Multi-Z Horizon Visualization in Seismic Interpretation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seismic interpretation tools are inefficient and error-prone when dealing with complex geological structures like multi-Z 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 for continuous picking of multi-Z horizons in seismic data, providing automated real-time visualization and data validation, enabling users to interpret complex structures like reverse faults and salt bodies more efficiently by dynamically updating the visualization as the user interacts with the data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional seismic interpretation tools are used to interpret multi-Z horizons, then multiple overlapping horizons must be manually selected and patched together, but this process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of interpreting multi-Z horizonsVSAvoidtime required for horizon interpretation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex multi-Z horizon interpretation task into distinct functional components: automated horizon detection, multi-Z point identification, and visual patching interface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the overall time and effort required for interpretation while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary automated detection and identification of horizon segments and multi-Z points before presenting them to the user. This preliminary action pre-processes the complex data, organizing it into manageable segments that can be quickly reviewed and patched together, significantly reducing the time required for final interpretation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple overlapping horizons are manually selected to represent complex structures, then the interpretation can capture geological complexity, but the process becomes error-prone and tedious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of geological structure representationVSAvoidease of horizon selection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically detecting horizon segments and identifying multi-Z points without requiring manual selection. The automated algorithms perform the complex task of identifying overlapping horizons and their intersection points, reducing user involvement to simple verification and patching operations, thereby improving both accuracy and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback by displaying detected horizon segments and multi-Z points on the seismic data before final interpretation. This feedback mechanism allows users to verify automated detections and make corrections if needed, ensuring accurate representation of geological complexity while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive visual confirmation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional tools require manual patching of horizon segments, then flexibility in interpretation is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in horizon interpretationVSAvoidinterpretation throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges automated horizon detection, multi-Z point identification, and visual patching into a single integrated system. This combination maintains the flexibility of manual interpretation while incorporating the speed and accuracy of automated algorithms, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing adaptability. The system allows users to leverage automated results while retaining full control over final interpretation decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11460596B2Multi-Z horizon visualization from seismic data

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods for interpreting and visualizing multi-Z horizons from seismic data are disclosed. A two-dimensional (2D) representation of seismic data is displayed via a graphical user interface (GUI). User input is received via the GUI for interpreting a multi-Z horizon within a portion of the displayed 2D representation. The user's input is tracked relative to displayed 2D representation within the GUI. Based on the tracking, each of a plurality of surfaces for the multi-Z horizon is determined. At least one intersection point between the multi-Z horizon surfaces is identified. A depth position for each surface relative to other surfaces is determined. The 2D representation of the seismic data is dynamically updated to include visual indications for the plurality of surfaces and the intersection point(s), based on the depth position of each surface, where the visual indications use different visualization styles to represent the surfaces and intersection point(s).