Method and apparatus for marine source diagnostics
AssigneeInput/Output, Inc.
InventorsDavid A. Clayton, Shyam S. Kutty
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A graphical user interface (GUI) and control system for controlling and testing an acoustic source. The control system includes real-time data processing of individual source near-field measured signatures and synthesis of array far-field signatures. The control system determines individual source out-of-specification conditions and computes far-field signatures based on an array configuration and, when applicable, excluding failed sources. Source, array, and troubleshooting information are presented to a user in real-time over a GUI monitor to allow informed decision-making regarding continued and/or modified survey operations and operational parameters.
Claims29
A method of testing an acoustic source during a seismic survey operation, comprising:
- a) creating a baseline signature of the acoustic source;
- b) creating a second signature from the acoustic source during the seismic survey operation;
- and
- c) comparing the second signature to the baseline signature, the comparison being used at least in part in determining a course of action,
- wherein the acoustic source is an air gun and wherein the baseline signature is representative of a measured output of the air gun, the second signature being representative of a second measured output of the air gun.
A method of testing an acoustic source during a seismic survey comprising:
- a) generating a near-field signature by measuring the acoustic source output;
- b) storing the near-field signature as a baseline signature;
- c) synthesizing a far-field signature using predetermined initial parameters;
- d) generating a second near-field signature during the seismic survey by measuring the acoustic source output during the survey;
- e) synthesizing a second far-field signature using survey derived parameters;
- f) comparing the second near-field signature with the baseline signature during the survey;
- g) comparing the second synthesized far-field signature to the first synthesized far-field signature;
- and
- h) determining a course of action based at least in part on one of the comparison of the near-field signatures and the comparison of the synthesized far-field signatures.
A method of testing an acoustic source during a seismic survey comprising:
- a) synthesizing a first far-field signature using predetermined initial parameters;
- b) activating the acoustic source to conduct the seismic survey;
- c) synthesizing a second far-field signature using survey derived parameters;
- d) comparing the second far-field signature to the first far-field signature;
- and
- e) determining a survey course of action based at least in part on the comparison.
An apparatus for testing an acoustic source during a seismic survey operation, comprising:
- a) a sensor to sense a first output of the acoustic source, said sensor sensing a second output of the acoustic source during the seismic survey;
- b) a memory device for storing a baseline signature representative of the first sensed output;
- and
- c) a processor executing instructions according to one or more programs stored in the memory device for comparing a second signature representative of the second sensed output to the baseline signature, the comparison being used at least in part in determining a course of action during the seismic survey.
An apparatus for testing an acoustic source during a seismic survey operation, comprising:
- a) a controller controlling the acoustic source;
- b) a memory device in the controller for storing a baseline signature representative of the acoustic source output and a second signature representative of a subsequent output of the acoustic source;
- and
- c) a processor executing instructions according to one or more programs stored in the memory device for comparing the second signature to the baseline signature, the comparison being used at least in part in determining a course of action during the seismic survey.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.