Abstract: Marine seismic survey systems and methods are presented. One system comprises a source array, a tow vessel, one or more source tow members, one or more deflecting members operatively connected to the source array; one or more streamers connected to the tow vessel by a corresponding number of streamer tow members, one or more of the streamers positioned by corresponding one or more active or passive streamer deflectors, one or more source separation members connecting one or more source tow members to one or more streamer tow members, and optionally one or more streamer separation members connecting one or more streamer tow members. The one or more source separation members help position the source array in conjunction with the one or more. deflecting members. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A function for identifying a current position of a user and providing information about a route to a desired destination is implemented. A mobile communication terminal with a navigation system accurately determines an initial position using a global positioning system (GPS) satellite constellation and a GPS signal intensity and provides a personal navigation service with an improved accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to streamer cables. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for preparing a streamer cable. The method may comprise retrofitting the streamer cable with a solid void-filler material, where the streamer cable was configured as a liquid-filled streamer cable. The retrofitting may comprise introducing a void-filler material into the streamer cable when the void-filler material is in a liquid state and curing or otherwise solidifying the void-filler material to a solid state. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a streamer cable comprising an outer skin and at least one sensor positioned within the outer skin. The streamer cable may also comprise a solid void-filler material positioned between the outer skin and the at least one sensor, wherein the solid void-filler material is coupled to the at least one sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting data acquired during a seismic survey are disclosed. The apparatus is a seismic survey system, comprising a plurality of data sources, a plurality of cells, and a plurality of independent pathways. The data sources are positioned about an area to be surveyed, each data source being associated with a transmitter capable of transmitting data. The cells each contain a portion of the data sources and their associated transmitters. One of the transmitters within each cell also serves as a gateway for receiving data transmitted from the other data source transmitters within the cell. The independent pathways each contain a portion of the gateways whereby data may be transmitted along each pathway via the gateways and associated transmitters in that pathway. The method is a method for conducting a seismic survey.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive switch comprising an electrically-insulating base member having front and back surfaces with a through opening extending between the two at the center of the base member. Two electrodes are mounted on the base member's front surface and each have an electrically-conductive contact surface. A flexible diaphragm has its periphery secured in a fluid-tight manner to the back surface of the base member and is provided with a post connected to the central portion of the diaphragm. The post extends through the base member where an electrically-conductive washer is fixed to it where it extends beyond the front surface of the base member. A fluid-tight cap is secured to the front surface, covering an area above the washer and preventing fluid from entering the switch mechanism. The diaphragm, which is formed with plural corrugations, is exposed to the external pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for sensing subsurface data. One embodiment of the invention comprises a shuttle attached to a conveyance where the conveyance and shuttle are adapted to be spooled downhole into a borehole for sensing seismic data. The shuttle contains a sensor package that is preferably acoustically isolated in the shuttle. The sensor package includes a sensor array and a magnet clamp. A sensor section can contain several shuttles, each shuttle containing at least one sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor can be a fiber optic sensor. The magnet clamp is operable to controllably clamp and acoustically couple together the sensor package, the shuttle, and the adjacent structure which is typically the borehole casing. The magnet clamp is likewise operable to unclamp and uncouple the shuttle from the adjacent structure so as to be retracted uphole for subsequent use.

Abstract: Improved methods of processing seismic data which comprise amplitude data assembled in the offset-time domain in which primary reflection signals and noise overlap are provided for. The methods include the step of enhancing the separation between primary reflection signals and coherent noise by transforming the assembled data from the offset-time domain to the time-slowness domain. More specifically, the assembled amplitude data are transformed from the offset-time domain to the time-slowness domain using a Radon transformation according to an index j of the slowness set and a sampling variable ?p; wherein j = p max - p min + 1 ? ? ? ? ? sec ? / ? m ? ? ? p , ?p is from about 0.5 to about 4.0 ?sec/m, pmax is a predetermined maximum slowness, and pmin is a predetermined minimum slowness. Alternately, an offset weighting factor xn is applied to the assembled amplitude data, wherein 0<n<1, and the amplitude data are transformed with a Radon transformation.

Abstract: A seismic exploration method and unit comprised of continuous recording, self-contained wireless seismometer units or pods. The self-contained unit may include a tilt meter, a compass and a mechanically gimbaled clock platform. Upon retrieval, seismic data recorded by the unit can be extracted and the unit can be charged, tested, re-synchronized, and operation can be re-initiated without the need to open the unit's case. The unit may include an additional geophone to mechanically vibrate the unit to gauge the degree of coupling between the unit and the earth. The unit may correct seismic data for the effects of crystal aging arising from the clock. Deployment location of the unit may be determined tracking linear and angular acceleration from an initial position. The unit may utilize multiple geophones angularly oriented to one another in order to redundantly measure seismic activity in a particular plane.

Abstract: Methods of processing seismic data to remove unwanted noise from meaningful reflection signals are provided for. Assembled seismic data are transformed from the offset-time domain to the time-slowness domain using a Radon transformation. Preferably, an offset weighting factor xn is applied to the amplitude data, wherein 0<n<1, and the Radon transformation is applied within defined slowness limits pmin and pmax that will preserve coherent noise, and according to an index j of the slowness set and a sampling variable ?p; wherein j = p max - p min + 1 ? ? µ ? ? sec ? / ? m ? ? ? p , ?p is from about 0.5 to about 4.0 ?sec/m. The coherent noise content of the transformed data is then enhanced, and the primary reflection signal content diminished by filtering at least a subset of the transformed data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus facilitating radial profiling of acoustic slowness of a formation traversed by a borehole are disclosed. According to some aspects of the invention, a radial slowness profile is imaged, including an image of altered region slowness.

