Land based unit for seismic data acquisition

In one aspect, a seismic data acquisition unit is disclosed including a closed housing containing: a seismic sensor; a processor operatively coupled to the seismic sensor; a memory operatively coupled to the processor to record seismic data from the sensor; and a power source configured to power the sensor, processor and memory. The sensor, processor, memory and power source are configured to be assemble as an operable unit in the absence of the closed housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following section is presented for informational purposes only. The inclusion of material in this section should not be considered to be an admission that such material is prior art to the present application.

Seismic data collection systems deployable on land are known in the prior art. Such systems typically comprises a plurality of distributed receivers, i.e., geophones, connected in a parallel series combination on a single twisted pair of wires to form a single receiver group or channel for a station. During the data collection process, the output from each channel is digitized at the station and either stored or transmitted back to a central location for subsequent analysis. Commonly, cable telemetry is used for data transmission between the individual receivers, the stations and the central location. Other systems use wireless methods for data transmission stations and are not connected to each other. Still other systems temporarily store the data at each station until the data is extracted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a system, e.g., a land based system, for collecting seismic data by deploying multiple, autonomous, wireless, self-contained seismic recording units or pods. Seismic data previously recorded by the node can be retrieved and the node can be charged, tested, resynchronized, and operation can be re-initiated without the need to open the node.

Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure are directed to a land based unit for seismic data acquisition.

In one aspect, a seismic data acquisition unit is disclosed including a closed housing containing: a seismic sensor; a processor operatively coupled to the seismic sensor; a memory operatively coupled to the processor to record seismic data from the sensor; and a power source configured to power the sensor, processor and memory.

In some implementations, the sensor, processor, memory and power source are configured to be assemble as an operable unit in the absence of the closed housing.

In some implementations, the housing includes a cap having one or more pins that provide electrical connection to one or more elements contained in the housing.

Some implementations include a flexible electrical connector member disposed under the cap in the closed housing configured to provide electrical connection between the pin and the one or more elements contained in the housing. In some implementations, the flexible electrical connector is configured to flex in response to a deformation of the cap without causing an interruption of the electrical connection between the pin and to one or more elements contained in the housing.

Some implementations include a connection port configured to allow one or more external seismic sensors to be operatively coupled to the processor contained in the closed housing.

Some implementations include a light emitting element included in the housing and operatively coupled to the processor. In some implementations, the processor is configured to modulate the output of the light emitting element to transmit data to a receiver external to the sensor. In some implementations, the receiver external to the sensor is mounted on a vehicle.

In another aspect, a system is disclosed including a unit of the type described in the above paragraph, and the receiver.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed including deploying a seismic data acquisition unit of any of the types described herein and acquiring seismic data using the unit.

Various implementations may include any of the above described devices, techniques, etc., either alone or in any suitable combination.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, seismic data acquisition devices. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

FIG. 1Ais a perspective view of a first implementation of a seismic data acquisition unit100, according to an illustrative implementation. The unit100is suitable for use on dry land, and can be used to sense and store data relating to seismic activity, e.g., seismic signals generated during a seismic survey. In some implementations, a plurality of units such as unit100can be deployed over a relatively large geographic area. Seismic data can be collected by each unit100and all of the resulting data can be used to determine characteristics of the geological structure beneath the surface of the ground in the geographic area.

The unit100includes a case105with a lower container section110mated to an upper cap section115. The bottom of the lower container section110is coupled to a top end of a stake120, which can be aligned with the major axis of the case105. The bottom end of the stake120includes a sharp point to allow the stake to penetrate the surface of the ground. In some implementations, the stake120is made from an electrically conductive material, such as a metal, so that electronics inside the case105can be electrically grounded through the stake120. In some implementations, the stake120augments the seismic coupling between the unit100and the ground.

In some embodiments, the outer surface of the cap section115may be substantially smooth, e.g., free or ribs or other features that may promote the accumulation of dirt or other material when the unit is deployed in the field. In some embodiments, the underside of the cap section115may include ribs or other features (not shown) that may, for example, provide increased rigidity or mechanical strength to the cap section115.

For some seismic applications, it is desirable for the case to be radially symmetric, in order to avoid directionally dependent distortion of seismic waves transmitted through the case. This can help to reduce errors in the seismic data detected by the unit100. In some implementations, the case105can be substantially cylindrical in shape. In other implementations, the outer edge of the case105can include flat walls, such that the case105has a polygonal cross-section. For example, the case105can have a square, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal cross-section. The lengths of the sides in case105having a polygonal cross-section can be equal, allowing the case to approximate the radial symmetry of a cylinder. That is in some embodiments, the case105may be symmetric or substantially symmetric under rotations about a central axis, either continuously or by discrete angles.

