GB2080950A - Ground Position Controller and Method for Automatically Indicating and Recording Parameters that Spatially Define Locations of Seismic Exploration Spread and Source Arrays - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a seismic exploration method involving the use a ground position controller for generating, formatting and recording source and detector array geometry information for ensuring the integrity of field shooting and recording operations. The controller utilizes a microcomputer system interconnected to a digital field system via a system bus. At least part of the information is displayed in alpha- numeric form to facilitate correction, if required.

Description

SPECIFICATION Ground Position Controller and Method for Automatically Indicating and Recording Parameters that Spatially Define Locations of Seismic Exploration Spread and Source Arrays This invention relates to seismic exploration and more particuiarly to methods and apparatus for insuring integrity of field shooting and recording operations during exploration for hydrocarbons and the like.

In one aspect, the present invention provides for dynamic control of the field shooting and recording operations so that the latter actually correspond to the advanced specifications for those operations; as a result, recording operations can be coordinated with the specified shooting (or vibrating) operations. In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides for the generation and recording of data including array and source geometry information on a recording media as header data in addition to the recording of seismic data representing acoustic signals received as the consequence of shooting (or vibrating) operations.

In seismic exploration, proposed prescriptions for shooting (or vibrating) and recording operations must be followed precisely in the field, particulary in field techniques involving so-called Common Depth Point Recording (or CDPR) operations in which changing sets of sensors were used in association with successive shots to provide multiple stacked recordings. (In all of the following teachings, the words "shots" and "shooting" will be used for the part of the operation in which the sound waves are generated and sent down into the sub-surface.It will be appreciated, however, by those skilled in the art, that the same teachings apply where the sound waves are generated by large vibrators at the surface rather than by explosive shots.) In the CDPR process, sensors and energy sources are positioned at a first series of spatially (geometrically) related locations, to produce a first record. Subsequent records are then made with the sensors and the energy source occupying new locations. However, the sensors and energy source normally maintain the same relative spatial relationship to each other during the field operations.

Advancement of the sensor locations (in CDPR operations) employ a technique commonly known as "roll-along". Relative advancement of the sensor array is commonly done in a very rapid manner using a switching device called a rollalong switch (such as shown, e.g., in my U.S. Patent 3,618,000, November 2, 1 971 for "Rollalong Switch"), in which a large number of sensors can be controllably provided at any programmed interval along the recording line. Through the use of multiple pair cables extending along the line, these sensors are connected into the input receptables of the rollalong switch.

The design of the switch permits a certain number of the sensors, called the "active" array, to be interconnected to the input of the geophysical seismic recorder and keeps track of the position of one end of the active array relative to the number of recording channels available (say, any position within 1 -in-60 channels).Not only can the switch select any contiguous group of sensors, from the total number positioned along the line, as the "active" array or spread, but it can also add gaps in the active spread using one or more "inactive" groups as the gapping members, a technique usually used when a large energy source is positioned at the center of the active array. (A "gapped" array for a 24-sensor record, for example, consists of sensors 1 through 12 and 1 5 through 26 with sensors 13 and 14 left disconnected by the rollalong switch.) Computer processing of the CDPR field data (now commonly done by large centralized computer facilities) requires not only accurate time-versus-amplitude seismic reflection data but also requires "housekeeping" data describing associated source and sensor geometry as the former was collected.

These latter data consist of, inter alia, positional locations for every sensor in each "active" array during the recording sequence, the location of the energy source, and the location and size of the gap (if any).

To provide the above, the usual field procedure is to determine the ground locations by survey prior to the recording operations. The location and direction of the line is referenced to know geographic locations or geodetic survey points. The location of each sensor (or sensor group) and energy source is surveyed in and marked with a survey stake having an identification number representing a ground location. These locations are written down in the survey log for that particular seismic line. The surveyor's log thus contains part of the geometrical data that must be added to the seismic data after the latter has been recorded and is ready for processing.

Another requirement of the geometrical data is developed during the recording process. It relates to data entered into the "observer's log". (The operator of the seismic recording system is commonly called the "observer".) The observer's log contains, for each record sequence, the spatial extent of the active sensors usually identified by ground locations of the sensors at each end of the active array. In the event that the active array contains a gap, the location of the gap will be specified relative to adjacent active sensor locations. The observer's log also contains the location of the energy source for each record. In some cases, when a presurveyed line is recorded, the energy source cannot be located at the location designated for it during the survey. In these situations the shot location from the observer's log must be used in processing instead of the original survey data.The observer's log also contains information that infers or describes spatial irregularities in the active array imposed by field conditions when the line is recorded.

