Particular Source-receiver Array Patents (Class 367/56)
  • Patent number: 11960013
    Abstract: A motion capture system and method are provided. In a motion capture method, a plurality of motion datasets are accessed. Each motion dataset is associated with a motion sensing unit at which timestamped motion data points of that motion dataset are generated, each motion sensing unit is configured to be in physical contact with a different part of a body of interest. Each timestamped motion data point is timestamped at the motion sensing unit at which it is generated using a clock time that is synchronized across the plurality of motion sensing units. The timestamped motion data points are processed to generate a kinematic model which describes motion of the respective parts of the body of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: University of Cape Town
    Inventors: Amir Patel, Do Yeou Ku
  • Patent number: 11029432
    Abstract: Methods are described for separating the unknown contributions of two or more sources from a commonly acquired aliased wave field signals including the determination of models with reduced support in the frequency-wavenumber domain which reconstruct the wave fields of independently-activated sources after a coordinate-transform of the acquired wave field data and/or in a coordinate-transformed domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: SEISMIC APPARITION GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk-Jan Van Manen, Fredrik Andersson, Johan Robertsson, Kurt Eggenberger
  • Patent number: 11016212
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) seismic data set is divided into a plurality of 3D source wavefield subsets, each 3D source wavefield subset is stored in an array element of an array. For each array element, the associated 3D source wavefield is decomposed into a smaller data unit; data boundaries of the smaller data units are randomly shifted; a folding operation and a sample operator is applied to the smaller data units to keep the smaller data units from overlapping; the folded smaller data units are smoothed to generate smoothed data; a quantization operation is performed on the smoothed data to produce quantized data; and the quantized data is compression encoded to generate compressed data. The compressed data associated with each array element is decompressed to generate a 3D seismic output image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: BingBing Sun, Hongwei Liu, Vincent Etienne, Xu Ji
  • Patent number: 11002870
    Abstract: A method is described for removing the surface ghost from and/or separating wave field data and/or for estimating redatuming operators of the wave field data by effective use of a transform that that relies on the non-uniform distribution of distances with respect to a reference surface or of tuned-source radiation directions of sources and or the non-uniform distribution of receivers with respect to a reference surface to partition or map the wave field from at least two different cones in the transformed domain and using the contribution of sources and or receivers inside at least one of the at least two different cones to estimate a first wave field of interest, a second separated or ghost wave field and/or redatuming operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: SEISMIC APPARITION GmbH
    Inventors: Johan Robertsson, Dirk-Jan Van Manen, Fredrik Andersson, Kurt Eggenberger
  • Patent number: 10670759
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of data acquisition and processing of seismic data that combines nodal survey design, especially sparse nodal surveys, with the hybrid gather processing methodologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Peter M. Eick, Joel D. Brewer
  • Patent number: 10670752
    Abstract: Recorded seismic data are obtained at a plurality of receivers from a plurality of sources, and a set of sources from the plurality of sources is selected using spatial criteria based on a location of each source such that any two sources in the set of sources are separated by a predefined minimum distance of separation sufficient to reduce cross talk between sources. The set of sources is combined in a non-encoded manner into a composite source, and forward modeling for the composite source is performed to generate a synthetic seismic data set. A composite recorded seismic data set for the set of sources is determined, and the synthetic seismic data set and composite recorded seismic data set are used to determine a residual seismic data set. Backward modeling generates a gradient update used to generate an updated earth model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SAS
    Inventors: Andrew Ratcliffe, Graham Conroy
  • Patent number: 10634802
    Abstract: Methods of designing seismic survey and acquisition of seismic data with reduced noise using equally or optimally irregularly spaced sources or receivers are described. Specifically, prime number ratios for the station to line spacing is used to prevent harmonic leakage and other noise contaminations in the acquired seismic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Peter M. Eick, Joel D. Brewer
  • Patent number: 10591628
    Abstract: Methods and systems of electromagnetic sensing in a wellbore are presented in this disclosure for monitoring annulus fluids and water floods. An array of transmitters and one or more receivers are located along a casing in the wellbore. A transmitter in the array and one of the receivers can be mounted on a same collar on the casing forming a transmitter-receiver pair. The receiver can receive a signal originating from the transmitter and at least one other signal originating from at least one other transmitter in the array, wherein the signal is indicative of a fluid in the wellbore in a vicinity of the transmitter-receiver pair and the at least one other signal is indicative of another fluid in a formation around the wellbore. The receiver can further communicate, via a waveguide, the signal and the at least one other signal to a processor for signal interpretation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmed E. Fouda, Tasneem Mandviwala, Burkay Donderici, Etienne Samson
