Abstract: Computing device, software and method for calibrating pilot and drive signals of a marine seismic source array using measured data. The method includes receiving a source array geometry and a model of the source array; estimating an initial overall response of the source array based on numerical simulations, the model of the source array, and the source array geometry; generating the pilot and drive signals for the source array based on the initial overall response; determining individual responses of the source elements, which form the source array, based on the source array geometry, the model of the source array, and first measured data; calculating an actual overall response of the source array based on the pilot and drive signals, the model of the source array and second measured data; and adjusting the pilot and drive signals based on the actual overall response of the source array.

Abstract: A method for generating acoustic waves under water includes actuating first and second pistons with an actuator system provided inside an enclosure of a source element, to generate a wave having a first frequency, and actuating the first and second pistons with a pressure mechanism attached to the enclosure, to control a pressure of a fluid inside the enclosure such that a pressure of the fluid is substantially equal to an ambient pressure of the enclosure. The enclosure has first and second openings and the first and second pistons are configured to close the first and second openings.

Abstract: Controller and method for adapting a frequency sweep for a vibro-acoustic source element that is configured to generate acoustic waves during a seismic survey. The method includes driving a seismic source element to generate a current frequency sweep; recording seismic data with plural seismic sensors in response to the current frequency sweep; selecting, during the seismic survey, a data subset of the seismic data, wherein the data subset has a size less than 10% of the seismic data; calculating with a processing device an attribute based on the data subset; and calculating a new frequency sweep based on the attribute.

Abstract: A seismic source system that includes a command vessel; a flotilla including plural unmanned surface vessels (USVs); and plural source elements configured to be deployed to a given depth in water to generate seismic waves. Each USV is connected through an umbilical to one or more of the plural source elements, and wherein the command vessel controls a shooting position and a shooting time of the one or more of the plural source elements.

Abstract: Method, source array and seismic vibro-acoustic source element for seismic data acquisition. The method includes storing in a controller a library of beam form factor sets associated with a source array and corresponding regions to be surveyed; towing the source array along survey lines over the regions to be surveyed; selecting a beam form factor set from the library to be applied to the source array for each region; and actuating the source array based on the selected set of beam form factors and a position of the source array relative to the regions. Each set of beam form factors maps to a corresponding region of an area to be surveyed.

Abstract: There is a method for correcting seismic wave propagation paths through the earth.

Abstract: Computing device, software and method for calibrating pilot and drive signals of a marine seismic source array using measured data. The method includes receiving a source array geometry and a model of the source array; estimating an initial overall response of the source array based on numerical simulations, the model of the source array, and the source array geometry; generating the pilot and drive signals for the source array based on the initial overall response; determining individual responses of the source elements, which form the source array, based on the source array geometry, the model of the source array, and first measured data; calculating an actual overall response of the source array based on the pilot and drive signals, the model of the source array and second measured data; and adjusting the pilot and drive signals based on the actual overall response of the source array.

Abstract: Method for generating an excitation signal for a first vibratory seismic source so that the first vibratory seismic source is driven with no listening time. The method includes a step of determining a first target spectrum for the first vibratory seismic source; a step of setting a first group of constraints for the first vibratory seismic source; and a step of generating a first excitation signal for the first vibratory seismic source based on the first group of constraints and the first target spectrum. The first seismic traces recorded with plural receivers can be identified when the first vibratory seismic source is driven with no listening time, based on the first excitation signal.

Abstract: There is a method for finding a best distribution of source elements that form a vibratory source array. The method includes inputting plural constraints for the source elements; generating plural distributions of the source elements that fulfill the plural constraints; calculating for each distribution a performance index characterizing the source array; and selecting the best distribution from the plural distributions based on a value of the performance index.

Abstract: A method for generating acoustic waves under water includes actuating first and second pistons with an actuator system provided inside an enclosure of a source element, to generate a wave having a first frequency, and actuating the first and second pistons with a pressure mechanism attached to the enclosure, to control a pressure of a fluid inside the enclosure such that a pressure of the fluid is substantially equal to an ambient pressure of the enclosure. The enclosure has first and second openings and the first and second pistons are configured to close the first and second openings.

