinates related to the mobile unit from
a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) device.
18. The computer-readable medium of claim 16 further comprising
instructions to obtain from a knowledge database geographical data
related to at least one of: (i) legal boundaries; (ii) transit
routes; (iii) a layout of a seismic spread; (iv) crew schedules;
(iv) preset rendezvous points; (v) support areas.
19. The computer-readable medium of claim 16 wherein the survey
plan database includes one of: (i) a GIS database; and (ii) a
historical seismic survey database.
20. The computer-readable medium of claim 16 wherein the output
device includes one of a visual display and an audio speaker.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
application 60/812,540 filed on Jun. 9, 2006, the disclosure of
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Oil companies conduct seismic surveying to lower risk and to
reduce costs of locating and developing new oil and gas reserves.
Seismic surveying is, therefore, an up front cost with intangible
return value. Consequently minimizing the cost of seismic surveying
and getting quality results in minimum time are important aspects
of the seismic surveying process.
[0003] Seismic surveys are conducted by deploying a large array of
seismic sensors over a surface portion of the earth. Typically,
these arrays cover 50 square miles and may include 2000 to 5000
seismic sensors. An energy source (buried dynamite for example) is
discharged within the array and the resulting shock wave is an
acoustic wave that propagates through the subsurface structures of
the earth. A portion of the wave is reflected at underground
discontinuities, such as oil and gas reservoirs. These reflections
are then sensed at the surface by the sensor array and recorded.
Such sensing and recording are referred to herein as seismic data
acquisition, which might also be performed in a passive mode
without an active seismic energy source. A three dimensional map,
or seismic image, of the subsurface structures is generated by
moving the energy source to different locations while collecting
data within the array. This map is then used to make decisions
about drilling locations, reservoir size and pay zone depth.
[0004] During use of seismic data acquisition systems, which
involve the stages of layout, shooting, and retrieval, the current
technologies require a "heads down" approach to navigate a terrain
underlying the seismic spread. That is, the field crew must
continually reference a handheld device to determine their
location. If the crew has difficulty finding the location,
time-consuming radio calls are made to the main survey station for
instructions. Moreover, radio contact is frequently interrupted or
inaccessible, further delaying the process.
[0005] The present disclosure addresses these and other
shortcomings of conventional seismic data acquisition systems.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for
acquiring seismic data from a seismic survey plan. One aspect of
the present disclosure provides a method for acquiring seismic
data, including: selecting a survey area in which the seismic data
will be acquired; determining a coordinate for at least one point
of interest within the survey area; inputting the determined
coordinate into a portable navigation device; determining a
navigation solution between a determined location of the portable
navigation device and the determined coordinate; and presenting the
determined navigation solution in a human cognizable media. In one
aspect, the at least one point of interest is a location for a
seismic device. The method further provides positioning the seismic
device at the determined coordinate. In one aspect the seismic
device includes a seismic source, and the method further includes
activating the seismic source to insonify a subterranean formation
with seismic energy. In another aspect, the seismic device is a
sensor station, and the method further includes detecting reflected
seismic energy at the sensor station. The seismic device may be
retrieved from the location. The method further includes
periodically entering data into the portable navigation device, the
data representing at least one of: (i) a status of the mobile unit,
(ii) a terrain characteristic, (iii) a topography characteristic,
(iv) a characteristic of the coordinate, and (v) an image of a
surrounding terrain. Also, data may be retrieved from the portable
navigation device representing at least one of: (i) a status of a
mobile unit, (ii) a terrain characteristic, (iii) a topography
characteristic, (iv) a characteristic of the coordinate, and (v) an
image, while retrieving a selected device. The determined
coordinate may be associated with a location of one of: (i) a
sensor station, (ii) a seismic source, (iii) a rendezvous point,
(iv) a mobile unit, and (v) a power supply. In one aspect, the
determined location may be obtained from a Global Positioning
Satellite (GPS) device.