  • Patent number: 10408958
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to detecting subsurface features via a seismic survey. A system can obtain seismic data from nodes separated from each other by at least a threshold distance on a ground surface. The seismic data can include image trace data based on field trace data detected from each of the plurality of seismic data acquisition units. The system retrieves a sample interval and a parameter. The system configures a bandlimited binning function with the sampling interval and the predetermined parameter. The system applies the bandlimited binning function to a plurality of image traces of the image trace data to generate a bandlimited angle gather value for a bin in an angle gathers grid. The system generates an image based on the angle gathers grid and provides the image for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Fairfield Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: William Aeppli Schneider, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10324209
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for processing three-dimensional (3D) hexagonally sampled seismic data. The method can include receiving 3D hexagonally sampled seismic data represented using 3D spiral architecture (SA), the 3D hexagonally sampled seismic data including a plurality of data traces each corresponding to center of a hexagon in the 3D SA, representing the 3D hexagonally sampled seismic data as two-dimensional (2D) seismic data using spiral architecture (SA) addressing scheme, and processing the 2D seismic data with an SA based signal processing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Wail A. Mousa, Haroon Ashraf
  • Patent number: 10274622
    Abstract: System, medium and method for de-blending seismic data. The method for acquiring blended seismic data associated with a subsurface of the earth includes receiving coordinates of a sail line associated with first and second shot point locations; towing first and second source arrays in water along the sail line; shooting the first and second source arrays with a constant delay parameter so that a seismic trace recorded by a seismic sensor has at least a first uncontaminated portion that includes seismic energy generated substantially only by one of the first and second source arrays and a second portion that includes seismic energy generated by both the first and second source arrays; and recording blended seismic data generated by the first and second source arrays with the seismic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SAS
    Inventors: Thomas Mensch, Helene Tonchia, Gordon Poole
  • Patent number: 9945972
    Abstract: Seismic data are obtained by recording simultaneously in seismic streamer, acquired by activating approximately simultaneously two or more seismic sources towed at two positions in the vicinity of seismic streamers. A residual is updated iteratively for an inversion solution for the activations of the two or more seismic sources. The iterative updating of the residuals utilizes a sequence of overlapping temporal windows containing reflection events and utilizes normal moveout corrections based on largest reflection events in each temporal window. A final updated residual is added to a final updated model result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Rolf H. Baardman, Roald Gunnar van Borselen
  • Patent number: 9810798
    Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for setting up a geophysical seismic information-gathering grid utilizing a source pattern including but not limited to a “slant” or “diamond” source as well as a receiver pattern using base patterns including but not limited to “I+H” or “H+I” and “box plus.” Use of such base patterns may allow seismic data to be collected and processed using a reduced number of sources and receivers to provide a seismic imaging plot having increased and noticeably improved resolution than is presently available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Safe Seismic, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Culpepper, Donnie Hicks, Trace Maurin
  • Patent number: 9798022
    Abstract: Methods for selecting a receiver line orientation for a seismic data acquisition array and methods for performing a seismic survey using the selected receiver line orientation are provided herein. A method of selecting a 3D seismic data acquisition array comprising: selecting a survey area, determining the location of a plurality of source lines in the survey area, pre-planning a plurality of receiver line grids with differing orientations, assigning a cell grid to each receiver line grid, generating a fold level for each cell in each receiver line grid, determining a fold variation for each receiver line grid, and selecting a receiver line grid from the plurality of receiver line grids with the lowest fold variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Global Geophysical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Fleure, Hector Enriquez
  • Patent number: 9791578
    Abstract: Methods for seismic exploration of a subsurface formation increase productivity by simultaneously actuating closely located vibratory sources. Individual vibrations generated by different sources actuated simultaneously are encoded to enable separation of seismic data corresponding to each of the individual vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SAS
    Inventors: Thomas Bianchi, Julien Meunier, Olivier Winter
  • Patent number: 9465122
    Abstract: Receiver lines arranged in an area to be explored are provided with geophones in respective receiver positions for measuring seismic waves from the subsoil. The receiver lines include first parallel lines and second lines parallel to the first lines and located in intermediate positions between the first lines. Seismic waves are emitted from source positions located along the first receiver lines, and seismic data, representing waves measured by the various geophones in response to the emitted waves, are obtained. Said first seismic data are processed by seismic interferometry in order to estimate other seismic data representing responses, in at least some of the receiver positions, to waves emitted from a virtual source located in a receiver position along a second line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: TOTAL SA