As previously indicated, the rollalong switch tracks the position of active array (for identifying the location of the "active" sensor array including gap). While some rollalong switch units provide for transferring such array data directly to the field recorder (recognizable as header data on the digital seismic tape), these data are not in terms of true ground location, but in an arbitrary numbering sequence, relative to a particular recording vehicle location. The true ground location of the recording vehicle must therefore be entered into the observer's log in order to convert rollalong switch positions to true ground locations.

The foregoing description of geophysical seismic data recording operations indicates conclusively that the recording of seismic reflection data must be supported by accurate and sufficient correlative data so as to accurately define spatial source and sensor geometry relative to a permanent geographical location. It also indicates that separate types of cross-checking materials, for documentation, are needed as the data is collected, including the steps of generating, formatting and displaying spread and sound geometries for both present and next-in-time shooting and recording sequences.

One particularly useful embodiment of the invention comprises a ground position controller for generating, formatting and recording information for insuring the intergrity of field shooting and recording operations. The controller includes sets of multi-digit displays dynamically controlled by a microcomputer system inter-connected to the exploration system. Before the source is activated and spatial geometrical parameters recorded, the operator examines-collectively-all displayed data and cross-checks those results with prescribed instructions; then, after he signals that the data do represent the desired field operations by e.g., activating a transmission linkage switch, the displayed data (both encoded and calculated) can be transferred as header data to a field recording unit in series with the controller.Prior to transfer, the controller also formats the data in a form required for proper annotation of the seismic record. As a result, the final seismic record contains data representing original array/source geometrical data that can be unambiguously associated with the recorded seismic information received from the subsurface as a result of the particular operational sequences. At the end of the recording cycle, the controller generates a series of new data: (i) new shooting and spread geometries, and (ii) positional skips (gaps) of the array. Then the sequence can be repeated. Thus, the present invention translates original operational instructions into a presentation accurately suita-ble for annotatipn of the seismic data, such data being in a form that the field operator can quickly crosscheck via displays before operations are concluded.Also, the present invention aids the operator in cross-checking and cross-listing data so that any deviation from the prescribed field procedure can be detected and corrected. Finally, coded descriptions of actual operations can be unambiguously associated with recorded seismic data received from the subsurface as a result of particularlydescribed field operations.

These and other advantages and functions of the present invention will become evident to those skilled in the art after a reading of the detailed description of specific embodiments thereof, following a brief description of the appended drawings.

Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate an exploration system incorporating the present invention in which an energy source and an array of sensors (connected to a recording truck) are illustrated.

Figs. 3 and 6 are block diagrams of the ground positioned controller of the present invention used within the exploration system of Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 4 is an isometric view of a display panel of the controller Figs. 3 and 6.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a microprocessor unit of the controller of Figs. 3 and 6.

Fig. 7 is an imaginary rendition of header data encoded onto magnetic tape using the controller of the present invention in association with the recording unit of the exploration system of Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram of portions of the circuitry comprising the controller of Figs. 3 and 6, and recorder unit used in the exploration system of Figs. 1 and 2.

Figs. 9A-9C are flow diagrams which illustrate the method of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a partially schematic diagram of the recorder unit of Fig. 8 illustrating a sequence of operations, associated therewith.

Fig. 1 illustrates operation of seismic exploration system 9 of the present invention.

As shown, system 9 includes digital field system (DFS) 10, housed within recording truck 11 and electrically interconnected via a multiwire geophysical cable 1 2 to an array of sensors 13 positioned at the earth's surface 14.

Ground locations 1 5 are represented as surrounding both the array of sensors 1 3 and seismic energy source 16, all positioned along the surface 14. As previously mentioned in the CDPR collection process, the ground locations 1 5 would, more likely than not, have been previously surveyed prior to implementation of the seismic surveying operation along the line of survey 1 7 in the direction of arrow 1 8. Hence, each of the locations 1 5 can be designated by a particular position number (or P number) along the line 17. The P numbers set forth in Fig. 1 include the numbers 300, 301 ... 329.

Also, the number of sensors 13 forming each array (as the data is collected) is identified by the sequence numbers N, N+1 .. . N +M designating the length of the active array as the sensors 13 are advanced in the direction of arrow 1 8.

Annotating the positions of the sensor arrays is aided by the fact that each sensor is associated with a particular data channel 1,2. .. . K of the DFS 10 as the data is collected. For usual operations K can be 24, 48, 60, 96, 120, etc., as required, although, of course, the present invention is not limited to a particular channel capacity number, but can be varied to accommodate any field arrangement. Each sensor position and each source location can be indicated using the ground position controller 20 of the present invention in conjunction with recording unit 21 of the DFS 1 0.