[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system
for acquiring seismic data which includes: a database configured to
contain data associated with a survey plan, the data containing at
least one coordinate associated with a point of interest; a
computer configured to access the database; a portable navigation
device configured to receive the at least one coordinate from the
computer; a device configured to determine a location of the
portable navigation device; a processor configured to determine a
navigation solution from the determined location and the at least
one coordinate; and a presentation device configured to present the
determined navigation solution in a human cognizable media. In one
aspect, the data further contains a plurality of coordinates, each
of which is associated with a seismic device. The portable
navigation device may include a memory module configured to receive
data relating to at least one of: (i) a status of a mobile unit,
(ii) a terrain characteristic, (iii) a topography characteristic,
(iv) a characteristic of the coordinate, and (v) an image of a
surrounding terrain. The determined coordinate may be associated
with one of: (i) a sensor station, (ii) a seismic source, (iii) a
rendezvous point, (iv) a mobile unit, and (v) a power supply. In
one aspect, the device for determining the location of the portable
navigation device is a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)
device.
[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a
computer-readable medium containing a computer program that when
executed by a processor performs a method for guiding a mobile unit
in a geographical area of interest. The computer program includes
instructions to instructions to obtain a location for at least one
seismic device from a survey plan database; instructions to obtain
a location of the mobile unit from a location sensor carried by the
mobile unit; instructions to determine a navigation solution for
guiding the mobile unit to the at least one seismic device; and
instructions to send the navigation solution to an output device to
present the navigation solution in a human cognizable media. In one
aspect, the computer-readable medium also includes instructions to
obtain coordinates related to the mobile unit from a Global
Positioning Satellite (GPS) device. In another aspect, the
computer-readable medium includes instructions to obtain from a
knowledge database geographical data related to at least one of:
(i) legal boundaries; (ii) transit routes; (iii) a layout of a
seismic spread; (iv) crew schedules; (iv) preset rendezvous points;
(v) support areas. In another aspect, the survey plan database
includes one of: (i) a GIS database; and (ii) a historical seismic
survey database. In another aspect the output device includes one
of a visual display and an audio speaker.
[0009] It should be understood that examples of the more important
features of the disclosure have been summarized rather broadly in
order that detailed description thereof that follows may be better
understood, and in order that the contributions to the art may be
appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the
disclosure that will be described hereinafter and will form the
subject of the claims appended hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The novel features of this disclosure, as well as the
disclosure itself, will be best understood from the attached
drawings, taken along with the following description, in which
similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in
which:
[0011] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one cable-based seismic
data acquisition system that may be deployed with embodiments of
the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a conceptual representation of a wireless seismic
data acquisition system that may be deployed with embodiments of
the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 3A shows a schematic representation of the system of
FIG. 2 in more detail;
[0014] FIG. 3B shows one embodiment of a wireless station unit
having an integrated seismic sensor;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a wireless station
unit according to the present disclosure incorporating circuitry to
interface with an analog output sensor unit;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a flowchart representing one exemplary heads-up
navigation method according to the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic presentation of an exemplary heads-up
navigation device according to the present disclosure; and
[0018] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary integrated navigation system for
providing a navigation solution to an in-field operator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0019] In aspects, the present disclosure relates to devices and
methods for controlling activities relating to seismic data
acquisition. The present disclosure is susceptible to embodiments
of different forms. There are shown in the drawings, and herein
will be described in detail, specific embodiments of the present
disclosure with the understanding that the present disclosure is to
be considered an exemplification of the principles of the
disclosure, and is not intended to limit the disclosure to that
illustrated and described herein.
[0020] FIG. 1 depicts a cable-based seismic data acquisition system
100. The system 100 includes an array (string) of spaced-apart
seismic sensor units 102. Each string of sensors is typically
coupled via cabling to a data acquisition device (field box) 103,
and several data acquisition devices and associated string of
sensors are coupled via cabling 110 to form a line 108, which is
then coupled via cabling 110 to a line tap or (crossline unit) 104.
Several crossline units and associated lines are usually coupled
together and then to a central controller 106 housing a main
recorder (not shown). The typical sensor unit 102 in use today is a
velocity geophone used to measure acoustic wave velocity traveling
in the earth. Recently, and as noted above, acceleration sensors
(accelerometers) are finding more widespread acceptance for
measuring acceleration associated with the acoustic wave. Each
sensor unit might include a single sensor element or more than one
sensor element for multi-component seismic sensor units. The
sensors 102 are usually spaced at least on the order of tens of
meters, e.g., 13.8-220.0 feet. Each of the crossline units 104
typically performs some signal processing and then stores the
processed signals as seismic information for later retrieval as
explained above. The crossline units 104 are each coupled, either
in parallel or in series with one of the units 104a serving as an
interface with between the central controller 106 and all crossline
units 104.
[0021] Referring initially to FIG. 2 there is shown one seismic
survey data acquisition system that utilizes wireless communication
technology. The system 200 includes a central controller 202 in
direct communication with each of a number of wireless sensor
stations 208 forming an array (spread) 210 for seismic data
acquisition. Each sensor station 208 includes one or more sensors
212 for sensing seismic energy. Direct communication as used herein
refers to individualized data flow as depicted in FIG. 2 by dashed
arrows. The data flow can be bi-directional to allow one or more
of: transmitting command and control instructions from the central
controller 202 to each wireless sensor station 208; exchanging
quality control data between the central controller 202 and each
wireless sensor station 208; and transmitting status signals,
operating conditions and/or selected pre-processed seismic
information from each wireless sensor station 208 to the central
controller 202. The communication might be in the form of radio
signals transmitted and received at the central controller 202 via
a suitable antenna 204. The system 200 may operate in a passive
mode by sensing natural or random seismic energy traveling in the
earth. The term "seismic devices" means any device that is used in
a seismic spread, including, but not limited to, sensors, sensor
stations, receivers, transmitters, power supplies, control units,
etc.
[0022] The system 200 may operate in an active mode using a seismic
energy source 206, e.g., pyrotechnic source, vibrator truck,
compressed gas, etc., to provide seismic energy of a known
magnitude and source location. In many applications, multiple
seismic energy sources can be utilized to impart seismic energy
into a subterranean formation. A representative seismic energy
source is designated with numeral 206i. Typically, activation (or
more commonly, "shooting" or "firing") of the source 206i is
initiated locally by a mobile unit 502i. In one embodiment, the
mobile unit 502i includes a human operator who may utilize a
navigation tool 504i to navigate to a source 206i and a source
controller 506i to fire the source 206i. To navigate the terrain
and to determine precise location coordinates, the navigation tool
504i can be equipped with a global positioning satellite device
(GPS device) and/or a database having predetermined coordinates
(e.g., z coordinates). It should be understood that a GPS device is
merely illustrative of sensors that may be utilized to determine a
position or location of a device or point of interest. Other
devices may include inertial navigation devices, compasses, the
Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS), or suitable system for
obtaining position or location parameters. The navigation tool 514i
can also be configured to provide audible or visual signals such as
alarms or status indications relating to the firing activity. The
source controller 506i can be programmed to receive or transmit
information such as instructions to ready the source 206i for
firing, instructions or permission to fire the source 206i, data
indicative of the location of the mobile unit 502i, the arming
status of the source 206i, and data such as return shot attributes.
The source controller 506i can also be programmed to fire the
source 206i and provide an indication (e.g., visual or auditory) to
the human operator as to the arming status of the source 206i.
Often, two or more mobile units 502i independently traverse the
terrain underlying the spread 210 to locate and fire the sources
206i. In one configuration, the source controller 506i relies on
the navigation tool 504i to transmit the GPS data to the controller
202 or central station computer 500 (described below), either of
which transmit the "arm" and "fire" signals to the source
controller 506i. These signals are digital signals or suitable
analog signals in contrast to the voice signals currently in use.
The source controller 506i can include a display to advise the
shooter of the status of the firing activity.
