AI S-wave Velocity Estimation from Well Logs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual estimation of S-wave velocities from well logs is time-consuming, costly, and lacks accuracy due to the reliance on empirical judgments by petrophysicists, leading to varying results.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using an artificial intelligence model trained with well logs data to estimate S-wave velocities, employing a multipoint convolution model structure that learns information from well logs at different depths to predict S-wave velocities accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual analysis by petrophysicists is used to estimate S-wave velocities, then accuracy may be achieved through expert judgment, but the process is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveS-wave velocity estimation accuracyVSAvoidTime required for manual analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical analysis process performed by petrophysicists with an automated AI-based system. The AI model processes well log data automatically to estimate S-wave velocities, eliminating the need for manual expert analysis while maintaining accuracy through trained neural networks that learn from extensive training data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the expert petrophysicist's knowledge through AI training. The model is trained on extensive well log data and expert annotations, creating a virtual replica that can perform S-wave velocity estimation consistently without the time and cost constraints of human experts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If manual analysis by petrophysicists is used to estimate S-wave velocities, then expertise can be applied, but high costs are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveS-wave velocity estimation accuracyVSAvoidCost of analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive manual service of hiring petrophysicists with a software-based AI system. Once the model is trained, it can perform unlimited S-wave velocity estimations at minimal computational cost, eliminating the recurring expense of human expert services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent captures and replicates expert knowledge in a digital AI model that can be deployed at minimal cost. The trained model serves as a permanent, reusable copy of expert judgment that can process data continuously without additional per-unit costs associated with human expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If manual analysis is performed to estimate S-wave velocities, then expert judgment can be applied, but results vary depending on who analyzes the data

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveS-wave velocity estimation accuracyVSAvoidConsistency of estimation results
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures homogeneity in analysis results by using a standardized AI model that applies consistent algorithms and criteria to all data. Every prediction is made through the same trained neural network, eliminating the variability introduced by different analysts and ensuring reproducible, consistent results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a uniform digital copy of the analysis methodology that can be replicated exactly. The AI model provides consistent, repeatable results because it follows fixed computational rules rather than varying human judgment, ensuring that any analyst using the system gets the same accurate results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Productivity

If AI model is used to estimate S-wave velocities, then rapid and accurate estimation is achieved, but the model complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSpeed of S-wave velocity estimationVSAvoidAI model structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex AI modeling process into distinct manageable components: data preprocessing, model training, and prediction inference. This segmentation allows the complex AI system to be developed, validated, and deployed systematically, making the complexity manageable while maintaining high productivity in S-wave velocity estimation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12019195B2Method and apparatus for estimating S-wave velocities by learning well logs
Publication Date: 2024.06.25 SK INNOVATION CO LTD
  • US12019195B2 patent drawing
  • US12019195B2 patent drawing
  • US12019195B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for estimating S-wave velocities by learning well logs, whereby the method includes a model formation step of forming an S-wave estimation model to output S-wave velocities corresponding to measured depth when the well logs are input based on train data sets including train data having values of multiple factors included in the well logs, the values being arranged corresponding to measured depth, and label data having S-wave velocities corresponding to measured depth as answers, and an S-wave velocity estimation step of inputting unseen data having values of multiple factors included in well logs acquired from a well at which S-wave velocities are to be estimated, the values being arranged corresponding to measured depth, to the S-wave estimation model to estimate S-wave velocities corresponding to measured depth.