3D Unstructured Grid Visualization via Selective Slicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D visualization techniques for structured and unstructured grids face challenges in effectively rendering volumetric objects, leading to occlusion of other objects and difficulty in discerning 3D relationships between properties, especially in the oil and gas industry where understanding geometric and property relations is crucial.
Innovation Solution
The method involves defining an unstructured grid corresponding to a three-dimensional physical structure, using a filter object and selection criteria such as intersection, containment, distance, or exclusion to select and visualize specific portions of the grid data, allowing for improved visualization and exploration of 3D data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If volumetric objects are rendered fully opaque, then the volumetric data is clearly visible, but other objects in the scene are occluded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D volumetric data into multiple 2D cross-sectional slices at different depths. Each slice is rendered separately and can be selectively made opaque or transparent, allowing users to see both the volumetric data in the current slice and objects behind it in other slices, thereby resolving the occlusion problem while maintaining visibility.
2Loss of information
If transparency is applied to volumetric objects, then other objects can be seen through them, but it becomes difficult to determine the exact location of semi-transparent data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces depth cues as an intermediary visual mechanism. Each cross-sectional slice is rendered with depth indicators (such as depth buffers, z-buffering, or visual depth markers) that allow users to perceive the spatial position of semi-transparent volumetric data accurately, even when transparency is applied to see through to other objects.
3Area of stationary object
If traditional cross-sections span the entire extent of the object, then the full volume is visualized, but other objects such as horizons and wells are partially or completely occluded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by rendering cross-sectional slices with selective transparency and depth-based visibility control. Instead of making the entire cross-section uniformly opaque, different regions of the cross-section can have different transparency levels, and depth information is used to control which elements are visible at different depths, allowing horizons and wells to remain visible while still displaying volumetric data.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a system and method for providing data describing a physical structure. An exemplary method comprises defining an unstructured grid that corresponds to a three-dimensional physical structure. The unstructured grid comprises data representative of a property of interest. At least one filter object and a selection criterion are defined. A portion of the unstructured grid data that meets the selection criterion relative to the filter object is selected.