Integrated Geo-Information Extraction for Faster Seismic Interpretation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The interpretation of geophysical data, particularly seismic data, is laborious and time-consuming, often taking months, and is sub-optimally integrated due to the overwhelming amount of observations and knowledge required, with reasoning biased on experts' knowledge and experience.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using an information extractor and an inference engine, integrated synergistically, to extract and analyze geophysical data, generating summaries and answering questions relevant to geologists, utilizing neural networks and natural language processing to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If domain experts manually extract and synthesize information from geophysical data, then interpretation accuracy is improved, but time consumption and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system comprising an information extractor and inference engine that acts as a bridge between raw geophysical data and expert interpretation. The information extractor automatically extracts relevant features from seismic data, and the inference engine applies geological reasoning rules to synthesize interpretations, reducing the need for manual expert analysis while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual expert interpretation with an automated computational system. Neural networks and processing circuits substitute for human cognitive processes in extracting geological information from seismic data, enabling rapid analysis without sacrificing interpretative quality
2Reliability
If domain experts perform structural interpretation, then interpretation quality is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to the overwhelming amount of observations and knowledge required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex interpretation process into distinct functional modules: an information extractor module that identifies geological features from seismic data, and an inference engine module that applies reasoning rules. This segmentation reduces the cognitive burden on experts by automating data processing while preserving complex reasoning capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal processing framework that handles multiple types of geological interpretations through a single integrated system. The inference engine applies a comprehensive set of geological reasoning rules that can analyze various subsurface features (faults, stratigraphy, hydrocarbon indicators) through unified processing circuits, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems
3Ease of operation
If traditional information extraction methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate due to the laborious nature of the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the processing circuits automatically extract information from seismic data without requiring manual intervention. The information extractor and inference engine operate autonomously to generate geological interpretations, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining ease of use through automated workflows
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method for analyzing geophysical data is disclosed. Interpretation of geophysical data, such as seismic data, can be performed in multiple stages, such as at an information extraction stage and an information analysis stage. Typically, the information analysis stage is performed by geologists or interpreters, which may be laborious and inconsistent. The disclosed method includes using an information extractor that extracts information indicative of geo-features in a subsurface and an inference engine that analyzes the information indicative of geo-features in a subsurface to generate an output, with the information extractor and the inference engine being integrated and acting in combination. For example, the information extractor may generate summaries of the geo-features or answers to questions. In this way, the information extractor and the inference engine in combination may act synergistically, such as in the context of reasoning, natural language processing, and the outputs generated.