Grid Probe for Real-Time 3D Reservoir Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current petroleum reservoir visualization software struggles to render geometrically irregular 3D grid data in real-time, limiting the ability to interactively visualize and analyze complex reservoir models effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method for imaging 3D grids of geometrically irregular data using a probe-based interface, where a grid probe defined by a bounding box is selected and mapped from the sampling domain to the index domain, allowing for real-time rendering by processing a dynamic subset of the data volume, enabling interactive movement and resizing of the probe at a rate of at least 10 frames per second.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional rendering methods are used for geometrically irregular 3D grid data, then complete visualization of the reservoir model is achieved, but image generation time becomes excessively long and real-time interaction is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large 3D grid data into smaller manageable units by introducing a probe concept that defines a bounding box around a subset of cells. This segmentation allows the system to render only the relevant portion of the reservoir model at any given time, dramatically reducing image generation time while maintaining the ability to explore the complete model through probe movement and transformation.
2Ease of operation
If the entire 3D grid volume is rendered, then complete reservoir model visualization is achieved, but processing time increases and prevents interactive manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic probe transformation capabilities that allow users to move, rotate, and resize the probe in real-time. The rendering system dynamically updates the view based on probe position and orientation, enabling interactive manipulation of the reservoir model without requiring reprocessing of the entire dataset. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation while minimizing processing time.
3Productivity
If a probe-based approach is used to reduce rendering time, then real-time visualization is achieved, but the complexity of probe management and coordinate mapping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinate mapping system that acts as an intermediary between the probe's local coordinate system and the global reservoir model coordinate system. This mapping layer handles the complexity of transforming probe positions, orientations, and cell selections without requiring changes to the underlying data structures or rendering pipeline, thus managing complexity while maintaining high rendering speed.
4Ease of operation
If 2D interface dialog boxes are used for parameter input, then complete control over visualization parameters is achieved, but user frustration increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the user interface from traditional 2D dialog boxes to a 3D interactive probe-based interface. Users directly manipulate the probe in three-dimensional space using mouse operations to define and control the region of interest, eliminating the need for complex parameter inputs. This dimensional shift simplifies the interaction model while providing complete control over visualization parameters through intuitive spatial operations.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems and methods for imaging a 3D volume of geometrically irregular grid data. The systems and methods utilize various types of probes and displays to render the geometrically irregular grid data, in real-time, and analyze the geometrically irregular grid data.