US4879696A
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Method and apparatus for initiating seismic data storage in an isolated distributed recording system
Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co
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Filing: 1986-03-27
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Granted: 1989-11-07
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Expires: 2006-03-27
Abstract
Abstract An improved method and apparatus for initiating seismic data storage in an Isolated Distributed Recording System. An encoded acoustic signal is generated by an acoustic energy source which is detected at an isolated distributed recorder where it is correlated with a preselected correlating signal. Upon sufficient correlation between the encoded acoustic signal and the preselected correlating signal, seismic data are stored. In the preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for generating an encoded seismic signal utilizing a seismic energy source. The encoded seismic signal is correlated with a preselected correlating signal at an isolated distributed recorder; upon sufficient correlation between said signals, the isolated distributed recorder is triggered to store incoming seismic data commencing at the time the seismic data were generated and extending for a predetermined time interval. The time of arrival of all the seismic data stored is time-referenced to the time the seismic data were generated by the acoustic energy source for purposes of obtaining information about the sub-surface geological environment.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard J. Kostelnicek
- 👤 Raul R. Montes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 19:23
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/24; G01V1/242
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for initiating seismic data storage in an Isolated Distributed Recording System, including the steps of: (a) generating an encoded seismic signal, utilizing an acoustic energy source, which will penetrate to a sub-surface refractive horizon; (b) detecting a refraction of said controlled seismic signal from the refractive horizon with at least one isolated distributed recorder; (c) correlating said refracted seismic signal with a preselected correlating signal; and (d) upon correlation between said correlating signal and said refracted seismic signal, triggering the isolated distributed recorder to store incoming seismic data.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for initiating seismic data storage in an Isolated Distributed Recording System, including the steps of: (a) generating an encoded seismic signal, utilizing an acoustic energy source, which will penetrate to a sub-surface refractive horizon; (b) detecting a refraction of said controlled seismic signal from the refractive horizon with at least one isolated distributed recorder; (c) correlating said refracted seismic signal with a preselected correlating signal; and (d) upon correlation between said correlating signal and said refracted seismic signal, triggering the isolated distributed recorder to store incoming seismic data.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, further including the step fo: (e) storing said refracted seismic signal and said incoming seismic data.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for initiating seismic data storage in an Isolated Distributed Recording System, including the steps of: (a) generating an encoded seismic signal, utilizing an acoustic energy source, which will penetrate to a sub-surface reflective horizon; (b) detecting a reflection of said encoded seismic signal from the sub-surface reflective horzion with at least one isolated distributed recorder; (c) correlating said reflected seismic signal with a preselected correlating signal; and p1 (d) upon correlation between said correlating signal and said reflected seismic signal, triggering the isolated distributed recorder to store incoming seismic data.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for initiating seismic data storage in an Isolated Distributed Recording System, including the steps of: (a) generating an encoded seismic signal, utilizing an acoustic energy source, which will penetrate to a sub-surface reflective horizon; (b) detecting a reflection of said encoded seismic signal from the sub-surface reflective horzion with at least one isolated distributed recorder; (c) correlating said reflected seismic signal with a preselected correlating signal; and p1 (d) upon correlation between said correlating signal and said reflected seismic signal, triggering the isolated distributed recorder to store incoming seismic data.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 3, further including the step of: (e) storing said reflected seismic signal and said incoming seismic data.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
42 words
The method of claims 2, or 4, further including the step of: (f) referencing the time of arrival at said isolated distributed recorder of said incoming seismic data to the time said incoming seismic data were generated by said acoustic energy source.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
39 words
The method of claims 1, 2, 3, or 4, further including the step of: terminating the storing of incoming seismic data after a predetermined time interval has elasped from the time said isolated distributed recorder was triggered into operation.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
20 words
The method of claims 1 or 3 wherein said encoded seismic signal is generated by at least one seismic vibrator.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
22 words
The method of claims 1 or 3 wherein said encoded seismic signal is generated by at least one impulsive acoustic energy source.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
22 words
