| Below placed data about "Prism 4.1 for DOS" software. Recently a new version was designed. You can find this information here. | |
"Prism" software is designed for georadar parameter control, sounding data reception with simultaneous computer display and magnetic disc file record as well as for file processing and printout. There are no special requirements to the computer, the only requisite being IBM compatibility. A proprietary (original) record format is used for files; this format is exhaustively covered in the User's Manual. The software comprises converters used to have files converted to well known formats, such as SEG-2, DZT (Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc.), pE (Sensors & Software, Inc.).
The language of communication (English or Russian) is chosen by a user, with a language changeover possible at any time.
All of the georadar parameters (except the on/off function) are controlled via a computer which facilitates operation of the hardware. In the course of tuning the radar and performing the sounding, the software outputs error messages if parameter settings are incorrect, and suggests proper steps to be taken.
Georadar data reception may be performed continuously (basic mode) or with stepped stacking. The continuos reception mode enables maximum spatial (horizontal) resolution. Stepped stacking is used to achieve possible maximum sounding depth and to solve special tasks (tomography, etc.) while requiring a longer sounding time.
To locate a sounding profile obtained, the operator may press a pushbutton to input the so-called 'marks' when passing through stations or any reference points. These marks will be displayed on the profile as vertical lines with respective numbers at the top. Upon completion of the sounding (or any time later), it is possible to input a text comment into the file to indicate the sounding area, the sounding target, and the like.
Various sounding file processing types are provided for in "Prism" software to have the signals of interest segregated and noise or no-data signals suppressed. At present, the following procedures are available:
- Vertical HP and LP filtering
- Horizontal HP anf LP filtering
- Matched filtering
- Inverse filtering
- Hyperbolic summation
- Power envelope definition
- Energy envelope definition
- Digital gain function
- Background removal
- Median filtering
- 'Reversing' of profile
Furthermore, "Prism" software allows to make measurements and evaluation of various signal parameters: amplitude measurements of signals and delays, spectrum viewing of the entire or partial route, measurements of the target occurrence depth and the environmental dielectric permittivity by superposing a synthetic hyperbola, profile scaling, etc.
Using a converter routine for having files converted to a known file format will make it possible any other software supporting such a file format. There are numerous software routines of the kind worldwide, and they are used mainly in geology and geophysics.
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