[0023] The controller 202, the central station computer (CSC) 500
and a central server 520 exert control over the constituent
components of the system 200 and direct both human and machine
activity during the operation of the system 200. As discussed in
greater detail below, the CSC 500 automates the shooting of the
sources 206i and transmits data that enables the sensor stations
208 to self-select an appropriate power usage state during such
activity. The server 520 can be programmed to manage data and
activities over the span of the seismic campaign, which can include
daily shooting sequences, updating the shots acquired, tracking
shooting assets, storing seismic data, pre-processing seismic data
and broadcasting corrections. Of course, a single controller can be
programmed to handle most if not all of the above described
functions. For example, the CSC 500 can be positioned in or
integral with the controller 202. Moreover, in some applications it
may be advantageous to position the controller 202 and CSC 500 in
the field, albeit in different locations, and the server 520 at a
remote location.
[0024] FIG. 3A is a schematic representation of the system 200 in
more detail. The central controller 202 includes a computer 300
having a processor 302 and a memory 303. An operator can interface
with the system 200 using a keyboard 306 and mouse or other input
308 and an output device such as a monitor 310. Communication
between remotely-located system components in the spread 210 and
the central controller 202 is accomplished using a central
transmitter-receiver (transceiver) unit 312 disposed in the central
controller 202 along with an antenna 314.
[0025] The central controller 202 communicates with each wireless
sensor station 208. Each wireless sensor station 208 shown includes
a wireless station unit 316, an antenna 318 compatible with the
antenna 314 used with the central controller 202, and a sensor unit
320 responsive to acoustic energy traveling in the earth co-located
with a corresponding wireless sensor station. Co-located, as used
herein, means disposed at a common location with one component
being within a few feet of the other. Therefore, each sensor unit
320 can be coupled to a corresponding wireless station unit by a
relatively short cable 322, e.g., about 1 meter in length, or
coupled by integrating a sensor unit 320 with the wireless station
unit 316 in a common housing 324 as shown in FIG. 3B.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a wireless station
unit 400 according to the present disclosure that operates as a
data recorder incorporating circuitry to interface with an analog
output sensor unit (not shown). In other embodiments, the wireless
station unit 400 can incorporate circuitry to interface with a
digital output sensor unit as discussed in co-pending and commonly
assign U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/664,566 which is hereby
incorporated by reference for all purposes. The wireless station
unit 400 is an acquisition device that includes a sensor interface
402 to receive an output signal from the sensor unit. The sensor
interface 402 shown includes a protection circuit, switch network,
a preamplifier, a test oscillator, and ADC and digital filtering
circuits to pre-process the received signal. The sensor interface
402 is controlled in part by a field programmable gate array (FPGA)
and/or an ASIC controller circuit 404. An on-board local processor
406 processes the signal to create storable information indicative
of the seismic energy sensed at the sensor unit. The information
can be in digital form for storage in a storage device 408, also
referred to herein as a memory unit. The memory unit can be
removable as shown at 408 and/or dedicated 408a with a coupling 410
for providing access to the stored information and/or for
transferring the stored information to an external storage unit
411. The coupling 410 might be a cable coupling as shown or the
coupling might be an inductive coupling or an optical coupling.
Such couplings are known and thus are not described in detail.
[0027] The memory 408, 408a can be a nonvolatile memory of
sufficient capacity for storing information for later collection or
transmission. The memory might be in the form of a memory card,
removable miniature hard disk drive, an Electrically-Erasable
Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) or the like.
[0028] Interface with the central controller 202 is accomplished
with a communication device such as an on-board
transmitter-receiver circuit 412, and an antenna 414 selected for
the desired transmitting/receiving frequency to provide direct
communication with the remotely-located central controller 202. The
transmitter/receiver circuit 412 shown is a direct conversion
receiver/synthesizer/transmitter circuit and can alternatively be
implemented as a software defined radio transceiver. Alternatively,
the transmitter/receiver circuit 412 might be any suitable circuit
providing transceiver functions such as a transceiver utilizing
superheterodyne technology, for example. The antenna 414 can
include a VHF/UHF antenna. Other circuitry might include a radio
frequency (RF) front end circuit 416 and a power amplifier 418 for
enhancing communication with the central controller 202. These
circuits might advantageously be in the form of a removable radio
band module 419 to allow operation over a broad frequency band when
used with replaceable antennas. A direct conversion radio
transceiver provides the advantages of operation over a broad
frequency band, allows smaller overall size for the station unit
400, and reduces overall weight for field-transportable units.