The method of claims 1 or 3 wherein said encoded seismic signal is generated by at least one controlled-vibration acoustic energy source.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for initiating seismic data storage in an Isolated Distributed Recording System, including the steps of: (a) generating an encoded acoustic signal utilizing an acoustic energy source; (b) detecting said encoded acoustic signal with at least one isolated distributed recorder; (c) correlating said encoded acoustic signal with a preselected correlating signal; (d) upon correlation between said correlating signal and said encoded acoustic signal, triggering the isolated distributed recorder to store said encoded acoustic signal and incoming seismic data including waveforms detected by said at least one isolated distributed recorder which were generated by said acoustic energy source at the time said encoded acoustic signal was generated; and (e) referencing the time of arrival at said isolated distributed recorder of said encoded acoustic signal and said incoming seismic data, including said waveforms, to the time said encoded acustic signal and said incoming seismic data and waveforms were generated by said acoustic energy source.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for initiating seismic data storage in an Isolated Distributed Recording System, including the steps of: (a) generating an encoded acoustic signal utilizing an acoustic energy source; (b) detecting said encoded acoustic signal with at least one isolated distributed recorder; (c) correlating said encoded acoustic signal with a preselected correlating signal; (d) upon correlation between said correlating signal and said encoded acoustic signal, triggering the isolated distributed recorder to store said encoded acoustic signal and incoming seismic data including waveforms detected by said at least one isolated distributed recorder which were generated by said acoustic energy source at the time said encoded acoustic signal was generated; and (e) referencing the time of arrival at said isolated distributed recorder of said encoded acoustic signal and said incoming seismic data, including said waveforms, to the time said encoded acustic signal and said incoming seismic data and waveforms were generated by said acoustic energy source.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 10, wherein said encoded acoustic signal is an encoded seismic signal.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 10 wherein said acoustic energy source is an impulsive acoustic energy source.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 10 wherein said acoustic energy source is one that imparts a controlled vibration to the earth.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
175 words
A method fo initiating seismic data storage in an Isolated Distributed Recording System, including the steps of: (a) generating an encoded seismic signal, utilizing an acoustic energy source, which will penetrate to a sub-surface refractive horizon; (b) detecting a refraction of said encoded seismic signal from the sub-surface refractive horizon with at least one isolated distributed recorder; (c) correlating said refracted seismic signal with a preselected correlating signal; (d) upon correlation between said correlating signal and said refracted seismic signal, triggering the isolated distributed recorder to store said refracted seismic signal and incoming seismic data including waveforms detected by said at least one isolated distributed recorder which were generated by said acoustic engergy source at the time seismic information associated with the generation said encoded seismid signal was generated; and (e) referencing the time of arrival at said isolated distributed recorder of said refracted seismic signal and said incomimng seismic data, including said waveforms, to the time said encoded seismic signal and said incoming seismic data and waveforms were generated by said acoustic energy source.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
175 words
A method fo initiating seismic data storage in an Isolated Distributed Recording System, including the steps of: (a) generating an encoded seismic signal, utilizing an acoustic energy source, which will penetrate to a sub-surface refractive horizon; (b) detecting a refraction of said encoded seismic signal from the sub-surface refractive horizon with at least one isolated distributed recorder; (c) correlating said refracted seismic signal with a preselected correlating signal; (d) upon correlation between said correlating signal and said refracted seismic signal, triggering the isolated distributed recorder to store said refracted seismic signal and incoming seismic data including waveforms detected by said at least one isolated distributed recorder which were generated by said acoustic engergy source at the time seismic information associated with the generation said encoded seismid signal was generated; and (e) referencing the time of arrival at said isolated distributed recorder of said refracted seismic signal and said incomimng seismic data, including said waveforms, to the time said encoded seismic signal and said incoming seismic data and waveforms were generated by said acoustic energy source.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
168 words
A method for initiating seismic data storage in an Isolated Distributed Recording System, including the steps of: (a) generating an encoded seismic signal, utilizing an acoustic energy source, which will penetrate to a sub-surface reflective horizon; (b) detecting a reflection of said encoded seismic signal from the sub-surface reflective horizon with at least one isolated distributed recorder; (c) correlating said reflected seismic signal with a preselected correlating signal; (d) upon correlation between said correlating signal and said reflected seismic signal, triggering the isolated distributed recorder to store said reflected seismic signal and incoming seismic data including waveforms detected by said at least one isolated distributed recorder which were generated by said acoustic energy source at the time said encoded seismic signal was generated; and (e) referencing the time of arrival at said isolated distributed recorder of said reflected seismic signal and incoming seismic data, including said waveforms, to the time said encoded seismic signal and said incoming seismic data and waveforms were generated by said acoustic energy source.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
168 words
