Bandlimited Binning for 3D Angle Gathers

Solution Overview

Problem

Current seismic data processing methods face challenges in generating high-quality 3D angle gathers due to undersampling and aliasing, which results in poor image quality and reduced accuracy in detecting subsurface features.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a bandlimited binning function that adjusts sampling intervals and parameters to generate unaliased 3D angle gathers, allowing for improved image quality and reduced computational resources by using fewer seismic data acquisition nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional seismic data processing methods are used, then more seismic data acquisition nodes are deployed, but image quality deteriorates due to undersampling and aliasing artifacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidnumber of seismic data acquisition nodes

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the sampling parameters by applying a bandlimited binning function that adjusts the sampling intervals in the angle domain. This transforms the data from being undersampled in traditional coordinates to being properly sampled in the angle domain, eliminating aliasing artifacts without requiring additional acquisition nodes. The key parameter change is the transformation from spatial sampling to angle-domain sampling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary transformation step - the bandlimited binning function - that acts as a mediator between the raw seismic data and the final image. This intermediary process converts the data into the angle domain, where proper sampling is achieved, and then transforms it back, effectively eliminating undersampling issues without adding more physical acquisition nodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If more seismic data acquisition nodes are deployed, then sampling coverage improves, but operational costs and survey time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling coverageVSAvoidsurvey time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the sampling parameters by applying a bandlimited binning function that adjusts the sampling intervals in the angle domain. This transforms the data from being undersampled in traditional coordinates to being properly sampled in the angle domain, eliminating aliasing artifacts without requiring additional acquisition nodes. The key parameter change is the transformation from spatial sampling to angle-domain sampling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If traditional binning functions are used, then processing speed is maintained, but aliasing artifacts increase reducing detection accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidaliasing artifacts

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of undersampling and aliasing into a benefit by transforming the data into the angle domain. What was previously a harmful artifact (aliasing) becomes eliminated through the mathematical transformation. The bandlimited binning function in the angle domain converts the problematic spatial sampling issues into proper angular sampling, turning a harmful situation into a beneficial one with clean, artifact-free images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the sampling parameters by applying a bandlimited binning function that adjusts the sampling intervals in the angle domain. This transforms the data from being undersampled in traditional coordinates to being properly sampled in the angle domain, eliminating aliasing artifacts without requiring additional acquisition nodes. The key parameter change is the transformation from spatial sampling to angle-domain sampling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3326010B1Systems and methods for detecting subsurface features using 3D angle gathers

Publication Date: 2022.02.09 FAIRFIELD INDUSTRIES INC

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AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to detecting subsurface features via a seismic survey. A system can obtain seismic data from nodes separated from each other by at least a threshold distance on a ground surface. The seismic data can include image trace data based on field trace data detected from each of the plurality of seismic data acquisition units. The system retrieves a sample interval and a parameter. The system configures a bandlimited binning function with the sampling interval and the predetermined parameter. The system applies the bandlimited binning function to a plurality of image traces of the image trace data to generate a bandlimited angle gather value for a bin in an angle gathers grid. The system generates an image based on the angle gathers grid and provides the image for display.