Multiblock Seismic Migration to Cut Traveltime Table I/O
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic processing methods face inefficiencies in computational runtime and input/output operations during migration operations due to the need to repeatedly access large numbers of traveltime tables, particularly in parallel processing networks.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiblock gathers and parallel processors, specifically GPUs and CPUs, to optimize the migration process by reducing the number of traveltime tables accessed and enhancing computational efficiency through the sorting of seismic traces into multiblock bins, thereby minimizing redundant data reads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional seismic migration methods are used with conventional binning, then complete seismic coverage is achieved, but computational runtime increases and I/O operations become excessive due to repeated access to large numbers of traveltime tables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seismic survey data into multiple bin grids, where each bin grid contains a subset of the total traveltime tables. This segmentation allows parallel processors to work on different bin grids simultaneously, reducing the time each processor needs to access and process data, thereby decreasing overall computational runtime while maintaining complete seismic coverage through aggregation of results from all bin grids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary organization of seismic traces into multiblock bins before migration processing. By pre-grouping traces that will be processed together and pre-assigning them to specific bin grids, the system eliminates redundant I/O operations during the actual migration process, as all necessary traveltime tables are already loaded and organized in memory for each parallel processing unit.
2Productivity
If traditional seismic migration methods are used with conventional binning, then complete seismic coverage is achieved, but the number of I/O operations increases due to repeated access to traveltime tables
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the traveltime tables into multiple bin grids that can be independently processed, the system reduces the frequency and volume of I/O operations. Each parallel processor accesses only its assigned bin grid in memory, eliminating repeated disk I/O operations that would occur in traditional methods where all processors need access to the complete set of traveltime tables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiblock bins as an intermediary data structure between the raw seismic data and the migration process. These multiblock bins serve as pre-organized containers that group traces by their destination bin grids, acting as a mediator that eliminates the need for repeated I/O operations during migration by ensuring all necessary data is already in the appropriate memory location.
3Speed
If parallel processors are used to accelerate migration, then processing speed increases, but coordination and data distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments both the data and the processing tasks into matching bin grids, creating a direct one-to-one correspondence between data partitions and processor assignments. This segmentation strategy simplifies coordination complexity because each processor independently handles its assigned bin grid without needing complex communication or synchronization protocols with other processors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns specific bin grids to specific parallel processors based on local data characteristics and processor capabilities. Each processor is optimized to handle its assigned portion of the data with locally appropriate processing parameters, reducing the need for global coordination and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high processing speeds.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces computational runtime and input/output operations by optimizing the migration process, allowing for more efficient generation of seismic images and updates to velocity models, facilitating the detection of hydrocarbons and improving the overall processing efficiency of seismic data.
Implementation Method 1
the ray tracing method may be a fast marching method, a paraxial method, or a ray shooting method
Implementation Method 2
the migration function is a Kirchhoff migration function based on an integral form of a wave equation that corresponds to pressure wave displacement and a pressure wave velocity as function of three-dimensional space and time
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include obtaining seismic data regarding a geological region of interest. The seismic data may correspond to a seismic survey that is divided into various bins in a predetermined bin grid. The method may further include determining a first multiblock bin within the seismic survey. The first multiblock bin may correspond to a source bin and a receiver bin among the bins. The method may further include determining traveltime table data using the seismic data and various multiblock bins that include the first multiblock bin. The method further includes determining migrated data using the seismic data, the traveltime table data, a velocity model, a migration function, and various parallel processors. The method further includes generating a seismic image of the geological region of interest using the migrated data.