Seismic data acquisition system comprising modules associated with units connected to sensors, the modules being autonomous with respect to power supply, synchronisation and storage

Abstract

A module for operation in a seismic data acquisition system is described. The seismic data acquisition system includes a cabled network with a plurality of acquisition lines having electronic units assembled in series along a telemetry cable. Each electronic unit is associated with at least one seismic sensor and processes signals transmitted by the sensor(s). The module is designed to be associated with at least one of the electronic units to provide power supply and synchronization to the electronic unit(s). The module includes: autonomous synchronization means; bidirectional and autonomous power supply means to power at least one electronic unit upstream and/or downstream from the module; and means for storing and processing the signals processed by the electronic units, the storage means being bidirectional to store the signals from at least one electronic unit upstream and/or downstream from the module.

1 . A module adapted to operate in a seismic data acquisition system, the seismic data acquisition system comprising:
 a cabled network comprising a plurality of acquisition lines, each line comprising electronic units assembled in series along a telemetry cable, each electronic unit associated with at least one seismic sensor, the electronic units processing signals transmitted by the sensor(s);   wherein the module is designed to be associated with at least one of the electronic units to provide power supply and synchronization to the electronic unit(s), wherein the module comprises:   autonomous synchronization means;   bidirectional and autonomous power supply means so as to power at least one electronic unit upstream from the module and/or at least one electronic unit downstream from the module; and   means for storing and processing the signals processed by the electronic units, the storage means being bidirectional so as to store the signals from at least one electronic unit upstream from the module and/or at least one electronic unit downstream from the module.   
     
     
         2 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the module houses at least two line ports on which electronic units or other modules can be connected. 
     
     
         3 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the module includes at least one transverse ports on which other modules can be connected. 
     
     
         4 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the module is operably connected to an external storage device. 
     
     
         5 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the module is operably connected to a transmission means. 
     
     
         6 . The module of  claim 5 , wherein the transmission means is a radio or a laser. 
     
     
         7 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the module is connected to a central unit. 
     
     
         8 . The module of  claim 7 , wherein the module is connected to a central unit through a network of intermediate modules, electronic units, cables or other high speed links. 
     
     
         9 . The module of  claim 8 , wherein the electronic units can be in acquisition mode, test mode or in low power mode. 
     
     
         10 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the module includes a power supply that originates from one, two or more batteries operably connected to the module. 
     
     
         11 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the module sends synchronization signals to electronic units and modules through one or more communication ports. 
     
     
         12 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the module receives a synchronization signal from an adjacent module. 
     
     
         13 . The module of  claim 8 , wherein the electronic units receive synchronization signals from one or more line ports to provide seismic data at requested sample times. 
     
     
         14 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the module comprises an internal memory. 
     
     
         15 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the module is operably connected to a low data rate radio. 
     
     
         16 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the module comprises means for executing an algorithm for switching the synchronization means and/or the electrical power supply means and/or the storage means on/off. 
     
     
         17 . A seismic data acquisition system comprising:
 a cabled network comprising a plurality of acquisition lines, each line comprising electronic units assembled in series along a telemetry cable, each electronic unit associated with at least one seismic sensor, the electronic units processing signals transmitted by the sensor(s);   a module designed to be associated with at least one of the electronic units to provide power supply and synchronization to the electronic unit(s), wherein the module comprises:   autonomous synchronization means;   bidirectional and autonomous power supply means so as to power at least one electronic unit upstream from the module and/or at least one electronic unit downstream from the module; and   means for storing and processing the signals processed by the electronic units, the storage means being bidirectional so as to store the signals from at least one electronic unit upstream from the module and/or at least one electronic unit downstream from the module.