[0029] Local power is provided by a power supply circuit 420 that
includes an on-board rechargeable battery 422. The battery 422
might be of any suitable chemistry and might be nickel-metal
hydride (NMH), a lithium-ion or lithium-polymer rechargeable
battery of adequate size for the particular application. The
battery provides an output to a power supply 424 to condition and
regulate power to downstream circuits and the power supply output
is coupled to a power control circuit 426 for distributing power to
various local components. The wireless station unit 400 also
includes power management circuitry 421 that shifts the station
unit 400 between one or more selected levels of power use: e.g., a
sleep mode wherein only the "wake" circuitry is energized to a
high-active mode wherein the receiver can detect seismic
energy.
[0030] The power circuit 420 further includes a charging device 428
and charger interface 430 for coupling the charging device 428 to
an external power source 431. A charge indicator 432 provides an
indication of amount of charge and/or charging time remaining for
the power circuit 420. Such indicators are somewhat common and
further description is not necessary here.
[0031] Location parameters (e.g., latitude, longitude, azimuth,
inclination, etc.) associated with a particular wireless sensor
station help to correlate data acquired during a survey. These
parameters determined prior to a survey using an expected sensor
location and nominal sensor orientation and the parameters can be
adjusted according to the present disclosure. The location
parameters are stored in a memory 303, 408 either in the central
controller or in the station unit 400. In one embodiment, the
wireless sensor station includes a global positioning system (GPS)
receiver 434 and associated antenna 436. The GPS receiver in this
embodiment is shown coupled to the processor 406 and to a clock
circuit 438 to provide location parameters such as position and
location data for correlating seismic information and for
synchronizing data acquisition. Alternatively, location parameters
can be transmitted to and stored in the central controller and
synchronization may be accomplished by sending signals over the
VHF/UHF radio link independent of the GPS. Therefore, the on-board
GPS can be considered an optional feature of the disclosure.
Location parameters associated with sensor orientation can be
determined by accelerometers and/or magnetic sensors and/or
manually.
[0032] In one embodiment, a wake up circuit 444 allows the wireless
station unit to control power consumption from the battery
throughout different operating modes. The wake up circuit 444 can
be triggered from two sources; the radio receiver 412 or the clock
438. In a low power mode, for example, power is applied only to the
radio receiver 412 and the wake up circuit 444. If a specific
wake-up command is transmitted over the radio and decoded by the
wake-up circuit, other circuits such as the processor 406 will be
enabled and come on-line to support further processing of commands
and signals received from the sensor unit. Alternatively the
wake-up circuit could energize the radio receiver 412 at
predetermined time intervals as measured by signals received from
the clock 438. At these intervals the radio receiver would be
enabled briefly for receiving commands, and if none are received
within the enabled time period, the receiver 412 will power down,
either autonomously or by command from the wake up circuit.
[0033] In one embodiment, the function of motion sensing is
accomplished with the same sensor unit 208 as is performing the
seismic energy sensing function. In the embodiment described above
and referring to FIG. 3B having the sensor unit integrated into the
wireless station unit, the seismic sensor output will necessarily
include components associated with the desired sensed seismic
activity as well as sensed components associated with unwanted
movement. The output is processed in conjunction with the output
signal from the GPS receiver to indicate unwanted station movement.
Thus, an output signal transmitted to the central controller 202
might include information relating to unwanted movement as well as
seismic information, state of health information or other
information relating to a particular wireless station unit 316
and/or sensor unit 320.
