2D Canvas Control for 3D Volumetric Data Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for visualizing and interrogating 3D volumetric data sets, such as those in the oil and gas industry, face challenges in rendering data without occlusion, particularly when dealing with structured grids, where semi-transparent renderings obscure other important objects like horizons and wells, and existing editing tools are cumbersome for creating non-planar structures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a 2D canvas for creating and editing geometric primitives, which are then used to identify and display selected portions of a 3D volumetric data set, allowing for intuitive editing and reduced occlusion by generating a 3D scene with semi-transparent rendering options, enabling better visualization of subsurface formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the full 3D volume is rendered with transparency to enable viewing through the volume, then other objects become visible, but it becomes difficult to determine the exact location of semi-transparent data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D volume rendering into discrete planar cross-sections at user-defined intervals. Each cross-section is rendered as a separate 2D plane with opaque or semi-transparent properties, allowing users to precisely locate data within specific planes while maintaining the ability to view through gaps between sections. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both visibility through the volume and precise location determination within segmented planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces 2D planar cross-sections as intermediary elements between the full 3D volume and the viewer. These planes serve as mediators that display volumetric data in a controlled 2D format, making it easier to locate specific data points while allowing the viewer to see through gaps between planes. The planes act as intermediate rendering surfaces that bridge the gap between full-volume transparency and precise data localization.
2Measurement precision
If traditional cross-sections are used to view 3D volume data, then specific plane data is visible, but other objects such as horizons and wells are partially or completely occluded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent renders only selected planar cross-sections rather than continuous full-volume rendering. By choosing specific planes to display with opaque or semi-transparent properties and leaving gaps between them, the system provides precise viewing of plane data while allowing other objects to be visible through the gaps. This partial action approach prevents complete occlusion of horizons, wells, and other 3D objects while maintaining precision for the displayed planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different transparency and rendering properties to different planar sections locally. Some planes are rendered opaque for precise data viewing, while gaps between planes allow visibility of other objects. This local differentiation of rendering quality allows the system to provide precise plane data viewing where needed while maintaining visibility of other objects in other regions, resolving the occlusion problem.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ribbon sections or 3D probes are used to make cross-sections more flexible, then viewing flexibility improves, but objects are still occluded and editing non-planar structures remains cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flexible cross-section concept into discrete, editable planar sections rather than continuous ribbon or probe structures. Each plane can be independently positioned, oriented, and rendered with different transparency properties. This segmentation provides viewing flexibility similar to ribbons and probes while reducing occlusion through gaps between planes and simplifying editing through 2D plane-based operations rather than complex 3D surface manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical manipulation required for ribbon sections and 3D probes with simpler 2D plane-based operations. Instead of manipulating 3D surfaces and curves to define cross-sections, users work with 2D planes that can be easily positioned and edited. This substitution reduces the complexity of creating flexible cross-sections while maintaining adaptability and reducing occlusion through the planar gap approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for displaying selected portions of a three-dimensional (3D) volumetric data set representing a subsurface formation. At least one two-dimensional (2D) canvas is generated. The 2D canvas corresponds to a plane in the 3D data set. The 2D canvas is shown in a first display window. One or more primitives are created on the 2D canvas. A volumetric region of the 3D volumetric data set corresponding to the one or more primitives is identified. The volumetric region is displayed in a 3D scene. The 3D scene is shown in a second display window.