Multi-Z Horizon Picking via Continuous GUI Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seismic interpretation tools are inefficient and prone to user error when handling complex geological structures with multiple Z-valued horizons, requiring manual selection and patching of multiple overlapping horizons to represent a single structure, and are time-consuming for geophysicists.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) based system that allows continuous picking of multi-Z horizons in seismic data, enabling automated real-time visualization and data validation, reducing the need for manual adjustments and user input, and facilitating the interpretation of complex geological structures like reverse faults and salt bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional seismic interpretation tools are used to manually pick and patch multiple overlapping horizons, then the interpretation can represent complex multi-Z geological structures, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex multi-Z horizon picking process into distinct operational phases: initial horizon picking, automated multi-Z surface generation, and interactive validation/adjustment. This segmentation allows the system to handle different aspects of the interpretation separately, with automation managing the time-consuming segmentation and merging operations while the geophysicist focuses on validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated actions to generate candidate multi-Z horizon surfaces based on initial user picks before requiring further user interaction. The automated algorithms pre-process the seismic data to create initial interpretations, which then serve as the basis for subsequent validation and refinement steps, reducing the overall time required.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple overlapping horizons are manually selected and patched together to represent a single complex structure, then the multi-Z horizon can be represented, but the process is prone to user error and requires extensive manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors and validates the consistency of picked horizons across multiple Z-values. The automated algorithms provide feedback on picking quality, detect inconsistencies, and suggest corrections, allowing geophysicists to validate and adjust interpretations systematically rather than relying solely on manual judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-validation and self-correction of horizon picks through automated consistency checking algorithms. The software automatically detects and resolves conflicts between overlapping horizons, adjusts picks to maintain geological continuity, and validates the interpreted structure against the seismic data, reducing reliance on manual error-checking.
3Ease of operation
If conventional tools require manual selection of each horizon segment, then detailed control over the interpretation is possible, but the workflow complexity and user input requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal picking interface that handles both simple single-Z and complex multi-Z horizon interpretations through the same workflow. The system automatically adapts its behavior based on the geological complexity detected in the data, providing detailed control when needed while maintaining simplicity for straightforward cases, eliminating the need for separate toolsets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an automated intermediary layer between the user and the complex horizon picking process. This intermediary automatically manages the coordination of multiple horizon segments, handles the patching operations, and manages the complexity of representing multi-Z structures, while presenting a simplified interface to the user.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for interpreting multi-Z horizons from seismic data are disclosed. Seismic data is displayed via a graphical user interface (GUI) of an application executable at a user's computing device. User input is received via the GUI for picking surfaces of a multi-Z horizon within a current view of the displayed data. The user's input is tracked as it is received via the GUI over a series of input points within the current view of the displayed seismic data. Based on the tracking, each of a plurality of surfaces for the multi-Z horizon and at least one edge point between the picked surfaces within the current view of the seismic data are determined. The current view of the seismic data within the GUI is dynamically updated to include a visual indication of the plurality of surfaces and the at least one edge point for the multi-Z horizon.