Patents by Inventor Douglas B. Crice

Douglas B. Crice has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10761227
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for acquiring seismic data using a wireless network and a number of individual data acquisition modules that are configured to collect seismic data and forward data to a central recording and control system. In one implementation, a number of remote modules are arranged in lines. Base station modules receive information from the lines and relay the information to a central control and recording system. Radio links operating on multiple frequencies are used by the modules. Dynamic multiplexing technique may include advancing one or more modules in a seismic array through a multiplexing signature sequence in successive transmission periods. The multiplexing signature sequence may be random or pseudo-random. A shared multiplexing signature sequence may be used at all the modules in the seismic array. Modules belonging to a common collision domain may operate out of phase with respect to the shared multiplexing signature sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Elder, Steven Kooper, David Elam, Douglas B. Crice
  • Publication number: 20200225374
    Abstract: A multimode seismic unit can selectively operate in any one or more of multimode readout modes. In one embodiment, a multimode seismic unit (1600) includes a physical mode selector switch (1602). The mode selector switch (1602) allows for manual selection of output modes including wireless, nodal, dual mode or automatic mode selection. The unit (1600) further includes an antenna (1604) for RF transmissions and a data port (1606) for uploading data in a nodal mode. The multimode unit can be used to implement a variety of single mode and multimode seismic arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Douglas B. Crice, Roy Kligfield, Keith Elder
  • Publication number: 20200166663
    Abstract: A multimode seismic survey system is disclosed where seismic information for a given seismic survey is read out by different seismic units using different modes. Such multimode systems encompass hybrid arrays where information is read out via different output modes for a single seismic event, and other multimode arrays where seismic information is read out via different modes for different seismic events. The modes utilized in such arrays may include wireless, nodal and/or cable modes. The multimode arrays can be implemented using multimode seismic units or single mode seismic units. In any event, the multimode arrays can be utilized to achieve a combination of advantages associated with the different readout modes or to address any of various multimode mode contexts in relation to seismic surveys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: Douglas B. Crice, Roy Kligfield, Keith Elder
  • Patent number: 10495767
    Abstract: A multimode seismic survey system is disclosed where seismic information for a given seismic survey is read out by different seismic units using different modes. Such multimode systems encompass hybrid arrays where information is read out via different output modes for a single seismic event, and other multimode arrays where seismic information is read out via different modes for different seismic events. The modes utilized in such arrays may include wireless, nodal and/or cable modes. The multimode arrays can be implemented using multimode seismic units or single mode seismic units. In any event, the multimode arrays can be utilized to achieve a combination of advantages associated with the different readout modes or to address any of various multimode mode contexts in relation to seismic surveys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. Crice, Roy Kligfield, Keith Elder
  • Patent number: 10156650
    Abstract: A multimode seismic unit can selectively operate in any one or more of multimode readout modes. In one embodiment, a multimode seismic unit (1600) includes a physical mode selector switch (1602). The mode selector switch (1602) allows for manual selection of output modes including wireless, nodal, dual mode or automatic mode selection. The unit (1600) further includes an antenna (1604) for RF transmissions and a data port (1606) for uploading data in a nodal mode. The multimode unit can be used to implement a variety of single mode and multimode seismic arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. Crice, Roy Kligfield, Keith Elder
  • Publication number: 20170357019
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for acquiring seismic data using a wireless network and a number of individual data acquisition modules that are configured to collect seismic data and forward data to a central recording and control system. In one implementation, a number of remote modules are arranged in lines. Base station modules receive information from the lines and relay the information to a central control and recording system. Radio links operating on multiple frequencies are used by the modules. Dynamic multiplexing technique may include advancing one or more modules in a seismic array through a multiplexing signature sequence in successive transmission periods. The multiplexing signature sequence may be random or pseudo-random. A shared multiplexing signature sequence may be used at all the modules in the seismic array. Modules belonging to a common collision domain may operate out of phase with respect to the shared multiplexing signature sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Keith Elder, Steven Kooper, Kevin Rose, Calvin Day, David Elam, Kip Ingram, Douglas B. Crice, Mihai Beffa
  • Publication number: 20170357018