    Inventors: Constantin Gerea, Jean-Marc Mougenot, Francis Clement
  • Patent number: 9304215
    Abstract: A seismic exploration system includes a survey area defined by a perimeter and including a first plurality of sub-areas and a second plurality of sub-areas adjacent the first plurality of sub-areas; two or more seismic energy sources installed within the perimeter of the seismic survey area; a first plurality of groups of seismic energy receivers installed in the first plurality of sub-areas, each of the groups of seismic energy receivers in the first plurality of groups including two or more seismic energy receivers per wavelength of seismic energy generated by the two or more seismic energy sources; and a second plurality of groups of seismic energy receivers installed in the second plurality of sub-areas, each of the groups of seismic energy receivers in the second plurality of groups including less than two seismic energy receivers per wavelength of seismic energy generated by the two or more seismic energy sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventor: Christof Stork
  • Patent number: 9128199
    Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for setting up a geophysical seismic information-gathering grid utilizing an alternating source pattern as well as an alternating receiver pattern using base patterns including but not limited to “I+H” or “H+I” and “box plus.” Use of such base patterns may allow seismic data to be collected and processed using a reduced number of sources and receivers to provide a seismic imaging plot having increased and noticeably improved resolution than is presently available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Safe Seismic, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Culpepper, Donnie Hicks
  • Patent number: 9097096
    Abstract: A computer drilling model for geo-steering during directional drilling of a wellbore including a processor, a data storage, and client devices in communication with the processor through a network. The processor can receive data from directional drilling equipment and can present that data to users in an executive dashboard. Users can send data and/or commands to the directional drilling equipment. The executive dashboard can present: a portion of interest in a stratigraphic cross section for user identification of: the drill bit in the stratigraphic cross section, formations in the stratigraphic cross section, and other formation data. The computer drilling model can be used to: identify a projected path for the drill bit, import data, compute wellbore profiles and stratigraphic cross sections, plot actual drilling paths, overlay the actual drilling path onto the projected path, and present control buttons to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: SELMAN AND ASSOCIATES, LTD.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings
  • Patent number: 9091140
    Abstract: A method for geo-steering, during directional drilling of a wellbore, including a processor, a data storage, and client devices in communication with the processor through a network. The processor can receive data from directional drilling equipment and can present that data to users in an executive dashboard. Users can send data and/or commands to the directional drilling equipment. The executive dashboard can present a portion of interest in a stratigraphic cross section for user identification of: the drill bit in the stratigraphic cross section, formations in the stratigraphic cross section, and other formation data. The method can be used to identify a projected path for the drill bit, import data, compute wellbore profiles and stratigraphic cross sections, plot actual drilling paths, overlay the actual drilling path onto the projected path, and present control buttons to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: SELMAN AND ASSOCIATES, LTD.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings
  • Patent number: 8923095
    Abstract: A technique for providing short circuit protection in electrical systems used in hydrocarbon exploration and production and, more particularly, for such electrical systems comprising serially connected nodes, includes an apparatus and method. The apparatus, includes a power supply and a plurality of electrically serially connected application sensors downstream from the power supply. Each application sensor includes a sensing element; and a plurality of electronics associated with the sensing element. The electronics shut off upstream power to the downstream application sensors in the presence of a short circuit. The method includes serially supplying power to a downhole apparatus comprising a plurality of electrically serially connected downhole sensors; sensing, in series and upon receiving power from upstream, at each downhole sensor whether a downstream short circuit exists; and shutting off upstream power to the downstream downhole sensors in the presence of a short circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jostein Fonneland Pettersen, Alain Rhelimi
  • Patent number: 8867307
    Abstract: A method for seismic surveying includes disposing a plurality of seismic sensors in a selected pattern above an area of the Earth's subsurface to be evaluated. A seismic energy source is repeatedly actuated proximate the seismic sensors. Signals generated by the seismic sensors, indexed in time with respect to each actuation of the seismic energy source are recorded. The recorded signals are processed to generate an image corresponding to at least one point in the subsurface. The processing includes stacking recordings from each sensor for a plurality of actuations of the source and beam steering a response of the seismic sensors such that the at least one point is equivalent to a focal point of a response of the plurality of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Acoustic Zoom, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacques Y. Guigné, Nicholas G. Pace
