US 8,019,547 B2 · Remotely reconfigurable system for mapping subsurface geological anomalies

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for receiving, detecting and transmitting geophysical data from a plurality of electrodes placed in the soil utilizing a dynamically reconfigurable wireless control unit that is located on each electrode. Data from the control units is transmitted by a wireless signal to a centralized data processor for analysis. Control data is provided from a central control processor to the control unit by wireless transmission. The control unit, which is positioned, includes a multi-channel radio frequency transmitter/receiver and a processor to actuate relays and record data returns from the measured substrate soil for transmission to the central data processor. The control unit incorporates a changeable code or address to unambiguously identify itself, and its spatial relationship to other electrodes, to the central data processor and the central control processor. The control units are equipped with a GPS positioning device to allow for automatic transmission of electrode location and for electrode placement without a manual survey being required.

Claims30

Dependent claims

A system for collecting resistivity data from a subsurface media under the ground surface of the earth comprising:

a master controller;
an array of electrodes inserted into the ground surface in direct contact with the subsurface media, having at least a first electrode and a second electrode;
the array of electrodes positioned in two dimensions in a generally horizontal plane generally parallel to the ground surface;
a current control unit, in data communication with the master controller, for providing an injection current;
a set of interconnected voltage control units connected to the array of electrodes and in data communication with the master controller;
the first voltage control unit further connected to the current control unit;
the set of interconnected voltage control units cooperating to reconfigurably dispense the injection current into the array of electrodes;
and
the set of interconnected voltage control units further cooperating to reconfigurably measure the voltage among the array of electrodes.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Remotely reconfigurable system for mapping subsurface geological anomalies

Life of this patent

Remotely reconfigurable system for mapping subsurface geological anomalies

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims30