Annihilator-Based Wave Inversion for Seismic Velocity Model Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic data acquisition methods for oil and gas exploration face challenges in reliability due to inaccurate wave velocity models, especially in complex geological structures where sound speed variations are significant, leading to incorrect subsurface structure predictions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating extended images using a wave velocity model, applying an annihilator to verify if these images obey physical principles, and recursively updating the model to ensure accuracy, utilizing concepts like light cones and partial differential equations to ensure data adherence to physical laws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional seismic imaging methods are used, then the imaging process is simple and fast, but the accuracy of subsurface structure prediction deteriorates in complex geological structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an iterative feedback loop where the wave velocity model is continuously refined. Extended images are generated using the current model, annihilators are applied to verify physical principles, and the model is updated based on verification results. This feedback mechanism ensures progressive improvement of model accuracy while maintaining a systematic process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies annihilators as a preliminary verification step before final imaging interpretation. By checking whether extended images obey physical principles (such as causality via light cone analysis) before drawing conclusions about subsurface structures, the method prevents propagation of errors from inaccurate velocity models.
2Reliability
If wave velocity models are created without verification, then the processing time is reduced, but the reliability of the model deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual or heuristic model verification with an automated mathematical framework using annihilators and partial differential equations. This substitution of mechanical/empirical verification with mathematical analysis enables systematic reliability checking without excessive time cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The wave velocity model performs self-verification through the annihilator framework. The model generates its own extended images, which are then tested against physical principles using annihilators. This self-service mechanism allows the model to validate itself without requiring external verification processes.
3Measurement precision
If extended images are verified using annihilators, then the accuracy of physical principle adherence is improved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the verification process into distinct modular steps: generating extended images, applying specific annihilators for different physical principles (causality, energy conservation), and updating the velocity model. This segmentation allows each computational task to be optimized independently and facilitates parallel processing where applicable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for verifying the accuracy of a wave velocity model. The method may include generating an extended image using the wave velocity model, operating on the extended image using an annihilator, where the extended images represent a geophysical field, and determining if the extended image obeys at least one physical characteristic. In the event that the extended image does not obey at least one physical characteristic the method may include recreating or altering the wave velocity model accordingly.