  • Patent number: 8840340
    Abstract: There is described an apparatus and method for deploying a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors (5) joined together by connection cables (6) in one or more “chains”, and connected to an input/output device (8). An input/output connection unit (7, 15) is provided on a carrier (10), and the sensors are held on or in deployment devices (14a-14e) mounted to the carrier with their connection cables (6) connected to the input/output connection unit (7, 15). The input/output device (8) may also be mounted to the carrier, and connected to the connection unit (7, 15). The carrier (10), sensors, and input/output device (8) may be delivered as a single package to the area where the sensor array is to be deployed. The sensors are then moved from the carrier to their final positions. The deployment devices (14a-14e) may be detached from the carrier and moved sequentially to the sensor positions, and a sensor may be removed from the deployment device at each sensor position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: TGS Geophysical Company (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Frank L. Eisenhower, Richard Edward Luff, Peter Hadfield, Ike Greenberg, Michael Henshaw, John Churchill
  • Publication number: 20140219055
    Abstract: Translational data in a first direction is measured by particle motion sensors contained in an elongated housing of a sensor device provided at an earth surface. The particle motion sensors are spaced apart along a second, different direction along a longitudinal axis of the elongated housing. Rotation data around a third direction is computed based at least in part on computing a gradient of the translational data with respect to the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: NICOLAS GOUJON, PASCAL EDME, ARTEM KASHUBIN, EVERHARD JOHAN MIUJZERT
  • Publication number: 20140016437
    Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for setting up a geophysical seismic information-gathering grid utilizing an alternating source pattern as well as an alternating receiver pattern using base patterns including but not limited to “I+H” or “H+I” and “box plus.” Use of such base patterns may allow seismic data to be collected and processed using a reduced number of sources and receivers to provide a seismic imaging plot having increased and noticeably improved resolution than is presently available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Steve Culpepper, Donnie Hicks
  • Patent number: 8588027
    Abstract: A technique includes during a seismic acquisition, selectively forming groups of at least one seismic source from a plurality of seismic sources as the seismic sources become available based at least in part on a minimum source spacing distance. The technique also includes selectively activating the groups. Each group responds to being activated by substantially simultaneously initiating a sweep for the seismic source(s) of the group. The technique further includes regulating a timing of the group activations based at least in part on a slip time and a minimum group spacing distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Qinglin Liu, Kevin O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8537637
    Abstract: A method of seismic surveying A method of seismic surveying comprises the step of acquiring imaging seismic data relating to an underlying geological structure at a survey location and simultaneously, or substantially simultaneously, acquiring statics seismic data relating to the near-surface (5) at the survey location. The method may use an imaging source (12) to acquire the imaging seismic data and a separate statics source (13,13?) to acquire the statics seismic data. Alternatively only an imaging source (12) may be used, and the statics seismic data may be obtained from surface waves, airwaves or ground-roll waves that are generated by the imaging source and that have hitherto been regarded only as unwanted noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Andreas Laake
  • Patent number: 8531914
    Abstract: A method of imaging a target area of the subsoil from “walkaway” data having application to development of oil reservoirs or monitoring of geologic storage sites is disclosed. After acquisition of seismic data of walkaway type and estimation of the rate of propagation of the seismic waves in the subsoil, p illumination angles are selected. The seismic measurements are then converted to data Dp by illumination angle. The distribution of acoustic impedances best explaining data Dp is determined within the target by using a non-linear inversion which minimizes a difference between the data Dp obtained from measurements and data by illumination angle resulting from an estimation. This estimation is performed by solving a wave propagation equation from the velocity field, an acoustic impedance distribution and a pressure distribution at the level of the top of the target for each illumination angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: IFP
    Inventors: Florence Delpart-Jannaud, Patrick Lailly, Ludovic Metivier
  • Publication number: 20130170317
    Abstract: A seismic exploration system includes a survey area defined by a perimeter and including a first plurality of sub-areas and a second plurality of sub-areas adjacent the first plurality of sub-areas; two or more seismic energy sources installed within the perimeter of the seismic survey area; a first plurality of groups of seismic energy receivers installed in the first plurality of sub-areas, each of the groups of seismic energy receivers in the first plurality of groups including two or more seismic energy receivers per wavelength of seismic energy generated by the two or more seismic energy sources; and a second plurality of groups of seismic energy receivers installed in the second plurality of sub-areas, each of the groups of seismic energy receivers in the second plurality of groups including less than two seismic energy receivers per wavelength of seismic energy generated by the two or more seismic energy sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christof Stork
