Synchronization of seismic data acquisition systems
AssigneeGeo-X Systems, Ltd.
InventorsDonald G. Chamberlain, Norman David Heidebrecht
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Abstract
A network distributed seismic data acquisition system comprises seismic receivers connected to remote acquisition modules, receiver lines, line tap units, base lines, a central recording system and a seismic source event generation unit synchronized to a master clock. One or more high precision clocks is added to the network to correct for timing uncertainty associated with propagation of commands through the network. Seismic receivers and seismic sources are thereby synchronized with greater accuracy than otherwise possible. Timing errors that interfere with the processing of the seismic recordings are greatly reduced, thus enabling an improvement in subsurface geologic imaging.
Claims24
A method of acquiring a seismic survey in which a network of seismic acquisition and communication modules is synchronized to a master clock by use of wired and/or wireless communications to one or more high precision clocks at locations in the network, and wherein high precision clocks further synchronize other clocks of less precision within the network.
A method of acquiring a seismic survey in which a network of seismic acquisition and communication modules includes at least one high precision clock and at least one clock of less precision wherein said clock of less precision is synchronized to said high precision clock by transmission of one or more synchronization signals.
A method of acquiring a seismic survey in which activation of a seismic source is synchronized with data recorded by remote data acquisition modules according to timing signals originating from a global, regional or local radio beacon system.
A method of synchronizing seismic data acquisition modules to seismic sources by a networked synchronization system utilizing a master clock and also high precision clocks at one or more locations throughout the network.
A seismic signal acquisition and processing assembly comprising:
- a) a central control module having a master clock;
- and,
- b) a plurality of data acquisition and communication modules having at least one high precision dock and one or more clocks of less precision;
- c) said control module and said data acquisition and communication modules being connected in a cooperative network assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.