Fig. 2 illustrates ground position controller 20 in more detail.

Briefly, the ground position recorder 20 operates in the field to insure integrity between prescribed and actual field shooting and recording operations by a series of steps, namely, storing, manipulating and displaying data related.

(i) to field positions of the source and sensor array by position number, (ii) to array and source geometrical locations (both present and next-in-time) based on field geometrical algorithms and (iii) to recording array and source parameters so that realistic annotation of the subsequently collected seismic data, can be made. For these purposes, the operator utilizes encoded data provided initially by him using encoders 26, manipulated results generated by the controller 20 based on part in stored relationships within the microcomputer 25, and finally indicating geometrical data set forth at displays 27 and as header information at recording unit 21.

Since the present invention deals conveniently with the CDPR process, the array of sensors 1 3 and source of energy 1 6 are continually "rolled forward" in the direction of arrow 1 8 using rollalong switch 22. That is to say, after the seismic data has been recorded at the digital tape recording unit 21 (after amplification by amplifier 24), the array of sensors 13 (and source 1 6) located at a first series of positions P as shown, are "rolled forward" in the direction of arrow 1 8. Note that the changing of the active array pattern of Fig. 1 in the aforementioned manner is identified by the array sequence designated N, N+1 ... N+M, as previously mentioned. But, the array and source geometry is always known at the recording truck 11 provided the positional locations 300, 301, 302... P .P of Fig. 1 for the particular active array N, N+1 ... N+M are correctly identified and recorded during each recording cycle, via operation of the ground position controller 20 of the present invention; of particular importance is the manipulation of data associated with the field geometry of the sensors 1 3 and source 1 6 via geometrical and performance algorithms stored within microcomputer 25 of the controller 20.

As previously mentioned, microcomputer 25 is used to predict correct array positions as the rollalong switch 23 switches between "active" and "inactive" arrays of sensors. The microcomputer 25 can also interact with the rollalong switch 22, provided the latter is capable of accepting the multi bit codes conventionally generated by the microcomputer 25. (In this regard, an approved rollalong switch is manufactured under the tradename "Rolalong Switch", by Input-Output, Inc., Houston, Texas, and consists of a series of contacts attached to a central shaft of a stepping motor controlled via a digital input code from the microcomputer 25.) Rollalong switch 22 usually includes a display (not shown) associated with one or two of the locational positions of the active array of sensors 1 3. Such display, of course, changes as the active array changes sequential pattern in the manner of N, N+2 . N+M, as shown in Fig. 1. The rollalong switch 22 also includes a digital generator (not shown) for generating a second multi-bit code indicative of the position P of a member of the sensor array as header indicia at the recorder 21.

However, as previously mentioned, the latter digital code represents only an arbitrary number and is not a true geodytic location.

Fig. 3 illustrates microcomputer 25 of controller 20 in still more detail.

As shown, the microcomputer 25 includes a system bus 28 used to connect encoders 26 and displays 27 via l/O interfacing array 34 to microprocessor unit 30 (MPU) of the microcomputer 25.

Also connected via the bus 28 and ports 29 are interrupt controller 31, RAM 32, ROM 33 (in addition to I/O interfacing array 34) which operates in conventional fashion to calculate, manipulate, store and display position data associated with the exploration operation. Note that the I/O array 34 not only links the MPU 30 with the encoders 26 and displays 27, but it is also used to provide data to the printer 35 under control of MPU 30 to generate a permanent record of the displayed data at displays 27, if desired.

Bus 28 essentially comprises three separate buses, a data bus, an address bus and a control bus.

The data bus is conventional: it not only carries information to and from MPU 30, but it is also used to fetch instructions that have been stored in ROM 33, as required, as well as carries data from/to the encoders 26 and displays 27 of Fig. 2, by way of (or independent of) RAM 32.

Addressing segments of the data is the annotations function of the address bus. It is capable of selecting a location in RAM 32 or ROM 33 or a particular address in the MPU 30 when appropriately signaled, say by interrupt controller 31. The control bus controls the sequencing and nature of the operation using common selector commands, e.g., "Read", "Write", etc.

Additionally, it should be noted, the system interrupts are usually carried via the control bus to implement the scheduling and servicing of different ports, as required by operations. In the present invention, interrupt controller 31 handles seven (7) vectored priority interrupts for the IMPU 30, as explained below, including an end-of-record interrupt (EOR) generated by the digital field system 10, Fig. 1 , to indicate the end of the collection cycle, and to initiate operations in the next-in-time cycle.

