Conditional updating method and apparatus associated with a microcomputer system for automatically indicating and recording parameters that spatially define locations of seismic exploration spread and source arrays

Claim 1

A method of conditionally updating array and source parameters related to an 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 in operational contact with a rollalong switch capable of changing switch matrix size and hence "active" detector position on command, based on type of source being used by said exploration system, said updated parameters being generated as bits of digital data in a microcomputer system that includes a microprocessor unit (MPU), memory units and display, switching and alarm means interconnected to each other and to a digital field system (DFS) via a system bus, comprising: (a) after an interrupt request has been generated by said microcomputer system, automatically determining switch status of a switch of said display, switching and alarm means, (b) if said switch of (a) is in a first state, designating a vibratory source is being used in said exploration system, enabling an audio alarm of said display switch and alarm means to alert a human operator that an exploration cycle is beginning followed by incrementing of a shot number counter of said microcomputer system and displaying said updated number at said display switch and alarm means, for operator perusal, (c) if the switch of (a) is in a second state, signifying that an impulsive source is in use in which a single activation per shot location occurs, after determining roll direction, calculating via said microcomputer system (i) new spread end positions for next-in-time source activation, (ii) new gap positions for said spread, and (iii) a new rollalong switch position, (d) displaying the data of (c) in alpha-numeric form at said display, switching and alarm means of said microcomputer system, for operator examination and for correction, if required.

Claim 2

A method of conditionally updating array and source parameters related to an 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 in operational contact with a rollalong switch capable of changing switch matrix size and hence "active" detector position on command, based on type of source being used by said exploration system, said updated parameters being generated as bits of digital data in a microcomputer system that includes a microprocessor unit (MPU), memory units and display, switching and alarm means interconnected to each other and to a digital field system (DFS) via a system bus, comprising: (a) after an interrupt request has been generated by said microcomputer system, automatically determining switch status of a switch of said display, switching and alarm means, (b) if said switch of (a) is in a first state, designating a vibratory source is being used in said exploration system, enabling an audio alarm of said display switch and alarm means to alert a human operator that an exploration cycle is beginning followed by incrementing of a shot number counter of said microcomputer system and displaying said updated number at said display switch and alarm means, for operator perusal, (c) if the switch of (a) is in a second state, signifying that an impulsive source is in use in which a single activation per shot location occurs, after determining roll direction, calculating via said microcomputer system (i) new spread end positions for next-in-time source activation, (ii) new gap positions for said spread, and (iii) a new rollalong switch position, (d) displaying the data of (c) in alpha-numeric form at said display, switching and alarm means of said microcomputer system, for operator examination and for correction, if required.