[0034] In several alternative embodiments, methods of the present
disclosure are used to sense, record and transfer information from
a seismic sensor location to a central recorder. In one embodiment,
a wireless station unit substantially as described above and shown
in FIG. 4. Each wireless sensor station is transported to a
predetermined spread location. Upon arriving at the location,
viability of the location is determined in real time based on the
terrain, obstacles borders etc. The location is adjusted where
necessary and feasible. If adjusted, location parameters (e.g.,
latitude, longitude, azimuth, inclination, etc.) associated with
the particular wireless sensor station so adjusted are determined
and entered as updated system parameters. In one embodiment, these
parameters are determined using a GPS receiver to determine the
actual location of the planted sensor unit. Other parameters might
be determined with a manual compass used by the crew or by one or
more magnetometers in the sensor unit. Parameters might also be
determined using multi-component accelerometers for determining
orientation of the planted sensor unit. In one embodiment the
updated system parameters are entered by the field crew in the
wireless sensor station unit itself. In one embodiment, the updated
system parameters are entered at the central controller. In another
embodiment, the updated system parameters are entered automatically
upon system activation and sensor station wake-up using location
parameters and orientation parameters determined by a GPS receiver,
accelerometers, magnetometers, and/or other sensors disposed in the
station or sensor unit or both.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the wireless system 200 includes a
central controller 202 remotely located from a plurality of station
units 208. Each station unit 208 includes a sensor unit 320
remotely located from the central controller 202. Each sensor unit
320 is coupled to the earth for sensing seismic energy in the
earth, which might be natural seismic energy or energy produced
from a seismic source 206. The sensor unit 320 provides a signal
indicative of the sensed seismic energy and a recorder device 316
co-located with the sensor unit receives the signal stores
information indicative of the received signal in a memory unit 408
disposed in the recorder device 316. A communication device 412 is
co-located with the sensor unit and the recorder device for
providing direct two-way wireless communication with the central
controller.
[0036] During the various stages of deploying the seismic
acquisition data system shown in FIGS. 1-4, as well as other
conventional seismic data acquisition systems, the human operators
making up a seismic survey crew are typically required to (i) place
the field equipment in the correct location then (ii) be able to
quickly and safely locate that equipment at any time. The present
disclosure provides methods and devices that guide a human operator
to a specified position or coordinate for each seismic survey
source, sensor station or other device during layout and to guide
the human operator back to each device's location during
"shooting," retrieval, field repair or replacement, etc.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 5, there is shown one exemplary
method 600 for guiding a mobile unit 502i, typically a human
operator, to a selected coordinate. At step 602, a set of
navigation data is collected or assembled. The term "navigation
data" includes any data that could be used to guide the human
operator to a target location. Exemplary navigation data includes,
but is not limited to: the target coordinates (e.g., X, Y and/or Z
coordinates) of seismic devices such as sensor stations 208,
sources 206i, power supplies (not shown); data relating to the
topography or other geographical feature of the terrain to be
traversed by the mobile unit 502i; data relating to the legal
boundaries; data relating to preferred transit routes or corridors
of travel; data relating to the layout of the seismic spread; data
relating to crew activities, work plans, and schedules; data
relating to preset rendezvous points; and data relating to support
areas such as supply depots, hospitals, shelters, landing sites,
etc. At step 604, the navigation data is loaded into a memory
module that can be accessed by an appropriately programmed
processor such as a navigation tool 208i. At step 606, the
processor accesses the memory module to select a target
destination. In some embodiments, the target destination or the
coordinates of the target destination is preprogrammed in the
navigation data. In other embodiments, the target destination or
the coordinates of the target destination are received from a
source other than the memory module, e.g., a separate processor,
another mobile unit or a remotely located GPS device. At step 608
the processor determines the current location of the mobile unit
502i in the field. At step 610, the processor determines a
navigation solution using the determined mobile unit location, the
location of the target destination, and any addition information in
the navigation data such as route restrictions, preferred paths,
expected hazards, etc. At step 612, the processor provides the
mobile unit 502i with a navigation solution that guides the mobile
unit 502i to the target destination. By navigation solution, it is
meant a signal that contains an instruction that initiates and/or
controls movement of the human operator. For example, a navigation
solution can be a signal that is understood to mean "maintain
current direction," "turn left" or "turn right," etc. The
navigation solution can also include proximity information such as
"near" or "far". Thus, a human operator by complying with the
navigation solution can reach the target location or coordinate
without having to independently ascertain which direction to
proceed to reach the target coordinate. Of course, some human
analysis may be needed to circumvent unexpected hazards or
obstacles, but such analysis is performed in an effort to comply
with the navigation solution. At step 614, the processor determines
whether another navigation solution is needed. For example, this
determination can be based on a preset radius of proximity of a
mobile unit 502i to a target location. If the processor determines
that the target location has not been reached, then the processor
returns to step 608. If the processor determines at step 614 that
the target coordinate has been reached, then at step 616 the
processor determines whether any target destinations remain. If
additional target destinations remain, then the processor returns
to step 606. If there are no additional target destinations, then
the method ends at step 618. As can be appreciated, the navigation
solution can be updated continuously, periodically, upon prompting,
or on a preset schedule.