In general. in servicing the interrupts, preservation of program status is required and is easily carried by the MPU 30. Since the controller 31 is both vectored and priority oriented, it has the responsibility of providing vectored interrupts to the MPU 30, of identifying the nature of the interrupt, (or its branching address) and of establishing priority between competing interrupts.

In particular in servicing the EOR interrupt, the steps set forth in Figs. 9B and 9D are executed to bring about automatic updating of the array and source geometry to achieve the next-in-time collection of data, based in part on the field algorithms contained in equation sets l, lI, III or IV set forth below.

Fig. 4 illustrates the nature of the data provided at encoders 26 and displays 27.

The operator initially calibrates positions of the exploration array and source with previously surveyed geographical stations. information has been already encoded via the encoders 26 for use by microcomputer 25 before operations begin. Encoded data at encoders 26 includes: (i) truck location (vis-a-vis survey stations of known geographic location) encoded at encoder sub-element 40; (ii) slave truck location (if applicable) encoded using encoder sub-element 41; (iii) reference station location (where the end of the spread is initially positioned) encoded via encoding sub-element 42; (iv) initial location of the energy source encoded using encoder sub-element 43; (v) the number of shots or sweeps encoded at sub-element 44; (vi) the initial gap position, stored at sub-element 45; (vii) the gap spacing encoded using encoder sub-element 46; and (viii) gap roll increment encoded using sub-element 47.

The operator also has the initial responsibility of encoding other data which, for the most part, does not change during the survey. In this regard, the operator may have to only initially encode shot depth and size (at sub-elements 48 and 49), shot direction and offset (at sub-elements 50 and 51) as well as data related to the spread, as to its direction (at sub-element 52) and the distance between groups (at sub-element 53).

Switch arrays generally indicated at 54 and 55 are also set by the operator. Data provided by these switch arrays, relate to two or three possible switch states of the switches 56-66 which are, for example, related to the type of survey and run conditions occurring after the survey is underway.

[In this regard, the functions of the switches are as follows: Switch 56 specifies line direction; switch 57 specifies truck rank, i.e. determines if the reference truck is the master (or slave) in relationship with an alternate truck; switch 58 specifies operations in either a serial or in a parallel mode, the mode being related to whether one or two arrays of geophones are used in-line or parallel to the corresponding source line; pushbutton switches 59 and 60 relate to start up and to alarm reset functions respectively; switch 59, of course, initializes operations after all synchronization has been completed; switch 60 turns off the audio alarm in the event that a signal of some importance has been generated causing the alarm to also activate; transmit switch 61 "triggers" the energy source, and is operative only after the operator is assured the correctness of the array and source positions as displayed at displays 27; switches 62 and 63 related to (i) the "trigger" link associated with the activation of the source (electrical wire-line or radio) and (ii) whether or not the roll switch 22 (Fig. 2) is to be in an active or passive state.Three-position switch 64 establishes whether or not the operation is to be in a manual, automatic or test mode, update switch 65 operates only when the switch 64 is in the manual mode and is used (in manual mode) to initiate advances of the roll switch so as to generate new ground locations for the array after the recording cycle has been completed; and switch 66 is a conventional power-on switch.] Displays 27 may be conventional LED segmented displays except that they are microcomputer implemented. Primary purposes of the displays 27: to provide data to the operator so that determinations as to whether or not the system is functioning correctly can be made, and to allow the operator to act as an independent cross-checker of the correctness of the displayed ground locations.

The data at displays 27 relate for the most part to the type of run being undertaken and survey conditions.

[In this regard, the nature of the displays 27 is as follows: subdisplays 70 and 71 indicate shot location and number of shots per location, respectively; sub-displays 72-75 relate to geographic locations of the active array as a function of time; subdisplay 76 specifies the position of the slave reference; status subdisplay 77 specifies (by code) the occurrence of certain activities during the exploration operation which may be accompanied by an audio alarm to indicate the immediate need for operator intervention, the meaning of the status code at subdisplay 77 being as set forth below, in Table I.

Table I Code Activity 0 Setup for sequence start operation 1 Geometrical mistie 2 Ready for update or update in progress (if in auto model) 3 Roll Switch Moving 4 Roll Switch (Stopped in position) 5 Roll Switch Disabled 6 Slave Reference Code Received 7 Transmission Reference Error (slave reference code not received) 8 Load Ref Output At Shift Register 9 Transmit (one bit of ref code) A Gap Set Mistie D D Occurrence of Last Shot 1X Beeper On With Status Displayed as to Code 0,1, . . .9, A, D, alone.

