Horizon-Based Stratal Slice Generation for Seismic Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for viewing sequences of attribute renderings from 3D seismic data volumes are time-consuming, requiring manual specification of horizons and slices, which hampers efficient analysis and interpretation.

Innovation Solution

A computer system and method that dynamically calculates horizon-based stratal slices and generates attribute renderings in real-time using an interactive cursor, automatically identifying nearest horizons and updating renderings based on user input, allowing for quick navigation through 3D seismic data volumes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual specification of horizons and slices is used to view attribute renderings, then the analysis precision is improved, but the time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis precisionVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automatic horizon identification and slice calculation based on user input parameters, preparing the analysis framework in advance before the user views the attribute renderings. This eliminates the need for manual horizon specification during the analysis process, maintaining precision while reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service automatic horizon detection and slice generation that operates independently once parameters are set. The computer automatically identifies horizons, calculates stratal slices, and generates attribute renderings without requiring continuous manual intervention, thus preserving analysis precision while dramatically reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If sequences of attribute renderings are displayed one after another, then the completeness of geological feature analysis is improved, but the productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of analysisVSAvoidanalysis efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from sequential 2D slice display to a 3D interactive visualization where multiple slices and horizons are simultaneously visible. Users can navigate through the volume interactively, examining geological features across multiple dimensions at once, which maintains analytical completeness while significantly improving productivity by eliminating sequential viewing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If manual calculation of stratal slices is performed, then the accuracy of horizon-based analysis is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehorizon-based analysis accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical calculation processes with automated computer-based algorithms. The computer automatically performs horizon detection, stratal slice calculation, and attribute rendering generation based on user input parameters, maintaining high accuracy while reducing system complexity by eliminating manual intervention requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3368920B1Computer system and method for generating attribute renderings from a seismic data volume
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 SHELL INTERNATIONALE RESEARCH MAATSCHAPPIJ BV
  • EP3368920B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3368920B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4b
  • EP3368920B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The computer system and computer-implemented method allow a user to position an interactive cursor my interaction with a user-input device, to select a point anywhere within a 3D seismic data volume that is visible on a display. In response, the computer dynamically calculates a horizon-based stratal slice that includes the user-selected point. A selected attribute rendering from seismic data that is contained within the horizon-based stratal slice is automatically calculated and dynamically shown on a second display.