  • Patent number: 8472282
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and apparatus for effectively communicating data along an acoustic transmission path. The method comprises driving an acoustic transmitter to send a data signal along the acoustic transmission path, where the signal is distorted by ambient noise. The distorted signal is input to a spaced apart plurality of sensors so that consequent time-delayed signals provide reinforcement of the basic signal and attenuation of the ambient noise component when combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Fink, Donald G. Kyle, Michael L. Fripp
  • Patent number: 8451686
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the acquisition of seismic data that uses sources operable to produce, when they are in a shooting station, seismic vibrations according to a sweep type shooting sequence, of predetermined duration and variable frequency. According to this method, the source and recording device clocks are synchronized, shooting is authorized for each of the sources at a series of predetermined shooting times tk,n, with k being an order number for a given source and n a source order number, between 1 and the number of sources Ns, and carried out on condition that the source is in a state to produce vibrations at such time tk,n, and the signals produced by the receivers are continuously recorded. The invention also relates to a system for seismic acquisition that implements this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Cggveritas Services SA
    Inventor: Julien Meunier
  • Patent number: 8451688
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to combine monopole and multipole acoustic logging measurements to determine shear slowness are disclosed. An example method to determine shear slowness of a formation from acoustic logging data disclosed herein comprises determining a plurality of mixed coherence values corresponding to a respective plurality of possible shear slowness values, each mixed coherence value determined by combining a monopole coherence value determined from monopole logging data and a multipole coherence value determined from multipole logging data, the monopole and multipole coherence values each being determined for a particular possible shear slowness value corresponding to the mixed coherence value, and using the particular shear slowness value corresponding to a maximum mixed coherence value in the plurality of mixed coherence values to represent the shear slowness of the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Yoneshima
  • Patent number: 8441890
    Abstract: A method for processing geophysical data. The method includes applying a first interferometry on an estimate of a direct ground roll between a receiver location and one or more boundary source locations and an estimate of a direct ground roll between one or more boundary receiver locations and each boundary source location to generate an interferometric estimate of a direct ground roll between the receiver location and each boundary receiver location. The method then includes applying a second interferometry on geophysical data between the source location and each boundary receiver location and the interferometric estimate of the direct ground roll between the receiver location and each boundary receiver location to generate an interferometric estimate of a direct and scattered ground roll between the source location and the receiver location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: David Fraser Halliday, Andrew Curtis
  • Publication number: 20130100772
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of methods and systems for a 3D seismic data acquisition array, comprising: a first plurality of receiver positions, substantially equally spaced along a first plurality of substantially parallel and substantially equally spaced receiver lines; a second plurality of receiver positions, substantially equally spaced along a second plurality of substantially parallel and substantially equally spaced receiver lines, wherein the receiver lines in the second plurality of receiver lines are substantially orthogonal to the receiver lines in the first plurality of receiver lines; a plurality of source positions, the source positions being located along a plurality of substantially parallel and substantially equally spaced source lines that are substantially parallel to one of the diagonals of the rectangles formed by the first plurality of receiver lines and the second plurality of receiver lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Global Geophysical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Girouard, Richard Degner, Thomas John Fleure, David Martin Flentge
  • Patent number: 8416640
    Abstract: A method for acquiring three-dimensional seismic data for sub-surface geologic features wherein a seismic source array is moved along a survey pattern having a plurality of source lines of unequal lengths that are substantially parallel to each other and intersect a receiver line. The survey pattern can be repeated in an overlapping and interleaved fashion to survey a larger area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Global Geophysical Services
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fleure, Richard Degner, Jonathan Nelson
  • Patent number: 8391103
    Abstract: A method for evaluating subsurface formations includes deploying at least two intersecting seismic transducer lines above an area of the subsurface to be surveyed. Each line includes spaced apart seismic transmitters on one side of the intersection and spaced apart seismic receivers on the other side. On each line, one of the transmitters is actuated and signals are detected at one of the receivers. The foregoing is repeated for each of the remaining receivers. The foregoing is then repeated for each of the remaining transmitters on each line. The detected signals are processed to enhance both specular and non-specular seismic events in the subsurface. The enhanced events may be stored and/or displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: PanGeo Subsea, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacques Y. Guigné, J. Kim Welford, Adam Gogacz, Clyde Clements