    Abstract: A multimode seismic survey system is disclosed where seismic information for a given seismic survey is read out by different seismic units using different modes. Such multimode systems encompass hybrid arrays where information is read out via different output modes for a single seismic event, and other multimode arrays where seismic information is read out via different modes for different seismic events. The modes utilized in such arrays may include wireless, nodal and/or cable modes. The multimode arrays can be implemented using multimode seismic units or single mode seismic units. In any event, the multimode arrays can be utilized to achieve a combination of advantages associated with the different readout modes or to address any of various multimode mode contexts in relation to seismic surveys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Douglas B. Crice, Roy Kligfield, Keith Elder
  • Patent number: 9594175
    Abstract: A multimode seismic survey system is disclosed where seismic information for a given seismic survey is read out by different seismic units using different modes. Such multimode systems encompass hybrid arrays where information is read out via different output modes for a single seismic event, and other multimode arrays where seismic information is read out via different modes for different seismic events. The modes utilized in such arrays may include wireless, nodal and/or cable modes. The multimode arrays can be implemented using multimode seismic units or single mode seismic units. In any event, the multimode arrays can be utilized to achieve a combination of advantages associated with the different readout modes or to address any of various multimode mode contexts in relation to seismic surveys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. Crice, Roy Kligfield, Keith Elder
  • Patent number: 9291732
    Abstract: Systems and methods for seismic data acquisition utilizing wireless modules to perform real time data read out. The wireless modules may be assigned a shared multiplexing sequence through which each module advances in successive transmission periods. Wireless modules belonging to a shared collision domain may be operated out of phase from one another with respect to the shared multiplexing signature sequence. As such, a dynamic multiplexing regime may be implemented. The shared multiplexing signature sequence may include, among others, a plurality of different frequencies, a plurality of different codes, or a plurality of different discrete time periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas B. Crice
  • Publication number: 20150124563
    Abstract: Systems and methods for seismic data acquisition employing a dynamic multiplexing technique. The dynamic multiplexing technique may include advancing one or more modules in a seismic array through a multiplexing signature sequence in successive transmission periods. The multiplexing signature sequence may be random or pseudo-random. A shared multiplexing signature sequence may be used at all the modules in the seismic array. As such, modules belonging to a common collision domain may operate out of phase with respect to the shared multiplexing signature sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Keith Elder, Steven Kooper, Kevin Rose, Calvin Day, David Elam, Kip Ingram, Douglas B. Crice
  • Publication number: 20140307526
    Abstract: A multimode seismic survey system is disclosed where seismic information for a given seismic survey is read out by different seismic units using different modes. Such multimode systems encompass hybrid arrays where information is read out via different output modes for a single seismic event, and other multimode arrays where seismic information is read out via different modes for different seismic events. The modes utilized in such arrays may include wireless, nodal and/or cable modes. The multimode arrays can be implemented using multimode seismic units or single mode seismic units. In any event, the multimode arrays can be utilized to achieve a combination of advantages associated with the different readout modes or to address any of various multimode mode contexts in relation to seismic surveys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Wireless Seismic, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. Crice, Roy Kligfield, Keith Elder
  • Publication number: 20140307524
    Abstract: A multimode seismic unit can selectively operate in any one or more of multimode readout modes. In one embodiment, a multimode seismic unit (1600) includes a physical mode selector switch (1602). The mode selector switch (1602) allows for manual selection of output modes including wireless, nodal, dual mode or automatic mode selection. The unit (1600) further includes an antenna (1604) for RF transmissions and a data port (1606) for uploading data in a nodal mode. The multimode unit can be used to implement a variety of single mode and multimode seismic arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Wireless Seismic, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. Crice, Roy Kligfield, Keith Elder
  • Publication number: 20140307523
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for acquiring data using a wireless network and a number of nodes that may be configured to collect acquired data and forward data to a central recording and control system. The acquired data may include seismic and/or auxiliary data. A node for use in data acquisition may include an acquisition module in operative communication with a buried sensor array operable to output acquired data. The processor may also be operable to receive acquired data from another data acquisition module in the wireless network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Wireless Seismic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Elder, Douglas B. Crice
