Method and apparatus for correcting the timing function in a nodal seismic data acquisition unit
US8605543B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 2007 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V2200/12
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A wireless seismic data acquisition unit with a wireless receiver providing access to a common remote time reference shared by a plurality of wireless seismic data acquisition units in a seismic system. The receiver is capable of replicating local version of remote time epoch to which a seismic sensor analog-to-digital converter is synchronized. The receiver is capable of replicating local version of remote common time reference for the purpose of time stamping local node events. The receiver is capable of being placed in a low power, non-operational state over periods of time during which the seismic data acquisition unit continues to record seismic data, thus conserving unit battery power. The system implements a method to correct the local time clock based on intermittent access to the common remote time reference. The method corrects the local time clock via a voltage controlled oscillator to account for environmentally induced timing errors. The invention further provides for a more stable method of correcting drift in the local time clock.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.