  • Publication number: 20130021875
    Abstract: The invention relates to acquiring seismic data from the earth using geophones that are tuned to have differing frequency sensitivity ranges. The differing frequency sensitivity ranges cover a broader effective frequency range so that low frequency energy and high frequency energy are less attenuated in the raw data record. Two separate geophones would be used at the same node and three or more geophones may be used in combination at each node. When three or more geophones are used in combination, each may have a separate but overlapping frequency sensitivity range or two or more of the geophones may have the same frequency range sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter M. EICK, Joel D. BREWER
  • Publication number: 20120051181
    Abstract: The invention relates to recording seismic data with autonomous seismic data recorders in a pattern where the recorders are deployed in a compact geographical array having a low aspect ratio keeping the recorders closer to the seismic source trucks and requiring fewer total recorders. The recorders are deployed to cover an active listening patch and the seismic source trucks progress from shot point to shot point within a defined source path that provides for a pattern of recorder movements from behind the active listening patch to a location in front of the active patch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter M. Eick, Joel D. Brewer, Shan Shan
  • Publication number: 20120008461
    Abstract: A method for evaluating subsurface formations includes deploying at least two intersecting seismic transducer lines above an area of the subsurface to be surveyed. Each line includes spaced apart seismic transmitters on one side of the intersection and spaced apart seismic receivers on the other side. On each line, one of the transmitters is actuated and signals are detected at one of the receivers. The foregoing is repeated for each of the remaining receivers. The foregoing is then repeated for each of the remaining transmitters on each line. The detected signals are processed to enhance both specular and non-specular seismic events in the subsurface. The enhanced events may be stored and/or displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Jacques Y. Guigné, J. Kim Welford, Adam Gogacz, Clyde Clements
  • Publication number: 20120008462
    Abstract: A technique includes during a seismic acquisition, selectively forming groups of at least one seismic source from a plurality of seismic sources as the seismic sources become available based at least in part on a minimum source spacing distance. The technique also includes selectively activating the groups. Each group responds to being activated by substantially simultaneously initiating a sweep for the seismic source(s) of the group. The technique further includes regulating a timing of the group activations based at least in part on a slip time and a minimum group spacing distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Qinglin Liu, Kevin O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20110305113
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for seismic acquisition the spacing between each adjacent pairs of receiver and sources lines is not all the same. Some receiver and/or source lines and/or receiver and/or source spacings are larger and some are smaller to provide a higher quality wavefield reconstruction when covering a larger total area or for a similar total area of seismic data acquisition while providing a wavefield that is optimally sampled by the receivers and sources so that the wavefield reconstruction is suitable for subsurface imaging needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter M. Eick, Joel D. Brewer
  • Publication number: 20110305112
    Abstract: A sensor vehicle of the present invention has one or more rotatable track means (parallel if two or more) spaced apart by a support frame and adapted to be towed or otherwise moved in a forward direction parallel to a forward axis of said track means. Rotatable track means have two or more supporting wheels aligned on a vertical plane along the forward axis, which axis is generally parallel to a ground surface upon which said sensor vehicle travels. Tracked vehicles are well known in the art of ground and earth moving equipment having flexible, elastomer-based tracks or segmented metal tracks with associated support frames and wheels, most of which may be adapted to achieve the objects of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: YI LIAO
  • Publication number: 20110273960
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an antenna for active and/or passive seismic survey, such as a particular geometric layout of a plurality of vibration sensors, each one of adequate sensitivity, to be used with signal correlation in seismic surveys with or without an artificial wave source. In particular, the invention concerns a specific geometric layout of four vibration sensors, set along an alignment at positions, with one position chosen so that the antenna covers the desired wavelength interval. The sum of the signal correlations of all possible sensor couples allows a uniform sampling of all the spatial wavelengths that such an antenna defines, producing an accurate measure of the elastic and anelastic parameters of the subsoil and of the vibrational modes of a construction with the minimum possible number of sensors and minimum physical dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Francesco Mulargia
  • Patent number: 8004931