Abstract: Controller and method for determining a driving signal of a vibro-acoustic source element that is configured to generate acoustic waves in water. The method includes estimating at least one physical constraint of the vibro-acoustic source element; modeling a ghost function determined by a surface of the water; setting a target energy spectrum density to be emitted by the vibro-acoustic source element during the driving signal; and determining the driving signal in a controller based on at least one physical constraint, the ghost function, and the target energy spectrum density.

Abstract: A source controller distributed system for a multi-element marine source includes a master controller communicating via a cable with source controllers associated with source elements. The master controller generates commands for the source controllers. Each source controller is attached to sensors and mechanisms of one of the source elements, and controls the source element according to the received commands. The source controller also sends data to the master controllers, with the data being gathered by sensors of the source element and/or being related to the status of the source elements, alerts, and/or functional quality control.

Abstract: A method for generating acoustic waves under water includes actuating first and second pistons with an actuator system provided inside an enclosure of a source element, to generate a wave having a first frequency, and actuating the first and second pistons with a pressure mechanism attached to the enclosure, to control a pressure of a fluid inside the enclosure such that a pressure of the fluid is substantially equal to an ambient pressure of the enclosure. The enclosure has first and second openings and the first and second pistons are configured to close the first and second openings.

Abstract: Method and controller for finding a best distribution of source elements that form a vibratory source array. The method includes inputting plural constraints for the source elements; generating plural distributions of the source elements that fulfill the plural constraints; calculating for each distribution a first attribute characterizing the source array; and selecting the best distribution from the plural distributions based on a value of the first attribute.

Abstract: Method, source array and seismic vibro-acoustic source element for seismic data acquisition. The method includes storing in a controller a library of beam form factor sets associated with a source array and corresponding regions to be surveyed; towing the source array along survey lines over the regions to be surveyed; selecting a beam form factor set from the library to be applied to the source array for each region; and actuating the source array based on the selected set of beam form factors and a position of the source array relative to the regions. Each set of beam form factors maps to a corresponding region of an area to be surveyed.

Abstract: There is a method for finding a best distribution of source elements that form a vibratory source array. The method includes inputting plural constraints for the source elements; generating plural distributions of the source elements that fulfill the plural constraints; calculating for each distribution a performance index characterizing the source array; and selecting the best distribution from the plural distributions based on a value of the performance index.

Abstract: A method for generating acoustic waves under water includes actuating first and second pistons with an actuator system provided inside an enclosure of a source element, to generate a wave having a first frequency, and actuating the first and second pistons with a pressure mechanism attached to the enclosure, to control a pressure of a fluid inside the enclosure such that a pressure of the fluid is substantially equal to an ambient pressure of the enclosure. The enclosure has first and second openings and the first and second pistons are configured to close the first and second openings.

Abstract: Method, source and seismic vibro-acoustic source element configured to generate acoustic waves under water. The seismic vibro-acoustic source element includes an enclosure having first and second openings; first and second pistons configured to close the first and second openings; an actuator system provided inside the enclosure and configured to actuate the first and second pistons to generate a wave having first frequency; and a pressure mechanism attached to the enclosure and configured to control a pressure of a fluid inside the enclosure such that a pressure of the fluid is substantially equal to an ambient pressure of the enclosure.

Abstract: Method, source and seismic vibro-acoustic source element configured to generate acoustic waves under water. The seismic vibro-acoustic source element includes an enclosure having first and second openings; first and second pistons configured to close the first and second openings; an actuator system provided inside the enclosure and configured to actuate the first and second pistons to generate a wave having first frequency; and a pressure mechanism attached to the enclosure and configured to control a pressure of a fluid inside the enclosure such that a pressure of the fluid is substantially equal to an ambient pressure of the enclosure.

Abstract: A source array generates seismic waves in water during a marine seismic survey. The source array includes a first sub-array including plural source elements; plural acoustic transceivers distributed along the first sub-array; a positioning system; a primary position control device configured to control a position of the first sub-array; and a secondary position control system configured to adjust a depth of the first sub-array.