[0038] The method 600 can be used during any phase of the seismic
data acquisition activity; including, initial surveying of a
geographical area, placing seismic devices such as sensor stations
and sources, guiding a human operator to a seismic source to shoot
sources, and retrieving the seismic devices. Further, the method
600 can be employed for tasks other than locating seismic devices.
For example, target destinations can include a hospital, a supply
depot, a rendezvous point, a shelter, another mobile unit, office
buildings, a roadway, or any other location or destination that a
human operator or crew member may seek for any reason.
[0039] It should be appreciated that by utilizing the
above-described methodology, human operators can steadily move
toward the destination while keeping their heads up and their eyes
on the desired path. This is possible because the human operator
does not have to determine a navigation solution in-situ. That is,
the human operator does not have to consult a map, a GPS device or
other navigation aid to ascertain a course or direction to a target
coordinate. Rather, as explained above, this navigation solution is
automatically calculated and provided to the human operator in a
manner that does not impair the human operator's visual contact
with the terrain. Thus, delays caused by referencing a map and/or
handheld device and the time and effort required to get a crew to
an assigned position can be significantly reduced. Moreover,
looking forward enables crew members to see potential hazards as
they near them.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 6, there is shown one
embodiment of a "heads up" navigation device 650 made in accordance
with the present disclosure that presents a navigation solution to
a human operator. The navigation device 650 includes a processor
that communicates with a memory module 654 loaded with navigation
data, a GPS device 656 that provides location coordinates for the
human operator, and with a presentation device 658 that presents a
navigation solution 660 in a human cognizable media to the human
operator. The processor 652 can be in the navigation tool 504i
carried by the human operator. Alternatively, the processor 652 can
be positioned in a central controller 202 or even a remote server
520. The processor 652 can include a suitable transceiver to
provide a communication link. Suitable communication media include
wireless transmissions as well as wire media. The processor 652 is
programmed with executable instructions that calculate a navigation
solution using a location of the human operator as determined by
the GPS device 656 and the target coordinate. In some embodiments,
the target coordinate(s) are preprogrammed into the navigation data
of the memory module 654. In other embodiments, the target
coordinate(s) can be retrieved by a suitably positioned GPS device
(not shown) at a selected target location. The memory module 654
can include computer-readable media such as hard drives, flash
drives, CD-ROM, ROM, RAM and other such media. As discussed
previously, the navigation data can include any data that could be
displayed, processed or otherwise utilized to formulate a
navigation solution that guides the human operator to a target
coordinate.
[0041] The presentation device 658 can present the navigation
solution 660 to the human operator such that the human operator
maintains visual contact with a terrain being traversed. In some
embodiments, the presentation device 658 employs a human cognizable
media to convey the navigation solution 600 to the human operator.
One suitable cognizable media is visual signals. Exemplary devices
for presenting a visual signal include helmet mounted single
eye-piece displays, visor-type single eye-piece displays, eyewear
enabling displays for both eyes, and vehicle projection displays.
Such displays can include near-eye occluded displays, "real screen"
rear projected displays, and substantially transparent screens that
display the determined navigation solution. A visual presentation
device 658 can conveniently display pertinent information on a
survey, e.g., topography, boundaries, equipment location, etc., as
well as navigate to a point via mobile visual displays.
Furthermore, robust digital displays in vehicles or on wearable
headgear can indicate boundaries, restrictions, and hazards before
they come into sightline. Suitable displays can also be used on
vehicle windshields for vehicle guidance. Another human cognizable
media are audio signals. Exemplary devices for presenting an audio
signal encoded with the determined navigation solution include ear
phones, head sets or surround sound helmets. The audio signal can
employ several data encoding formats schemes to convey the
navigation solution to the human operator, including, but not
limited to, frequency variation, volume variation, tone variation,
period variation, and pitch variation.
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary integrated navigation system
700 for providing a navigation solution to an in-field operator.
The navigation system includes a central computer 702 providing a
database representing a survey area, a portable navigation device
704 in wireless communication with the central computer for
receiving a portion of the survey area and for providing a
navigation solution over the received portion, and a presentation
device 706 to present the navigation solution to the operator in a
human cognizable format.
[0043] The central computer 702 includes a database representative
of a survey area 710. The database includes location information
such as x- and y-coordinates, for example, of sensor stations 712
and seismic sources 714. Additional items of interest 716 may
include a home base, a first aid station, a river, etc. which may
also be represented in the database. The central computer 702 may
also include data used to manage activities over the span of the
seismic campaign, which can include daily shooting sequences,
shooting assets, historical data, seismic data from previous
seismic campaigns, GIS information, etc. A geographic information
system (GIS) is a system for capturing, storing, analyzing and
managing data and associated attributes which are spatially
referenced to the earth. The central computer is in communication
with the portable navigation device via a wireless link established
by antenna 719. In one aspect, the central computer may provide the
navigation device with a selected portion 718 of the survey
area.
[0044] The portable navigation device 704 includes a memory 720 for
storing the received portion of the survey area, a location module
such as a GPS module 722 for providing a current location of the
operator, and a processor 724 for determining a navigation solution
between the current location and a selected destination location in
the received portion of the survey area. In one aspect, the
processor provides a straight-line navigation between the current
location and the selected destination location. In another aspect,
the processor provides a navigation solution taking into
consideration various aspects of the survey area, such as rough or
private property, difficult terrain, including rivers, ponds,
precipitous mountainsides, etc. Antenna 728 provides a wireless
communication link to the central computer. Antenna 725 receives
location information, such as GPS information, from a location
sensor, such as a GPS system, to the portable navigation device.
The navigation device further includes presentation electronics 726
for converting a navigation solution into a form presentable to a
human operator.
[0045] The portable navigation device further includes a
computer-readable medium containing a computer program that can be
executing by the processor to perform several instructions to guide
a mobile unit in a geographical area of interest. The instructions
include: obtaining a location for at least one seismic device from
a survey plan database; obtaining a location of the mobile unit
from a location sensor carried by the mobile unit; determining a
navigation solution for guiding the mobile unit to the at least one
seismic device; and sending the navigation solution to an output
device to present the navigation solution in a human cognizable
media. Coordinates related to the mobile unit may be obtained, for
example, from a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) device or other
suitable positioning device. The geographical data may be obtained
from a knowledge database and may include information that relates
to at least one of: (i) legal boundaries; (ii) transit routes;
(iii) a layout of a seismic spread; (iv) crew schedules; (iv)
preset rendezvous points; (v) support areas. The survey plan
database may include a GIS database, a historical seismic survey
database, or other related databases. The output device includes
the presentation device 706 which includes a visual display 730 and
an audio speaker 732.
[0046] The presentation device 706 may include a visual display
such as a set of glasses 730 and can be worn by the operator having
electronic circuitry for presenting the visual display of the
navigation solution. The presentation device may also include audio
speakers such as the set of earphones 732 to provide an audio
presentation of the navigation solution. The presentation device is
generally in communication with the portable navigation system via
an electrical wire 729.
[0047] The foregoing description is directed to particular
embodiments of the present disclosure for the purpose of
illustration and explanation. It will be apparent, however, to one
skilled in the art that many modifications and changes to the
embodiment set forth above are possible without departing from the
scope of the disclosure. It is intended that the following claims
be interpreted to embrace all such modifications and changes.
* * * * *