Color Composite Borehole Image from Well Log Data

Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of hydrocarbon exploration and production decisions is hindered by the overwhelming volume of information from downhole well-logging tools, making it challenging to identify relevant data for effective oil and gas production or exploration.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that transform multiple types of well log data into a color composite image by converting pixel values into different axes of a color space, allowing for the generation of a color composite borehole image that combines multiple well log measurements into a single visual representation, enhancing data visualization and identification of geological features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple well log measurements are collected to improve decision-making information, then the quantity and completeness of information increases, but the complexity of identifying useful information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume of informationVSAvoidcomplexity of identifying useful information

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple well log measurements (resistivity, porosity, saturation, etc.) into a single color composite image where different parameters are represented by different color channels. This merging allows operators to view all relevant information simultaneously in one visual display rather than analyzing multiple separate logs, thereby reducing the complexity of identifying useful information while maintaining complete data volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms multi-dimensional well log data into a visual color space representation where each measurement parameter maps to a different color dimension (RGB channels). This dimensional transformation converts abstract numerical data into intuitive visual information that the human brain can process more efficiently, reducing the cognitive complexity of analyzing multiple parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If multiple well log measurements are collected to provide comprehensive information, then the quality of decision-making improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of decision-making informationVSAvoidease of identifying relevant data

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns different color channels (Red, Green, Blue) to different well log parameters, creating a color composite image where geological features and hydrocarbon indicators appear as distinct color patterns. This color-coding system allows operators to quickly identify relevant data by color rather than searching through numerical logs, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive information quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms multi-dimensional well log data into a visual color space representation where each measurement parameter maps to a different color dimension (RGB channels). This dimensional transformation converts abstract numerical data into intuitive visual information that the human brain can process more efficiently, reducing the cognitive complexity of analyzing multiple parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If detailed well log data is analyzed to reveal geological features, then the measurement precision improves, but the time required for analysis increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification of geological featuresVSAvoidtime for data analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary transformation of multiple well log parameters into a color composite image format before analysis. By pre-processing the data into a visual representation with enhanced contrast and color-coded parameters, the system prepares the information in an optimized state for rapid interpretation, reducing the time required for detailed geological feature identification while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent assigns different color channels (Red, Green, Blue) to different well log parameters, creating a color composite image where geological features and hydrocarbon indicators appear as distinct color patterns. This color-coding system allows operators to quickly identify relevant data by color rather than searching through numerical logs, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive information quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS10796462B2Color composite geological image from well log measurements

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Well log data may be used in well log operations by facilitating the identification of hydrogen carbon deposits. More specifically, the well log data may be used to generate visual representations. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to generating a color composite image based on multiple types of well log data and transforming the well log data into a color space. In further embodiments, the color composite image may be modified and/or objects within the color composite image may be identified.