  • Patent number: 8811117
    Abstract: Systems and methods for seismic data acquisition employing a dynamic multiplexing technique. The dynamic multiplexing technique may include advancing one or more modules in a seismic array through a multiplexing signature sequence in successive transmission periods. The multiplexing signature sequence may be random or pseudo-random. A shared multiplexing signature sequence may be used at all the modules in the seismic array. As such, modules belonging to a common collision domain may operate out of phase with respect to the shared multiplexing signature sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Elder, Steven Kooper, Kevin Rose, Calvin Day, David Elam, Kip Ingram, Douglas B. Crice
  • Publication number: 20140204704
    Abstract: Systems and methods for seismic data acquisition with location aware network nodes. Based on location information of the nodes of the network, a multiplexing signature may be provided for the node. The location information may be used in conjunction with other information (e.g., location information of other nodes in the network and transmission ranges for nodes in the network) to determine collision domains. A multiplexing signature may be assigned to a node based on information regarding a collision domain to which the node belongs. As such, the assigned multiplexing signature may be used to avoid data collisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Wireless Seismic, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas B Crice
  • Publication number: 20130148469
    Abstract: Systems and methods for seismic data acquisition employing a dynamic multiplexing technique. The dynamic multiplexing technique may include advancing one or more modules in a seismic array through a multiplexing signature sequence in successive transmission periods. The multiplexing signature sequence may be random or pseudo-random. A shared multiplexing signature sequence may be used at all the modules in the seismic array. As such, modules belonging to a common collision domain may operate out of phase with respect to the shared multiplexing signature sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: WIRELESS SEISMIC, INC.
    Inventors: Keith Elder, Steven Kooper, Kevin Rose, Calvin Day, David Elam, Kip Ingram, Douglas B. Crice
  • Publication number: 20130135969
    Abstract: Systems and methods for seismic data acquisition utilizing wireless modules to perform real time data read out. The wireless modules may be assigned a shared multiplexing sequence through which each module advances in successive transmission periods. Wireless modules belonging to a shared collision domain may be operated out of phase from one another with respect to the shared multiplexing signature sequence. As such, a dynamic multiplexing regime may be implemented. The shared multiplexing signature sequence may include, among others, a plurality of different frequencies, a plurality of different codes, or a plurality of different discrete time periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: WIRELESS SEISMIC, INC.
    Inventor: Douglas B. Crice
  • Patent number: 8238199
    Abstract: Systems and methods for seismic data acquisition employing a dynamic multiplexing technique. The dynamic multiplexing technique may include advancing one or more modules in a seismic array through a multiplexing signature sequence in successive transmission periods. The multiplexing signature sequence may be random or pseudo-random. A shared multiplexing signature sequence may be used at all the modules in the seismic array. As such, modules belonging to a common collision domain may operate out of phase with respect to the shared multiplexing signature sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Elder, Steven Kooper, Kevin Rose, Calvin Day, David Elam, Kip Ingram, Douglas B. Crice
  • Patent number: 8238198
    Abstract: Systems and methods for seismic data acquisition utilizing wireless modules to perform real time data read out. The wireless modules may be assigned a shared multiplexing sequence through which each module advances in successive transmission periods. Wireless modules belonging to a shared collision domain may be operated out of phase from one another with respect to the shared multiplexing signature sequence. As such, a dynamic multiplexing regime may be implemented. The shared multiplexing signature sequence may include, among others, a plurality of different frequencies, a plurality of different codes, or a plurality of different discrete time periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Wireless Seismic, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas B Crice
  • Publication number: 20120170407
    Abstract: Systems and methods for seismic data acquisition with location aware network nodes. Based on location information of the nodes of the network, a multiplexing signature may be provided for the node. The location information may be used in conjunction with other information (e.g., location information of other nodes in the network and transmission ranges for nodes in the network) to determine collision domains. A multiplexing signature may be assigned to a node based on information regarding a collision domain to which the node belongs. As such, the assigned multiplexing signature may be used to avoid data collisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Wireless Seismic, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas B. Crice