Seismic source vibrator having self tuning controller

Claim 2

A seismic source vibrator, including means for providing a desired output signal, comprising: (a) at least one pad for imparting acoustic energy into the earth; (b) hydraulic system means, including valve means for selectively introducing pressurized hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic system means, to cause the application of reciprocating forces to the pad; (c) valve sensor means, connected to the valve means, for sensing the status of the valve means and for providing an electrical valve indicia signal representative thereof; (d) valve model means, structured to simulate the valve means and having n states accessible, the valve model means having an input, and an output for providing an estimated output signal; (e) valve comparison means for comparing the valve indicia signal with the estimated output signal and for providing a resultant valve error signal; (f) valve model gain adjusting means, connected to receive the valve error signal and to adjust the n states in a known ratio in dependence on the instantaneous amplitude of the valve error signal, to cause the estimated output signal to approach the valve indicia signal in instantaneous amplitude; (g) valve state feedback means connected to receive the adjusted n states plus inaccessible state (n+) and the valve indicia signal, to weight each n and n+ state in a known ratio and to sum the weighted states; and (h) input comparison means for receiving and comparing the weighted sum and the desired output signal for providing a difference signal therefrom, and for applying the difference signal to the input of the valve means and to the input of the valve model means to cause the estimated output signal to approach the desired output signal in instantaneous amplitude, thereby providing self tuning control.

Claim 3

The vibrator of claim 1 wherein n=6.

Claim 4

The vibrator of claim 2 wherein the valve model means is represented by the Laplace transfer function: ##EQU6## where: W1=470×2 pi radians/sec. W2=750×2 pi radians/sec W3=400×2 pi radians/sec. Z1=0.08 Z2=0.40 S=Laplace transform operator K=constant.

Claim 5

The vibrator of claim 3 wherein the valve model gain adjusting means comprises a Kalman gain network.

Claim 6

The vibrator of claim 4 wherein the valve means comprises a slideable spool member to open and close for selectively permitting pressurized hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic system means, wherein the valve sensor means comprises a linear variable-differential transducer, the spool member being coupled to the transducer and wherein the valve indicia signal represents the position of the spool member.

Claim 7

A seismic source vibrator, including means for providing a desired output signal, comprising: (a) at least one pad for imparting acoustic energy into the earth; (b) hydraulic system means including valve means for selectively introducing pressurized hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic system means and actuator means to cause the application of reciprocating forces to the pad; (c) valve sensor means, connected to the valve means, for sensing the status of the valve means and for providing an electrical valve indicia signal representative thereof; (d) actuator force sensor means, for sensing the actuator force and for providing an electrical actuator signal representative thereof; (e) actuator model means, structured to simulate the actuator, having m states accessible, the actuator model means having an input for receiving the valve indicia signal and an output for providing an estimated force signal; (f) actuator comparison means for comparing the estimated force signal with the actuator force indicia signal and for providing a resultant actuator error signal; (g) actuator model gain adjusting means, connected to receive the actuator error signal and to adjust the m states in a known ratio, in dependence on the instantaneous amplitude of the actuator error signal, to cause the estimated force signal to approach the actuator force indicia signal in instantaneous amplitude; (h) actuator state feedback means connected to receive the adjusted m states plus inaccessible states (m+), and the actuator force indicia signal, to weight each m and m+ state in a known ratio, and to sum the weighted states; and (j) force comparison means for receiving and comparing the weighted sum and the valve indicia signal for providing a difference signal therefrom and for applying the difference signal to the input of the valve means and to the input of the actuator model means to cause the estimated force signal to approach the valve indicia signal in amplitude, thereby providing self tuning control.

Claim 8

A seismic source vibrator, including means for providing a desired output signal, comprising: (a) at least one pad for imparting acoustic energy into the earth; (b) hydraulic system means including valve means for selectively introducing pressurized hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic system means and actuator means to cause the application of reciprocating forces to the pad; (c) valve sensor means, connected to the valve means, for sensing the status of the valve means and for providing an electrical valve indicia signal representative thereof; (d) actuator force sensor means, for sensing the actuator force and for providing an electrical actuator signal representative thereof; (e) actuator model means, structured to simulate the actuator, having m states accessible, the actuator model means having an input for receiving the valve indicia signal and an output for providing an estimated force signal; (f) actuator comparison means for comparing the estimated force signal with the actuator force indicia signal and for providing a resultant actuator error signal; (g) actuator model gain adjusting means, connected to receive the actuator error signal and to adjust the m states in a known ratio, in dependence on the instantaneous amplitude of the actuator error signal, to cause the estimated force signal to approach the actuator force indicia signal in instantaneous amplitude; (h) actuator state feedback means connected to receive the adjusted m states plus inaccessible states (m+), and the actuator force indicia signal, to weight each m and m+ state in a known ratio, and to sum the weighted states; and (j) force comparison means for receiving and comparing the weighted sum and the valve indicia signal for providing a difference signal therefrom and for applying the difference signal to the input of the valve means and to the input of the actuator model means to cause the estimated force signal to approach the valve indicia signal in amplitude, thereby providing self tuning control.

