Frequency Patents (Class 367/80)
  • Patent number: 10073184
    Abstract: Microseismic mapping using buried arrays with the integration of passive and active seismic surveys provides enhanced microseismic mapping results. The system is initially set up by recording seismic data with the buried array installation while shooting a significant portion of the 3D surface seismic survey. The 3D surface seismic survey provides the following data: shallow 3D VSP data from the buried arrays; P-wave and converted wave data for the area covered by the buried array that benefits from the planned data integration processing effort; and microseismic data and associated analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: ION Geophysical Corporation
    Inventors: Kees Faber, Rick Laroo
  • 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: 20130148470
    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 (301) are arranged in lines. Base station modules (302) receive information from the lines and relay the information to a central control and recording system (303). Radio links operating on multiple frequencies (F1-F12) are used by the modules (301). For improved data transfer rate, radio links from a remote module (301) leap past the nearest remote module to the next module closer to the base station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: WIRELESS SEISMIC, INC.
    Inventors: DOUGLAS CRICE, MIHAI BEFFA
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120170408
    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: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Wireless Seismic, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas B. Crice
  • Patent number: 7969819
    Abstract: A method for taking seismic measurements that includes a downhole sensor positionable within a tool string located within the bore of a well, the tool string having a network which effects communication with a downhole sensor. The downhole sensor includes a downhole clock that may be placed in communication over the network with the top-hole clock for synchronization. A seismic source is positioned within a transmitting distance of the downhole sensor and activated at a time when the network is disconnected. The downhole sensor records signals from the seismic source at along with a downhole timestamp from the downhole clock. When the network is reconnected, the downhole clock and the top-hole clock are re-synchronized and any downhole clock drift is calculated. The recorded downhole timestamp may then be adjusted to reflect what it would have been if the downhole clock had been synchronized with the top-hole clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Christopher Durrand
  • Patent number: 7773457
    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 (301) are arranged in lines. Base station modules (302) receive information from the lines and relay the information to a central control and recording system (303). Radio links operating on multiple frequencies (F1-F12) are used by the modules (301). For improved data transfer rate, radio links from a remote module (301) leap past the nearest remote module to the next module closer to the base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Wireless Seismic
    Inventors: Douglas Crice, Mihai Beffa
  • Patent number: 7733839
    Abstract: A system capable of operation with dynamic sockets includes a plurality of communications devices. Each of the plurality of communications devices includes high band channel radio resources capable of communications at 900-2800 MHz and socket radio resources capable of communications at 30-1000 MHz. The high band channel radio resources and the socket radio resources are significantly separated in frequency so that the high band channel radio resources and the socket radio resources are suitable for concurrent operation with no interference and minimal isolation, co-site problems to solve in each of the plurality of communications devices. The plurality of communications devices are connected to a unifying mesh network by the high band channel radio resources. The unifying mesh network is suitable for allowing the plurality of communications devices to communicate with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Frank, Karl F. Hoech, Gunther B. Frank, Carlos J. Chavez
  • Patent number: 7668044
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for simultaneously retrieving data from multiple data acquisition units and for recharging such data acquisition units. The data offload and charging unit comprises a frame that defines stations for holding the data acquisition units and a host computer. A combined power and communications port at each such station is adapted to interface with one of the data acquisition units such that power may flow from the data offload and charger unit to that data acquisition unit and data may flow from that data acquisition unit to the host computer substantially simultaneously. Communications links are provided between the host computer and each combined power and communications port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ascend Geo, LLC
    Inventors: Russell B. Brinkman, Scott K. Burkholder, Christopher Bruce Crosby, Paul D. Favret, Todd J. Fockler, Joseph L. Kapushion, Aaron Stafford Oakley, Robert Stewart, James Muir Drummond
  • Patent number: 7573782
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: WesternGeco L. L. C.
