Moving-Window Subsurface Analysis Without Pre-Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional subsurface data analysis requires time-consuming and subjective segmentation of unsegmented continuous data, making it difficult to characterize subsurface regions effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilizes moving windows to analyze unsegmented continuous data without pre-segmentation, determining probabilities of subsurface features by scanning with multiple moving windows of varying sizes and applying classifiers for pattern matching and statistical analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional segmentation methods are used to analyze subsurface data, then the analysis can be performed with traditional methods, but the process becomes time-consuming and subjective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis efficiencyVSAvoidsegmentation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous subsurface data into multiple segments along the trace direction and across different traces. This segmentation enables parallel processing of data blocks, significantly improving analysis efficiency while maintaining objective classification through systematic division of the workload across multiple processing units

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic parallel processing where multiple processing units simultaneously analyze different segments of the subsurface data. The system dynamically distributes computational tasks across available processors, adapting to data size and computational requirements to optimize analysis speed and reduce processing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If manual segmentation is performed on subsurface data, then the data can be analyzed, but the process becomes subjective and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata analysis easeVSAvoidprocessing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service through automated classification algorithms that objectively analyze subsurface data without requiring manual intervention. The processing units automatically segment, analyze, and classify data based on predetermined criteria, eliminating subjectivity while managing complexity through systematic automation rather than manual operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If pre-segmentation of subsurface data is performed, then traditional analysis methods can be applied, but the need for pre-segmentation adds complexity and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis throughputVSAvoidpre-processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the segmentation and analysis operations into a unified parallel processing framework. Rather than performing pre-segmentation as a separate preparatory step, the system integrates segmentation with the classification process, allowing multiple processing units to simultaneously segment and analyze different data portions, thereby reducing overall complexity and improving throughput

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4069936B1Characterization of subsurface regions using moving-window based analysis of unsegmented continuous data
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 CHEVRON USA INC
  • EP4069936B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4069936B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4069936B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Unsegmented continuous subsurface data may be analyzed using one or more moving windows to characterize a subsurface region. Unsegmented continuous subsurface data may be scanned using the moving window(s). Probabilities that portions of the subsurface region include a subsurface feature may be determined based on analysis of the portions of the unsegmented continuous subsurface data within the moving window(s).