The container section110can be coupled to the cap section115by a press fitting mechanism. For example, the diameter of a lower portion of the cap section120can be slightly smaller than the diameter of the container a top portion of the container section115, and the cap section120can be pressed into the container section115and held in place by the friction between the container section110and the cap section115. As shown the container section110and the cap section115include interlocking features that further secure the pieces together. The features116may be shaped such that the assembly force required to bring the section together is less than the disassembly force required to separate them. For example, as shown the features116include sloping ramp portion that facilitate assemble, and flat portions that inhibit disassembly. An O-ring175is provided at the fitting to further seal and isolate the interior of the unit100(e.g., providing a water or even air tight seal). As shown, the cap and container sections110,115are shaped to form a void when assembled where the O-ring175may reside. This void may be shaped to provide a selected amount of compression on the O-ring174. The cap and cap and container sections110,115may include an addition interlocking feature117that further promotes the integrity of the seal between the sections, e.g., in the presence of a mechanical shock.

The container section110and the cap section115can be made from a weather-resistant material such as plastic, composite, or metal in order to increase durability. In some implementations, the container section110and the cap section115are formed by an injection molding process. In some such implementations, the features116and117may be formed entirely through the molding process, without the need for additional machining steps.

The top surface of the cap section115includes electrical pins125. In some implementations, eight electrical pins125are provided. The pins125extend into the interior of the unit100, and may be input pins or output pins providing a communication path between electronics located within the unit100and other external equipment. For example, some of the pins125can be used by an external computer to read data from a memory module inside the unit100. In another example, electronics inside the unit100may be programmed by receiving input signals from external equipment through the pins125. In still another example, an external power source an be connected to one or more of the pins125in order to provide power to electrical components inside the unit100(e.g., for charging a battery).

The electrical pins125can be configured such that the upper surfaces of the pins125are flush with the upper surface of the cap section115. When the unit100is deployed for use in the field, the outer surfaces of the unit100can be exposed to weather and environmental conditions such as dirt, debris, and rain. The flush alignment of the electrical pins125with the surface of the cap section115can therefore provide several benefits. For example, the pins125are completely surrounded by the cap section115, which provides protection from mechanical stress to the pins125, while also reducing the likelihood that debris will accumulate around the pins, as would occur if the pins125were recessed into the surface of the cap section115.

The top surface of the cap section115can include openings130, which can be joined by a channel beneath the top surface of the cap section115. The openings130can be located near the outer edge of the cap section115, across a diameter of the cap section115. In some implementations, a lanyard or rope can be inserted through openings130and the channel by which they are joined, so that the unit100can be transported more easily. A hole135can also be included on the top surface of the cap section115. In some implementations, a locking mechanism can be coupled to the opening135to prevent theft or accidental loss of the unit100when the unit100is deployed. For example, the unit100can be locked to a tree, a stake driven into the ground, or to another stable structure.

The top surface of the cap section115can also include a light source140. For example, a light pipe formed in the cap section115may be used to send light from a light emitting element such as the light emitting diode (LED)142located within the unit100. The LED142can be used to easily communicate data without the need to separate the cap section115from the container section110. The LED142can transmit data by turning on and off in a predetermined pattern, or by changing colors. The LED142can be configured to transmit any amount of data. For example, the LED142can communicate a simple message consisting of a small amount of data (e.g., eight bits), such as a status update indicating an estimated remaining battery life, an amount of seismic data collected, an amount of available memory, or any other status-related information. In other examples, the LED142can be configured to transmit more complicated messages, such as Quality Assurance data or messages corresponding to seismic data that has been recorded by the unit100(e.g., corresponding to a test shot fired before conducting a seismic survey). In some implementations, the LED142can transmit information measured in kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, or more. The rate at which data is transmitted by the LED142can also be variable. For example, the LED can be configured to transmit data at a rate of 1 b/s, 10 b/s, 100 b/s, 1 kB/s, 10 kB/s, 100 kB/s, 1 MB/s, 1 MB/s, 10 MB/s, 100 MB/s, 1 GB/s, or higher.