Claim 9

The vibrator of claim 6 wherein m=2.

Claim 10

The vibrator of claim 7 wherein the actuator model means is represented by the Laplace transform function, ##EQU7## wherein: W1=22×2 pi radians/sec. Z1=0.20 S=Laplace transform operator K=constant.

Claim 11

The vibrator of claim 8 wherein the actuator model gain adjusting means comprises a Kalman gain network.

Claim 12

The vibrator of claim 9 wherein the valve means comprises a slideable spool member to open and close for selectively permitting pressurized hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic system means, the valve sensor means comprises a linear variable-differential transducer, the spool being coupled to the transducer, the valve indicia signal representing the position of the spool.

Claim 13

The vibrator of claim 10 wherein the actuator force sensor means comprises an accelerometer attached to the actuator means.

Claim 14

A seismic source vibrator, including means for providing a desired output signal, comprising: (a) at least one pad for imparting acoustic energy into the earth; (b) hydraulic system means, including valve means for selectively introducing pressurized hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic system means and actuator means, to cause the application of reciprocating forces to the pad; (c) valve sensor means, connected to the valve means, for sensing the status of the valve means and for providing an electrical valve indicia signal representative thereof; (d) valve model means, structured to simulate the valve means and having n states accessible, the valve model means having an input, and an output for providing an estimated output signal; (e) valve comparison means for comparing the valve indicia signal with the estimated output signal and for providing a resultant valve error signal; (f) valve model gain adjusting means, connected to receive the valve error signal and to adjust the n states in a known ratio in dependence on the amplitude of the valve error signal, to cause the estimated output signal to approach the valve indicia signal in amplitude; (g) valve state feedback means connected to receive in a known ratio in dependence on the amplitude of the valve error signal, to cause the estimated output signal to approach the valve indicia signal in amplitude; (g) valve state feedback means connected to receive the adjusted n states plus inaccessible states (n+) and the valve indicia signal, to weight each n and n+ state in a known ratio, and to sum the weighted n and n+ states; (h) actuator force sensor means for sensing the actuator force and for providing an electrical actuator force indicia signal representative thereof; (j) actuator model means, structured to simulate the actuator, having m states accessible, and having an input for receiving the estimated output signal and an output for providing an estimated force signal; (k) actuator comparison means for comparing the estimated force signal with the actuator force indicia signal and for providing a resultant actuator error signal; (l) actuator model gain adjusting means, connected to receive the actuator error signal and to adjust the m states in a known ratio, in dependence on the amplitude of the actuator error signal, to cause the estimated force signal to approach the estimated output signal in amplitude; (m) actuator feedback means connected to receive the adjusted m states plus inaccessible states (m+), including the actuator force indicia signal, to weight each m and m+ state in a known ratio, and to sum the weighted m and m+ states; and (n) input comparison means for receiving and comparing the m and m+ sum, the n and n+ sum and the desired output signal to provide a difference signal therefrom, and for applying the difference signal to the input of the valve means and to the input of the valve model means to cause the estimated output signal to approach the desired output signal in instantaneous amplitude, thereby providing self tuning control.

Claim 15

A seismic source vibrator, including means for providing a desired output signal, comprising: (a) at least one pad for imparting acoustic energy into the earth; (b) hydraulic system means, including valve means for selectively introducing pressurized hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic system means and actuator means, to cause the application of reciprocating forces to the pad; (c) valve sensor means, connected to the valve means, for sensing the status of the valve means and for providing an electrical valve indicia signal representative thereof; (d) valve model means, structured to simulate the valve means and having n states accessible, the valve model means having an input, and an output for providing an estimated output signal; (e) valve comparison means for comparing the valve indicia signal with the estimated output signal and for providing a resultant valve error signal; (f) valve model gain adjusting means, connected to receive the valve error signal and to adjust the n states in a known ratio in dependence on the amplitude of the valve error signal, to cause the estimated output signal to approach the valve indicia signal in amplitude; (g) valve state feedback means connected to receive in a known ratio in dependence on the amplitude of the valve error signal, to cause the estimated output signal to approach the valve indicia signal in amplitude; (g) valve state feedback means connected to receive the adjusted n states plus inaccessible states (n+) and the valve indicia signal, to weight each n and n+ state in a known ratio, and to sum the weighted n and n+ states; (h) actuator force sensor means for sensing the actuator force and for providing an electrical actuator force indicia signal representative thereof; (j) actuator model means, structured to simulate the actuator, having m states accessible, and having an input for receiving the estimated output signal and an output for providing an estimated force signal; (k) actuator comparison means for comparing the estimated force signal with the actuator force indicia signal and for providing a resultant actuator error signal; (l) actuator model gain adjusting means, connected to receive the actuator error signal and to adjust the m states in a known ratio, in dependence on the amplitude of the actuator error signal, to cause the estimated force signal to approach the estimated output signal in amplitude; (m) actuator feedback means connected to receive the adjusted m states plus inaccessible states (m+), including the actuator force indicia signal, to weight each m and m+ state in a known ratio, and to sum the weighted m and m+ states; and (n) input comparison means for receiving and comparing the m and m+ sum, the n and n+ sum and the desired output signal to provide a difference signal therefrom, and for applying the difference signal to the input of the valve means and to the input of the valve model means to cause the estimated output signal to approach the desired output signal in instantaneous amplitude, thereby providing self tuning control.