53 Step Roll Switch Up With Beep on and Code "3" 93 Step Roll Switch Down With Beep on and Code "3".

Explanation of Table I: status code "0" occurs any time that the controller 20 is powered up to cue the operator that all input data at the encoders 26 must then be set. Sequencing start button 59 terminates the cueing operation; status code "D" indicates that the last shot position is at hand and thus, the truck location and connection station vis-a-vis the array must be changed; status codes "3", "4", "5" and "53" and "93" indicate certain roll switch activites. If there are errors in the programmed exploration activity, warning codes are also generated by the status codes "1"; and "7".] Operational Sequence Assume the operator has initially calibrated the start-up positions of the array and source with the surveyed locations.As previously indicated in regard to Fig. 4, this entails encoding of positional data via encoders 26 in conjunction with proper setting of the switching arrays 54, 55. The result: corresponding shot, spread and associated data appear at the displays 27 due to the interaction of data relationship established through operation of the microcomputer 25 of Fig. 2. In order to better understand how the present invention uses all data, perhaps a brief overview of the hardware aspects of the microprocessor 30 is in order and is presented below in connection with Fig. 5.

It should be initially noted that MPU 30 is preferably an Intel 8085 microprocessor, a product of Intel Incorp., Cupertino, California. As is well known, it has a microprocessor and controller integrated into a single chip. It also includes an array of registers 82 tied to an ALU 83 via an internal data bus 84 controlled via control unit 85. Program counter 86 and instructional register 87 have dedicated uses; the other registers, such as accumulator 88, have more general uses. In the 8085, expanded control functions result because the low-eight (8) address bits have the capability of being multiplexed. such operation occurs at the beginning of each instructional cycle; the low-eight address lines appear via ALE line 89 for control of different elements of the location; including encoders 26, displays 27, and printer 35 through I/O interface array 34 of Fig. 6.

As shown in Fig. 6, while the I/O array 34 is conventional, it must be capable of handling a series of 8-bit independently addresable codes. For this purpose, it preferably comprises a multiplicity of 8-bit I/O port chips independently addressable via ALE line 89 of Fig. 5 of the MPU 30. Each 8-bit I/O port chip preferably comprises an 8-bit latch combined with a 3-state output buffer in which each can be separately driven. In determining location of data via address decoder 38, the MPU 30 also must manipulate the data using known geometrical relationships in which encoded positional data can be translated as required, depending on several factors.

Assume the survey has just been started; the operator has encoded all pertinent data via the encoders 26. Also switch arrays 54, 55 have been properly set. Initially the control and reference location position data from encoders 26 (and the switch arrays) are fetched by the MPU 30. The MPU 30 next performs the required manipulation of that data to define spatial array and source geometries of interest in the manner of Figs. 9A and 9C. Such manipulation of data includes execution of the steps associated with the basic power-up routine of Fig. 9A and the sequence start routine of Fig. 9B, including accessing the calculated data to displays 27 for operator perusal.

Data Arrangements at Displays 27 Values of data appearing at displays 27 of Fig. 4 are, of course, dependent upon use of certain geometrical equation sets, viz. equation sets I, II, Ill and IV set forth below, stored in the MPU 30 and selectively utilized by the controller 20 as required.

Sequence Start Equation Set I Assume both the ground location numbers and data channel numbers increasing along the seismic line in the direction of arrow 18; accordingiy, the following set of equations control operations: (1) RLSP=REF-NP-TR (2) END 1=REF (3) END 2=REF+GPNO+K-1 If GPNO=O (4) GAP 1=0 (5) GAP 2=0 If GPNO > O (4) GAP 1=REF+GPLOC-1 (5) GAP 2=REF+GPLOC+GPNO (6) ROOM=TR-REF-GPN0+ 1 Table II, below, defines the notations used above in connection with the Equation Set I:: Table II Notation Definition SHLO Energy source location SHNO Energy source number REF Location of reference sensor ROOM No. of rolling switch positions available for advancing the active spread TR Ground reference for recorder location PNO Number of geophone groups in the GAP GPLOC Location of the GAP K Number of data channels in recording system (24, 48, 60, 96,120, etc).

END 1 Ground location of the geophone group interconnected through the rollalong switch to the first data channel of the recorder END 2 Ground location of the Kth data channel GAP 1 Ground location of the data channel below the GAP on the first data channel side GAP 2 Ground location of the data channel above the GAP toward the Kth channel RLSP Rollalong switch position required for a desired active spread location NP Number of rollalong switch positions available minus 1.

(N-1). Rollalong switch must be configured for K+N inputs and K outputs GL(+) Ground location numbers along the seismic line increasing numerically in the direction in which the active geophone array is advanced for each successive record sequence GL(-) Ground locations numbers decreasing numerically in the direction in which the active spread is advanced CH(+) Seismic data channel increasing (1 to K) numerically along the active spread in the direction in which the active spread is advanced CH(-) Seismic data channels numerically decreasing (from K to 1) in the direction in which the active spread is advanced GAP 2 Ground location of the data channel above the GAP toward the Kth channel RLSP Rollalong switch position required for a desired active spread location NP Number of rollalong switch positions available minus 1. (N-1).

Rollalong switch must be configured for K+N inputs and K outputs GL(+) Ground location numbers along the seismic line increasing numerically in the direction in which the active geophone array is advanced for each successive record sequence GL(-) Ground locations numbers decreasing numerically in the direction which the active spread is advanced CH(+) Seismic data channel increasing (1 to K) numerically along the active spread in the direction in which the active spread is advanced CH(-) Seismic data channels numerically decreasing (from K to 1) in the direction in which the active spread is advanced Note that the signs (+) (-) of each of the ground location numbers (GL) signifies its relationship with respect to the direction of the array advance; the reference sensor and the sign of the channel number are also dependent on the array reference status. If the latter is 1, the CH is positive. If not, then the sign is negative.

Sequence Start Equation Set II With the ground location numbers increasing but the channel numbers decreasing, the following set of equations is used: (1) RLSP=TR-REF-GPNO+ 1 (2) END 1=REF+GPNO+K-1 (3) END 2=REF If GPNO=O (4) GAP 1=0 (5) GAP 2=0 If GPNO > O (4) GAP 1=END 1-GPLOC-1 (5) GAP 2=END 1-GPLOC-GPNO (6) ROOM=TR-REF-GPNO Sequence Start Equation Set III With ground location numbers decreasing but the channel numbers increasing, the following set of equations is used:: (1) RLSP=TR+NP-REF (2) END 1=REF (3) END 2=REF--(KK-11)-GPNO If GPNO=0 (4) GAP 1=0 (5) GAP 2=0 If PPNO > 0 (4) GAP l=REF-GPOC-1 (5) GAP 2=REF-GPLOC-GPNO (6) ROOM=REF-TR-GPNO+ 1 Sequence Start Equation Set IV With both ground location numbers and channel numbers decreasing, the following set of equations is used.

(1) RLSP=REF-Tli-GPNO+ 1 (2) END 1=REF--(KK-11)-GPNO (3) END 2=REF If GPNO=0 (4) GAP 1=0 (5) GAP 2=0 lfGPNO > 0 (4) GAP 1=END+GPLOC-1 (5) GAP 2=END 1 +GPLOC+GPNO (6) ROOM=REF-TR-GPNO Following these operations, the operator peruses the data at displays 27 and the encoders 26. If it is correct, he activates the trigger switch 61 (Fig. 4) to ultimately cause the energy source 16 (Fig. 1) to be activated. But before that can run, there is transference of all pertinent header data to the digital field recorder 21 in the manner of Figs. 8 and 10.Note in Fig. 10, that after the operator activates the firing switch 61, the DFS 10 generates a series of commands to the recorder 21 which executes them in the manner shown. I.e., the tape drive of the recorder 21 first accelerates the tape past the recording head until nominal operating speed is achieved. Then, regular header data is recorded on the tape at time T1-T2. Note at time T2,the data associated with selected encoders 26 and displays 27 are next transferred in the manner depicted in Fig. 8 in which I/O array 34 enables the above "selected" elements to pass the associated data. That is to say, array 34 is capable of enabling displays 70-73 and encoders 48-53 so that data can be transferred via bus 80 and header interface 81 to the recorder 21.Address multiplexer 78 is used to generate the prerequisite format in conventional fashion. As a result, annotation of spread and source position associated with subsequently collected seismic data, is assured. (Note from Fig. 9E that the controller 20 is placed in an inhibited mode of operation during the recording of header data. Thus, if there are inadvertent changes in the controller status during the recording thereof, they do not affect operations.) It should be noted that the address multipiexer 78 preferably formats the data using standard guidelines adopted by the SEG Technical Standards Subcommittee on Tape Formats, in the manner of Fig. 7.

Data Arrangement at Recorder 21 As shown in Fig. 7, header segment 79 has 2x2 array dimensions that are sixty-four (64) bytes by nine (9) characters wide. Organization of each byte include two 4-bit BCD segments utilized to indicate: line direction, group interval, shot depth, shot offset, offset direction, charge size, shot location, shot number, truck location, end group location, gap groups locations and associated data channel, in the order shown. As a result, adequate documentation of spread and source locations for annotation purposes, is assured.

It should be understood that the invention is not only directed to the specific embodiments set forth above, but that many variations are readily apparent to those skilled in the art, so thus the invention is to be given the broadest possible interpretation within the terms of the following claims.

Claims (21)

Claims

1. Method of calculation, storing and recording positional data associated with a digital exploration system during generation and collection of seismic data by a source-detector array positioned at known locations along a line of survey, said positional data being generated as bits of digital data stored in a microcromputer system including a microprocessor unit (MPU), memory units, and a series of display/storage and switching devices interconnected to each other and to a digital field system (DFS) via a system bus, whereby errors in exploration activities are reduced, and annotation of exploration activities is automatically added, comprising (a) establishing in digital format via said microcomputer system, array geometry and exploration parameters that allow annotation in sequence of exploration activities along said line, (b) automatically displaying at said display/storage and switching devices of said system, at least a portion of data of (a) in alpha-numeric form for operator examination and correction, if required, and (c) automatically recording said portion of data of (a) as header data so as to provide full annotation of exploration activities whereby errors in such exploration activities can be discovered and accounted for.

2. Method of Claim 1 in which (c) includes applying clocking and trigger signals to said display/storage and switching devices whereby stored data is systematically accessed and recorded as header data.

3. Method of Claim 1 in which step (c) is initiated by activating a firing sequencing switch whereby a recorder unit of said DFS is energized and after its generation is stabilized, said header data is recorded to provide annotation of said activities.

4. Method of Claim 3 in which said activation of said firing switch also provides for subsequent activation of a seismic source of said source-detector array whereby generated waves propagate through an earth formation beneath said source-detector array and after detections by detectors of said array, are also recorded by said recording unit of said DFS.

5. Method of Claim 2 in which said recorder unit arranges said data in a convenient format including recording information associated with truck position along said line, reference location of said array, shot location along said line, gap position along said line, gap number, rollalong number, shot occurrence count, end position of said array, and channel recorder count.

6. Method of calculating, storing and recording positional data associated with a digital exploration system during generation and collection of seismic data by a source-detector array positioned at known locations along a line of survey at the earth's surface, said positional data being generated as bits of digital data in a microcomputer system including a microprocessor unit (MPU), memory units and a series of display/storage and switching devices interconnected to each other and to a digital field system (DFS) via a system bus, whereby errors in exploration activity-bothpre- activation and past-release of energy from said source-are substantially reduced, comprising (a) encoding and automatically storing additional digital data related to array geometry and exploration parameters that allow repetition in sequence of activities along said line, (b) automatically displaying at least a portion of said encoded data in alpha-numeric form for operator examination and for correction, if required, (c) automatically generating via said microprocessor system further additional data related to array parameters based in part on data encoded at (a), and previously stored data related to exploration parameters, (d) displaying at said display/storage and switching devices of said microcomputer system at least a portion of said new array parameters of (c) for operator examination and corrnction, if required, and (e) automatically recording portions of said displayed data of steps (b) and/or (d) as header data so as to provide full annotation of exploration activities whereby errors in such activities can be pinpointed and taken into account.

7. Method of Claim 6 in which step (c) is initiated by activating a firing sequencing switch whereby a recorder unit of said DFS is energized and after its operation is stabilized, said header data is recorded to provide annotation of said activities.

8. Method of Claim7 in which said activation of said firing switch also provides for subsequent activation of a seismic source of said source-detector array whereby generated waves propagate through an earth formation beneath said source-detector array and after detection of said array, are also recorded by said recorder unit of said DFS.

9. A ground position controller for manipulating calculating, storing, displaying and causing recordation of positional data, associated with a digital exploration system during generation and collection of seismic data by a source-detector array positioned at known locations along a line of survey at the earth's surface, whereby errors in exploration activity-both pre-activation and pastrelease of energy from said source-are substantially reduced, said positional data being generated as bits of digital data using a microcomputer system comprising a microprocessor unit (MPU), memory units, and a series of display/storage and switching devices interconnected to each other and to a digital field system (DFS) via a system bus, said display/storage and switching devices including separate encoding means for automatically encoding digital data related to array geometry and exploration parameters that allow repetition in sequence of activities along said line of survey, separate display means for automatically displaying at least a portion of said encoded data in alpha-numeric form for operator examination and for correction, if required, before activation of said source, and separate switch sequencing means, connected to said microcomputer system and to said DFS for initiating, on command, an operational signal leading (i) to the recording of portions of said encoded and displayed data into magnetic tape at a recorder unit of aid DFS, and subsequently (ii) to activation of a seismic source of said array, said displayed data at said separate display means being automatically generated via said microcomputer system using data related to array parameters based in part on encoded data, previously stored data related to exploration parameters, and newly generated array parameters whereby errors in exploration activities can be substantially reduced; said recorded data being associated with source and array positions vis-a-vis said known geographical positions along said line of survey.