In some embodiments, the pin elements125may be omitted, the light source140and LED142used to provide the data transfer features previously accomplished through the pins. In some embodiments, charging can be accomplished without the use of the pin or other physical connectors, e.g., using an inductive energy transfer scheme. Accordingly, in some embodiments, all data and power transfer to and/or from the unit100may be accomplished using non-contact techniques.

FIG. 1Bis an exploded view of the seismic data acquisition unit100ofFIG. 1A, according to an illustrative implementation. The container section110, cap section115, and stake120are shown. Also shown are the internal electronics and structural components, such as geophones145a-145c.The geophones145a-145ccan be used to sense seismic activity when the unit100is deployed for use. In some implementations, each geophone145can sense seismic activity in only one axial dimension. Therefore, the unit100is configured to contain 3 geophones145a-145c,each oriented at a right angle to the others, such that a 3-dimensional profile of the seismic activity experienced by the unit100can be sensed and recorded. In various implementations, other geophone arrangements may be used, e.g., the Galperin arrangement known in the art.

In other implementations, the geophones145a-145cmay be replaced with any other instrument suitable for sensing seismic activity. A housing150is provided for securing the geophones145a-145cin their fixed orientations. The housing150can be formed from a structurally rigid material, such as plastic or metal, and can have a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the container section110, in which the housing150is located.

The cap section115may also include a gas vent mechanism141(e.g., a one-way check valve) used to relieve pressure in the event of out-gassing from one of the internal components of the unit100.

The unit100also includes first and second circuit boards155and160. These boards can include any suitable arrangement components including one or more processors, memory units, clocks, communications units (e.g., wireless transmitters, receivers, or transceivers), positioning units, battery control electronics, or sensors (e.g., a temperature sensor or battery performance sensor). As shown, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter circuit board155and a global positioning system (GPS) circuit board160are provided. Both the A/D board155and the GPS board160can be substantially circular in shape in order to efficiently use the available space inside the container section110. Connections from the A/D board155and the GPS board160, such as through direct solder connections or another suitable electrical connector, are provided. The A/D board can also be in electrical communication with the geophones145a-145c.For example, the geophones145a-145ccan collect seismic data in analog format, and can transmit the analog seismic data to the A/D board155. The A/D board155can then convert the analog seismic data into digital data, which can then be processed by a processor and/or stored in a memory module for later retrieval. The GPS board160can include a GPS module162and a GPS board connector164. Location and timing data can be received by the GPS module162. In some implementations, the timing data can be used for synchronization of data collected by a plurality of units100. The A/D board155and the GPS board160can also include other electronic modules that are not displayed inFIG. 1B. For example, a controller for the LED142could be included on either board. A structural element165separates the housing150from the A/D board155.

The unit100may include an upper gasket177, as well as a lower gasket165. In some embodiments, the upper and lower gaskets177and165cooperate to mechanically isolate sensitive components (e.g., boards155and160) from the case105, e.g., to reduce the possibility of damage due to mechanical shock during transport or deployment. The gaskets may be made of a shock absorbent material, e.g., sorbothane, to provide protection to the internal components of the unit100.

In some implementations the “stacked” circuit board arrangement described above advantageously reduces or eliminates the need for electrical cables within the unit100, thereby potentially reducing unwanted noise. In some implementation, all or substantially all of the electronic components in the unit100(other than the geophones145) may be mounted on the circuit boards. Note that although a two board arrangement is shown, one, three, or more boards may be used.

A flexible C-shaped connector170provides electrical connections from the GPS board connector164to the output pins125. For example, end171of the connector170can be coupled to the GPS board connector164, while end172of the connector170can be coupled to the output pins125. The connector170can be formed, for example, from thin flexible wires embedded in a flexible insulating material, such as plastic or rubber. The flexibility of connector170can help to prevent damage to the connector170and to other electrical components in the unit100. When installing the unit100in the field, a technician may apply downward pressure to the top of the cap section115. For example, the technician may strike the cap section115with a mallet or may apply pressure by stepping on the cap section115with a foot, in order to drive the stake120into the ground. In some instances, the pressure applied to the cap section115can cause the cap section115(and the attached pins115) to deform downward. A rigid connector joined to the pins115could crack or break under this stress. Because connector170is flexible, the cap section115can flex without the risk of damage to the connector170or other components of the system. Furthermore, the flexibility of the connector enhances the mechanical isolation of the components in the unit100, e.g., to avoid damage from mechanical shocks such as those that may occur during transportation of the unit100.