Claim 16

The vibrator of claim 12 wherein m=2.

Claim 17

The vibrator of claim 13 wherein the valve model means is represented by the Laplace transfer function: ##EQU8## where: W1=470×2 pi radians/sec. W2=750×2 pi radians/sec W3=400×2 pi radians/sec. Z1=0.08 Z2=0.40 S=Laplace transform operator K=constant.

Claim 18

The vibrator of claim 14 wherein the valve model gain adjusting means comprises a Kalman network.

Claim 19

The vibrator of claim 15 wherein the valve means comprises a slideable spool member to open and close for selectively permitting pressurized hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic system means, the valve sensor means comprises a linear variable-differential transducer, the spool member being coupled to the transducer, the valve indicia signal representing the position of the spool member.

Claim 20

The vibrator of claim 12 wherein m=2.

Claim 21

The vibrator of claim 13 wherein the actuator model means is represented by the Laplace transform function: ##EQU9## wherein: W1=22×2 pi radians/sec. Z1=0.20 S=Laplace transform operator K=constant.

Claim 22

The vibrator of claim 14 wherein the actuator model gain adjusting means comprises a Kalman gain network.

Claim 23

The vibrator of claim 15 wherein the actuator force sensor means comprises an acceleromter attached to the actuator means.

Claim 24

A seismic source vibrator, including means for providing a desired output signal, comprising: (a) at least one pad for imparting acoustic energy into the earth; (b) hydraulic system means, including valve means for selectively introducing pressurized hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic system means and actuator means, to cause the application of reciprocating forces to the pad; (c) sensor means, for sensing the actuator force and for providing an electrical actuator force indicia signal representative thereof; (d) model means, structured to simulate the valve means and the actuator means and having n states accessible, the model means having an input and an output for providing an estimated output signal; (e) comparison means for comparing the actuator force indicia signal with the estimated output signal and for providing a resultant error signal; (f) model gain adjusting means, connected to receive the error signal and to adjust the n states in a known ratio in dependence on the amplitude of the valve error signal, to cause the estimated output signal to approach the valve indicia signal in amplitude; (g) state feedback means connected to receive the adjusted n states plus inaccessible states (n+) and the actuator force indicia signal to weight each n and n+ state in a known ratio, and to sum the weighted states; and (h) input comparison means for receiving and comparing the sum and the desired output signal to provide a difference signal therefrom, and for applying the difference signal to the input of the valve means and to the input of the model means to cause the estimated output signal to approach the desired output signal in instantaneous amplitude, thereby providing self tuning control.

Claim 25

A seismic source vibrator, including means for providing a desired output signal, comprising: (a) at least one pad for imparting acoustic energy into the earth; (b) hydraulic system means, including valve means for selectively introducing pressurized hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic system means and actuator means, to cause the application of reciprocating forces to the pad; (c) sensor means, for sensing the actuator force and for providing an electrical actuator force indicia signal representative thereof; (d) model means, structured to simulate the valve means and the actuator means and having n states accessible, the model means having an input and an output for providing an estimated output signal; (e) comparison means for comparing the actuator force indicia signal with the estimated output signal and for providing a resultant error signal; (f) model gain adjusting means, connected to receive the error signal and to adjust the n states in a known ratio in dependence on the amplitude of the valve error signal, to cause the estimated output signal to approach the valve indicia signal in amplitude; (g) state feedback means connected to receive the adjusted n states plus inaccessible states (n+) and the actuator force indicia signal to weight each n and n+ state in a known ratio, and to sum the weighted states; and (h) input comparison means for receiving and comparing the sum and the desired output signal to provide a difference signal therefrom, and for applying the difference signal to the input of the valve means and to the input of the model means to cause the estimated output signal to approach the desired output signal in instantaneous amplitude, thereby providing self tuning control.

Claim 26

The vibrator of claim 21 wherein n=8.

Claim 27

The vibrator of claim 22 wherein the model means comprises a Kalman gain network.

Claim 28

The vibrator of claim 23 wherein the senior means comprises an accelerometer attached to the actuator means.