Multimode seismic survey system

Abstract

A multimode seismic survey system is disclosed where seismic information for a given seismic survey is read out by different seismic units using different modes. Such multimode systems encompass hybrid arrays where information is read out via different output modes for a single seismic event, and other multimode arrays where seismic information is read out via different modes for different seismic events. The modes utilized in such arrays may include wireless, nodal and/or cable modes. The multimode arrays can be implemented using multimode seismic units or single mode seismic units. In any event, the multimode arrays can be utilized to achieve a combination of advantages associated with the different readout modes or to address any of various multimode mode contexts in relation to seismic surveys.

1 . A seismic survey system, comprising:
 an array of seismic units, each unit including a sensor for receiving seismic signals and providing an output indicative of the seismic signals received at the sensor, the array being configured for performing a seismic survey of a survey area;   a first seismic unit of the array operative for receiving a first seismic signal corresponding to a source event of the survey and providing a first output of first seismic information, the first seismic information corresponding to the first seismic signal;   a second seismic unit of the array operative for receiving a second signal corresponding to a source event of the survey and storing a second output of second seismic information in a memory local to the second seismic unit, the second seismic information corresponding to the second seismic signal;   wherein the second seismic unit outputs quality control data regarding the second seismic information via a remote reporting mode that comprises serial data transfer of the quality control data along a serial data transmission path comprising at least one other seismic unit of the array, and wherein the quality control data comprises measured conditions related to noise; and   wherein at least one of said first and second seismic units can switch between operating in a first output mode and a second output mode, wherein said first output mode is a nodal output mode and said second output mode is a remote reporting mode.   
     
     
         2 . A seismic survey system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said first and second seismic units are operative to read out said first and second seismic outputs via said first and second mode, respectively, for a common seismic event. 
     
     
         3 . A seismic survey system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said first and second seismic units are operative to read out said first and second seismic outputs via said first and second mode, respectively, for different seismic events of said survey. 
     
     
         4 . A seismic survey system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first and second seismic units is a multimode unit capable of providing outputs via each of said first and second mode. 
     
     
         5 . A seismic survey system as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein said at least one of said first and second seismic units provides outputs via each of said first and second modes with respect to a single seismic event. 
     
     
         6 . A seismic survey system as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein said at least one of said first and second seismic units selectively provides an output via either said first mode or said second mode depending on one or more monitored conditions. 
     
     
         7 . A seismic survey system as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said monitored conditions include any one or more of available transmission bandwidth, a level of potentially interfering transmissions, a status of a transmission pathway, battery life, memory capacity and an ability to keep up with seismic data acquisition. 
     
     
         8 . A seismic survey system as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein said at least one of said first and second seismic units selectively provides an output via either said first mode or said second mode depending on a current time. 
     
     
         9 . A seismic survey system as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein an output mode is selected as a function of time based on one of time-dependent transmission restrictions and a program for defining output mode as a function of time. 
     
     
         10 . A seismic survey system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said array utilizes multiple output modes in connection with said survey including at least one remote reporting output mode and a nodal mode. 
     
     
         11 . A seismic survey system as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein said remote reporting output mode is a wireless output mode. 
     
     
         12 . A seismic survey system as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein at least most of the seismic information of said survey from at least most of said seismic units is provided via said nodal mode and at least some of the seismic information of said survey from some of the seismic units is provided via said remote reporting mode. 
     
     
         13 . A seismic survey system as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein at least most of the seismic information of said survey from at least most of said seismic units is provided via said remote reporting mode and at least some of the seismic information of said survey from some of the seismic units is provided via said nodal mode. 
     
     
         14 . A seismic survey system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said array utilizes multiple output modes in connection with said survey including at least a wireless output mode and a cable mode. 
     
     
         15 . A seismic survey system as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein said wireless output mode is used in an array area including one of a road, a waterway, a populated area or another potential cable obstruction. 
     
     
         16 . A method for use in operating a seismic survey system, comprising the steps:
 configuring a seismic array for conducting a seismic survey of a survey area where said array includes at least a first seismic unit and a second seismic unit;
 first operating said first and second seismic units to obtain first and second seismic information, respectively, corresponding to one or more seismic events of said survey; 
 second operating said second seismic unit to store said second seismic information in a memory local to said second seismic unit; and 
 third operating said second seismic unit to output quality control data regarding the second seismic information via a remote reporting mode that comprises serial data transfer of the quality control data along a serial data transmission path comprising at least one other seismic unit of the array, and wherein the quality control data comprises measured conditions related to noise; and; 
 switching at least one of said first and second seismic units between operating in a first output mode and a second output mode, wherein said first output mode is a nodal output mode and said second output mode is a remote reporting mode; and 
 wherein said first and second mode differ with respect to transmission modes by which information is read out from said first and second seismic units, respectively. 
   
     
     
         17 . A method as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein said first and second seismic units read out said first and second seismic outputs via said first and second mode, respectively, for a common seismic event. 
     
     
         18 . A method as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein said first and second seismic units read out said first and second seismic outputs via said first and second mode, respectively, for different seismic events of said survey. 
     
     
         19 . A method as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein at least one of said first and second seismic units provides outputs via each of said first and second mode. 
     
     
         20 . A method as set forth in  claim 19 , wherein said at least one of said first and second seismic units provides outputs via each of said first and second modes with respect to a single seismic event. 
     
     
         21 . A method as set forth in  claim 19 , wherein said at least one of said first and second seismic units selectively provides an output via either said first mode or said second mode depending on one or more monitored conditions. 
     
     
         22 . A method as set forth in  claim 21 , wherein said monitored conditions include any one or more of available transmission bandwidth, a level of potentially interfering transmissions, a status of a transmission pathway, battery life, memory capacity and an ability to keep up with seismic data acquisition. 
     
     
         23 . A method as set forth in  claim 19 , wherein said at least one of said first and second seismic units selectively provides an output via either said first mode or said second mode depending on a current time. 
     
     
         24 . A method as set forth in  claim 23 , wherein an output mode is selected as a function of time based on one of time-dependent transmission restrictions and a program for defining output mode as a function of time. 
     
     
         25 . A method as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein said array utilizes multiple output modes in connection with said survey including at least one remote reporting output mode and a nodal mode. 
     
     
         26 . A method as set forth in  claim 25 , wherein said remote reporting output mode is a wireless output mode. 
     
     
         27 . A method as set forth in  claim 25 , wherein at least most of the seismic information of said survey from at least most of said seismic units is provided via said nodal mode and at least some of the seismic information of said survey from some of the seismic units is provided via said remote reporting mode. 
     
     
         28 . A method as set forth in  claim 25 , wherein at least most of the seismic information of said survey from at least most of said seismic units is provided via said remote reporting mode and at least some of the seismic information of said survey from some of the seismic units is provided via said nodal mode. 
     
     
         29 . A method as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein said array utilizes multiple output modes in connection with said survey including at least a wireless output mode and a cable mode. 
     
     
         30 . A method as set forth in  claim 29 , wherein said wireless output mode is used in an array area including one of a road, a waterway, a populated area or another potential cable obstruction. 
     
     
         31 . (canceled)