The electronic components of the unit100, such as the geophones145, the A/D board155, the GPS board160, and the connector170, can be assembled to form an operable unit separate from the structural elements, such as the stake120, the container section110, and the cap section115. Such an operable unit can be functionally tested before it is installed in the container section110. This is beneficial because assembly and disassembly of the entire unit100can be a time and labor intensive process. Furthermore, in some implementations, the cap section115is configured to remain permanently installed after it has been mated to the container section110. Therefore, testing and/or troubleshooting of the electronic components could be challenging if the components were not able to form an operable unit outside of the container section110and the cap section115.

Although not shown inFIG. 1B, the unit100can include a power source. For example, a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells can be positioned between the internal components of the unit100and the inner wall of the container section110. In some implementations, the batteries can be rechargeable. The power source can be selected to allow the unit100to function without an external power source for an extended period of time (e.g., 30 days or more). The unit100also includes a mounting plate180coupled to the bottom of the container section110. The stake120can be connected to the mounting plate180by bolts181and nuts182.

FIG. 1Cis a cross-sectional view of the seismic data acquisition unit100ofFIG. 1A, according to an illustrative implementation. The case105is shown in a closed configuration, with the cap section115mated to the container section110. As discussed above, the stake120extends downward from the bottom of the container section110.

FIG. 2Ais a perspective view of a second implementation of a seismic data acquisition unit200, according to an illustrative implementation. The unit200has many of the same features as the unit100ofFIGS. 1A-1C, and is intended to be used for substantially the same purpose. For example, the unit200can have a substantially cylindrical shape, as shown inFIG. 2A, or can have a polygonal cross-section as described above in connection withFIG. 1A. The unit100can include a case105made from a container section110and a cap section115. A stake120designed to pierce the surface of the ground can extend from the bottom of the container section110. The cap section125features electrical pins125, openings130and135, and an LED140.

The unit200can also include an external connector202. The external connector202connects to the internal electronics of the unit200, and can optionally allow external equipment to communicate with the unit200.

In some implementations, the external connector202may not be used, in which case it can be covered by a protective plate204. The protective plate204can be formed from an electrically conductive material to prevent electrical charge from accumulating at the electrical contacts of the external connector202. The protective plate204can be secured to the external connector202with bolts, nails, or any other form of mechanical fastener.

In some implementations, protective plate204may include a shorting plug that operates to short or otherwise connect input or output connections on the external connector202. In some embodiments, the unit200is configured to be inoperable unless either the protective plate204is attached or the auxiliary cable206is attached as described below. This prevents the unit100from being deployed with the external connector202exposed.

FIG. 2Bis a perspective view of the seismic data acquisition unit200ofFIG. 2A, having an auxiliary cable206connected, according to an illustrative implementation. The auxiliary cable206is mechanically and communicatively coupled to the unit200via the external connector202. For example, the auxiliary cable206can provide a communication path to one or more additional instruments, such as additional geophones. For example, in some embodiments, analog signals from the geophones may be sent through the cable206and connector202to the A/D board155to be converted into a digital signal for recording. In various implementations, this external geophone signal may be used in addition or alternative to an internal geophone.

Thus, the unit200can be an ambidextrous seismic data acquisition unit, in that the connector202allows the unit200to be used with an internal geophone, any number of external geophones, or both an internal geophone and a number of external geophones. In some implementations, the ambidextrous unit200can be reconfigured after it has been installed in the field. For example, the unit200can be initially installed with only a single internal geophone, and the connector202can be covered by the protective plate204. A technician may subsequently decide that an external geophone should be added to the unit200. The technician may then travel to the location of the installed unit200, remove the protective plate204, and connect one or more external geophones to the connector202. The unit200can then begin to collect data from both the internal and external geophones without being removed from its original installation location. The external geophones that have been added can also be removed from the unite200in the field by a technician at a later time if it is so desired.

A grounding plate208is also attached to the auxiliary cable206. The grounding plate208can be formed from an electrically conductive material, and can provide a path to ground in order to protect the unit200from voltage or current surges, such as could be experienced if the unit200or the external geophones attached to the cable206were struck by lightning. The grounding plate208can also provide structural support to the auxiliary cable206. For example, the grounding plate208can include a flange that extends under the bottom of the container section110to connect to a metal mounting plate on the bottom of the unit100. The mounting plate can be connected in turn to the stake120, to provide a path to electrical ground.

