Patent Document ID: 4223399
Application ID: 05923896
Patent Status: 1

Claim One:
1. A method for seismic exploration of the earth comprising the steps of: (1) generating a frequency variable coded energy signal characterized by an autocorrelation function having a central, single-largest absolute maximum which is at least about 1.2 times the absolute amplitude of the next largest absolute maximum of the autocorrelation function, and transmitting said coded energy signal into the earth; (2) sensing the energy emitted from within the earth; (3) recording a raw seismic trace which is proportional to the energy sensed in step (2); (4) recording a source signature which is proportional to said coded energy signal; (5) crosscorrelating said seismic trace with said source signature, thereby forming a crosscorrelated trace comprised of a plurality of seismic samples defining a plurality of seismic events and correlation residuals; (6) autocorrelating said source signature, thereby forming a primary predictive operator comprising a central, single-largest absolute maximum and a plurality of predictive residuals; and (7) subtractively applying said primary predictive operator to said crosscorrelated trace, whereby said correlation residuals are predictively subtracted from said crosscorrelated trace to produce a high quality processed trace on which said seismic events are identifiable.