A method for initiating seismic data storage in an Isolated Distributed Recording System, including the steps of: (a) generating an encoded seismic signal, utilizing an acoustic energy source, which will penetrate to a sub-surface reflective horizon; (b) detecting a reflection of said encoded seismic signal from the sub-surface reflective horizon with at least one isolated distributed recorder; (c) correlating said reflected seismic signal with a preselected correlating signal; (d) upon correlation between said correlating signal and said reflected seismic signal, triggering the isolated distributed recorder to store said reflected seismic signal and incoming seismic data including waveforms detected by said at least one isolated distributed recorder which were generated by said acoustic energy source at the time said encoded seismic signal was generated; and (e) referencing the time of arrival at said isolated distributed recorder of said reflected seismic signal and incoming seismic data, including said waveforms, to the time said encoded seismic signal and said incoming seismic data and waveforms were generated by said acoustic energy source.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15, further including the step of: (f) terminating the storing of incoming seismic data after a predetermined time interval has elapsed from the time said isolated distributed recorder was triggered into operation.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 14 or 15 wherein said encoded seismic signal is generated by at least one seismic vibrator.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 14 or 15 wherein said encoded seismic signal is generated by at least one impulsive acoustic energy source.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method claim 14 or 15 wherein said encoded seismic signal is generated by at least one controlled-vibration acoustic energy source.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for initiating data storage at an isolated distributed recorder, including: (a) a source of an encoded seismic signal capable of penetrating to and refracting from a sub-surface refractive horizon; and (b) an isolated distributed recorder for detecting a refraction of said encoded seismic signal, said isolated distributed recorder including: means for correlating said refracted seismic signal with a preselected correlating signal; and means for causing said isolated distributed recorder to store incoming seismic data upon correlation between said correlating signal and said refracted seismic signal.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for initiating data storage at an isolated distributed recorder, including: (a) a source of an encoded seismic signal capable of penetrating to and refracting from a sub-surface refractive horizon; and (b) an isolated distributed recorder for detecting a refraction of said encoded seismic signal, said isolated distributed recorder including: means for correlating said refracted seismic signal with a preselected correlating signal; and means for causing said isolated distributed recorder to store incoming seismic data upon correlation between said correlating signal and said refracted seismic signal.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 20 wherein said isolated distributed recorder further includes: means for storing said refracted seismic signal and said incoming seismic data.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for initiating data storage at an isolated distributed recorder, including: (a) a source of an encoded seismic signal capable of penetrating to and reflecting from a sub-surface reflective horizon; and (b) an isolated distributed recorder for detecting a reflection of said encoded seismic signal, said isolated distributed recorder including: means for correlating said reflected seismic signal with a preselected correlating signal; and means for causing said isolated distributed recorder to store incoming seismic data upon correlation between said correlating signal and said reflected seismic signal.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for initiating data storage at an isolated distributed recorder, including: (a) a source of an encoded seismic signal capable of penetrating to and reflecting from a sub-surface reflective horizon; and (b) an isolated distributed recorder for detecting a reflection of said encoded seismic signal, said isolated distributed recorder including: means for correlating said reflected seismic signal with a preselected correlating signal; and means for causing said isolated distributed recorder to store incoming seismic data upon correlation between said correlating signal and said reflected seismic signal.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 22 wherein said isolated distributed recorder further includes: means for storing said reflected seismic signal and said incoming seismic data.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
44 words
The system of claims 20, 21, 22, or 31 wherein said isolated distributed recorder further includes: means for referencing the time of arrival at said isolated distributed recorder of said incoming seismic data to the time said seismic data were generated by said source.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
42 words
The system of claims 20, 21, 22, or 23 wherein said isolated distributed recorder further includes: means of terminating the storing of incoming seismic data after a predetermined time interval has elapsed from the time said isolated distributed recorder commenced storing operations.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
23 words
The system of claims 20 ,21, 22, or 23 wherein said encoded seismic signal is generated by at least one controlled vibration means.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
22 words
The system of claims 20, 21, 22, or 23 wherein said encoded seismic signal is generated by at least one impulsive means.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
139 words
A system for initiating data storage at an isolated distributed recorder, including: (a) a source of an encoded acoustic signal; and an isolated distributed recorder for detecting said encoded acoustic signal, said isolated distributed recorder including: means for correlating said encoded acoustic signal with a preselected correlating signal; means for causing said isolated distributed recorder to store said encoded acoustic signal and incoming seismic data, including waveforms which were generated by said source at the time said source generated said encoded acoustic signal, upon correlation between said correlating signal and said encoded acoustic signal; and p2 means for referencing the time of arrival at said isolated recorded of said encoded acoustic signal and said incoming seismic data, inclding said waveforms to the time said encoded acoustic signal, said incoming seismic data, and said waveform were generated by said source.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
139 words