FIG. 2Cis an exploded view of the seismic data acquisition unit200ofFIG. 2A, according to an illustrative implementation. The unit200includes many of the same features as the unit100, including an A/D board155, a GPS board160with a GPS module162and a GPS board connector164, and a flexible connector170for connecting the internal electronics to the electrical pins125in the cap section115.

In contrast to the unit100ofFIGS. 1A-1C, the unit200includes only a single geophone145. In some implementations, the geophone145can be any other kind of instrument capable of collecting seismic data. The seismic data acquisition unit200shown inFIG. 2Cis illustrative only, and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure. For example, the internal and external components shown in the exploded view ofFIG. 2Ccan be modified in some implementations. In some implementations, the seismic data acquisition unit200can include any number of internal geophones. For example, the seismic data acquisition unit200can include three geophones, each configured to measure seismic data in one dimension and oriented at a right angle to the other geophones so as to enable the seismic data acquisition unit200to collect seismic data in three dimensions using only the internal geophones. In other implementations, the seismic data acquisition unit200can includes a single internal geophone device that is configured to record seismic data in three dimensions.

A housing251is provided for enclosing and protecting the geophone145. As previously discussed, the geophone145is configured to collect seismic data in only one spatial dimension. For some applications, one-dimensional seismic data may be insufficient, or there may be other types of data that are desired to be recorded by the unit200. In these applications, the external connector202can be used. For example, additional geophones (i.e., geophones measuring seismic data in dimensions orthogonal to the dimension measured by geophone145), can be connected to auxiliary cable206via external connector202. Other instruments (e.g., a thermometer, accelerometer, hydrophone, or other instruments), can also be connected to the unit200via the cable206. In some implementations diagnostic equipment, e.g., a geophone tester, may be attached to the unit200using the external connector202, e.g., for Quality Assurance testing.

In implementations where the single geophone145is sufficient and the auxiliary cable206is unnecessary, the protective plate204can be installed in the external connector202to protect the external connector202from environmental damage.

The unit200also includes a mounting plate285that is larger than the mounting plate180of the unit100. The larger size of the mounting plate285provides more area for the grounding plate208to contact in implementations where the auxiliary cable206is used. This results in a more reliable connection to electrical ground and increases the stability of the connector attached to auxiliary cable206. The mounting plate285can be secured to the bottom of the container section110by bolts286or other mechanical fasteners.

FIG. 2Dis a cross-sectional view of the seismic data acquisition unit200ofFIG. 2A, according to an illustrative implementation. The case105is shown in a closed configuration, with the cap section115mated to the container section110. A single geophone145is located within the case105. The external connector202is included on the outside surface of the container section110. As discussed above, the stake120extends downward from the bottom of the container section110.

In various implementations, the unit100or200may take advantage of any of the battery capacity and durability prediction, monitoring and control techniques described in U.S. Provisional Patent No. 61/721,962 “BATTERY CAPACITY AND DURABILITY PREDICTION METHOD” filed on even date herewith, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

In various implementations, the unit100or200may operate as semi-autonomous seismic nodes, requiring only an external GPS timing signal for operation. In some implementations, e.g., where a clock such as an atomic clock, is included in the unit, the unit may operate fully autonomously (i.e., requiring no external signals or other intervention while deployed).

Although the examples provided above are focused on land based use, in some implementations, the unit100or200may be deployed partially or completely underwater. These implementations may be particularly advantageous for seismic surveys of so-called transitional areas between land and water. In some such implementations, unit200may be used with one or more hydrophones attached using the external connector202to provide combined geophone and hydrophone data recording.

In situations where partial or complete submergence of the unit interferes with the GPS reception of the device, several solutions may be used. As mentioned above, an internal clock may be provided to obviate the need for a GPS timing signal. In other implementations, an external GPS unit may be positioned out of the water in the vicinity of the unit (e.g., on a float, or a nearby riverbank). The external GPS unit may transmit its timing signal (or other data) to the unit using a wired or wireless link. For example, an optical link may be used as described above, or a wired link using external connector202on unit200.

In some implementations, the unit100or200may be configured to perform automatic self testing. For example, in some embodiments, the unit may periodically (e.g., daily) execute a test routine and store the results in memory. For example, the test routine may include applying an electrical signal (e.g., an impulse or step function signal) to one or more geophones and recording the geophone response. The response data can be processed on board in order to determine the operational status of the unit, or it may be extracted for external processing.

