Geophone calibration technique

Abstract

Various techniques are described which may be used to facilitate and improve seismic exploration activities. For example, one aspect of the present invention is directed to a technique for enabling in-situ measurement of geophone response parameters. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a technique for improving geophone calibration and for improving the accuracy of measurement of geophone response parameters. Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a technique for compensating geophone response output data in order to improve the accuracy of such data.

1 - 23 . (canceled)  
   
   
       24 . A method comprising: 
 detecting seismic signals using at least one geophone;    cross-correlating the detected seismic signals using a source signal by compensating response parameters for the geophone;    outputting seismic exploration information generated from seismic exploration activities.    
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24  further comprising performing at least one calibration test on the at least one geophone to determine values for the response parameters.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 24  further comprising: 
 generating modified source signal information by modifying the source signal using at least one response parameter; and    generating correlated output signal information using the modified source signal information and geophone response output information.    
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the geophone response parameters include an open circuit sensitivity value, a damping factor value and a natural frequency value.  
   
   
       28 . (canceled)  
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 24  further comprising: 
 generating correlated output signal information using the source signal and geophone response output information; and    generating modified correlated output signal information by modifying the correlated output signal using at least one response parameter.    
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 29  wherein the geophone response parameters include an open circuit sensitivity value, a damping factor value and a natural frequency value.  
   
   
       31 . (canceled)  
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 24  further comprising: 
 determining a transfer function for the geophone based upon information relating to the response parameters associated with the geophone, wherein the response parameters include at least one response parameter selected from a group consisting of: open circuit sensitivity, damping factor and natural frequency; and    modifying source signal information using the transfer function.    
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 24  further comprising: 
 determining a transfer function for the geophone based upon information relating to the response parameters associated with the geophone, wherein the response parameters include at least one response parameter selected from a group consisting of; open circuit sensitivity, damping factor and natural frequency; and    modifying geophone response output information using the transfer function.    
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 24  further comprising: 
 determining a transfer function for the geophone based upon information relating to the response parameters associated with the geophone, wherein the response parameters include at least one response parameter selected from a group consisting of: open circuit sensitivity, damping factor and natural frequency;    generating correlated output signal information using the source signal and geophone response output information; and    modifying the correlated output signal information using the transfer function.    
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the source signal includes pilot sweep signal information relating to vibroseis prospecting operations.  
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 24  further comprising: 
 measuring a DC resistance value of the geophone at working conditions;    determining, using the measured DC resistance value, a current temperature value of the geophone; and    calculating at least one geophone response parameter using the current temperature value.    
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 36  further comprising: 
 calculating an open circuit sensitivity value for the geophone using the current temperature value;    calculating a damping factor value for the geophone using the current temperature value; and    calculating a natural frequency value for the geophone using the current temperature value.    
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the seismic exploration activity includes vibroseis prospecting operations, and wherein the seismic exploration information includes correlated output signal information generated using geophone response output information and source signal information, the method further comprising modifying the correlated output signal to minimize phase characteristics associated with the correlated output signal.  
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the seismic exploration activity includes vibroseis prospecting operations, and wherein the seismic exploration information includes correlated output signal information generated using geophone response output information and source signal information, the method further comprising modifying the correlated output signal to increase symmetry characteristics associated with the correlated output signal.  
   
   
       40 - 62 . (canceled)  
   
   
       63 . A system comprising: 
 at least one processor;    at least one interface; and    memory;    the system being configured or designed to:    detect seismic signals using at least one geophone;    cross-correlate the detected seismic signals using a source signal by compensating response parameters for the geophone;    output seismic exploration information generated from seismic exploration activities.    
   
   
       64 - 101 . (canceled)  
   
   
       102 . A system comprising: 
 means for detecting seismic signals using at least one geophone;    means for cross-correlating the detected seismic signals using a source signal by compensating response parameters for the geophone;    means for outputting seismic exploration information generated from seismic exploration activities.    
   
   
       103 - 117 . (canceled)