    Inventor: Simon Barakat
  • Publication number: 20080049554
    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 (301) are arranged in lines. Base station modules (302) receive information from the lines and relay the information to a central control and recording system (303). Radio links operating on multiple frequencies (F1-F12) are used by the modules (301). For improved data transfer rate, radio links from a remote module (301) leap past the nearest remote module to the next module closer to the base station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: WIRELESS SEISMIC
    Inventors: Douglas Crice, Mihai Beffa
  • Patent number: 7263030
    Abstract: A seismic survey system having remote acquisition modules (RAMs) for acquiring seismic signals and communicating with a central recording system (CRU) via a network of cables, other RAMs, and line tap units (LTUs), arranged in a matrix of receiver lines and base lines. Each RAM cyclically converts analog signal values to digital, forming data packets. Interrogation commands emanating from the CRU and relayed with strategic delays by intervening LTUs and RAMs are received by the RAM. Each command causes the RAM to transmit a data packet. Strategic delays are set such that the transmission capacity of the line is best utilized. Power and frequency of transmission are selectable by the CRU to optimize performance. Cables contain multiple communication pairs. The network path between the RAM and the CRU is established from the CRU and altered in event of malfunction. All types of network elements are interconnectable. Recorded samples are synchronous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: ARAM Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald G. Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 7239579
    Abstract: A seismic survey system having remote acquisition modules (RAMs) for acquiring seismic signals and communicating with a central recording system (CRU) via a network of cables, other RAMs, and line tap units (LTUs), arranged in a matrix of receiver lines and base lines. Each RAM cyclically converts analog signal values to digital, forming data packets. Interrogation commands emanating from the CRU and relayed with strategic delays by intervening LTUs and RAMs are received by the RAM. Each command causes the RAM to transmit a data packet. Strategic delays are set such that the transmission capacity of the line is best utilized. Power and frequency of transmission are selectable by the CRU to optimize performance. Cables contain multiple communication pairs. The network path between the RAM and the CRU is established from the CRU and altered in event of malfunction. All types of network elements are interconnectable. Recorded samples are synchronous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Geo-X Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald G. Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 7193525
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating between downhole tools without the necessity of routing the communication through a surface module. Communications sent by downhole tools are examined and extracted downhole. If the communications are intended for other downhole tools, the communications are copied to a downlink and send to a specific intended tool, a group of tools, or all the tools. This is all done downhole, significantly reducing the latency between command and response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Shohachi Miyamae, Tetsuya Tanaka, David Santoso, David Mathison
  • Patent number: 7193932
    Abstract: A seismic survey system having remote acquisition modules (RAMs) for acquiring seismic signals and communicating with a central recording system (CRU) via a network of cables, other RAMs, and line tap units (LTUs), arranged in a matrix of receiver lines and base lines. Each RAM cyclically converts analog signal values to digital, forming data packets. Interrogation commands emanating from the CRU and relayed with strategic delays by intervening LTUs and RAMs are received by the RAM. Each command causes the RAM to transmit a data packet. Strategic delays are set such that the transmission capacity of the line is best utilized. Power and frequency of transmission are selectable by the CRU to optimize performance. Cables contain multiple communication pairs. The network path between the RAM and the CRU is established from the CRU and altered in event of malfunction. All types of network elements are interconnectable. Recorded samples are synchronous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: GeoX Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald G. Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 7142480
    Abstract: A seismic survey system having remote acquisition modules (RAMs) for acquiring seismic signals and communicating with a central recording system (CRU) via a network of cables, other RAMs, and line tap units (LTUs), arranged in a matrix of receiver lines and base lines. Each RAM cyclically converts analog signal values to digital, forming data packets. Interrogation commands emanating from the CRU and relayed with strategic delays by intervening LTUs and RAMs are received by the RAM. Each command causes the RAM to transmit a data packet. Strategic delays are set such that the transmission capacity of the line is best utilized. Power and frequency of transmission are selectable by the CRU to optimize performance. Cables contain multiple communication pairs. The network path between the RAM and the CRU is established from the CRU and altered in event of malfunction. All types of network elements are interconnectable. Recorded samples are synchronous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Geo-X Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald G. Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 6977867
    Abstract: A seismic survey system having remote acquisition modules (RAMs) for acquiring seismic signals and communicating with a central recording system (CRU) via a network of cables, other RAMs, and line tap units (LTUs), arranged in a matrix of receiver lines and base lines. Each RAM cyclically converts analog signal values to digital, forming data packets. Interrogation commands emanating from the CRU and relayed with strategic delays by intervening LTUs and RAMs are received by the RAM. Each command causes the RAM to transmit a data packet. Strategic delays are set such that the transmission capacity of the line is best utilized. Power and frequency of transmission are selectable by the CRU to optimize performance. Cables contain multiple communication pairs. The network path between the RAM and the CRU is established from the CRU and altered in event of malfunction. All types of network elements are interconnectable. Recorded samples are synchronous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Geo-X Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald G. Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 6636816
    Abstract: An error-suppression signal measurement system and method therefor is provided. The system transmits a test signal from a first probe, through a device under test, and into a second probe. The probes extract normalization signals from reference signals therein, exchange specific ones of the normalization signals, and combine the normalization signals with data signals derived from the test signal to form receiver signals. The probes propagate the receiver signals to a receiver, where the signals are gain-ranged, digitized, normalized, and compensated for phase-noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: Steven L. Dvorak, Ben K. Sternberg
  • Patent number: 5706250
    Abstract: Seismic data acquisition devices (BA) distributed in an exploration zone are divided into n groups (GA1 to GAn) and, therein, into sub-groups having each a specific frequency for communicating with a concentration unit (Ck) which is connected to a central station (1) through Hertzian channels or cables or optical fibers. Acquisition devices in the various subgroups communicate simultaneously with the corresponding concentration unit (Ck) during predetermined emission windows. The concentration unit collects the signals received from the acquisition devices to transmit them in series to station (1). The acquisition devices are adapted for delaying their own emission window according to the rank which has been previously assigned thereto within the respective subgroups thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Joseph Rialan, Christian Grouffal
  • Patent number: 4497045
    Abstract: A cable system for carrying out seismic operations, comprising a multi-conductor cable built with multiple segments, each segment terminated with identical connector plugs. Each segment having a selected number P of take-outs for accepting P seismic signals. The group of P seismic signals from the take-outs are multiplexed in each cable segment, and travel over a single conductor pair in the successive segments to the recording truck, where they are demultiplexed, and as reconstituted signals, are processed and recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: Tesco Engineering Company
    Inventor: Sheldon M. Miller