Automated Geobody Segmentation Resolving Stratigraphic Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing three-dimensional seismic data struggle to accurately segment geobodies in a way that respects stratigraphic principles, often resulting in self-overlapping or unrealistic shapes that violate the law of superposition, which can lead to inaccurate reservoir connectivity assessments.
Innovation Solution
An automated segmentation routine is employed using a combination of shortest path search algorithms, such as the A* algorithm, and statistical clustering techniques to identify and segment initial geobodies into fundamental geobodies that conform to stratigraphically reasonable criteria, by removing noise and identifying barrier cells to prevent vertical overlap, thereby ensuring accurate representation of subsurface structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated segmentation routines are used to identify geobodies from 3D seismic data, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to self-overlapping and unrealistic shapes violating stratigraphic principles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing complex geobodies into multiple sub-segments or layers based on stratigraphic principles. The system automatically segments geobodies into discrete, non-overlapping units that conform to geological reality, resolving the contradiction between automated processing efficiency and shape accuracy by implementing rule-based segmentation algorithms that enforce stratigraphic constraints during the automated segmentation process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by introducing stratigraphic constraint parameters (such as vertical continuity rules, lateral connectivity rules, and geometric constraints) into the automated segmentation routine. These parameter changes modify the segmentation algorithm's behavior to produce geologically realistic shapes while maintaining automated efficiency, thereby improving manufacturing precision without sacrificing productivity
2Ease of operation
If automated segmentation routines are used to identify geobodies from 3D seismic data, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inaccurate connectivity assessments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the automated segmentation routine continuously checks generated geobodies against stratigraphic principles and connectivity rules. The system provides feedback loops that validate segmentation results, adjust parameters, and re-segment if violations are detected, thereby maintaining reliability of connectivity assessments while preserving the ease of automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining stratigraphic principles, connectivity rules, and geometric constraints before the automated segmentation process begins. These preliminary configurations ensure that the automated routine produces reliable, geologically accurate results from the start, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability without requiring extensive post-processing validation
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for segmenting geobodies extracted from three-dimensional geophysical survey data volumes. In one embodiment, the invention involves (a) obtaining a plurality of data elements, respectively corresponding to three-dimensional locations in a subsurface region, and generating a data volume consisting of discrete cells from the plurality of data elements (1); (b) identifying an initial geobody corresponding to a potential hydrocarbon reservoir within the data volume by grouping cells in the data volume according to a selected connectivity criterion (2); (c) selecting a rule (3) that characterizes stratigraphically reasonable geobodies (e.g. they cannot vertically overlap); and (d) in response to a determination that the initial geobody does not conform to the rule, segmenting the initial geobody into a plurality of fundamental geobodies via processing the data elements with an automated segmentation routine, wherein the fundamental geobodies each conform to the rule (4).