Dynamic Fluid Velocity Visualization Using Streamline Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for visualizing fluid velocity in subsurface reservoirs are limited, particularly in complex models, as they often obstruct streamlines or require color charts, and are not effective in displaying fluid velocity at different locations along streamlines.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that dynamically visualize fluid velocity by displaying particles at different locations on streamlines, representing fluid paths and velocities, using incremental time steps and a client interface to ensure continuous and uninterrupted visualization without obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional streamline techniques are used to visualize fluid velocity with color-coded streamlines, then fluid velocity can be displayed, but the visualization obstructs portions of the streamline in complex models and requires additional color charts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses marble objects as visual copies or representations of fluid velocity along streamlines. Instead of directly color-coding the streamlines themselves, marbles are placed along the streamlines to represent velocity magnitude and direction, allowing the streamline geometry to remain fully visible while conveying velocity information through the marble properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a third visual dimension by using marble size (area) to represent fluid velocity magnitude, in addition to using color and position. This multi-dimensional encoding allows velocity information to be conveyed without obstructing the streamline display, as viewers can interpret velocity from multiple marble attributes simultaneously
2Loss of information
If objects representing fluid velocity are displayed adjacent to streamlines in complex models, then fluid velocity can be visualized, but the desired visualization is limited to the extent the objects cannot be displayed on the streamline
Solution Approach 1:
Marbles are placed directly on top of streamlines rather than adjacent to them, creating a visual copy of the fluid velocity concept that integrates with the streamline display. This allows velocity representation to coexist with streamline geometry without spatial conflicts
Solution Approach 2:
The marble properties (color, size, position) are locally adjusted to represent the specific velocity characteristics at each location along the streamline. Each marble's attributes are tailored to the local flow conditions, providing accurate velocity visualization at each point while maintaining overall streamline visibility
3Loss of information
If marbles are used to represent fluid velocity along streamlines, then phase components, rate, volume, and statistics can be shown, but the marbles can obstruct portions of the streamline in the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color variations in the marbles to encode different fluid properties such as phase components, velocity magnitude, and other statistics. By distributing information across multiple color attributes rather than requiring separate visual elements, the marbles convey comprehensive fluid information while occupying minimal display space
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fluid velocity properties (magnitude, direction, phase, rate) are merged into a single marble object rather than using separate visual elements for each property. This consolidation allows comprehensive fluid information to be displayed through one compact visual element that does not obstruct the streamline
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for dynamically visualizing fluid velocity in subsurface reservoirs by displaying a particle at different locations on a streamline that represents a fluid path and a fluid velocity in the subsurface reservoir. The systems and methods may be used to display the actual fluid velocity or a proportionate fluid velocity for a respective streamline at predetermined incremental time steps,