High-speed image monitoring of baseplate movement in a vibrator

A sensor for high-speed image monitoring of baseplate movement in a vibrator, comprising:

• a light source configured to emit light directly upon at least a portion of a top area of a baseplate;
• a photo detector located above the baseplate to detect the light reflected from contacting at least the portion of the top area of the baseplate, the photo detector configured to measure the detected light that has contacted the portion of the top area of the baseplate;
• and
• a high-speed image processor coupled to the photo detector to determine a distribution of acceleration across the portion of the top area of the baseplate based on the measured sensed light detected by the photo detector.

A method for high-speed image monitoring of baseplate movement in a vibrator, comprising:

• operating a seismic vibrator in a survey area, the seismic vibrator comprising:
• an area defined on a baseplate wherein the baseplate is configured to direct a seismic force into a ground surface;
• an actuator assembly configured to generate the seismic force at the baseplate;
• a high-speed image unit positioned to detect at least a portion of the area of the baseplate, comprising:
• a photo detector configured to sense light that has come in contact with the portion of the area of the baseplate;
• and
• a light source configured to emit the light to be sensed by the photo detector;
• and
• a controller coupled to the actuator assembly and driving the actuator assembly;
• emitting the light across the portion of the area of the baseplate;
• and
• sensing the light that has come in contact with the portion of the area of the baseplate;
• determining a distribution of acceleration across the portion of the area of the baseplate based upon the sensed light;
• and
• adjusting the driving of the actuator assembly based upon the determined distribution of acceleration.

A survey method, comprising:

• positioning a seismic vibrator in a survey area, the seismic vibrator comprising a baseplate defined by an area, disposable at a ground surface configured to direct a seismic force into the ground surface;
• a reaction mass coupled to and positioned above the baseplate configured to generate the seismic force at the baseplate;
• an actuator assembly coupled to the reaction mass configured to vibrate the reaction mass;
• one or more high-speed image units directed at the area of the baseplate, comprising:
• a plurality of photo detectors configured to sense a distribution of acceleration across the area of the baseplate;
• and
• a light source configured to emit light to be sensed by the plurality of photo detectors;
• and
• a controller coupled to the actuator assembly, the controller configured to drive the actuator assembly;
• obtaining a plurality of measurements indicative of seismic vibrator baseplate-earth coupling in the survey area;
• determining an optimal coupling location based on the plurality of measurements indicative of seismic vibrator baseplate-earth coupling in the survey area;
• positioning the seismic vibrator in the optimal coupling location;
• and
• applying a seismic sweep into the survey area using the seismic vibrator.