A system for initiating data storage at an isolated distributed recorder, including: (a) a source of an encoded acoustic signal; and an isolated distributed recorder for detecting said encoded acoustic signal, said isolated distributed recorder including: means for correlating said encoded acoustic signal with a preselected correlating signal; means for causing said isolated distributed recorder to store said encoded acoustic signal and incoming seismic data, including waveforms which were generated by said source at the time said source generated said encoded acoustic signal, upon correlation between said correlating signal and said encoded acoustic signal; and p2 means for referencing the time of arrival at said isolated recorded of said encoded acoustic signal and said incoming seismic data, inclding said waveforms to the time said encoded acoustic signal, said incoming seismic data, and said waveform were generated by said source.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 28 wherein said encoded acoustic signal is an encoded seismic signal.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
154 words
A system for initiating data storage at an isolated distributed recorder, including: (a) a source of an encoded seismic signal capable of penetrating to and refracting from a sub-surface refractive horizon; and an isolated distributed recorder for detecting a refraction of said encoded seismic signal, said isolated distributed recorder including; p1 means for correlating said refracted seismic singal with a preselected correlating singal; means for causing said isolated distributed recorder to store said refracted seismic signal and incoming seismic data, including waveforms which were generated by said source at the time said source generated said encoded seismic signal, upon correlation between said correlating signal and said refracted seismic signal; and means for referencing the time of arrival at said isolated distributed recorder of said refracted seismic signal and said incoming seismic data, including said waveforms, to the time said encoded seismic signal, said incoming seismic data, and said waveforms were generated by said source.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
154 words
A system for initiating data storage at an isolated distributed recorder, including: (a) a source of an encoded seismic signal capable of penetrating to and refracting from a sub-surface refractive horizon; and an isolated distributed recorder for detecting a refraction of said encoded seismic signal, said isolated distributed recorder including; p1 means for correlating said refracted seismic singal with a preselected correlating singal; means for causing said isolated distributed recorder to store said refracted seismic signal and incoming seismic data, including waveforms which were generated by said source at the time said source generated said encoded seismic signal, upon correlation between said correlating signal and said refracted seismic signal; and means for referencing the time of arrival at said isolated distributed recorder of said refracted seismic signal and said incoming seismic data, including said waveforms, to the time said encoded seismic signal, said incoming seismic data, and said waveforms were generated by said source.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
154 words
A system for initiating data storage at an isolated distributed recorder, including: (a) a source of an encoded seismic signal capable of penetrating to and reflecting from a sub-surface reflective horizon; and (b) an isolated distributed recorder for detecting a reflection of said encoded seismic signal, said isolated distributed recorder including: means for correlating said reflected seismic signal with a preselected correlating signal; means for causing said isolated distributed recorder to store said reflected seismic signal and incoming seismic data, including waveforms which were generated by said source at the time said source generated said encoded seismic signal, upon correlation between said correlating signal and said reflected seismic signal; and means for referencing the time of arrival at said isolated distributed recorder of said reflected seismic signal and said incoming seismic data, including said waveforms, to the time said encoded seismic signal, said incoming seismic data, and said waveforms were generated by said source.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
154 words
A system for initiating data storage at an isolated distributed recorder, including: (a) a source of an encoded seismic signal capable of penetrating to and reflecting from a sub-surface reflective horizon; and (b) an isolated distributed recorder for detecting a reflection of said encoded seismic signal, said isolated distributed recorder including: means for correlating said reflected seismic signal with a preselected correlating signal; means for causing said isolated distributed recorder to store said reflected seismic signal and incoming seismic data, including waveforms which were generated by said source at the time said source generated said encoded seismic signal, upon correlation between said correlating signal and said reflected seismic signal; and means for referencing the time of arrival at said isolated distributed recorder of said reflected seismic signal and said incoming seismic data, including said waveforms, to the time said encoded seismic signal, said incoming seismic data, and said waveforms were generated by said source.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
37 words
The system of claims 28, 29, 30, or 31, further including: means for terminating the storing of incoming seismic data after a predetermined time interval has elasped from the time said isolated distributed recorder commenced storing operations.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
23 words
The system of claims 28, 29, 30, or 31 wherein said encoded seismic signal is generated by a least one controlled vibration means.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
22 words
The system of claims 28, 29, 30,, or 31 wherein said encoded seismic signal is generated by at least one impulsive means.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
40 words
The method of claims 1, 3, 10, 14, or 15, further comprising: transmitting additional seismic data and receiving, storing, and time referencing said additional seismic data to the time said additional seismic data were generated at said isolated distributed recorder.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-11-06 | 1993-05-08 | 1993-11-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-11-06 | 1997-05-08 | 1997-11-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-11-06 | 2001-05-08 | 2001-11-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |