Parallel Cross-Spread Seismic Sorting for Faster Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic data processing methods are inefficient in sorting seismic traces, particularly for cross spread sorting, which is crucial for improving seismic imaging algorithms like Kirchhoff migration, due to the lack of application of multi-node parallel processing with the MPI library and multithread algorithms.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that involves dividing seismic headers among multiple computer nodes, sorting them separately using bucket and merge sort algorithms, and reordering seismic traces into cross spread gather format for improved parallel processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional sequential sorting methods are used for seismic data, then the sorting process can be completed with simple algorithms, but the processing time becomes excessively long for large datasets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seismic dataset into multiple partitions and distributes them across multiple computer nodes. Each node independently sorts its local partition using bucket sort algorithms, then the results are merged. This segmentation enables parallel processing and dramatically reduces the time required to sort large seismic datasets compared to sequential methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-node sequential processing to multi-node parallel processing, adding the dimension of distributed computation. By using MPI for inter-node communication and implementing bucket sort with multiple buckets, the system leverages additional computational dimensions to achieve faster sorting speeds.
2Productivity
If multi-node parallel processing with MPI library is implemented, then the sorting efficiency increases significantly, but the system complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sorting task across multiple independent computer nodes, each handling a portion of the data. This distribution reduces the computational burden on individual nodes and enables parallel processing, improving overall sorting efficiency while maintaining manageable node-level complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses MPI (Message Passing Interface) as an intermediary library to facilitate communication and data transfer between computer nodes. This standardized intermediary layer simplifies the complexity of distributed processing by providing ready-made functions for message passing, collective operations, and synchronization, making the system more approachable despite the underlying complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If cross spread sorting is applied to prepare seismic data for imaging algorithms, then the quality of seismic images improves, but the computational resources and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cross spread sorting operation into distributed tasks across multiple computer nodes. Each node processes a subset of the seismic data independently, reducing the computational resources required at any single node while maintaining the overall sorting quality needed for high-resolution seismic imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies bucket sort with multiple buckets to create a multi-dimensional sorting structure. This approach organizes seismic traces into multiple groups based on their spatial coordinates, enabling efficient cross spread sorting that improves image quality while distributing computational work across multiple dimensions and nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for parallel sorting of seismic data are disclosed. The methods include obtaining a seismic dataset comprising a plurality of shot gathers; dividing headers from the plurality of shot gathers among a plurality of computer nodes; sorting the headers separately on each of the plurality of computer nodes; saving the sorted headers from the plurality of computer nodes to a temporary file; sorting the sorted headers saved to the temporary file into a cross spread gather ordering; and sorting seismic traces according to the cross spread gather ordering to create cross spread gathers. The methods further include applying a seismic imaging algorithm to the cross spread gathers to create a seismic image.