FIG. 3is a depiction of a system300for communicating data between a seismic acquisition unit302and a remote vehicle304, according to an illustrative implementation. The system includes a seismic acquisition unit302, which may be an implementation of either of the seismic acquisition units100and200discussed above. For simplicity, not all of the features of the unit302are labeled inFIG. 3. The unit302includes a closed case105containing at least one seismic sensor and associated electronics, and a stake120for supporting the unit302and mechanically coupling the unit302to the ground. For some seismic applications, it is desirable for the case to exhibit radial symmetry. For example, radial symmetry can help to reduce distortion in the seismic activity detected by the case. In some implementations, the case105can be substantially cylindrical in shape. In other implementations, the outer edge of the case105can include flat walls, such that the case105has a polygonal cross-section. For example, the case105can have a square, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal cross-section. The lengths of the sides in case105having a polygonal cross-section can be equal, allowing the case to approximate the radial symmetry of a cylinder. That is in some embodiments, the case105may be symmetric or substantially symmetric under rotations about a central axis, either continuously or by discrete angles. An LED142is located on a top surface of the unit302. The system300also includes a remote vehicle304.

In some implementations, the unit302may be deployed for use in an undeveloped area, such as a forest, making it difficult for technicians to physically access the unit302in the field. Additionally, there may be a great number of units302installed over a large geographical area, such that physically accessing each unit302would be very time consuming and expensive. Therefore, the system300can be useful because it provides a method of accessing data from the unit302remotely.

As described above in connection withFIG. 1A, the LED142can be used to wirelessly transmit data from the unit302to a remote receiver. For example, in some implementations, the LED142can communicate a simple message through the light source140in the cap section115by turning on and off in a predetermined sequence or by changing the color of the light emitted. Information corresponding to the message can be stored in a memory module within the case105. In other implementations, the LED can be used to transmit a large amount of data at a high bit rate (e.g., at least 1 MB/s, 10 MB/s, 100 MB/s, 1 GB/s or more). For example, a memory module can include a large amount of seismic data collected by the unit302, and the LED can transmit information corresponding to the seismic data in the memory module.

A control module can control the output of the LED to transmit the message. In some implementations, if the amount of information to be transmitted is small (e.g., if a simple status message is to be transmitted), the message may be read by a human observer. In other implementations, an optical receiver device can be used to receive the message. For example, an optical receiver device can be included on a remote vehicle, such as the remote vehicle304. Communication link306represents the optical data transmitted from the LED142and received by the optical receiver on the remote vehicle304. The data received at remote vehicle304can be stored and subsequently processed, without any need for physically retrieving the unit302from the field.

In some implementations, the remote vehicle304can be a helicopter or a plane. In other implementations, the remote vehicle304can be a land based vehicle such as a truck. The remote vehicle304can also be a drone vehicle that is controlled autonomously. WhileFIG. 3shows an LED that can be used to wirelessly transmit a message, it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that any other form of wireless communication could also be used. For example, the unit302can include a radio transmitter to communicate data from a memory module to a remote location.

In some implementations, the receiver may not be vehicle mounted, but may instead be included in a hand held unit or other man-carried device.

In some implementations, the unit300may also include an light detecting element, thereby allowing two way all optical communication, e.g., with the vehicle304or with other units300in the area.

In various implementations, the unit300may implement the wireless seismic data transmission schemes described in any of the references incorporated above or in U.S. Pat. No. 8,296,068 “Method for transmission of seismic data” issued Oct. 23, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The above-described embodiments can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, the embodiments may be implemented using hardware, software or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single computer or distributed among multiple computers.

A computer employed to implement at least a portion of the functionality described herein may comprise a memory, one or more processing units (also referred to herein simply as “processors”), one or more communication interfaces, one or more display units, and one or more user input devices. The memory may comprise any computer-readable media, and may store computer instructions (also referred to herein as “processor-executable instructions”) for implementing the various functionalities described herein. The processing unit(s) may be used to execute the instructions. The communication interface(s) may be coupled to a wired or wireless network, bus, or other communication means and may therefore allow the computer to transmit communications to and/or receive communications from other devices. The display unit(s) may be provided, for example, to allow a user to view various information in connection with execution of the instructions. The user input device(s) may be provided, for example, to allow the user to make manual adjustments, make selections, enter data or various other information, and/or interact in any of a variety of manners with the processor during execution of the instructions.