Abstract: Seismic sensor systems and sensor station topologies, as well as corresponding cable and sensor station components, manufacturing and deployment techniques are provided. For some embodiments, networks of optical ocean bottom seismic (OBS) stations are provided, in which sensor stations are efficiently deployed in a modular fashion as series of array cable modules deployed along a multi-fiber cable.

Abstract: Various methods are disclosed for identifying faults in a seismic data volume. In some method embodiments, the fault identification method comprises determining a planarity value for each of multiple positions of an analysis window in the data volume. The planarity value may be indicative of the planarity of discontinuities in the analysis window, and may be further filtered by limits on the verticality and centrality of the discontinuities. Thus a filter may be determined for suppressing relatively non-planar, relatively non-vertical, and relatively un-centered discontinuities from a discontinuity display, thereby enhancing a display of faults present in the seismic data volume.

Abstract: A method generates at least one route traversing a plurality of predetermined survey paths in a marine survey. The method includes generating a plurality of routes traversing a subset of the predetermined survey paths. The routes satisfy survey constraints such as run in and run out distances and minimum turn radius. Penalties are generated for the routes, including line change penalties, hazard penalties, streamer feather penalties, and penalties based on survey line priorities, total survey distance and duration, maintenance requirements, and the final location of the ship performing the survey. At least one of the routes is selected on the basis of the penalties.

Abstract: A method for analyzing seismic data from a formation. The method may first receive two-dimensional (2-D) seismic data of a formation comprising a number of individual seismic lines acquired over an exploration area and having a large interline spacing. The 2-D seismic data may then be preprocessed to enhance diffracted energy. For each respective hypothetical diffractor location, the method may then search for coherent diffraction arrivals on nearby 2-D seismic lines consistent with the respective hypothetical diffractor location. The method may then store information regarding identified diffractor locations. The method may then create a map based on the identified diffractor locations, wherein the map illustrates areas of high diffraction. The map may then be displayed on a display, wherein the map is useable to assess the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for migration of three components, 3-Dimensions seismic (3-C, 3-D) data acquired by down-hole receivers and surface seismic sources. This method utilizes full 3 components reflection wave field. It uses a dynamic, vector energy mapping method to image a reflection position and maps each time sample only to its reflected image point. Therefore, this method reduces unwanted data smearing and false mirror images. This method overcomes the weakness of using only a single component trace or pre-rotated three-component traces in the 1-C or 3-C 3-D VSP migration and produces better 3-D image.

Abstract: Seismic sensor systems and sensor station topologies, as well as corresponding cable and sensor station components, manufacturing and deployment techniques are provided. For some embodiments, networks of optical ocean bottom seismic (OBS) stations are provided, in which sensor stations are efficiently deployed in a modular fashion as series of array cable modules deployed along a multi-fiber cable.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting a seismic survey by lowering a string of intelligent clampable sensor pods with 3-C sensors into a borehole. The string of pods is serially interconnected by a cable having a conductor pair which provides both power and data connectivity. The uppermost sensor pod is connected to a downhole telemetry and control module. The cables and pods use connectors to allow assembly, customization, repair, and disassembly on site. Each pod has an upper and a lower connector, a processor, and memory which is coupled to both the upper and the lower connectors. Each pod is capable of simultaneous and independent serial communications at each connector with the memory. The telemetry and control module is designed to query the pods to determine the system configuration. The telemetry and control module then simultaneously triggers all pods to acquire data, the pods storing the collected data locally in the memory.

Abstract: In-sea seismic energy sources, deployed at or near the seabed, generate seismic waves in earth formations beneath the seabed when activated by a triggering mechanism at a precise time synchronized with seismic data acquisition by sensors deployed at predetermined locations around a well drilled for oil and gas exploration. Seismic waves generated at the seabed travel with more direct and predictable ray-paths through the earth to the sensors. Acquired data, including a precise time and location of the seismic events, are used to provide enhanced borehole and sea-bottom seismic surveys.

Abstract: An acoustic borehole logging system for generation and detection of multipole modes used to determine elastic properties of earth formations characterized as inhomogeneous anisotropic solids. The system concurrently generates and senses monopole, dipole, quadrupole and any higher order pole in the borehole/formation system in order to characterize the elastic properties and stress state of material penetrated by the borehole. Multipole modes of all orders are induced simultaneously without the need for separate transmitter and receiver systems. Performance of the logging system is not compromised due to eccentering of the axis of the tool in the borehole, tool tilt with respect to the axis of the borehole, or mismatch of response sensitivity of multiple receivers within the tool.

Abstract: The detailed analysis of cross well seismic data for a gas reservoir in Texas revealed two newly detected seismic wave effects, recorded approximately 2000 feet above the reservoir. A tube-wave (150) is initiated in a source well (110) by a source (111), travels in the source well (110), is coupled to a geological feature (140), propagates (151) through the geological feature (140), is coupled back to a tube-wave (152) at a receiver well (120), and is and received by receiver(s) (121) in either the same (110) or a different receiving well (120). The tube-wave has been shown to be extremely sensitive to changes in reservoir characteristics. Tube-waves appear to couple most effectively to reservoirs where the well casing is perforated, allowing direct fluid contact from the interior of a well case to the reservoir.