Cobalt-Rich Crust Thickness Evaluation Using Distance-Slope Interpolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for evaluating cobalt-rich crust thickness on seamounts are inadequate, particularly in areas with sparse data, leading to uncertain and incomplete thickness distribution estimates.

Innovation Solution

A method involving dividing study areas into geological grid units, using adjacent area and distance-slope interpolation, and topographic classification to assign crust thickness values, including buffer zones and mathematical expectation for unassigned areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If station survey method is used to obtain crust thickness data, then measurement precision is improved, but coverage area is limited due to sparse data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrust thickness measurement precisionVSAvoidcoverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the study area into multiple adjacent areas based on geological sampling stations, with each area containing grid units. This segmentation allows the survey area to be expanded while maintaining measurement precision through localized analysis in each adjacent area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary estimation approach that uses crust thickness data from sampling stations to estimate thickness in adjacent areas through spatial interpolation and topographic classification, bridging the gap between sparse measurement points and broader coverage areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If spatial interpolation method is used to estimate crust thickness, then coverage area is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates especially far from known information points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidcrust thickness estimation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different estimation methods to different adjacent areas based on their proximity to sampling stations and local topographic characteristics. Areas closer to sampling stations use more precise interpolation methods, while distant areas use topographic classification-based estimation, ensuring local quality is optimized for each region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the estimation parameters based on location - using distance-slope relationships and topographic classification parameters for areas far from sampling stations, thereby maintaining reasonable precision across the entire coverage area by adapting parameters to local conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If single evaluation method is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to fully utilize advantages of different methods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevaluation method simplicityVSAvoidthickness distribution estimation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple evaluation methods (station survey, spatial interpolation, and topographic classification) into a unified comprehensive evaluation framework. Different methods are combined to evaluate adjacent areas, allowing the system to maintain operational simplicity while improving reliability through method integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal evaluation framework that can handle different data conditions and geographic locations using multiple methods. The system automatically selects and applies appropriate methods based on local conditions, achieving multi-functionality that improves reliability without significantly complicating operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12455397B2Method for evaluating thicknesses of cobalt-rich crusts on seamounts

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 FIRST INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY MNR

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for evaluating thicknesses of cobalt-rich crusts on seamounts, which comprises following steps: dividing a study area of cobalt-rich crusts into geological grid units, assigning crust thickness values to geological grid units; obtaining the crust thicknesses of the geological sampling stations in a preset influence range in the adjacent areas based on geological sampling station information; estimating the crust thicknesses in a certain distance range of the stations by a “distance-slope” spatial interpolation method, and through a spatial similarity of a crusts spatial distribution caused by a relationship between the distance and the slope, assigning values to grid units outside adjacent areas and within an influence range of the spatial similarity relationship; assigning values to the geological grid units that failed to obtain crust thickness value through an expected assignment method, and obtaining the crust thicknesses of the study areas.