10. Controller of Claim 9, with the addition of synchronization linkage means connected via said system bus, to said separate switch sequencing means of said series of display/storage and switching devices, whereby assuming that the displayed data at said separate display means meet with operator approval, a firing command is generated for transmission to said DFS whereby said portions of encoded and displayed data can be recorded as header data at said recorder unit of said DFS.

11. Controller of Claim 9 in which an end-of-record signal is generated by said DFS for said MPU after recordation at said recording unit of said reflected waves, has been completed, whereby said MPU recalculates next-in-line array and source positional parameters for operator approval and causes said parameters to be displayed for operator examination at said separate display means.

1 2. Method of calculating, storing and displaying positional data, associated with a digital exploration system during generation and collection of seismic data by a source-detector array positioned at known locations along a line of survey at the earth's surface, said positional data being generated as bits of digital data in a microcomputer system including a microprocessor unit (MPU), memory units and a series of displayfstorage devices interconnected to each other and to a digital field system (DFS) via a system bus, whereby errors in exploration activity-both pre-activation and pastrelease of energy from said source-are substantially reduced, comprising:: (a) encoding and automatically storing additional digital data related to array geometry and exploration parameters that allow repetition in sequence of activities along said line, (b) automatically displaying at least a portion of said encoded data in alpha-numeric form for operator examination and for correction, if required, (c) automatically generating via said microcomputer system further additional data related to array parameters based in part on data encoded at (a), and previously stored data related to exploration parameters, and (d) displaying at said display/storage devices of said microcomputer system at least a portion of said new array parameters of (c) for operator examination and correction, if required, whereby errors in exploration activities can be substantially reduced, prior to activation of said source of said array.

13. Method of Claim 12 in which (a) includes encoding as bits of digital data in said microcomputer system truck, source and array positions vis-a-vis said known geographical positions along said line of survey.

14. Method of Claim 12 with the additional steps of (i) assuming that the displayed data of steps (b) and (d) meet with operator approval transmitting a firing command to said DFS whereby seismic waves are generated by said source and propagate through an earth formation and in which reflections of said generated waves are detected by said array of detectors, followed finally by recording indications of said received waves at a recording unit of said DFS, (ii) in respnose to a generated command signal, recalculating next-in-line array and source positional parameters for operator approval using said MPU of said microcomputer system, (iii) displaying said parameters of (ii) for operator examination.

1 5. Method of Claim 12 in which (b) includes alphanumeric diplays of said positional data at said display/storage devices, so as to depict truck position along said line, reference location of sajparray, shot location along said line, gap position along said line, gap number and rollalong number.

16. A ground position controller for manipulating, calculating, storing and displaying positional data, associated with a digital exploration system during generation and collection of seismic data by a source-detector array positioned at known locations along a line of survey at the earth's surface, whereby errors in exploration activity both pre-activation and past-release of energy from said source-are substantially reduced, said positional data being generated as bits of digital data comprising a microcomputer system including a micro-processor unit (MPU), memory units and a series of display/storage devices interconnected to each other and to a digital field system (DFS) via a system bus, said display and storage devices including separate encoding means for automatically encoding digital data related to array geometry and exploration parameters that allow repetition in sequence of activities along said line of survey, and separate display means for automatically displaying at least a portion of said encoded data in alpha-numeric form for operator examination and for correction, if required, said displayed data at said separate means being automatically generated via said microcomputer system using data related to array parameters based in part on encoded data, previously stored data related to exploration parameters, and newly generated array parameters whereby errors in exploration activities can be substantially reduced.

1 7. Controller of Claim 1 6 in which said separate encoding means includes sub-encoding elements for encoding as bits of digital data truck, source and array positions vis-a-vls said know geographical positions along said line of survey.

18. Controller of Claim 16 with the addition of synchronization linkage means connected to said system bus, whereby assuming that the displayed data at said separate display means meet with operator approval, a firing command is generated for transmission to said DFS whereby seismic waves are generated by said source and propagate through an earth formation and refiections of said generated waves, are detected by said array of detectors, followed finally by recording indications of said received waves at a recording unit of said DFS.

1 9. Controller of Claim 1 8 in which said DFS generates a command signal for said MPU after said received waves have been recorded at said recording unit whereby said MPU recalculates next-in-line array and source positional parameters for operator approval and causes said parameters to be displayed for operator examination at said separate display means.

20. A method of seismic exploration substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the cirawings.

21. A ground position controller substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 3 to 6 of the drawings.