Abstract: A seismic source signal apparatus for generating a seismic source signal may include a seismic source component for coupling a reaction mass to the earth; a controllable valve operatively connected to the seismic source component; and a controller controlling the controllable valve with a primary control signal generated by using a model of a response of the controllable valve over a selected operating range. The model is used to reduce nonlinearity in flow versus displacement response of the controllable valve.

Abstract: A method of controlling a seismic vehicle may include estimating at least one orientation parameter for the seismic vehicle and controlling at least one operating parameter in view of the estimated orientation parameter(s). In non-limiting arrangements, the control may relate to re-positioning the seismic vehicle, adjusting value of a hold-down force or target drive force, and/or updating a seismic data acquisition database.

Abstract: A method of performing a seismic sweep includes forming a composite force profile; constructing a target seismic frequency sweep using the composite force profile; and operating a seismic source using the constructed target frequency seismic sweep.

Abstract: A system for acquiring seismic information may include a seismic spread in signal communication with a central controller having a central recording system, a source encoder in signal communication with the seismic spread, and a source decoder in wireless signal communication with the source encoder. The source decoder and the encoder are each selectively responsive to a control signal and can be selectively configured to transmit the control signal.

Abstract: A method of controlling a seismic vehicle may include estimating at least one orientation parameter for the seismic vehicle and controlling at least one operating parameter in view of the estimated orientation parameter(s). In non-limiting arrangements, the control may relate to re-positioning the seismic vehicle, adjusting value of a hold-down force or target drive force, and/or updating a seismic data acquisition database.

Abstract: A seismic source signal apparatus for generating a seismic source signal may include a seismic source component for coupling a reaction mass to the earth; a controllable valve operatively connected to the seismic source component; and a controller controlling the controllable valve with a primary control signal generated by using a model of a response of the controllable valve over a selected operating range. The model is used to reduce nonlinearity in flow versus displacement response of the controllable valve.

Abstract: A method of performing a seismic sweep includes forming a composite force profile; constructing a target seismic frequency sweep using the composite force profile; and operating a seismic source using the constructed target frequency seismic sweep.

Abstract: A method of controlling communications relating to seismic data acquisition may include synchronizing the start of one or more seismic energy sources via a communication protocol. The protocol may be generated at a seismic recording system, source control software running on a processor, or generated from a seismic energy source encoder. The protocol may consist of an encoder message that includes start information and that is combined with a request for information contained at the seismic energy source. The requested information may be sent in a decoder message that is returned in synchronized manner.