    Abstract: A method and system of operating single vibrator source points for seismic data acquisition includes acquiring real-time field survey locations for a first plurality of seismic vibrators, determining at least one geometrical relationship between each of the first plurality of seismic vibrators as a function of the field survey locations, selecting a second plurality of seismic vibrators from the first plurality of vibrators as a function of the at least one geometrical relationship, selecting source parameter data for the second plurality of seismic vibrators as a function of the field survey locations and driving the second plurality of seismic vibrators to propagate seismic energy into the earth. A third plurality of vibrators is selected based on geometrical relationships and associated source parameters are determined based on vibrator locations. Multiple vibrator groups may acquire data continuously without interruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Peter M Eick, Joel D Brewer, Stephen K Chiu, Charles W Emmons
  • Patent number: 8000168
    Abstract: A method and system of operating single vibrator source points for seismic data acquisition includes acquiring real-time field survey locations for a first plurality of seismic vibrators, determining at least one geometrical relationship between each of the first plurality of seismic vibrators as a function of the field survey locations, selecting a second plurality of seismic vibrators from the first plurality of vibrators as a function of the at least one geometrical relationship, selecting source parameter data for the second plurality of seismic vibrators as a function of the field survey locations and driving the second plurality of seismic vibrators to propagate seismic energy into the earth. A third plurality of vibrators is selected based on geometrical relationships and associated source parameters are determined based on vibrator locations. Multiple vibrator groups may acquire data continuously without interruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Peter M Eick, Joel D Brewer, Stephen K Chiu, Charles W Emmons
  • Patent number: 7974153
    Abstract: A receiver point arrangement is deployed having one or more receiver lines, each receiver line having receivers with substantially uniform inline spacing. A seismic source is triggered at each source point in an arrangement of source points along one or more source lines, each source line having source points with substantially uniform crossline spacing. Seismic data traces are collected, each trace having an associated midpoint. A perturbation pattern is applied to at least one of the receiver point arrangement and the source point arrangement to distribute the midpoints evenly within a bin having dimensions of half the receiver inline spacing and half the source crossline spacing across multiple locations within that bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Geokinetics Acquisition Company Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Elkington, Roy Malcolm Lansley
  • Publication number: 20110158048
    Abstract: A seismic sensor array includes a plurality of seismic sensors disposed on a line. The line is arranged in a spiral. The seismic sensors are disposed at at least one of equal angular spacing between adjacent sensors and equal linear spacing between adjacent sensors. A recording system is in signal communication with each of the seismic sensors. The recording system includes means for beam steering a response of the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Jacques Y. Guigné, Nicholas G. Pace
  • Publication number: 20110103186
    Abstract: Systems and methods are implemented for evaluating underground structures and objects, particularly relatively shallow underground structures and objects, using a seismic or acoustic source signal and a resulting seismic or acoustic wave. A discrete or unitary apparatus incorporates both a seismic source transducer and a receiver transducer within a common housing or frame. A unitary seismic probe includes a ground engaging member and a seismic source mechanically coupled to the ground engaging member. The probe further includes a sensor assembly mechanically coupled to the ground engaging member and configured to sense ground vibrations resulting from an impact to the ground engaging member by the seismic source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Krumhansl, David Whittemore
  • Patent number: 7894299
    Abstract: Method for designing a converted mode (PS or SP) seismic survey to accomplish specified vertical and lateral resolution objectives at target depth. An equation (181) is provided for determining the minimum bandwidth required for a desired vertical resolution at a selected scattering angle, as a function of incident and reflected wave velocities, one of which is the P-wave velocity and the other is the S-wave velocity. A second equation (182) is provided for determining migration acceptance angle from the desired vertical and lateral resolutions. Source and receiver apertures may then be determined by ray tracing. Finally, a third equation (183) is provided for the maximum bin size to avoid aliasing, given the migration acceptance angle and a maximum frequency needed to achieve the bandwidth requirement. Source and receiver spacing may then be based on the maximum bin size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co.
    Inventor: Mark A. Meier
  • Patent number: 7885143
    Abstract: Various technologies for a seismic acquisition system, which may include an acquisition central system configured to determine a desired start time for a sweep cycle in one or more vibrators and a recorder source system controller in communication with the acquisition central system. The recorder source system controller may be configured to receive the desired start time from the acquisition central system. The seismic acquisition system may further include one or more vibrator units in communication with the recorder source system controller. Each vibrator unit may be configured to start a sweep cycle in a vibrator at the desired start time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Martin Laycock